Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
http://www.ppws.vt.edu/
Elizabeth A. Grabau, Head
Professors: J. F. Derr; J. D. Eisenback; E. A. Grabau; R. Grene; C. Hong;
C. S. Johnson; H. P. Wilson; K. S. Yoder
Associate Professors: S. D. Askew; A. B. Baudoin; J. G. Jelesko; J. M. McDowell;
S. L. Rideout; D. G. Schmale, III; B. A. Vinatzer; J. Westwood
Assistant Professors: M. Balota; J. N. Barney; E. Colláková; M. Nita; S. Okumoto;
G. Pilot; X. Wang
Research Scientists: C. J. Denbow; D. S. McCall
Instructor: M. A. Hansen
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Overview
The primary mission of the department is research, extension and graduate education in the areas of plant pathology (nature, biology and control of plant diseases), plant physiology, and weed science (weed biology and control, action of herbicides). No undergraduate majors are offered in these areas; students with an interest in plant pathology or weed science may enroll in the Departments of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences or Horticulture, and for plant physiology also in the Department of Biology or Department of Biochemistry. The department offers several undergraduate courses that may be required or electives for students in agricultural or biological majors. These courses are designed to furnish basic knowledge of the nature, diagnosis, and control of plant diseases; identification, biology, and control of weeds; plant metabolism, nutrition, molecular biology, and growth regulation; and modern pest management and pesticide usage. The department offers graduate programs leading to M.S. in the life sciences and Ph.D. in plant pathology, plant physiology and weed science. A non-thesis M.S. program in plant protection and pest management is also available (see Graduate Catalog).
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PPWS)
2004: MYSTERIOUS MUSHROOMS, MALICIOUS MOLDS
This course is an examination of the fungi and their close relatives, with special attention to their roles in the natural world and in shaping the course of human history. Emphasis is placed on the historical and practical significance of fungi as sources of medicine, pathogens of plants and animals, rotters and decayers of organic matter, makers of food and drink, manufacturers of dangerous toxins, and producers of mind-altering chemicals. A student must have a basic understanding of biology. (3H,3C)
2104: PLANTS, GENES, AND PEOPLE
Explores how and why humans have manipulated plant genomes from prehistory through the current genomic era by examining the scientific, cultural, historical, and legal aspects of plant gene management in both conventional and transgenic crops. Pre: BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1105. (3H,3C)
2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3504: PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND THE BIOTIC ENVIRONMENT
Course explores how both agricultural and non-crop plants grow, develop, and respond to biotic environmental influences. Topics include symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms, herbivores, phytoremediation, parasitic plants, and weeds. The scope ranges from biochemical, cellular, tissue, to whole plant physiology. Course includes an experimental project in plant physiology on one of the topics. Pre: (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 2304), CHEM 1036. (3H,3C)
3514: PLANT PHYSIOLOGY LAB
A laboratory course designed to illustrate basic physiological principles related to nutrient deficiencies, membrane permeability and composition, water/nutrient absorption and translocation, transpiration, photosynthesis, physiological functions of growth regulators, enzyme activity, and elemental composition of plant tissue. Co: 3504. (3L,1C)
4104: PLANT PATHOLOGY
Introduction to plant pathology as a science and a crop protection discipline. Plant disease diagnosis, biology, and identification of plant disease-causing agents, factors leading to disease build-up, and management of plant diseases. Diseases of specific crops are studied as examples to illustrate general principles. Pre: (BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106). (3H,3L,4C)
4114: MICROBE FORENSICS/BIOSECURITY
Concepts of comparative and evolutionary genomics for pathogen characterization and identification taught through case studies of bioterrorism, involuntary and voluntary disease transmission, infectious disease epidemics, and genetically modified organisms; emphasis placed on unambiguous source attribution of a disease outbreak to a particular microbe, risk assessment, response as individual, community, and nation to a bioterrorism attack or disease outbreak, federal biosecurity regulations, and career opportunities. Pre: BIOL 2604, (BIOL 2104 or BIOL 2004). (3H,3C)
4264 (ENT 4264): PESTICIDE USAGE
An interdisciplinary study of pesticides used in urban and agricultural environments. Topics studied will include: classification, toxicology, formulation, application techniques, safety, legal considerations, environmental impact, and research and development of new pesticides. Pre: CHEM 2515 or CHEM 2536. (2H,3L,3C)
4504: FUNDAMENTALS OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
Fundamental principles of plant physiology (photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, nutrition, translocation, and development) will be integrated with discussion of the relationship between abiotic environmental factors and plant physiological processes. Both agricultural and non-crop plants will be emphasized. Pre: (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 2304), CHEM 1036. (3H,3C)
4604: BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
Broad overview of the causes, consequences, and epidemiology of invasive plants, animals, and microbes. Conceptual, mechanistic, societal, and political components of invasive species from Darwin to modern day, covering the invasion process from introduction to ecological or economic impact. Taxonomy, management, and risk assessment will be covered via case studies, within a policy context. Pre: BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106. (2H,3L,3C)
4754: WEED SCIENCE: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
Weeds and human affairs; costs and losses; emphasis on weed biology, weed identification and weed-crop ecology; agronomic, physiological, and chemical principles underlying prevention, eradication, and control of undesired vegetation; methods of weed control available for modern agronomic, forestry, horticultural, and non-crop situations. Pre: BIOL 2304, CHEM 1036. (2H,3L,3C)
4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
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