PLSC 368 - PLANT PROPAGATION (3 Credits)
Course Syllabus
Spring, 2007
Department of Plant Sciences
North Dakota State University

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

II. TEXTBOOK AND REFERENCE

      1. Hartmann, H.T., D.E. Kester, F.T. Davies, and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices. 7th edition, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. 880 pp.
      2. Supplementary References:
      (1). Young, J.A. and C.G. Young. 1992. Seeds of woody plants in North America. Dioscorides Press, Portland, Oregon.
      (2). Dirr, M.A. and C.W. Heuser, Jr. 1987. The reference manual of woody plant propagation: from seed to tissue culture. Varsity Press, Inc., Athens, Georgia. 239 pp.
      (3). Annual proceedings of the International Plant Propagators Society.
      (4). Davis, T.D., B.E. Haissig, and N. Sankhla (eds.). 1988. Adventitious root formation in cuttings. Dioscorides Press, Portland, Oregon. 315 pp.
      (5). Dirr, M.A. 1998. Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing LLC., Champaign, Illinois. 1187 pp.

III. READING ASSIGNMENTS

You are expected to read the assigned chapters prior to each lecture period. Start a good reading habit early in the course and continue it throughout the semester. The lectures may not cover all the information in each chapter; however, some quiz and exam questions will be asked from reading assignments.

IV. OBJECTIVES

The objective of this course is to learn the basic principles and methods of plant propagation practiced in horticulture. After completion of this class, you will have a workable knowledge on seed germination and handling, rooting cuttings of various plant types, procedures for grafting and budding, using underground vegetative organs for plant increase, orchid propagation by rhizome and seed, and tissue culture propagation of selected plants.

V. EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Students are expected to attend all lectures. Various opportunities are provided in this course to expand student learning potential. The textbook is available for student purchase. Additional lecture handout, research papers, and other relevant materials will be provided in the class.
Attendance to lab exercises is required. If you have to miss a lab, please inform the instructor prior to the lab period so that your lab exercise can be rescheduled. Some labs will be group exercises but your active participation is essential. There will be seven lab reports which must be submitted.

VI. STUDENT EVALUATION

1. Examination: Three examinations will be given. Exam 1 & 2 are non-cumulative and worth 100 points each. The final exam is cumulative and worth 150 points. Examinations may cover lectures, assigned reading materials, and class discussions. Any exceptions will be announced in the class.
   
2. Lab report: Seven lab reports must be submitted throughout the semester. Each is worth 20 points. The deadline of each lab report will be announced. Each day a lab report is late, two points will be deducted.

VII. GRADING

VIII. CANCELLATION

A university cancellation of a class meeting time automatically delays all scheduled activities (lecture, lab, or exam) to the next regularly scheduled meeting time.

IX. SPECIAL NEEDS

Students with disabilities or other special needs (special accommodations) in the class are invited to share their concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

X. DISHONESTY

 The College of Agriculture operates under “The Honor System” which believes that a student has the privilege and the obligation to perform honestly and responsibly. Any indication of dishonesty will be referred to The Honor Commission governed by students. Students must sign the College of Agriculture Honor Pledge at the end of each exam.

XI.COURSE SCHEDULE

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

TENTATIVE LABORATORY SCHEDULE
( 2:00-3:50 p.m. Wednesday)