Horticulture

200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

www.hort.iastate.edu

Jeffery K. Iles, Chair of Department
University Professors: Christians
Professors: Chaplin, Domoto, Gleason, Graves, Iles, Nonnecke, Taber
Professors (Emeritus): Bauske, Hall, Hodges
Associate Professors: Arora, Delate, Gladon, Hannapel, Minner, Stephens, Vanderzanden
Associate Professors (Collaborators): Beeson
Assistant Professors: Fei, Haynes, Lashbrook
Assistant Professors (Collaborators): Widrlechner
Instructors (Adjunct): Gaul
Lecturer: 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 and vegetable production, nursery management, public gardens and arboreta, planting design/installation, science, 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 production and management, fruit and vegetable production and management, public garden management and administration, horticultural communications and public education, planting design/installation, nursery crop production and management, science, and 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 production nurseries, seed companies, interior landscaping firms, greenhouses, garden centers, conservatories, planting design/installation, public gardens and arboreta, orchards and vineyards, food processing companies, or vegetable farms. The allied industries associated with horticulture provide employment in the areas of sales, management, and communications. Turfgrass managers are needed for golf courses, athletic fields, sod production, 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 business.

Students have the option of selecting a secondary major in one of several interdepartmental programs: pest management, seed science, agricultural extension education, environmental studies, or international agriculture (see Index).

The Department of Horticulture 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, with 6 of those credits at the 300 level or above.

Visit our departmental website at www.hort.iastate.edu

Graduate Study The Department of Horticulture offers work for the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees with a major in horticulture, and for a minor for students in other departments. Under special circumstances a nonthesis master's degree is available through the master of agriculture program.

Students majoring in horticulture usually take minor work in agronomy, botany (cytology, morphology, or physiology), biochemistry, chemistry, entomology, food science and human nutrition, genetics, plant 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; environmental science; 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 other interested citizens. They are experienced in conducting research and writing the results of that 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/horticultural practices.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 320, 351, 351L, 422, 433, 434, 435, 436, 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 211. 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 222. Survey of Horticultural Crops. (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 221. Identification, botanical characteristics, propagation, culture, and use of economically important horticultural crops. Emphasis on diversity of horticultural plants including: landscape plants (woody and herbaceous), fruits, vegetables, florist, greenhouse, tropical plants, and turfgrass species.

Hort 282. Educating Youth Through Horticulture. (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Planning, developing, and implementing science-based educational programs in a public garden setting. Through hands-on experiences 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. Horticultural Plant Nutrition. (2-2) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 221 or Agron 114 or Biol 211 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. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Hort 321. Horticulture Physiology. (2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 221 or Biol 211. Principles of plant physiology relating to problems in horticulture including photosynthesis, respiration, metabolism, water relations, and developmental processes.

Hort 322. Plant Propagation. (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 221 or Biol 212. Fundamental principles underlying sexual and asexual propagation of plants; practice in reproducing plants by use of seeds, leaves, stems, and roots.

Hort 330. Herbaceous Ornamental Plants. (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 221 and 222 or by permission of instructor. Identification, botanical characteristics, origins, propagation, uses and general culture of herbaceous annual and perennial plants for Midwestern gardens and landscapes.

Hort 332. Greenhouse Operation and Management. (3-3) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 221. Principles of greenhouse and other controlled environment operation and management. Methods of monitoring and manipulating environmental factors such as light, temperature, fertility, production media, etc., to maximize production rate and quality and minimize production costs and time. Field trip(s) outside of scheduled class time required. Weekend/overnight field trips may be required.

Hort 338. Seed Science and Technology. (Same as Agron 338.) See Agronomy.

Hort 340. Woody Landscape Plants. (3-6) Cr. 5. F. Prereq: 221 and 222 or by permission of instructor. Identification, botanical characteristics, landscape values, and culture of native and introduced woody plants. Emphasis on plants used in managed landscapes in the Middle West. Field trip(s) outside of scheduled class time required. Weekend/overnight field trips may be required.

Hort 341. Woody Plant Cultivars: Shade Trees. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 340 or LA 321. 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.

Hort 342. Landscape Plant Establishment and Maintenance. (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 340 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, postplant care, and maintenance of established landscape plants.

Hort 344. Advanced Residential Landscape Design Studio. (0-4) Cr. 2. Prereq: 380, 381. Limited to Planting Design/Installation option students. Development of residential landscapes using design principles and the design process. Projects encompass site analysis, concept development, preliminary design, final design, and graphic presentation techniques.

Hort 345. History of Gardening. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 221. In-depth presentation of the history, establishment, development, and use of gardens nationally and internationally. Emphasis on relationship of gardening to local, national, and international quality of life of society.

Hort 351. Turfgrass Establishment and Management. (Same as Agron 351.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 221 or Agron 114 or Biol 211. Principles and practices of turfgrass propagation, establishment, 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 380. Principles of Garden Composition. (2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 222. Not available as credit for LA majors. Functional and aesthetic aspects of landscape planning as a basis for design decisions; emphasis on plant selection. Includes site analysis, development process, and design principles.

Hort 381. Beginning Garden Composition Studio. (0-4) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 222, 330, 340. To be taken concurrently with 380. Not available as credit for LA majors. Development of landscape graphic techniques. Studio-based projects implementing principles of landscape design.

Hort 391. Horticultural Management Experience. Cr. 1, each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: 221, permission of instructor. A structured work experience for the student to gain insight into management operations associated with production and management 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 398. Cooperative Education. Cr. R each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of department resource and career center coordinator. Students must register for this course before commencing each work period.

Hort 422. Postharvest Technology. (3-3) Cr. 4. Alt. F., offered 2005. 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 outside of scheduled class time required. Weekend/overnight field trips may be required. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Hort 423. Plant Tissue, Cell, and Protoplast Culture. (Dual-listed with 523.) (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: Biol 313 and Hort 321 or Biol 330. 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. F. 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 2005. Prereq: Biol 313 or Gen 320. Breeding techniques and methods required for the improvement of horticultural plants.

Hort 433. Tropical Plants and Interiorscapes. (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 221, 332. Identification, nomenclature, culture, and use of tropical and foliage plants for interior landscapes. Understanding plant needs in interior environments such as malls, offices, atria, and lobbies. Planning, designing, installation, maintenance, and selection of plants for interiorscapes. Field trips outside of scheduled class time required. Weekend/overnight field trips may be required. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Hort 434. Greenhouse Crop Production I. (3-3) Cr. 4. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 330 and 332. Principles and practices of greenhouse floricultural crop production. Emphasis is placed on production of common bulbous, cut flower, foliage, and containerized flowering species produced in greenhouses and other controlled environments. Field trips outside of scheduled class time required. Weekend/overnight field trips may be required. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Hort 435. Greenhouse Crop Production II. (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 330 and 332. Principles and practices of greenhouse floricultural crop production. Emphasis is placed on production of flowering annual and perennial crops, vegetative annuals, and species in hanging baskets. Field trips outside of scheduled class time required. Weekend/overnight field trips may be required. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Hort 436. Greenhouse Crop Production III. (1-3) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 221 and 332. Principles and practices of greenhouse food crop production. Emphasis is placed on production of vegetable, herb, and small-fruit species in greenhouses and other controlled plant environments. Field trips outside of scheduled class time required. Weekend/overnight field trips may be required. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Hort 442. Nursery Production and Management. (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 221, 340. Cultural and management practices involved with a production nursery: container vs field nursery; nursery site and plant selection; propagation and planting methods; soil and nutrient management; growth modification; overwintering; financial and personnel management; marketing; shipping. Field trip(s) outside of scheduled class time including weekend/overnight trips may be required. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Hort 444. Landscape Construction. (1-3) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 222, junior or senior classification. Principles and practices of residential landscape construction. Encompasses process from initial client contact to installation of plant material and hardscapes; case studies. Laboratory work involves landscape installation using various landscape materials and techniques.

Hort 445. Public Horticulture Management and Administration. (2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 221 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 446. Landscape Contracting and Estimating. (2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 222 and 444 or taking concurrently, junior or senior classification. Overview and implementation of landscape estimating and contracting. Includes estimating procedures (material, labor, equipment) and landscape business issues (contracts, insurance, personnel).

Hort 451. Professional Turfgrass Management. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2007. 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. F. 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 2007. 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 Production and Management. (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 221 or Agron 114 and Agron 154 or 155. Principles and practices of vegetable production with emphasis on market outlets, business aspects, and risk management. Major crop climatic conditions, physiological growth and development, 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. May be repeated. 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 Crops
B. Nursery Crops
C. Turfgrass
D. Fruit Crops
E. Vegetable Crops
F. Cross-Commodity
G. Landscape Horticulture
H. Honors

Hort 491. Seed Science Internship Experience. (Same as Agron 491, AST 491.) Cr. 1-2. May be repeated once. F.S.SS. Prereq: 338, advanced approval and participation of employer and instructor. Staff. A professional work experience and creative project for seed science secondary majors. The project requires prior approval and participation of the employer and instructor. The student must submit a written report.

Hort 493. Workshop in Horticulture. Cr. arr. Off campus. May be repeated. Offered as demand warrants. Workshops in horticulture. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Hort 495. Horticulture Travel Course Preparation. (0-1) Cr. R. May be repeated. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Limited enrollment. Students enrolled in this course also intend to register for Hort 496 the following term. Topics include preparation for international travel, the horticultural/agricultural industries, climate, crops, economics, geography, history, marketing, soils, culture, traditions, and horticultural/agricultural development of the country to be visited. Students enroll in this course the term immediately before travel to the foreign country.

Hort 496. Horticulture Travel Course. Cr. 1-3. May be repeated. F.S.SS. 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.

Hort 497. Professional Development Seminar. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: Junior or senior classification. Weekly series of lectures and workshops will help students better prepare for their professional career in horticulture by developing the professional development skills necessary to be successful in today's competitive workplace.

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 523. Plant Tissue, Cell, and Protoplast Culture. (Dual-listed with 423.) (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: Biol 313 and Hort 321 or Biol 330. 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. F. 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 2005. Prereq: Biol 313 or Gen 320. Breeding techniques and methods required for the improvement of horticultural plants.

Hort 529. Publishing in Biological Sciences Journals. (Same as Agron 529, NREM 529.) (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 biological 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 537. Plant Stress Biology. (Same as Agron 537, EEOB 537.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: Biol 330 and BBMB 404-405. Physiology and molecular biology of plant responses to environmental stress. Emphasis on the role of hormones and hormone interactions in governing stress reponses. Lectures are prepared from journal papers that elucidate key mechanisms controlling reponses to drought, flooding, salt, nutrient deficiencies, freezing, pathogens and herbivores. Plants studied include genetic model systems and crops of horticultural and agronomic value.

Hort 542. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques. (Same as GDCB 542.) See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.

Hort 546. Organizational Strategies for Diversified Farming Systems. (Same as Agron 546, Soc 546, SusAg 546.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: SusAg 509. Bell, Liebman. Organization and operation of complex, diversified farming systems. Topics include systems analysis, ecological diversity, agronomic diversity, economic diversity, social diversity, analytical frames for evaluating farming system sustainability, and problem-solving. Participation in several field trips to Iowa farms is required.

Hort 551. Growth and Development of Perennial Grasses. (Same as Agron 551.) (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: Junior or senior or graduate classification or permission of instructor. 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 552, Pl P 552.) See Plant Pathology or Entomology.

Hort 565. Professional Practice in the Life Sciences. (Same as Pl P 565.) See Plant Pathology.

Hort 590. Special Topics. Cr. arr. Prereq: A major or minor in horticulture.

Hort 593. Workshop in Horticulture. Cr. arr. May be repeated. Workshops in horticulture, with emphasis on off-campus instruction.
A. Greenhouse Crops
B. Nursery Crops
C. Turfgrass
D. Fruit Crops
E. Vegetable Crops
F. Cross-Commodity
G. Landscape Horticulture

Hort 599. Creative Component. Cr. arr.

Courses for Graduate students

Hort 610. Graduate Seminar. Cr. 1 each time elected. F.S. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Hort 690. Advanced Topics. Cr. var. Hort 696P. Seminar in Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology. (Same as GDCB 696P.) See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.

Hort 699. Thesis and Dissertation Research. Cr. var.
A. Greenhouse Crops
B. Nursery Crops
C. Turfgrass
D. Fruit Crops
E. Vegetable Crops
F. Cross-Commodity
G. Landscape Horticulture
I. Biotechnology