Teaching

ABS 314 Applied Plant Physiology (Lecture/Spring & Fall Semester)

This course is designed to help you gain an in-depth understanding of the core ideas in plant physiology that provide the basis for inquiries and research in plant science and horticulture. In particular, you will address six questions, including (1) how are plant cells, tissues, and whole-plant structures related to their function? (2) how do plants convert light energy into chemical energy? (3) how do plants sense and respond to environment? (4) how do plants take up and transport water and nutrients? (5) how do plants grow, develop, and flower?, and (6) how can we apply knowledge of plant physiology to improve the production of horticultural crops? Besides, this course is designed in a participatory and learner-centered way to help you enhance your ability to use the practices of science. Through classroom activities, homework assignments, exams, and presentations, you will practice what scientists do, including engaging in scientific practices, reading scientific papers, and giving a scientific presentation.

ABS 368 Plant Propagation (Lecture+Lab/Spring Semester)

This course is designed to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of asexual and sexual propagation techniques. During the lab, you will gain hands-on experience in propagation techniques, including seed scarification and stratification, priming and pregermination, seedling production, rooting of cuttings, rooting hormones applications, grafting, and layering.

ABS 462 Greenhouse/Nursery Management (Lecture+Lab/Spring Semester)

Greenhouse production is one of the fascinating ways of growing high-quality horticultural crops efficiently. However, managing the greenhouse production system, its environment, and crops requires extensive knowledge and skills. This course is designed to help you understand the principles and practices of greenhouse operation and management and to provide practical experience in growing horticultural crops in controlled environments. You will learn about (1) greenhouse construction, including site selection, coverings, greenhouse structures, benches and space utilization, (2) cultural practices for greenhouse crop production, including irrigation, fertilization, and growing substrate, (3) greenhouse environmental control, including light and temperature, and (4) greenhouse pest management. You will also read primary and secondary literature and online and magazine articles regularly to learn latest information related to greenhouse production and management.

ABS 464 Desert Horticulture (Lecture/Fall Semester)

Köppen climate types in Arizona show a preponderance of arid and desert environments. This course is designed to help you understand and experience diverse aspects of horticulture in the desert climate of Arizona. You will learn about (1) desert climate, (2) plant stresses under the desert climate, (3) plants used in the gardens and landscapes in the desert climate, (4) current vegetable, fruit, and nursery production and practices in the desert climate of Arizona, and (5) some innovative approaches to the desert horticulture, including vertical farming and photovoltaic agriculture. You will also have an opportunity to explore a specific topic relevant to desert horticulture by writing a short literature review on a topic that interests you. The course will include several field trips to vegetable and fruit farms, a commercial nursery, and an indoor vertical farm for practical experiences.