2024-25 Academic Catalog

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Department Head: Dr. Mike Cox
Email: mcox@pss.msstate.edu

Undergraduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Richard Harkess
Email: richard.harkess@msstate.edu
 

Plant and Soil Sciences curricula focus on the application of sciences to the integrated management of plants, soil, and climate for high-quality production of food, fiber, fuel, and ornamental plants. Central to this course of study is the dedication to conserve, maintain and enhance our environment. An undergraduate student may major in Agronomy (AGN),  Envrionmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems (ESAS), or Horticulture (HO) and specialize in concentration areas such as Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences (AGN), Golf and Sports Turf Management (AGN), Integrated Crop Management (AGN), Integrated Pest Management (AGN), Floral Management (HO), Floriculture and Ornamentals (HO), and Fruit and Vegetable Production (HO). A grade of “C” or better is required in all required PSS courses in the student’s major prior to completion of the degree.

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences also offers on-campus and online M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs in  Agronomy, Horticulture, and Weed Science. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for additional details.

BS in Agronomy (AGN)

Degree Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3-4
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Mathematics
See concentrations
Science
BIO 2113Plant Biology3-4
or BIO 1144 Biology II
PSS 1313Plant Science3
Humanities
See concentrations
Fine Arts
Select from General Education list3
Social Science
AEC 2713Introduction to Food and Resource Economics3
or EC 2113 Principles of Macroeconomics
or EC 2123 Principles of Microeconomics
See concentrations for additional Social Science course
Major Core
AEC 3133Introductory Agribusiness Management3
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
PSS 4113Agricultural Crop Physiology3-4
or BIO 4214 General Plant Physiology
PSS 4313Soil Fertility and Fertilizers3
Oral Communication Requirement:
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
or CO 1013 Introduction to Communication
Writing Requirement
AELC 3203Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences3
Total Hours49

Choose one of the following concentrations:

Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences Concentration (AESS)

Advisors: Professors Michael Cox and William Kingery; Assistant Professor Vaughn Reed

The Agricultural and Environmental Soil Science curriculum provides an educational foundation in soil processes involving physical, chemical, and biological interrelationships. The soil resource is an integral component of our environment and is subject to loss and degradation through human activities. Humanity’s dependence on soil for food and fiber production and the need for ensuring environmental quality require individuals trained in the management of this resource. Career opportunities exist both nationally and internationally in agricultural and environmental consulting, agribusiness, government agencies, teaching, and research. Required courses provide soil science training, while elective courses can be selected to meet specific needs.

Internship: AESS students must complete a minimum one semester internship with an approved internship sponsor in industry, private consulting firms/individuals, or governmental agencies.

Additional General Education Courses
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics3
or MA 2113 Introduction to Statistics
GR 1123Introduction to World Geography3
Humanities - select from General Education6
AESS Concentration Courses
AEC 1223Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists3
or AELC 4203 Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications
BIO 3304General Microbiology4
CH 1211Investigations in Chemistry I1
CH 1213Chemistry I3
CH 1221Investigations in Chemistry II1
CH 1223Chemistry II3
CH 23111
CH 23133
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
GG 1111Earth Sciences I Laboratory1
GG 1113Survey of Earth Sciences I3
PH 1113General Physics I3
PH 1123General Physics II3
PH 1133General Physics III3
PSS 3423Agronomy Internship3
PSS 4314Microbiology and Ecology of Soil4
PSS 4323Soil Classification3
PSS 4333Soil Conservation and Land Use3
PSS 4603Soil Chemistry3
ST 3123Introduction to Statistical Inference3
Business Elective 13
Agronomy Crop Production Elective 23
Restricted Electives 312
Total Hours124
1

Business Elective. Select from: AEC 2223AEC 3233AEC 3413

2

Agronomy Crop Production Electives. Select from: PSS 4103PSS 4123PSS 4133

3

Restricted Electives. Select from: BCH 4013, BIO 4213, BIO 4404GG 4503GR 2313GR 3113GR 4303GR 4333GR 4343GR 4603PSS 2543PSS 3133PSS 3633PSS 4103, PSS 4123, PSS 4133PSS 4153PSS 4373PSS 4383PSS 4393PSS 4411PSS 4413, PSS 4483PSS 4543PSS 4553, PSS 4733PSS 4800.

Golf and Sports Turf Management Concentration (GSTM)

Advisor: Professor Barry Stewart

Golf and Sports Turf Management (GSTM) is the study of plant and soil sciences for the culture of turfgrass on golf and sports facilities. The GSTM curriculum prepares individuals for careers as golf course superintendents at private, daily fee, and resort courses or as sports turf managers at city, school, and professional sports turf facilities (i.e. football, baseball, soccer fields.) New construction of golf courses and sports facilities has led to a heightened demand for trained golf and sports turf management professionals. Three semesters of Cooperative Education work experience will be required of all students enrolled in the GSTM concentration.

Cooperative Education Requirements: GSTM students must complete a minimum 12 months or three semesters of Coop work at a golf course with an individual who is certified or progressing toward certification with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America or at a sports stadium with a recognized sports turf manager. One of the three Coop semesters enrolled by the student must be a non-summer semester period. All new students must register with their coop advisor early in their initial semester of enrollment.

Additional General Education Courses
MA 1323Trigonometry3
or MA 2113 Introduction to Statistics
or ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics
FLS 1113Spanish I3
FLS 1123Spanish II3
Social Science - Select from Gen Ed list3
GSTM Concentration Courses
ABE 2873Land Surveying3
ACC 2013Principles of Financial Accounting3
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I3
or CH 1213 Chemistry I
CH 1051Experimental Chemistry1
or CH 1211 Investigations in Chemistry I
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II3
or CH 1223 Chemistry II
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
EPP 3423Ornamental and Turfgrass Insects3
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
EPP 4523Turfgrass Diseases3
or EPP 4163 Plant Disease Management
LA 4344Landscape Architecture Construction IV4
MGT 3513Introduction to Human Resource Management3
PSS 2111Turf Management Lab1
PSS 2113Introduction to Turfgrass Science3
PSS 2423Plant Materials I3
PSS 3133Introduction to Weed Science3
PSS 3411Turf Seminar I1
PSS 3421Turn Seminar II1
PSS 4353Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance3
PSS 4413Turfgrass Management3
PSS 4423Golf Course Operations3
PSS 4443Athletic Field Management3
PSS 4823Turfgrass Weed Management3
Restricted Electives 19
Sustainability Elective 23
Required Co-op Courses
CP 2103First Work Semester3
CP 2203Second Work Semester3
CP 3303Third Work Semester3
Total Hours121
1

Restricted Electives. Select from: ABE 2173, BCH 4013CO 3213GR 1604KI 2213LA 4753MA 1313PSS 2543PSS 3473, PSS 3633PSS 3923PSS 4153PSS 4343 PSS 4363, PSS 4373PSS 4383PSS 4393PSS 4483PSS 4543PSS 4553PSS 4733PSS 4800

2

 Sustainability Electives: LA 4753PSS 2543PSS 3633PSS 4153PSS 4363.

Integrated Crop Management Concentration (ICM)

Advisors: Professors Brian Baldwin, William Kingery, Michael Cox
Assistant Professors Vaughn Reed and JagmanDhillon

Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is the study of food and fiber production utilizing ecologically sound and technologically advanced methods. Areas covered include basic concepts of plant science and specific practices in crop initiation, culture, harvesting, processing, distribution and marketing. Methods of germplasm enhancement are taught. Specific program areas of study include agronomic crop production, crop science, fruit science, seed science, seed technology, and vegetable crop production. Students completing the Integrated Crop Management curriculum are prepared for careers as producers, consultants, technical representatives, assistant plant breeders, extension agents, or inspectors with USDA and state agencies. This curriculum also provides a good background of basic sciences for those who wish to pursue graduate studies.

Internship: ICM students must complete a minimum one semester internship with an approved internship sponsor in industry, private consulting firms/individuals, or governmental agencies.

Additional General Education Courses
Math - Select from General Education list3
Humanities - Select from General Education list6
Social Science - Select from General Education list3
ICM Concentration Courses
AEC 1223Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists3
or AELC 4203 Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications
BCH 4013Principles of Biochemistry3
BIO 3304General Microbiology4
or PSS 4314 Microbiology and Ecology of Soil
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 13
or CH 1213 Chemistry I
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II 13
or CH 1223 Chemistry II
CH 1051Experimental Chemistry1
or CH 1211 Investigations in Chemistry I
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
EPP 2213Introduction to Insects3
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
PO 3103Genetics I3
PSS 3133Introduction to Weed Science3
PSS 3423Agronomy Internship3
PSS 4103Forage and Pasture Crops3
PSS 4123Grain Crops3
PSS 4133Fiber and Oilseed Crops3
PSS 4493Plant Genetics3
or PO 3103 Genetics I
Business Elective 13
Restricted Electives 224
Unrestricted Electives3
Total Hours124
1

Business Elective: AEC 2223AEC 3233AEC 3413MKT 3013

2

Restricted Electives. Select from: ABE 3513, EPP 4163EPP 4234, EPP 4263, GA 1111, MA 1313, PH 1113, PSS 2423PSS 2543PSS 3043PSS 3633PSS 3923, PSS 4153PSS 4223,PSS 4314, PSS 4323, PSS 4333, PSS 4343, PSS 4363, PSS 4373PSS 4383PSS 4393PSS 4413, PSS 4453PSS 4473PSS 4483, PSS 4503PSS 4543PSS 4553, PSS 4603, PSS 4633PSS 4733PSS 4800PSS 4813.

Integrated Pest Management Concentration (IPM)

Major Advisors: Professors Fred R. Musser and Bryan Whittenton

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an interdisciplinary concentration of study in Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science jointly administered by the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Effective management of pest problems requires a broad base of knowledge in the pest disciplines and practical field experience. The Integrated Pest Management concentration features a strong core of courses in the three pest disciplines (entomology, plant pathology, and weed science); a strong background in biological and physical sciences; and practical training through an internship. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue advanced degrees and of students who wish to terminate their higher education with a baccalaureate degree. A range of restricted and non-restricted electives allows students to personalize their degree program for careers in crop production, agri-business, natural resource management, and/or graduate studies preparation. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses with the EPP or PSS prefix prior to completion of the degree. No course may be transferred for credit from another college or university in which a grade of “D” was made.

Graduates are well prepared for employment with industry; state and federal research, extension and regulatory agencies; private agricultural consulting firms; farmer’s cooperatives; nurseries, home and garden centers; greenhouse plant production; and corporate farms.

Internship: IPM students must complete a minimum one semester internship with an approved internship sponsor in industry, private consulting firms/individuals, or governmental agencies.

Additional General Education Courses
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics3
or ST 3123 Introduction to Statistical Inference
Humanities - select from Gen Ed list6
Social Science - Select from Gen Ed list3
IPM Concentration Courses
AEC 1223Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists3
or AELC 4203 Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 13
or CH 1213 Chemistry I
CH 1051Experimental Chemistry1
or CH 1211 Investigations in Chemistry I
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II 13
or CH 1223 Chemistry II
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
EPP 4154General Entomology4
EPP 4163Plant Disease Management3
EPP 4263Principles of Insect Pest Management3
GR 3113Conservation of Natural Resources3
GR 4303Principles of GIS3
GR 4333Remote Sensing of the Physical Environment3
GR 4343Advanced Remote Sensing in Geosciences3
PSS 3133Introduction to Weed Science3
PSS 3423Agronomy Internship3
PSS 4493Plant Genetics3
or PO 3103 Genetics I
PSS 4553Plant Growth and Development3
PSS 4633Weed Biology and Ecology3
PSS 4813Herbicide Technology3
Business Elective 13
Agronomy Crop Production Electives 26
Restricted Electives 318
Unrestricted Electives3
Total Hours123
1

Business Electives: AEC 2223AEC 3233AEC 3413MGT 3513MKT 3013

2

Agronomy Crop Production Electives: PSS 4103PSS 4123PSS 4133

3

Restricted Electives. Select from: ACC 2013BIO 3304, BIO 4203, EPP 3124, EPP 3423, EPP 4214EPP 4234EPP 4523 EPP 4543GR 2313GR 3113GR 3303GR 3311GR 4303, GR 4333GR 4343MA 1313, PSS 2423PSS 2543PSS 3043PSS 3473, PSS 3633PSS 4103, PSS 4123, PSS 4133PSS 4143PSS 4153PSS 4314PSS 4323PSS 4333, PSS 4343, PSS 4353, PSS 4363, PSS 4373PSS 4383PSS 4393PSS 4411, PSS 4413, PSS 4453, PSS 4483PSS 4543PSS 4613PSS 4733, PSS 4800.

BS in Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems (ESAS)

Major Advisor: Dr. Michael Cox

The Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems (ESAS) curriculum provides an educational foundation to prepare students for diversified careers focused on environmental issues related to agronomic and horticultural production. Students completing this curriculum are prepared for careers in national and international environmental agricultural consulting, government conservation agencies, teaching, and research. Required courses provide training in environmental sciences related to agricultural issues.

Degree Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3-4
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Mathematics
ST 3123Introduction to Statistical Inference3
or MA 1323 Trigonometry
Natural Sciences
BIO 1134Biology I4
CH 1211Investigations in Chemistry I1
or CH 1051 Experimental Chemistry
CH 1213Chemistry I3
or CH 1043 Survey of Chemistry I
Humanities
FLS 1113Spanish I3
FLS 1123Spanish II3
Fine Arts
Select from General Education courses3
Social/Behavioral Sciences
AEC 2713Introduction to Food and Resource Economics3
or EC 2113 Principles of Macroeconomics
or EC 2123 Principles of Microeconomics
Select additional course from General Education options3
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
or CO 1013 Introduction to Communication
Junior Level Writing Requirement
AELC 3203Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences3
or EN 3313 Writing for the Workplace
Major Core
ADS 1113Animal Science3
AEC 1223Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists3
or AELC 4203 Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications
BIO 1144Biology II4
BIO 3304General Microbiology4
or PSS 4314 Microbiology and Ecology of Soil
BIO 4214General Plant Physiology3-4
or PSS 4113 Agricultural Crop Physiology
CH 1223Chemistry II3
or CH 1053 Survey of Chemistry II
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
ENS 2103Introduction to Environmental Science3
GG 1111Earth Sciences I Laboratory1
GG 1113Survey of Earth Sciences I3
GG 3613Water Resources3
GR 3113Conservation of Natural Resources3
PH 1113General Physics I3
PO 3103Genetics I3
or PSS 4493 Plant Genetics
PSS 1313Plant Science3
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
PSS 3423Agronomy Internship3
or PSS 3433 Horticulture Internship
Agricultural Systems Electives 9
Choose from the following:
Fruit Science
Sustainable and Organic Horticulture
Forage and Pasture Crops
Grain Crops
Fiber and Oilseed Crops
Advanced Fruit Science
Sustainable Agroecology
Seed Production
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Sustainable Nursery Production
Turfgrass Management
Golf Course Operations
Athletic Field Management
Vegetable Production
Hydroponic and Soilless Crop Production
Floriculture Crop Programming
Focus Area (pick one)24
Total Hours124
Focus Areas
complete 24 hours in one Focus Area
Soil and the Environment
Biological Treatment of Nonpoint Source Pollutants
Land Surveying
Soil and Water Management
Principles of Biochemistry
Ecology
Plant Ecology
Environmental Microbiology
CH 2311
CH 2313
GR 1604
Maps and Remote Sensing
Conservation of Natural Resources
Principles of GIS
Remote Sensing of the Physical Environment
Advanced Remote Sensing in Geosciences
Precision Agriculture I
Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences
Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
Microbiology and Ecology of Soil
Soil Classification
Soil Conservation and Land Use
Geospatial Agronomic Management
Agriculture Remote Sensing I
Agriculture Remote Sensing II
Precision Agriculture II
Plant Growth and Development
Soil Chemistry
Undergraduate Research in Plants & Soil Sciences
Environmental Ag Consulting
Introduction to Insects
Ornamental and Turfgrass Insects
General Entomology
Principles of Plant Pathology
Plant Disease Management
Diseases of Crops
Field Crop Insects
Principles of Insect Pest Management
GR 1604
Maps and Remote Sensing
Conservation of Natural Resources
Principles of GIS
Advanced GIS
Remote Sensing of the Physical Environment
Advanced Remote Sensing in Geosciences
Plant Materials I
Precision Agriculture I
Introduction to Weed Science
Plant Materials II
Sustainable and Organic Horticulture
Plant Propagation
Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences
Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance
Geospatial Agronomic Management
Agriculture Remote Sensing I
Agriculture Remote Sensing II
Community Food Systems
Precision Agriculture II
Plant Growth and Development
Weed Biology and Ecology
Herbicide Technology
Turfgrass Weed Management
Undergraduate Research in Plants & Soil Sciences
Environmental Policy and Regulation
Land Surveying
Biological Treatment of Nonpoint Source Pollutants
Soil and Water Management
Principles of Financial Accounting
Introductory Agribusiness Management
Introduction to Environmental Economics and Policy
Public Problems of Agriculture
Natural Resource Economics
Principles of Biochemistry
Ecology
Plant Ecology
Environmental Microbiology
Environmental Law
Natural Resource Law
Sustainable Landscape Management
Sustainable Communities
American Government
Introduction to Public Policy
Environmental Policy
Precision Agriculture I
Horticultural Impacts on Society
Sustainable and Organic Horticulture
Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences
International Horticulture
Geospatial Agronomic Management
Community Food Systems
Precision Agriculture II
Undergraduate Research in Plants & Soil Sciences
Environmental Conservation
Land Surveying
Biological Treatment of Nonpoint Source Pollutants
Soil and Water Management
Principles of Biochemistry
Plant Biology
Ecology
Taxonomy of Spermatophytes
Plant Ecology
Environmental Microbiology
CH 2311
CH 2313
GR 1604
Maps and Remote Sensing
Conservation of Natural Resources
Principles of GIS
Advanced GIS
Remote Sensing of the Physical Environment
Advanced Remote Sensing in Geosciences
Sustainable Landscape Management
Sustainable Communities
Plant Materials I
Precision Agriculture I
Plant Materials II
Sustainable and Organic Horticulture
Plant Propagation
Community Food Systems
Plant Growth and Development
Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences
Microbiology and Ecology of Soil
Soil Classification
Soil Conservation and Land Use
Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance
Geospatial Agronomic Management
Agriculture Remote Sensing I
Agriculture Remote Sensing II
Community Food Systems
Precision Agriculture II
Plant Growth and Development
Undergraduate Research in Plants & Soil Sciences

BS in Horticulture (HO)

Degree Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Mathematics
See concentration requirements
Science
BIO 2113Plant Biology3-4
or BIO 1144 Biology II
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I3
or CH 1213 Chemistry I
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II3
or CH 1223 Chemistry II
Humanities
See concentration requirements
Fine Arts
See concentration requirements
Social/Behavioral Sciences
AEC 2713Introduction to Food and Resource Economics *3
or EC 2123 Principles of Microeconomics
or EC 2113 Principles of Macroeconomics
See concentration requirements3
Major Core
ACC 2013Principles of Financial Accounting3
AEC 1223Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists3
or AELC 4203 Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications
CH 1051Experimental Chemistry1
or CH 1211 Investigations in Chemistry I
EPP 2213Introduction to Insects3
or EPP 3423 Ornamental and Turfgrass Insects
MKT 3013Principles of Marketing3
PSS 1313Plant Science3
PSS 3413Floristry Internship3
PSS 3433Horticulture Internship3
PSS 3511Seminar1
PSS 3923Plant Propagation3
Writing Requirement
AELC 3203Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences3
Oral Communcation Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
or CO 1013 Introduction to Communication
*

 Students in Floral Management concentration may not select EC 2113.

Choose one of the following concentrations:

Floral Management Concentration (FLMG)

Instructor: Dr. Coleman Etheredge

Floral Management involves sourcing, purchasing, distributing, marketing, designing with, and selling floricultural products. Students enrolled in this concentration are provided with courses in design and horticulture, balanced with business and sciences. Career opportunities for graduates include retailing, wholesaling, special event designing, and display gardening. The University Florist, a professional flower shop owned and operated by the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences on the MSU campus, provides students with work and management opportunities.

Internship Requirements (PSS 3413): FM majors must complete a 10 week, 400 clock hour work experience in a floral industry enterprise. The internship requirement may be completed any semester after successful completion of PSS 2343 Floral Design.

Additional General Education courses
PSS 2343Floral Design 13
PSY 1013General Psychology 13
Math course from General Education 13
Humanities - Select from General Education courses 16
Concentration courses
ACC 2023Principles of Managerial Accounting3
ART 1113Art Appreciation3
ART 1123Design I3
BL 2413The Legal Environment of Business3
EC 2113Principles of Macroeconomics3
FIN 3113Financial Systems3
PS 1113American Government3
PSS 2423Plant Materials I3
PSS 3313Interior Planting Design and Maintenance3
PSS 3343Wedding Floral Design3
PSS 4013Principles of Floral Design II3
PSS 4023Floral Management3
PSS 4073Sympathy Floral Design3
PSS 4083Floral Design for Special Events3
PSS 4093Post-harvest Care of Cut Floral Crops3
PSS 4613Floriculture Crop Programming3
Restricted Electives (see advisor) 212
Total Hours122
1

Satisfies General Education requirements.

2

Restricted Electives. Select from: EPP 4113,HS 2603,MA 1313PSS 3043, PSS 3303PSS 3323PSS 3473PSS 3633PSS 4000PSS 4343, PSS 4353, PSS 4363PSS 4453, PSS 4553, PSS 4800

Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture Concentration (FLOR)

Advisors: Professor Richard L. Harkess

Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture offers diversified opportunities that are challenging, intellectually stimulating, and economically rewarding. Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture is the science and art of producing, distributing, and marketing flowers, flowering and foliage plants. It offers a wide variety of employment opportunities and competitive salaries. Students completing this curriculum are prepared for many different careers including greenhouse or nursery management, landscape management, public service, research and technical product research and sales.

Additional General Education courses
MA /ST 2113Introduction to Statistics 13
FLS 1113Spanish I 13
FLS 1123Spanish II 13
Social Sciences - select from General Education courses 13
PSS 2343Floral Design 13
or LA 1803 Landscape Architecture Appreciation
Concentration courses
AEC 3133Introductory Agribusiness Management3
BIO 4214General Plant Physiology3-4
or PSS 4113 Agricultural Crop Physiology
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
PSS 2423Plant Materials I3
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
PSS 3313Interior Planting Design and Maintenance3
PSS 3473Plant Materials II3
PSS 4341Controlled Environment Agriculture Laboratory1
PSS 4343Controlled Environment Agriculture3
PSS 4363Sustainable Nursery Production3
PSS 4493Plant Genetics3
or PO 3103 Genetics I
PSS 4553Plant Growth and Development3
PSS 4613Floriculture Crop Programming3
Restricted Electives (see advisor) 218
Total Hours122
1

Satisfies General Education requirements.

2

Restricted Electives. Select from:   BIO 3304, BIO 4204,BIO 4203, EPP 4163, EPP 4263, LA 4753MA 1313PSS 2113, PSS 2343PSS 2543PSS 3043PSS 3133, PSS 3323  PSS 3343,  PSS 3633, PSS 4000PSS 4013,  PSS 4023, PSS 4073, PSS 4083,  PSS 4093 PSS 4143PSS 4153PSS 4313, PSS 4353PSS 4383PSS 4393PSS 4043, PSS 4453, PSS 4473PSS 4503, PSS 4543, PSS 4800.

 Fruit and Vegetable Production (FRVP)

Advisors: Associate Professor Tongyin Li

Fruit and Vegetable Production (FVP) offers opportunities that are challenging, intellectually stimulating, and economically rewarding. Fruit and Vegetable Production focuses on the production, distribution, and marketing of fruits and vegetables for local consumption and commercial markets. It offers a wide variety of employment opportunities and competitive salaries. Students completing this curriculum are prepared for careers in local and commercial production of fruits and vegetables, marketing, quality control, purchasing, research, and technical product research sales.

Additional General Education courses
MA 2113Introduction to Statistics 13
or ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics
FLS 1113Spanish I 13
FLS 1123Spanish II 13
Social Sciences - Select from General Education courses 13
Fine Arts - Select from General Education courses 13
Concentration courses
AEC 3133Introductory Agribusiness Management3
BIO 4214General Plant Physiology3-4
or PSS 4113 Agricultural Crop Physiology
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
PSS 3043Fruit Science3
PSS 3133Introduction to Weed Science3
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
PSS 3633Sustainable and Organic Horticulture3
PSS 4143Advanced Fruit Science3
PSS 4313Soil Fertility and Fertilizers3
PSS 4453Vegetable Production3
PSS 4473Hydroponic and Soilless Crop Production3
PSS 4493Plant Genetics3
or PO 3103 Genetics I
PSS 4553Plant Growth and Development3
Restricted Electives18
Total Hours124
1

  Satisfies General Education requirements.

2

 Restricted Electives. Select from:   BCH 4013, BIO 3304, BIO 4204, EPP 4163, EPP 4263 FNH 4114, FNH 4164, FNH 4193FNH 4583PSS 2423PSS 2543PSS 3323PSS 3473, PSS 4000, PSS 4093PSS 4153PSS 4314, PSS 4333,PSS 4341PSS 4343, PSS 4373PSS 4383PSS 4393PSS 4043, PSS 4483, PSS 4503PSS 4543PSS 4633PSS 4800PSS 4813

Minors

Agronomy

There is a growing need for people with specialized knowledge outside the field of agronomy. The agronomic industry recruits and employs personnel trained in areas such as accounting, biological sciences, business, computer science, human nutrition, microbiology, engineering, advertising and marketing, veterinary medicine, human resource management and law. A minor in Agronomy provides these individuals enhanced employment opportunities in agriculture.

Students seeking an Agronomy minor are required to complete the following courses to receive a minor in Agronomy:

PSS 1313Plant Science3
PSS 3303Soils3
PSS 3133Introduction to Weed Science3
Choose 9 hours from the following:9
Turf Management Lab
Introduction to Turfgrass Science
Forage and Pasture Crops
Grain Crops
Fiber and Oilseed Crops
Seed Production
Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
Microbiology and Ecology of Soil
Soil Classification
Soil Conservation and Land Use
Geospatial Agronomic Management
Turfgrass Management
Golf Course Operations
Athletic Field Management
Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies
Plant Breeding
Soil Chemistry
Weed Biology and Ecology
Herbicide Technology
Turfgrass Weed Management
Total hours18

Floral Management

A minor in Floral Management is available. To obtain a minor, students are required to complete the following 15 hours:

PSS 2343Floral Design3
Choose four of the following courses:12
Interior Planting Design and Maintenance
Wedding Floral Design
Permanent Botanical Floral Design
Floral Management
Sympathy Floral Design
Floral Design for Special Events
Post-harvest Care of Cut Floral Crops

Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture

A minor in Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture is available. To obtain a minor, students are required to complete 15 hours.

PSS 2423Plant Materials I3
PSS 3473Plant Materials II3
PSS 3923Plant Propagation3
Choose two of the following:6
Interior Planting Design and Maintenance
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance
Sustainable Nursery Production
Floriculture Crop Programming

Courses

PSS 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse arrary of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members

PSS 1113 The Gardening Experience: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Basic home garden design and practice toward growing your own food as well as creating simple outdoor plant aesthetics, planting and maintenance

PSS 1313 Plant Science: 3 hours.

Two hours lectures. Two hours laboratory. Scientific principles as the basis for practice in producing, handling, processing, marketing, and utilizing agronomic and horticultural plants

PSS 2111 Turf Management Lab: 1 hour.

Two hours laboratory. (Pre or co-requisites PSS 2113). This lab gives the student hands on experience with grass and weed identification and turfgrass management operations. Turfgrass calculations and equipment calibration will be mastered

PSS 2113 Introduction to Turfgrass Science: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Introduction to basic principles associated with the art and science of turfgrass management including propagation, establishment, renovation, and basic pest management

PSS 2343 Floral Design: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours studio. The history and appreciation of floral art through exploration of design principles, plant materials, and compositional floral forms

PSS 2423 Plant Materials I: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Characteristics, identification, and landscape uses of ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and grasses adapted to Southern conditions

PSS 2543 Precision Agriculture I: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and MA 1313). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. This introductory course highlights site-specific crop management techniques. Topics include: Best Management Practices, economic and physical farm production models, and measurement of variability (same as ABE 2543)

PSS 2990 Special Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

PSS 3043 Fruit Science: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Principles and practices involved in the production of deciduous trees and small fruits

PSS 3133 Introduction to Weed Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 2113; CH 1213 or CH 1053). Three hours lecture. Managing weeds; basic weed biology; methods of controlling weeds, introductory herbicide technology, weed control systems, and the fate of herbicides in the environment

PSS 3301 Soils Laboratory: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Prior credit for/or current enrollment in PSS 3303, Co-requisite for Plant and Soil Sciences majors: PSS 3303). Two hours laboratory. General treatment of selected phases of the subject matter

PSS 3303 Soils: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: One semester (preferably two) of inorganic chemistry, CH 1043, Co-requisite for Plant and Soil Sciences majors: PSS 3301.) Three hours lecture. General treatment of all phases of the subject including lime and fertilizers

PSS 3313 Interior Planting Design and Maintenance: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Identification of plant materials for interior planting and principles of design, installation and maintenance, preparation of cost estimates and maintenance contracts for interior plantings

PSS 3323 Horticultural Impacts on Society: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. An in-depth inquiry into the various areas of sociohorticulture and the impact people-plant interactions have on us and our society environmentally, socially, physically, and economically

PSS 3343 Wedding Floral Design: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:PSS 2343). One hour lecture. Four hours laboratory. Application of design principles to wedding floral design

PSS 3411 Turf Seminar I: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. Class discussions with invited turf industry representatives. Topics will include Turf industry overview, turf career opportunities, writing a resume, and job interviews. May be repeated for credit more than once

PSS 3413 Floristry Internship: 3 hours.

(Pre-requisites: PSS 2343 and consent of Retail Floristry Management faculty). Individual work experience in a floral industry enterprise with an approved employer under faculty supervision

PSS 3421 Turn Seminar II: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. Review of turfgrass literature and presentations of scientific articles. May be repeated for credit more than once

PSS 3423 Agronomy Internship: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of Agronomy Faculty). Individual work experience in an agronomic or environmental organization with an approved employer under faculty supervision. This course may be repeated under approved conditions

PSS 3433 Horticulture Internship: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Consent of the Horticulture faculty). Individual work experience in a horticulture or allied industry organization with an approved employer under faculty supervision. This course may be repeated under approved conditions

PSS 3443 Permanent Botanical Floral Design: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2343). One hour lecture. Four hours laboratory. Application of design theory and principles to non-perishable, dried, and preserved floral products

PSS 3473 Plant Materials II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2423). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Continuation of PSS 2423

PSS 3511 Seminar: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Nine credits in horticulture). One hour lecture. Review of horticultural literature, and presentation and discussion of scientific articles

PSS 3553 Wines and Vines: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Must be age 21 or older by first class meeting). Three hours lecture. Principles and standard practices of wine grape production, processing, and sensory evaluation for students with a professional interest in wine

PSS 3633 Sustainable and Organic Horticulture: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. A study of the base knowledge of the principles and practices of sustainable, organic, and alternative horticulture management systems

PSS 3923 Plant Propagation: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 2113). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Basic principles in the propagation of horticultural plants

PSS 4000 Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

PSS 4013 Principles of Floral Design II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. An in-depth inquiry into advanced floral design theory, advanced floral design techniques, and requirements for becoming a certified floral designer through the American Institute of Floral Design

PSS 4023 Floral Management: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. To identify and understand the basic principles necessary to operate wholesale and retail floral businesses

PSS 4043 International Horticulture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 1313). Three hours lecture. Online course. Worldwide overview of horticultural export, marketing, and international trade issues and individual country analyses of specific fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops

PSS 4073 Sympathy Floral Design: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Application of design theory and principles used in sympathy work

PSS 4083 Floral Design for Special Events: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Planning and preparing of floral design compositions for use in special events

PSS 4093 Post-harvest Care of Cut Floral Crops: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Identification, postharvest care and handling, sourcing and distribution of cut floriculture plant materials

PSS 4103 Forage and Pasture Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Origin, uses, and ecology of forage plants, establishment, nutritive value, use, yield and maintenance of forage plants as related to morphology, physiology and pasture management

PSS 4113 Agricultural Crop Physiology: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. Physiology of agricultural plants, including water relations, respiration, photosynthesis and growth and development

PSS 4123 Grain Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Corn, small grain, practice in commercial grading given in laboratory

PSS 4133 Fiber and Oilseed Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Production and utilization of fiber and oilseed crops. Emphasis on soybean, cotton, and peanut production

PSS 4143 Advanced Fruit Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3043 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A study of the latest advances in pomology and interpretation of current research findings and their application to modern fruit growing

PSS 4153 Sustainable Agroecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 1313 and PSS 3303). Online. Three hours lecture. The study of interactions between crops and abiotic and biotic environments. Emphasis is placed on quantitatively examining theory and principles for production, stability and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems

PSS 4223 Seed Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Principles and practices, special emphasis on production of varietally pure seeds; agronomic factors in harvesting, drying, storage, treating and marketing seed

PSS 4313 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Fundamentals and concepts of soil fertility/nutrient management; fertilizer sources and crop response to nutrients; fertilizer production; and soil fertility evaluation and maintenance through organic and inorganic fertilization

PSS 4314 Microbiology and Ecology of Soil: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). The study of diverse soil microbial communities and how they influence the structure and function of ecosystems (natural and managed) and the global biosphere (same as BIO 4324/6324)

PSS 4323 Soil Classification: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Origin, development, and classification of soils including identification and field mapping

PSS 4333 Soil Conservation and Land Use: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Two hours lecture . Three hours laboratory. Soil identification, topographic relationships and soil-water resources; their characteristics, quality, suitability, and management; conservation practices; using soil maps to determine land use

PSS 4341 Controlled Environment Agriculture Laboratory: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Prior credit for/or current enrollment in PSS 4343; Corequisite for horticulture majors: PSS 4343). Two hours laboratory. Online course. An experiential study of the principles and practices of controlled environments operation and management

PSS 4343 Controlled Environment Agriculture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 2113 and PSS 3303; Co-requisite for horticulture majors: PSS 4341). Three hours lecture. Online Course. A detailed review and explanation of principles and practices of controlled environments operation and management

PSS 4353 Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Care of ornamental trees and shrubs, including pruning, bracing, surgery, transplanting, and fertilization

PSS 4363 Sustainable Nursery Production: 3 hours.

Prerequisites: PSS 2423 and PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Online course. Nursery crop production including site selection and planning, plant nutrition, water relations and irrigation, shipping, and managing people and resources

PSS 4373 Geospatial Agronomic Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites PSS 3303, PSS 3133). Three hours lecture. This class will utilize the basic tools of geographical information systems and geographical positioning systems technologies to analyze agronomic case studies

PSS 4383 Agriculture Remote Sensing I: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: MA 1313 and any GIS course or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. Online course. The study of whole-farm systems using data captured by camera, spectroscopic satellites, and telemetric sensors. Emphasis is placed on integrating multiple ag-related geospatial concepts into field-level production inquiries

PSS 4393 Agriculture Remote Sensing II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4383/6383 or GR 4313/6313). Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory. The advanced study of whole-farm systems using data captured by camera, spectroscopic satellites, and telemetric sensors. Emphasis is placed on integrating multiple ag-related geospatial concepts into field-level production inquiries

PSS 4411 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote (Same as ECE 4411/6411, FO 4411/6411,GR 4411/6411)

PSS 4413 Turfgrass Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2113). Three hours lecture. An advanced comprehensive study of turfgrasses and the varied management strategies employed for golf and sports turf, home lawns, commercial turf, and sod production

PSS 4423 Golf Course Operations: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4413/6413). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Scheduling maintenance practices, golf course construction and renovation with emphasis on operation and care of specialized turf equipment

PSS 4443 Athletic Field Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2113 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A comprehensive study of athletic fields, including construction, maintenance, renovation and management. Emphasis will be placed on interactions between soil properties and sports turf performance

PSS 4453 Vegetable Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303 and PSS 3301 or PSS 4113/6113 or BIO 4214/6214). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Principles and practices of commercial vegetable production

PSS 4463 Community Food Systems: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Exploration of aspects in community food systems including planning and design, sustainable growing practices, and human nutrition and health. (Same as LA 4463/6463 and FNH 4463/6463)

PSS 4473 Hydroponic and Soilless Crop Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4343/6343). Three hours lecture. The fundamentals of growing crops using hydroponics and soilless culture, particularly in controlled environments such as greenhouses and vertical farms

PSS 4483 Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Electromagnetic interactions, passive sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral optical sensors, active sensors, imaging radar, SAR, Lidar, digital image processing, natural resource applications (Same as ECE 4423/6423 and ABE 4483/6483)

PSS 4493 Plant Genetics: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 1313, BIO 1134 or BIO 2113). Three hours lecture. An introductory application of genetics and genetic principles as they apply to plant reproduction and crop production. Understanding of mitosis and meiosis, diploid and polyploid genetics, and the generation of transgenic crops

PSS 4503 Plant Breeding: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PO 3103). Three hours lecture. Application of genetic principles to the improvement of economic crop plants; history, methods and procedures of plant breeding

PSS 4543 Precision Agriculture II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS/ABE 2543 and Junior Standing). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. Site-specific management techniques are examined. Continuous decision-making processes of farm production are integrated using a whole-system, geospatial approach (same as ABE 4543/6543)

PSS 4553 Plant Growth and Development: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. Structure of plant developmental processes and how environmental factors interact to affect and control plant growth and development

PSS 4603 Soil Chemistry: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Soil is a mixture of inorganic and organic solids, air, and water. Soil may contain micro and macro organisms and root. All of these things interact and influence each other

PSS 4613 Floriculture Crop Programming: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4343/6343). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A detailed study of the techniques involved in the production of the major commercial flower crops

PSS 4633 Weed Biology and Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 2113. PSS 3133. Junior standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory . Weed identification and population responses to agricultural production systems

PSS 4733 Ag. Flight Technologies I: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Junior Level or higher). Two hours online lecture, two hours online laboratory. The course instructs students in Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) manual flight skills and the FAA Remote Pilot certification exam materials, and is a prerequisite course for advanced autonomous flight training (PSS 4743/6743)

PSS 4743 Ag. Flight Technologies II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 4733/6733 Ag. Flight Tech. I AND Instructor Approval). Three hours lecture. Enrolled students attend a week-long advanced autonomous flight workshop at Mississippi State University, Starkville campus. At week’s end, students take the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. (Course may be taken two times)

PSS 4800 Undergraduate Research in Plants & Soil Sciences: 13 hours.

Hours, credits and deliverables to be arranged. The purpose of this course is to provide a student with the opportunity to participate in research and/or creative project beyond the traditional undergraduate experience, while allowing the university to track undergraduate participation in these activities

PSS 4813 Herbicide Technology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3133 and junior standing). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Classification and use of herbicides. A detailed look at herbicide application-field use and factors influencing herbicide activity. Credit may not be given for this course and PSS 4823/6823

PSS 4823 Turfgrass Weed Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3133 and Junior standing). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Classification and use of herbicides with emphasis on herbicides and emphasis on herbicides used in turfgrasses. Credit may not be given for this course and PSS 4813/6813

PSS 4990 Special Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

PSS 6013 Principles of Floral Design II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. An in-depth inquiry into advanced floral design theory, advanced floral design techniques, and requirements for becoming a certified floral designer through the American Institute of Floral Design

PSS 6023 Floral Management: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. To identify and understand the basic principles necessary to operate wholesale and retail floral businesses

PSS 6033 Case Studies in Floral Management: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. (Prerequisites: PSS 2343 or PSS 6013 and graduate standing). Identification of current problems in floral management and the development of strategies for their resolution

PSS 6043 International Horticulture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 1313). Three hours lecture. Online course. Worldwide overview of horticultural export, marketing, and international trade issues and individual country analyses of specific fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops

PSS 6073 Sympathy Floral Design: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Application of design theory and principles used in sympathy work

PSS 6083 Floral Design for Special Events: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Planning and preparing of floral design compositions for use in special events

PSS 6093 Post-harvest Care of Cut Floral Crops: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Identification, postharvest care and handling, sourcing and distribution of cut floriculture plant materials

PSS 6103 Forage and Pasture Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Origin, uses, and ecology of forage plants, establishment, nutritive value, use, yield and maintenance of forage plants as related to morphology, physiology and pasture management

PSS 6113 Agricultural Crop Physiology: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. Physiology of agricultural plants, including water relations, respiration, photosynthesis and growth and development

PSS 6123 Grain Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Corn, small grain, practice in commercial grading given in laboratory

PSS 6133 Fiber and Oilseed Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Production and utilization of fiber and oilseed crops. Emphasis on soybean, cotton, and peanut production

PSS 6143 Advanced Fruit Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3043 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A study of the latest advances in pomology and interpretation of current research findings and their application to modern fruit growing

PSS 6153 Sustainable Agroecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 1313 and PSS 3303). Online. Three hours lecture. The study of interactions between crops and abiotic and biotic environments. Emphasis is placed on quantitatively examining theory and principles for production, stability and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems

PSS 6223 Seed Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Principles and practices, special emphasis on production of varietally pure seeds; agronomic factors in harvesting, drying, storage, treating and marketing seed

PSS 6313 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Fundamentals and concepts of soil fertility/nutrient management; fertilizer sources and crop response to nutrients; fertilizer production; and soil fertility evaluation and maintenance through organic and inorganic fertilization

PSS 6314 Microbiology and Ecology of Soil: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). The study of diverse soil microbial communities and how they influence the structure and function of ecosystems (natural and managed) and the global biosphere (same as BIO 4324/6324)

PSS 6323 Soil Classification: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Origin, development, and classification of soils including identification and field mapping

PSS 6333 Soil Conservation and Land Use: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Two hours lecture . Three hours laboratory. Soil identification, topographic relationships and soil-water resources; their characteristics, quality, suitability, and management; conservation practices; using soil maps to determine land use

PSS 6341 Controlled Environment Agriculture Laboratory: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Prior credit for/or current enrollment in PSS 4343; Corequisite for horticulture majors: PSS 4343). Two hours laboratory. Online course. An experiential study of the principles and practices of controlled environments operation and management

PSS 6343 Controlled Environment Agriculture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 2113 and PSS 3303; Co-requisite for horticulture majors: PSS 4341). Three hours lecture. Online Course. A detailed review and explanation of principles and practices of controlled environments operation and management

PSS 6353 Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Care of ornamental trees and shrubs, including pruning, bracing, surgery, transplanting, and fertilization

PSS 6363 Sustainable Nursery Production: 3 hours.

Prerequisites: PSS 2423 and PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Online course. Nursery crop production including site selection and planning, plant nutrition, water relations and irrigation, shipping, and managing people and resources

PSS 6373 Geospatial Agronomic Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites PSS 3303, PSS 3133). Three hours lecture. This class will utilize the basic tools of geographical information systems and geographical positioning systems technologies to analyze agronomic case studies

PSS 6383 Agriculture Remote Sensing I: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: MA 1313 and any GIS course or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. Online course. The study of whole-farm systems using data captured by camera, spectroscopic satellites, and telemetric sensors. Emphasis is placed on integrating multiple ag-related geospatial concepts into field-level production inquiries

PSS 6393 Agriculture Remote Sensing II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4383/6383 or GR 4313/6313). Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory. The advanced study of whole-farm systems using data captured by camera, spectroscopic satellites, and telemetric sensors. Emphasis is placed on integrating multiple ag-related geospatial concepts into field-level production inquiries

PSS 6411 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote (Same as ECE 4411/6411, FO 4411/6411,GR 4411/6411)

PSS 6413 Turfgrass Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2113). Three hours lecture. An advanced comprehensive study of turfgrasses and the varied management strategies employed for golf and sports turf, home lawns, commercial turf, and sod production

PSS 6423 Golf Course Operations: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4413/6413). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Scheduling maintenance practices, golf course construction and renovation with emphasis on operation and care of specialized turf equipment

PSS 6443 Athletic Field Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2113 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A comprehensive study of athletic fields, including construction, maintenance, renovation and management. Emphasis will be placed on interactions between soil properties and sports turf performance

PSS 6453 Vegetable Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303 and PSS 3301 or PSS 4113/6113 or BIO 4214/6214). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Principles and practices of commercial vegetable production

PSS 6463 Community Food Systems: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Exploration of aspects in community food systems including planning and design, sustainable growing practices, and human nutrition and health. (Same as LA 4463/6463 and FNH 4463/6463)

PSS 6473 Hydroponic and Soilless Crop Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4343/6343). Three hours lecture. The fundamentals of growing crops using hydroponics and soilless culture, particularly in controlled environments such as greenhouses and vertical farms

PSS 6483 Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Electromagnetic interactions, passive sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral optical sensors, active sensors, imaging radar, SAR, Lidar, digital image processing, natural resource applications (Same as ECE 4423/6423 and ABE 4483/6483)

PSS 6493 Plant Genetics: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 1313, BIO 1134 or BIO 2113). Three hours lecture. An introductory application of genetics and genetic principles as they apply to plant reproduction and crop production. Understanding of mitosis and meiosis, diploid and polyploid genetics, and the generation of transgenic crops

PSS 6503 Plant Breeding: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PO 3103). Three hours lecture. Application of genetic principles to the improvement of economic crop plants; history, methods and procedures of plant breeding

PSS 6543 Precision Agriculture II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS/ABE 2543 and Junior Standing). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. Site-specific management techniques are examined. Continuous decision-making processes of farm production are integrated using a whole-system, geospatial approach (same as ABE 4543/6543)

PSS 6553 Plant Growth and Development: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. Structure of plant developmental processes and how environmental factors interact to affect and control plant growth and development

PSS 6603 Soil Chemistry: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Soil is a mixture of inorganic and organic solids, air, and water. Soil may contain micro and macro organisms and root. All of these things interact and influence each other

PSS 6613 Floriculture Crop Programming: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4343/6343). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A detailed study of the techniques involved in the production of the major commercial flower crops

PSS 6633 Weed Biology and Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 2113. PSS 3133. Junior standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory . Weed identification and population responses to agricultural production systems

PSS 6733 Ag. Flight Technologies I: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Junior Level or higher). Two hours online lecture, two hours online laboratory. The course instructs students in Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) manual flight skills and the FAA Remote Pilot certification exam materials, and is a prerequisite course for advanced autonomous flight training (PSS 4743/6743)

PSS 6743 Ag. Flight Technologies II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 4733/6733 Ag. Flight Tech. I AND Instructor Approval). Three hours lecture. Enrolled students attend a week-long advanced autonomous flight workshop at Mississippi State University, Starkville campus. At week’s end, students take the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. (Course may be taken two times)

PSS 6813 Herbicide Technology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3133 and junior standing). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Classification and use of herbicides. A detailed look at herbicide application-field use and factors influencing herbicide activity. Credit may not be given for this course and PSS 4823/6823

PSS 6823 Turfgrass Weed Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3133 and Junior standing). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Classification and use of herbicides with emphasis on herbicides and emphasis on herbicides used in turfgrasses. Credit may not be given for this course and PSS 4813/6813

PSS 6833 Temperature Stress Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 4214/6214 or BCH 4013/6013). Three hours lecture. Online course. The course focuses on cellular structures and stress metabolites, thermodynamics, and signal transduction before addressing plan responses to heat, chilling, and freezing stresses

PSS 6990 Special Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

PSS 7000 Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

PSS 8012 Thesis Proposal Writing: 2 hours.

Two hours lecture. Students access and apply university thesis standards to their research. Focusing on clear, lucid writing techniques with appropriate style and grammar, in collaboration with the major professor, students complete the first three sections of their research thesis in this course

PSS 8013 Biometrics in Agricultural Data and Experiments: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: ST 8114 Statistical Methods or equivalent). Three hours lectures. Introduction to R statistical software as it applies to agricultural research, research methods, data types, experimental designs, data analyses, data synthesis, and interpretation of agronomic research results

PSS 8103 Pasture Development: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Utilization systems for forage crops in the southeast; adaption, morphology, identification, and physiology of grasses and legumes;analyses of forage quality;interpretation of forage research

PSS 8123 Crop Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 4213/6213 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. The geographical distribution, use, and adaptation of field crops as influenced by soil, climate, and other environmental factors

PSS 8163 Environmental Plant Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Graduate Standing). Three hours lecture. The influences of physical factors of the environment on growth and development of crop plants

PSS 8203 Seed Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4243/6243 or approval of instructor). Three hours lecture. Physio- logy of seed maturation, germination, dormancy, and deter- ioration, relation of seed quality to growth and development of plants

PSS 8333 Advanced Soil Fertility: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Advanced course in soil fertility; special emphasis on all soil conditions affecting plant growth. Study of plant nutrient interactions with the soil solid phase and solution phase

PSS 8343 Soil Plant Atmosphere Relationships: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3301 and PSS 3303 or consent of instructor). Three-hour lecture on-line. Relationship of physical factors, water and heat, within the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Field-scale regimes including inputs, movement, and storage; emphasis on crop production

PSS 8513 Advanced Plant Breeding: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4503/6503 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. An intensive review of methods of plant improvement and the application of these methods to modern plant breeding. (Same as PSS 8573, GNS 8113.)

PSS 8553 Phytohormones and Growth Regulations: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 4214/6214 or PSS 4113/6113 and CH 2503). Three hours lecture. Plant growth regulating compounds: synthesis, metabolism, and effects on plant growth and development

PSS 8563 Post-Harvest Physiology of Horticultural Plants: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Organic Chemistry and BIO 4214/6214 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. The nature, evaluation, and control of chemical and physiological changes that occur after harvest of horticultural products

PSS 8573 Morphology of Horticultural Plants: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 4204/6204). Three hours lecture. An intense review of methods of plant One hour lecture. Four hours improvement and the application of these methods to modern laboratory. Development of the floral and vegetative organs of horticultural plants. (Same as PSS 8513 and GNS 8113)

PSS 8631 Topics in Genomics: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites:PSS/BCH 8653 BCH 4713/6713 or BCH 8643 or consent of instructor). Review and discussion of classic and current genomics literature;individual presentation of a seminar highlighting an area of genomics research. (Same as BCH 8631)

PSS 8634 Environmental Fate of Herbicides: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: CH 4513/6513, PSS 4813/6813). Three hours lecture. Three hours labatory. Fate of herbicides, including of drift, volatility, metabolism, environmental factors that influence these processes

PSS 8643 Principles of Spray Application and Technology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4813/6813). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. This course will examine the science and technical principles of spray application technologies and how they work in agriculture. This course will also cover adjuvant, nozzle, pump, physical and chemical properties of sprays and how to design a sprayer

PSS 8645 Field Applications of Weed Sciences Principles I: 5 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 6633 and PSS 6813 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. Field weed identification; herbicide symptomology; problem solving in cotton soybean, and vegetables; application equipment calibration

PSS 8653 Genomes and Genomics: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:BCH 4113/6113 or BCH 4713/6713 or BCH 8643 or consent of instructor) Overview of genome structure and evolution with emphasis on genomics, the use of molecular biology, robotics, and advanced computational methods to efficiently study genomes. (Same as BCH 8653)

PSS 8655 Field Applications of Weed Science Principles II: 5 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 8645 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. Field weed identification; herbidice symptomology; problem solving in turf, field corn, rice, sorghum and pastures; application equipment calibration

PSS 8701 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: Graduate standing, PSS 4813/6813 or consent of instructor). Lecture, discussion and readings in selected areas of current interest in weed science. Maximum total credits in graduate program allowed, 4 hours-M.S.; 6 hours-Ph.D

PSS 8711 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8721 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: Graduate standing, PSS 4813/6813 or consent of instructor). Lecture, discussion and readings in selected areas of current interest in weed science. Maximum total credits in graduate program allowed, 4 hours-M.S.; 6 hours-Ph.D

PSS 8724 Herbicide Physiology and Biochemistry: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 4813/6813, BIO 4214/6214 and CH 4513/6513 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Herbicide, plant growth regulator and allelochemic chemistry, mode of action, and effects on plants and plant constituents: fate/ persistence of herbicides in the environment

PSS 8731 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8741 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8751 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8761 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8771 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8811 Graduate Seminar: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: Graduate Standing). One hour lecture. Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8821 Graduate Seminar: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: Graduate Standing). One hour lecture. Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8831 Graduate Seminar: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: Graduate Standing). One hour lecture. Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8990 Special Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years). offerings under one title within two academic years)

PSS 9000 Research in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged. Hours and credits to be arranged