Foundations of modern systems that produce the majority of food calories consumed in North America and other developed countries. Benefits and environmental risks associated with modern food production systems. Alternative food production systems and sustainability. Local food production and food security. Food production and climate change.

An overview of turfgrass adaptation, selection, and management. Topics include turfgrass growth, physiology, soil interactions, establishment, and maintenance. Cultural system practices for lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and other turf areas. Turfgrass pest management practices for weeds, insects and diseases.

Grass establishment, grass identification, athletic field turfgrass playability evaluations, soil testing, turfgrass pest identification, turfgrass pest monitoring techniques and fertilizer spreader and sprayer calibration.

A general course designed to give students a broad view of the field of horticulture as well as a working knowledge of the fundamentals of plant growth.

Fundamentals of the production cycle of Cannabis including horticultural management, identification of crop issues, elite feminized seed production, seed propagation, vegetative propagation, pruning, training, optimization of cannabinoid content and post-harvest handling. Overviews of Cannabis business operations world-wide and in Connecticut, exploring lab testing procedures, cannabidiol extraction technologies, the Connecticut medical marijuana program and government regulation of the industry. Taught with SPSS 2130.

The largest irrigated crop in the U.S. is located right outside your window. Examines the health, social, cultural, and environmental impacts of one of America's greatest obsessions. Taught with SPSS 1060.

Discussion of the specialized field of golf course management. Topics: cultural techniques including soil aeration, topdressing, mowing, and thatch removal; grass or species selection, fertilization, irrigation, personnel, golf course pest management and equipment and inventory management. Field trips required.

Turfgrass irrigation systems, principles of hydraulics, irrigation components, design, installation and repair. Students will design irrigation systems for various turf areas. Field trips and fieldwork will be required. Taught with SPSS 3300.

Topics include human resource information, communication skills, turfgrass pesticide laws and compliance, labor laws and compliance, bid specifications, resume writing, interviewing, golf course management structures, business ethics, and benefits of professional association membership. Guest lecturers include industry professionals and representatives. Taught with SPSS 3400.

Physical and chemical properties of soils; nature and use of fertilizer and lime materials; management of soils for crop production including soil testing, tillage and fertilization practices, and conservation practices.

Effects of environmental stresses and turfgrass management practices on growth, development and physiology of turfgrasses. Implementation of proper management practices to promote optimal turfgrass health under stress conditions. Taught with SPSS 3150.

Taxonomy, identification, ornamental characteristics, cultural requirements and landscape use of deciduous and evergreen woody plants most often utilized in landscapes of the northeastern United States and similar environs.

Identification, nomenclature, cultural requirements and landscape uses of herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, ferns, annuals and bulbs. Study of live plants is required.

The commercial production of small fruits and grapes in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions including varieties, fruit-growing systems and pruning, site requirements, harvesting methods, post-harvest requirements, marketing, pest complexes and IPM strategies of the major berry crops.

Application of ecological processes to modern agricultural production practices. Crops and their environment. Soil quality and maintenance of soil productivity. Sustainability of agroecosystems.

The study of flower arrangement as an art form with emphasis on historical background, artistic principles, color harmony, and care of perishable media. Individual expression is encouraged in the creation of floral composition.

Techniques and concepts essential in managing and operating a garden center. Topics include goal setting, retailing, finance, business planning and pricing.

Technical information on the effective construction and maintenance of planted systems. Structural and functional components of plant systems. Provision of ecosystem services. Overviews of a wide spectrum of planted systems including streetscaping, green roofs and green walls, rain gardens and bioretention, and phytoremediation systems. Techniques of soil modification. Plant selection. Establishment and maintenance of woody and herbaceous plants: planting, preservation, pruning, mulching, irrigation, and fertilization. Taught with SPSS 3550.

Taxonomy, identification, ornamental characteristics, cultural requirements and use of tropical plants. Principles of interiorscaping in the home, office, public buildings, and related locations.

Fundamentals of soil management and crop plant husbandry as applied to commercial vegetable production and home gardening. Horticultural principles of crop growth. Focus is on sustainable practices. Field laboratory will consist of field trips (some outside designated laboratory time) during the early part of the semester to organic and conventional farms to observe production and marketing practices. Field trips required.

Theory and practice in sexual and asexual propagation of horticultural plants, emphasizing the anatomical, physiological, and ecological principles involved. Laboratories provide practical experience with seeds, division, cuttings, budding, grafting, layering and tissue culture.

Priniciples of field and container production of nursery stock. Emphasis on production practices for woody nursery stock from propagation to sales.

Introduction to greenhouse crop management with emphasis on structures, environmental control systems, and management techniques used to control crop response.

Students will be introduced to greenhouse crop production techniques and methodologies. Course follows a travel-course format, in which students participate in regularly scheduled field trips to commercial greenhouse operations in Connecticut and neighboring states. Students will make observations on the mechanical systems, management considerations, and crop production practices employed by commercial businesses.

Advanced concepts of Cannabis production, management, processing and product development that build upon SAPL 130. Students will choose highly focused study of either indoor controlled environment production or outdoor cultivation of Cannabis for part of the course. Taught with SPSS 3680.

A practical survey of practices used for insect, disease and weed pests of turf, flowers, shrubs, trees and food crops. Consideration will be given to quarantine, mechanical, biological and chemical means of control. Field trips may be required.

Principles of integrated pest management covering insect, disease, and weed problems with emphasis on turfgrass, ornamentals, and greenhouse production. Environmental impacts and pest control strategies will be covered.

Students will work with professionals in an area of their interest. Written reports, daily logs, and/or evaluations by professional supervisors may be required. Open to qualified students with consent of advisor and Department Head.

Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section.

An independent study project is mutually arranged between a student and an instructor. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in the Ratcliffe Hicks section of the Undergraduate Catalog.