CROP PRODUCTION

Anatomy and Physiology

Students will be able to:

1. explain the uses of plants in agriculture;

2. describe the external and internal structure of plants;

3. describe the physiological functions of plants;

4. distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction in plants;

5. demonstrate the techniques used in plant propagation; and,

6. describe conditions necessary for germination of seeds, growing of seedlings and vegetative

propagation.

Topics:

• Uses of Plants

• Structure and Function of Monocotyledonous and Dicotyledonous Plants.

• Physiological Processes in Plants

• Sexual Reproduction in Plants

• Asexual Reproduction in Plants (Vegetative Propagation)

• Plant Propagation Techniques and Technologies

• Germination

• Growing of Seedlings and Vegetative Propagation

Environmental Factors Affecting Crop Growth

Students should be able to:

1. discuss the effects of environmental factors on plant growth and development;

2. describe the process of soil formation;

3. explain the importance of a soil profile;

4. describe the major components of soil;

5. describe the physical and chemical properties of soil types;

6. describe the availability of soil water for crop use;

7. explain the causes and effects of soil erosion;

8. state the importance of major nutrients used in crop production;

9. explain the factors affecting soil fertility;

10. explain how soil fertility can be maintained;

11. explain soil and water conservation methods.

Topics:

• Environmental Conditions Necessary for Planting

• Monitoring Environmental Conditions

• Soil Formation

• Soil Profile

• Soil Composition

• Soil Types and their Properties

• Soil Erosion

• Major Soil Nutrients

• Soil Fertility

• Soil and Land Management Practices

• Fertilizers: Types and Applications

• Soil and Water Conservation Methods

Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology

1. explain the basic principles of genetic inheritance in plant breeding;

2. explain the role of plant breeding in the development of cultivars; and,

3. explain the nature and purpose of biotechnology in plant improvement.

Topics:

• Plant and Animal Cells

• Genetic Inheritance

• Heredity and the Environment in Gene Expression

• Selection and Breeding

• Varietal Trials

• Genetically Engineered Crops

• Genetically Modified Organisms

Land Preparation and Farm Machinery

Students should be able to:

1. explain land preparation methods;

2. discuss the importance and functions of machinery in crop husbandry;

3. describe the safety precautions in the operation of tools, machinery and equipment;

4. describe the care and maintenance of simple tools and equipment.

Topic:

• Land Preparation.

• Farm Equipment

• Farm Machines

• Safe Use of Farm Equipment and Machines

• Care and Maintenance of Simple Tools

Crop Management

Students should be able to:

1. cultivate a fruit, root, crop; and leaf crop

2. describe the major cropping systems;

3. discuss the benefits of the cultural practices associated with crop production;

4. explain the effects of weeds on crop production;

5. identify insect pests and the damages they caused;

6. identify the cause, symptoms and mode of transmission of major crop diseases;

7. explain the effects of indiscriminate use of chemicals in the environment;

8. recommend the appropriate methods of control of weeds, pests and disease management;

9. explain the importance of plant quarantine.

Topic:

• Cultivating Fruit Crops

• Cultivating Root Crops

• Cultivating Leaf Crops

• Major Cropping Systems

• Cultural Practices in Crop Production

• Weeds

• Weed Control

• Plant Pests

• Pest Control

• Plant Diseases

• Disease Control

• Chemical Pollution

• Integrated Crop Management (ICM)

• Plant Quarantine