Horticulture (Hort)
www.hort.iastate.edu
Michael H. Chaplin, Head of Department
University Professors: Christians
Professors: Chaplin, Domoto, Gleason, Graves, Nonnecke, Taber
Professors (Emeritus): Bauske, Hall, Hodges, Mahlstede, Schilletter, Weigle Associate
Professors: Gladon, Hannapel, Iles, Minner, Stephens, Summers Assistant Professors:
Delate, Evans, Haynes
Assistant Professors (Collaborators): Widrlechner
Instructors (Adjunct): Dilley, Gaul, Osborn
Undergraduate Study
For undergraduate curriculum in horticulture leading to
the bachelor of science degree, see Horticulture, Curriculum.
The horticulture curriculum is designed to permit
commodity emphasis in general horticulture, landscape horticulture, greenhouse management,
fruit production, vegetable production, nursery management, turfgrass science and
management, or horticultural communications and public education. Students considering
graduate degrees should participate in the science option. Specialization options complete
the educational goal by combining one of the above interest areas with those skills
required in environmental horticulture, greenhouse management, fruit and vegetable
production and management, nursery crop production and management, science option or
turfgrass management.
Graduates possess the technical knowledge and skills to
be a professional horticulturist. They understand plant growth and development and the
culture and management of horticultural crops. They are able to communicate clearly and
work effectively with others in the many disciplines of horticulture. Graduates understand
the ethical and environmental dimensions of problems and issues facing horticultural
professionals.
The rapidly expanding field of horticulture provides
employment opportunities in nurseries, seed companies, interior landscaping firms,
greenhouses, garden centers, conservatories, public gardens and arboreta, orchards, food
processing companies, or vegetable farms. The allied industries associated with
horticulture provide employment in the areas of sales, management, and communications.
Turf managers are needed for golf courses, athletic fields, parks, and the lawn care
industry. Further opportunities exist in sod production, landscape development and
maintenance, and botanical gardens.
Opportunities also exist for further education in
graduate school to prepare for a career in research, teaching, and extension.
Students have the option of selecting a secondary major
in interdepartmental programs: pest management, seed science, agricultural extension
education, environmental studies, or international agriculture (see Index).
The department offers a minor in horticulture that may
be earned by taking Hort 221 plus at least 12 credits in horticulture at the 200 level or
above.
Visit our departmental website at www.hort.iastate.edu
Graduate Study
The department offers master of science and doctor of
philosophy degrees with a major in horticulture, and minor work for students in other
departments. Under special circumstances a nonthesis master’s degree is available
through the master of agriculture program.
Prerequisite to major graduate study is the completion
of courses covering horticulture, botany, and the underlying sciences.
Students majoring in horticulture usually will take
minor work in agronomy, botany (cytology, morphology, or physiology), biochemistry,
chemistry, entomology, food science and human nutrition, genetics, pathology, or
statistics.
There is no uniform foreign language requirement for
either the master of science or the doctor of philosophy degree.
The department also cooperates in the interdepartmental
majors of genetics; water resources; molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, and
plant physiology (see Index).
Graduates possess a broad understanding of horticulture
and the underlying plant sciences. They are able to communicate effectively with members
of the scientific community, industry groups, and the general public. They are experienced
in conducting and writing the results of research. They are capable of addressing and
solving complex problems associated with the agricultural and plant science professions.
They understand the ethical, legal, social, and environmental issues associated with
modern agricultural practices.
Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 320, 351,
351L, 422, 434, 435, 442, 451, 453, 461, 471, 493.
Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students
Hort 110. Orientation in
Horticulture
(1-0) Cr. 1. F. Introduction to the field of horticulture.
Hort 121. Home Horticulture
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.S. Growing plants in and around the home including requirements for
growing house plants; plant propagation; designing and maintaining flower, fruit, and
vegetable gardens; lawn, tree, and shrub maintenance.
Hort 221. Principles of
Horticulture
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 201. Biological principles of growing horticultural
crops including anatomy, reproduction, light, temperature, water, nutrition, and growth
and development. Laboratory exercises emphasize environmental factors and permit detailed
observation of plant growth.
Hort 233. Herbaceous Ornamental Plants
(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 221. Identification, botanical characteristics, origins,
propagation, uses and general culture of herbaceous annual and perennial plants.
Hort 241. Woody Landscape Plants
(3-6) Cr. 5. F. Identification, botanical characteristics, landscape values, and
culture of native and introduced woody plants. Emphasis on plants used in managing
landscapes in the Middle West. Field trip(s) outside of scheduled class time required.
Weekend/overnight field trips may be required.
Hort 253. Tropical Plants and Interiorscapes
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 221. Identification, nomenclature,
culture, and use of tropical plants in interior landscapes. Understanding plant needs in
interior environments such as malls, offices, and lobbies. Planning, designing,
installation, maintenance, and selection of plants for interiorscapes.
Hort 282. Educating Youth Through Horticulture
(Same as AgEds 282.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. S. Planning, developing, and implementing science-based educational programs
in a public garden setting. Through hands-on experiences at Reiman Gardens, students will
learn about horticulture, learning theory, and the application of science principles as
they pertain to educating youth.
Hort 283. Pesticide Application Certification
(Same as Ent 283.)
See Entomology.
Hort 320. Plant Nutrition (Same
as Pl HP 320.)
(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 221 or Agron 114 or Biol 201 and Agron 154 or 155. Factors
influencing nutrient absorption and composition; criteria of essentiality and roles of the
elements; nutrient status and plant analysis techniques; deficiency and toxicity symptoms,
the laboratory emphasizes techniques for determining plant nutritional status, water
quality, and crop monitoring. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 321. Horticulture Physiology
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 221 or Biol 201. Principles of plant physiology relating to
problems in horticulture including photosynthesis, respiration, metabolisms, water
relations, and developmental processes.
Hort 322. Plant Propagation
(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 221 or Biol 202. Fundamental principles underlying sexual and
asexual propagation of plants; practice in reproducing plants by use of seeds, leaves,
stems, and roots.
Hort 332. Greenhouse and Controlled Environments
(3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: 221. Principles of greenhouse and controlled environment
operation and management. Methods of monitoring and manipulating environmental conditions
(light, temperature, fertility, production media, etc.) to maximize production and quality
and minimize production costs and time.
Hort 338. Seed Science and Technology (Same as
Agron 338.)
See Agronomy.
Hort 341. Woody Plant Cultivars: Shade Trees
(2-2) Cr. 1. Alt. F., offered 2001. Nine-week course beginning first week of semester.
Students will learn how to identify and care for the most horticulturally important shade
tree taxa suitable for the Midwest. Cultivars of the most prevalent species also will be
taught. Each class period will feature indoor and outdoor sessions.
Hort 342. Landscape Plant Establishment and
Maintenance
(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 241 or L A 321. Principles and practices involved with
establishment and maintenance of woody ornamental plants in the landscape. Laboratory work
involves site evaluation, installation techniques, post-plant care, and maintenance of
established landscape plants.
Hort 344. Landscape Horticulture (Same as L A
344.)
(2-6) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 241 or L A 321 recommended. Principles and practices of designing
residential and small business landscapes. Site analysis, terrain alteration for drainage
and aesthetics, functional areas and circulation, use of construction and plant materials
for site development. Basic sketching and drafting, perspective drawing, and plan
refinement techniques.
Hort 345. History and Development of Public Gardens
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 221. In-depth presentation of the history,
establishment, development, and use of public gardens nationally and internationally.
Emphasis on relationship of public garden management to local, national, and international
quality of life of society.
Hort 346. North American Public Gardens
(2-0) Cr. 1 to 2. SS. Prereq: 221 and 345. Recitation and field trip course to
accompany Hort 345. Recitation about and field trips to North American public gardens. No
more than two (2) credits of Hort 346 may be counted toward graduation. Tour/field trip
expenses paid by students.
Hort 351. Turfgrass Establishment and Management
(Same as Agron 351.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 221 or Agron 114 or Biol 201. Principles and practices of
turfgrass propagation and management. Specialized practices relative to professional lawn
care, golf courses, athletic fields, highway roadsides, and seed and sod production. The
biology and control of turfgrass pests. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 351L. Turfgrass Establishment and Management
Laboratory (Same as Agron 351L.)
(0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 351. Those enrolled in the horticulture
curriculum are required to take 351L in conjunction with 351 except by permission of the
instructor. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 391. Horticultural Management Experience
Cr. arr., maximum of 2. F.S.SS. Prereq: 221, permission of instructor. A structured
work experience for the student to gain insight into management operations associated with
production of horticultural crops. A report of 10 or more pages describing the
student’s experience is required. One credit is given for each term the student is
enrolled in the course. A maximum of two credits may be used toward the horticultural
sciences course requirements, and two additional credits may be used toward the 128
credits required for graduation.
Hort 421. Case Studies in
Environmental Stress Physiology (Dual-listed with 521.)
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 321 or Bot 320. Examine environmental factors
affecting plant health. Drought, flooding, heat, cold temperatures, and dormancy are
examples of study modules. Interdisciplinary topics include plant pathology and
entomology. Woody and herbaceous plants, food crops, and ornamental plants.
Hort 422. Postharvest Technology
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 221, junior or senior classification.
Principles, methods, and techniques related to postharvest maintenance of quality of
horticultural commodities. Emphasis on the effects of handling, storage facilities and
techniques, and quality evaluation. Field trips. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 423. Plant Tissue, Cell, and Protoplast Culture
(Dual-listed with 523.)
(1-2) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: Biol 301 and Hort 321 or Bot 320. Theory and
techniques of plant tissue culture, including organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis,
micropropagation, anther and embryo culture, protoplast isolation and culture, and
transformation. Applications to agriculture.
Hort 424. Sustainable and Environmental Horticulture
Systems (Dual-listed with 524; same as Env S 424.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Inquiry into ethical issues and environmental consequences of
horticultural cropping systems and production practices. Emphasis on production systems
that are resource efficient, environmentally sound, socially acceptable, and profitable.
Hort 425. Horticultural Plant Breeding
(Dual-listed with 525.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: Biol 301 or Gen 320. Breeding techniques and
methods required for the improvement of horticultural plants.
Hort 434. Greenhouse Crop Production I
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 332. Principles and practices of
greenhouse crops production. Emphasis is placed on production of common containerized
flowering and ornamental foliage species and vegetable crops produced in greenhouse
environments. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 435. Greenhouse Crop Production II
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 233 and 332. Principles and practices of
greenhouse crops production. Emphasis is placed on production of bulb crops and flowering
annual and perennial crops. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 442. Nursery Crop Production
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 241 or L A 321, Agron 154 or 155.
Management decisions involved with the operation of a production nursery including:
selection of a nursery site; soil and nutrition management for field and container-grown
nursery plants; plant growth, irrigation, storage facilities. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 444. Landscape Construction
(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Junior or senior classification. Theory and practice of
construction or installing landscape features including layout, contours, retaining walls,
paving, and irrigation.
Hort 445. Public Horticulture Management and
Administration
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 221, 345, and 391. In-depth presentation and discussion of
techniques and requirements for the management and administration of a public
horticultural facility. Topics include oral and written presentation skills, proposal
development, public relations, budgeting, fundraising, dealing with governing boards,
interpersonal relationships and managing horticultural operations.
Hort 451. Professional Turfgrass Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 351. Turfgrass science including the study
of (1) specific information on soil chemistry and soil modification as they relate to the
development and maintenance of turfgrass areas, (2) specialized management practices used
in athletic field care, professional lawn care and golf course industries, and (3)
construction methods for golf courses and athletic fields. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 452. Integrated Management of Diseases and
Insect Pests of Turfgrasses (Dual-listed with 552; same as Pl P 452, Ent 452.)
See Plant Pathology or Entomology.
Hort 453. Sports Turf Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. Prereq: 351. Management techniques for today’s specialized athletic
fields. The horticultural and budgetary aspects of football, soccer, baseball, and
softball fields will be presented. Field trips and laboratory exercises will develop a
practical understanding of actual principles in field development, construction, and
management. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 461. Fruit and Nut Crop Production
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 221. Principles and practices of small
fruit, tree fruit, and nut culture and production. Morphology, physiology of growth and
development, plant establishment, pest management, pruning, training, harvesting, storage,
and marketing. Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 471. Vegetable Crop Production
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Principles and practices of vegetable production.
Methods of maximizing yield and quality of vegetables. Harvesting, storage, and marketing.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
Hort 475. Community Tree Management (Same as For
475.)
See Forestry.
Hort 490. Independent Study
Cr. arr. Prereq: Senior classification in horticulture, permission of instructor. A
maximum of 4 credits of 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for
graduation. Investigation of topic holding special interest to the student. Comprehensive
report required. Election of course and topic must be approved by department head.
A. Greenhouse Management
B. Nursery Crops
C. Turfgrass
D. Fruit Crops
E. Vegetable Crops
F. Cross-Commodity
H. Honors
Hort 493. Workshop in Horticulture
Cr. arr. Off campus. Offered as demand warrants. Workshops in horticulture. Nonmajor
graduate credit.
Hort 496. Horticulture Travel Course
Cr. 1-3. May be repeated. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Limited enrollment. Study
and tour of production methods in major horticultural regions of the world. Influence of
climate, economics, geography, soils, landscapes, markets, cultures, and history of
horticultural crops. Location and duration of tours will vary. Tour expenses paid by
students.
Courses Primarily for Graduate
Students, Open to Qualified Undergraduate Students
Hort 511. Integrated Management of Tropical Crops
(Same as Pl P 511.)
See Plant Pathology.
Hort 521. Case Studies in Environmental Stress
Physiology (Dual-listed with 421.)
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 321 or Bot 320. Examine environmental factors
affecting plant health. Drought, flooding, heat, cold temperature, and dormancy are
examples of study modules. Interdisciplinary topics include plant pathology and
entomology. Woody and herbaceous plants, food crops, and ornamental plants.
Hort 523. Plant Tissue, Cell, and Protoplast Culture
(Dual-listed with 423.)
(1-2) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: Biol 301 and Hort 321 or Bot 320. Theory and
techniques of plant tissue culture, including organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis,
micropropagation, anther and embryo culture, protoplast isolation and culture, and
transformation. Applications to agriculture.
Hort 524. Sustainable and Environmental Horticulture
Systems (Dual-listed with 424.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Inquiry into ethical issues and environmental consequences of
horticultural cropping systems and production practices. Emphasis on production systems
that are resource efficient, environmentally sound, socially acceptable, and profitable.
Hort 525. Horticultural Plant Breeding
(Dual-listed with 425.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: Biol 301 or Gen 320. Breeding techniques and
methods required for the improvement of horticultural plants.
Hort 529. Publishing in Plant Science Journals
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: Permission of instructor; evidence of a publishable unit of
the student’s research data. Process of preparing a manuscript for submission to a
refereed journal in the plant sciences. Emphasis on publishing self-generated data from
thesis or dissertation research.
Hort 530. Research Orientation
(2-0) Cr. 1. F. Instruction in scientific methods and communication skills.
Hort 546. Organizational Strategies for Diversified
Farming Systems (Same as Agron 546, Soc 546, SusAg 546.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: SusAg 509. The day-to-day operation and social
relations of the complex, diversified farm. Alternative organizational strategies for the
diversified and sustainable farm. Farm family dynamics and goal setting. Cooperation
between farmers. The social relations of alternative marketing, including green labeling,
community supported agriculture, farmer’s markets, and relationship marketing.
Hort 551. Growth and Development of Perennial Grasses
(Same as Agron 551.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2003. The grass plant. Selected topics on anatomy,
morphology, and physiology relative to growth and development of perennial grasses.
Emphasis on growth and development characteristics peculiar to grasses and variations of
such characteristics under natural and managed conditions.
Hort 552. Integrated Management of Diseases and
Insect Pests of Turfgrasses (Dual-listed with 452; same as Ent 452, Pl P 552.)
See Plant Pathology or Entomology.
Hort 590. Special Topics
Cr. arr. Prereq: A major or minor in horticulture.
Hort 593. Workshop in Horticulture
Cr. arr. Workshops in horticulture, with emphasis on off-campus instruction.
A. Greenhouse Management
B. Nursery Crops
C. Turfgrass
D. Fruit Crops
E. Vegetable Crops
F. Cross-Commodity
Hort 599. Creative Component
Cr. arr.
Courses for Graduate Students
Hort 610. Graduate Seminar
Cr. 1 each time elected. F.S.
Hort 615. Liquid Chromatography
(2-3) Cr. 1. Second 5 weeks. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: Permission of instructor,
graduate classification. Theory and application of analytical liquid chromatography.
Considerations in methods development: column packing, particle size, solvent selection,
isocratic vs. gradient separation, solvent flow rate, detector choice, qualitative
component analysis, and data handling.
Hort 622. Ethylene I: Ethylene Chemistry,
Biosynthesis, and Mode of Action
(3-0) Cr. 1., first 5 weeks. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: Bot 320 or equivalent;
BBMB 301 or 404 or equivalent. Chemistry and methods of chemical analysis of ethylene. Gas
exchange physiology with ethylene as the model compound. Pathway, enzymology, and
inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis in higher plants. Biochemistry and inhibition of
ethylene mode of action. Ethylene usage in agricultural systems of higher plants.
Hort 623. Ethylene II: Ethylene in Growth,
Development, and Stress Systems
(3-0) Cr. 1., second 5 weeks. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 622. The role of ethylene
as a modulator of vegetative plant growth and development. Effects of ethylene on cellular
physiology, organ dormancy, and other anatomical and morphological changes during growth
and development of vegetative higher plant tissues and organs. Role of ethylene in biotic
and abiotic stress systems.
Hort 624. Ethylene III: Ethylene in Abscission,
Ripening, and Senescence Systems
(3-0) Cr. 1., second 5 weeks. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 622. The role of ethylene
in flower, flower part, and leaf abscission processes. Emphasis on the physiological
mechanisms and underlying molecular biology of ethylene synthesis and mode of action
during maturation, ripening, and senescence of higher plant tissues and organs.
Hort 625. Postharvest Physiology
(3-0) Cr. 1., third 5 weeks. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 622, 624. Respiratory gas
exchange physiology, respiration, respiratory pathways and metabolism, pigment changes,
carbohydrate metabolism, cellular integrity, and gene expression events during the
postharvest period of higher plant tissues and organs.
Hort 690. Advanced Topics
Cr. var.
Hort 696. Seminar in Plant Physiology and Molecular
Biology (Same as Bot 696.)
See Botany.
Hort 699. Thesis and Dissertation Research
Cr. var.
A. Greenhouse Management
B. Nursery Crops
C. Turfgrass
D. Fruit Crops
E. Vegetable Crops
F. Cross-Commodity
