2 (2+0)

PPS 200: Introduction to Plant Production

Agriculture – human relations; an introduction, Environment in relation to crop production, Cropping systems of field crops, Cropping systems of horticultural crops, Plant reproduction, Harvesting, handling and storing of agricultural crops, Recent trends in plant production, Plant production in Saudi Arabia.

2 (2+0)

PPS 203: Crop Ecology

Identification of biotic and abiotic environmental factors, Climatic factors affecting plant growth, Crop response to climatic and biotic factors, Light as a factor, Water as a factor, Temperature and soil nutrients, Other climatic factors affecting crop growth, Field trip, Plant growth under stresses and how plant responds, Environmental stress physiology, Adaptation of plant to stresses, Acclimation of plant to stresses, Review of the course.

2 (1+1)

PPS 205:  Nurseries and Methods of Plant Propagation

Nursery importance-Principles of plant propagation. Main methods of plant propagation-Nursery types, Aims and purposes of nursery establishment- Main steps for nursery establishment-Nursery structures and components, Kinds of green houses (Glass, Plastic, Wood, Cloth, Wire, Mobile Houses). Propagation used for producing plants in nurseries, other buildings in the nurseries, Means of greenhouse conditioning (heating, cooling, airing). Microclimate factors in the greenhouse, Field trip to the university nursery and college green houses, Soil and media mixes used in nurseries-the suitable medium used for nursery production, Different containers used in the nursery, Plant propagation methods (sexual and vegetative propagation). Seed propagation, seed collection, seed storage, seed viability, Seed germination, environmental factors affecting seed germination. Seed dormancy-seed treatments for breaking dormancy, Vegetative propagation: cuttings, budding, grafting, laying, off-shoots, suckers, underground plant parts (bulbs, corms, stem and root tubers, rhizomes, stolons and runners), separation and division, Types of propagation by cuttings-hormones encouraging root initiation and growth, Types of propagation by budding and grafting-types of propagation by layering-propagation by some underground plant parts, Propagation by separation and division. Field trip to a private commercial nursery at Riyadh area.

3 (2+1)

PPS 206: Applied Agriculture Genetics

Introduction to genetics and biotechnology, Mendelian genetics- dominance and co-dominance – lethal genes –epistasis, Chromosome structure-mitosis and meiosis-linkage and crossing over, Chromosomal changes-chromosomal mutation, Genetic manipulation-gene structure-gene action-gene expression, Population and quantitative genetics, Nucleic acid structure (DNA &RNA), replication, transcription, Recombinant DNA technology (restriction, ligation and modification enzymes, cloning vectors, gene transfer), PCR technology, sequencing, molecular markers and their application in plant (RAPD, APLP, SCAR, SSR, SRAP, SNP), Application of biotechnology in agriculture (gene mapping, plant transformation and GMO).

2 (1+1)

PPS 231: Forestry

Introduction, Global distribution of forests, Tree Identification, Woody plants and forests in Saudi Arabia, Silviculture, Forest Mensuarations, Forest protection, Forest Products Utilization, Wood technology, Agroforestry.

2 (2+0)

PPS 241: Range Science

Definition and classification of rangelands in the world and their economic importance, Preferred characteristics of a range plants (grazing resistance, persistence, palatability etc.), Plant morphology in relation to grazing process, Plant physiology in relation to grazing process, 1st Mid-term exams, Plant physiology in relation to grazing process (continued), Range condition and trend, Range carrying capacity

Range utilization, Stocking rate, 2nd Mid-Term Exams, Stocking rate (continued), Animal grazing, distribution in rangelands, Common grazing, Grazing systems, Poisonous plants, Range conservation and improvement, Presentations and/or report papers, Final exam.

3 (2+1)

PPS 301: Production of Horticultural Crops

Introduction to Horticultural crops, Horticultural crops-environment interactions in relation to grow and production, Cultural practices and field trip to University Agricultural research & experiment station, Cropping systems of vegetable crops, Cropping systems of fruit trees, 1st mid-term exam, Cropping, systems of ornamental and flowering plants' groups and a brief description of major ornamental  plants, Herbaceous plants (annuals, biennials, perennials, bulbs, medicinal and aromatic plants), Turfgrass and soil covered plants , Shade and greenhouse plants , Cactus and succulent plants, Trees and shrubs, Palm and palm-like trees, Other ornamental plants'  groups, Saudi Arabia forests and plants,  2nd mid-term exam, Environmental importance of forests.

2 (1+1)

PPS 308: Plant Tissue Culture

Introduction to plant cell, tissue and organ cultures, Establishment of tissue culture laboratory, Formulation of nutrient media, Preparation, establishment and sterilization of nutrient media, Environmental factors affecting in vitro culture, Regeneration and hardening of plantlets, Micro propagation technology, Practices, advantages and problems of clonal propagation, Commercial clonal, propagation methods in some economic horticultural crops, Application of tissue culture techniques in some horticultural crops.

3 (2+1)

PPS 309: Crop Physiology

Introduction to crop physiology, Seeds and Germination, Water Relations, Mineral Nutrition, Light Energy and Photosynthesis, Biological Nitrogen Fixation, Transport and Partitioning, Growth and development (germination, root growth, vegetative growth, flowering    and fruiting), Plant Growth Regulation, Environmental Stress Physiology.

2 (2+0)

PPS 310: Principles of Plant Breeding

Concept and goals of plant breeding, Sterility and polyploidy in relation to plant breeding, Role of genetic in breeding, Mutations and plant breeding, Biotechnology in relation to plant breeding, Breeding of self-pollinated crops, Breeding of cross pollinated crops, Heterosis.

3 (2+1)

PPS 320: Production of Fruit Trees

Introduction to Pomology (taxonomy-economic importance). Suitable environment for growth and bearing of evergreen and deciduous fruit trees-establishment of fruit trees orchard. Propagation methods and techniques of fruit trees, Cultural practices that applied for fruit trees, First mid-term exam and field trip, Important fruit tree species and cultivars that could be grown in Saudi, Arabia (evergreen fruit crops), Important fruit tree species and cultivars that could be grown in Saudi, Arabia (deciduous fruit crops), 2nd exam and field trip.

2 (1+1)

PPS 324: Production of Date Palm and Dates

Date palm tree (definition – history- economics). Date palm (anatomical structure of tree and fruit), Environmental factors: temperature & soil. Environmental factors: wind, humidity & Light. Horticultural practices: fertilization (organic & mineral), Horticultural practices: irrigation (surface and drop) & fertigation. Special practices in date palm (leaf pruning - removal bunch - bunch thinning). Special practices in date palm (bunch covering and harvesting). Pollination (methods of applications). Pollination (metaxinia and its effects on fruit quality). Common date palm varieties in Saudi Arabia. Date palm pests and diseases. Take advantage of nuclei- date palm fruit in the animal nutrition. Exams.

3 (2+1)

PPS 330: Vegetable Production

Introduction to Horticultural Science, the economic and nutritive values of vegetable crops. Classification of vegetable crops - Vegetable crops propagation. The environmental (climatic, edaphic and nutritive elements) factors affecting growing of vegetable crops. Soil préparation, cultivation, protection methods, irrigation and fertilization. First term theoretical exam. Production of some vegetable crops. Fam: Solanaceae (tomato – potato – eggplant - pepper). Family: Amaryllidaceae (onion - garlic) and Family: Rosaceae (strawberry). Family: Cucurbitaceae (cucumber – squash – water melon - melon - pumpkin). Family: Leguminosae (peas) and some other families including: Cruciferae (cabbage), Malvaceae (okra) and Composite (lettuce). Second mid-term theoretical exam.

3 (2+1)

PPS 342: Field Crop Production

Introduction to field crops and field crops classification. Introduction to cereal crops-wheat. Wheat. Barley, corn. Corn, sorghum. Millet, rice. Faba bean, lentil, check peas, fenugreek. Cotton, flax. Sugarcane, sugar beet. Soybean, sesame. Peanut, sun flower. Cluster bean, safflower. Alfalfa.

2 (1+1)

PPS 347: Weeds and Weed Control

Weed importance, general classification and effects on plant production. Weed establishment, competition and factors affecting competition ability. Weed growth habits, life cycles, dormancy types in seeds. Weed dispersal, propagation, factors affecting seeds viability and survival. Controlling weeds: agricultural quarantine, elimination, agricultural practices, certified seeds and field rotations. Exams.

2 (1+1)

PPS 348: Forage Crop Production

Introduction to the forage importance and development. Forage production and reputation to dairy projects in Saudi Arabia. Ecological and environmental factors affecting forage quality and quantity. Establishing forages as a purestand or in mixtures. Hay and silage importance and preparation. Grazing importance and types. Forage fertilization: in pure stands or in mixtures. Most common forage crops: Alfalfa and clovers, Rhodes grass, barley, oat, Sudan grass, Sorghum, millet, pea, annual legumes. Local issues about forage cultivation, growing, stocking, marketing and future under limited conditions of Saudi Arabia.

2 (1+1)

PPS 352: Afforestation of Dry Areas

Introduction to Afforestation. Definitions and lands exposed to desertification. Afforestation problems in arid and semi-arid zones. Windbreak establishment, Sand dunes (general review, temporary stabilization, permanent stabilization). Planting techniques and maintenance. Ornamental and parks afforestation.

3 (2+1)

PPS 370: Production of Ornamental Plants & Flowers

The importance of ornamental plants and flowers – Various groups of ornamental plants. Tree definition, importance, characteristics and division. Tree propagation, plantation and maintenance. General principles and conditions for selecting and plantation ornamental trees in gardens, parks and streets. Various structural forms of trees, uses of trees in landscape. Important trees species grown under the environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia. Ornamental palm trees - Palm tree characteristics, propagation and plantation. The importance of palms in landscape. Important palm tree species grown in Saudi Arabia. Palm-like trees. Shrub definition, division, and purpose of use. Shrub propagation, plantation and maintenance. General principles for selecting and plantation shrubs. Shrub uses in landscape. Important shrubs species grown under the environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia. First Field Trip First mid-term exam. Hedges, their definition and purposes of use.  Types of hedges. Hedges propagation, plantation and maintenance. Cutting and forming.  Principals for selecting and plantation hedges. Important hedge species grown in Saudi Arabia. Climbers, their definition and purposes of use. Types of climbers. Climbers’ propagation, plantation and maintenance. Principles for selecting and plantation climbers. -Important climber species grown in Saudi Arabia. Herbaceous flowering plants (annuals, biannual, perennials), their definition and importance, propagation, cultivation and maintenance, and landscape uses. Important herbaceous flowering species grown in Saudi Arabia. Flowering bulbs, their definition and division, propagation, cultivation and maintenance, and landscape uses. Flowering bulb storage. Temperature effects on bulbs growth and flowering. Important flowering bulb species grown in Saudi Arabia. Aromatic and medicinal plants- Cacti and succulent plants, aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, ground covers. Study of the economical cut flower species produced and grown in Saudi Arabia. Second Field Trip. Second mid–term exam.

2 (1+1)

PPS 373: Turf Grasses

Definition and importance of turf grasses- Environmental, social, and landscaping benefits of turfgrasses. Turfgrass terminology - Geographical distribution of turfgrasses - Morphological properties of turfgrasses. Evaluation of turfgrass quality, and environmental factors affecting it. Growth and development of turfgrasses. Turfgrass seed germination and factors affecting it. Roots and factors determining their growth- Relation between root and vegetative growth. Various methods of turfgrass propagation and plantation. First turfgrass field trip. First theoretical and practical exams. Turfgrass division (cool and warm season turfgrasses). Characteristics of cool season turfgrasses. Various cool season turfgrass species (their features, adaptability to environmental conditions and cultural requirements). Various warm season turfgrass species (their features, adaptability to environmental conditions and cultural requirements). Soil preparation - Suitable soil for turfgrass plantation - Cultural and maintenance practices (irrigation, fertilization, mowing, aeration and pest control). Second turf grass field trip. Second theoretical and practical exams.   

2 (1+1)

PPS 374: Indoor Plants and Interiorscaping

Importance of indoor plants, purposes of their interiorscaping uses. Divisions of indoor plants and their various species and varieties. Main principles for selecting the indoor plants and their interior uses. Various methods of propagation and production of the indoor plants. Important potting media and mixes used for propagating and growing interior plants. Understanding interior environmental factors affecting the growth and use of indoor plants (temperature, light, humidity and aeration). Cultural factors (maintenance and service processes) affecting    growth of indoor plants (irrigation, fertilization, pruning, pest control). Identification of most popular indoor plants. Plantation of indoor plants. Some cultural operations (repotting, mulching, plant shining spray, seasonal care). Important problems facing indoor plants, and how to overcome them. First theoretical and practical midterm exams. First Field Trip, Various types of containers used for indoor plants. Adaptation and acclimatizing of indoor plants. Methods of interior plants designs. Fundamentals of using and selection plants in interior design. Use of indoor plants in various interior places. (Halls, salons. entrances, setting areas, bathrooms, Kitchens, windows, pillars, room floor). Corners design, appearance change in room size, office design, single specimens, plant groups of spacious and crowded areas. Some special interior plant designs and arrangements: Glass gardens, Bonsai, Hanging baskets, Plant screens, Holders, Fountains, Window and balcony gardens. Second theoretical and practical midterm exams. Second t Field Trip. Use of flowers in interior design. Some basics for flower arrangements in vases and various flower bouquets.

12 (12+0)

PPS 400: Cooperative Training

NQF Learning Domains and Learning Outcomes:  Knowledge: Outline crop cultural practices for plant production under field and greenhouse conditions (Teaching Strategies: group discussion, Assessment Methods: Student’s performance), Recognize different varieties of crops (Teaching Strategies: Consultation with professionals,  Assessment Methods:  Student’s performance), Recognize signs of different crop ripening ( Teaching Strategies: Consultation with faculty members,  Assessment Methods:   Student’s performance), Recall various harvesting methods (Teaching Strategies: Consultation with professionals,  Assessment Methods:  Student’s performance).  Cognitive Skills:  Subdivide assigned complex tasks into their simpler component parts (Teaching Strategies: Group discussion, Assessment Methods:  Written report), Compare methods and techniques used in crop production (Teaching Strategies:  Assessment Methods:  Written report), Plan for cultivation of different crops (Teaching Strategies:  Assessment Methods:  Written report), Design and prepare for harvesting different crops (Teaching Strategies:  Assessment Methods:  Written report).  Interpersonal Skills & Responsibility: Demonstrate ability to participate in planning for various crop cultural practices (Teaching Strategies: Group discussion, Assessment Methods:  Student’s performance), Show ability to act responsibly and ethically in carrying out their field tasks (Teaching Strategies: Group discussion, Assessment Methods:  Student’s performance). Communication, Information Technology, Numerical:Demonstrate ability to extract information on various crop cultural practices (Teaching Strategies:   Group discussion, Consultation with faculty members, Assessment Methods: Written report), Evaluate data collected during field training (Teaching Strategies:   Group discussion, Consultation with faculty members, Assessment Methods:  Oral Presentation).  Psychomotor: N/A (Teaching Strategies: N/A, Assessment Methods: N/A). 

2 (1+1)

PPS 401: Post-harvests Physiology

Introduction of postharvest physiology course: course outline - lecture schedule- recommended reading - practical sessions, course policy and exams. History of preservation   fresh commodity Science theories and principles of postharvest physiology. Development of plant and plant parts of horticultural crops. Nature, structure of harvested horticultural crops. Environmental factors affecting harvested horticultural crops: temperature, humidity, light etc. Respiration: measurement, comparative rates, significance, and affecting factors. Role of plant hormones and ethylene role in    harvested horticultural crops. Water loss: characterization, significance, and affecting factors. Quality parameters of horticultural crops: (physical, chemical and safety parameter), Source of deterioration and loss in harvested horticultural crops Harvesting, handling, packing, cooling and storage of horticultural crops. Processing and fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Physiological disorders of fresh commodities during storage. Briefing on postharvest pathological infection during handling and storage.

2 (2+0)

PPS 402: Organic Farming

Introduction to organic farming, Definitions and objectives of organic farming, Recent world status of organic farming system and progress of organic farming in the Kingdom and other Arabic countries Horticultural crops production under organic farming systems, Steps of converting from traditional agriculture to organic farming. Registration and certifying for farms and products of organic farming, First mid-term theoretical exam, Types of organic fertilizers – Composting and Biogas production, Biological control and integrated pest management (IPM) approach, Organic farming in greenhouses – Revision, Second mid-term theoretical exam.

2 (2+0)

PPS 403:  Protected Cultivation

Introduction to greenhouses management. History of greenhouse, and plant protection structures. Importance of greenhouses, Types and construction of protected structures (tunnels and greenhouses) Covering materials of greenhouses, Controlling the environmental factors affecting vegetable production under greenhouse (temperature and light), Controlling the environmental factors affecting vegetable production under greenhouse (relative humidity and other factors), First mid-term theoretical exam, Tools and methods of vegetable seedlings production, Growing system in the greenhouse, Soilless culture, hydroponics, aeroponics, Commercial production of some vegetable crops under greenhouse (tomato- pepper – cucumber, strawberry…. etc.) + Revision Second mid-term theoretical exam.

2 (1+1)

PPS 404: Principles of Field Experiments

Definitions, terminology, Scope and functions of statistics and experimental design, Elements of scientific experiments Principles of experimental designs, Types of Agricultural experiments, Preparation for field experiments, Completely randomized design (CRD), Randomized complete block design (RCBD), Latin square (LS), Factorial experiments, Split plot, Design Sampling and data collection, Data analysis and results illustration.

2 (0+2)

PPS 405:  Practical Plant Biotechnology

Introduction ,plant molecular biology, lab setting up, buffer preparation, Nucleic Acids structure (DNA and RNA), DNA isolation from plant tissue, DNA quantification (gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometer), PCR Technology, Molecular markers and their applications (RAPD,AFLP, ISSR, SSR, SRAP), Data analysis and results interpretation, Recombinant DNA Technology ( restriction, ligation and modification Enzymes), Recombinant DNA Technology (Cloning victors, Gene transfer), Gene Bank and public data bases search and tools, Applications of biotechnology in agriculture (Gene mapping, plant transformation GMO).

2 (1+1)

PPS 409: Seed Production and Testing

Nature of flowering, pollination and fruit formation Nature of flowering, pollination and fruit formation. Factors affecting seed production. Seed production requirements. Stages of seed production, Hybrid seed production Seed treatment and seed storage, Seed processing, seed certification, Seed testing, Seed technology, Seed viability, Seed index, Seed laws.

2 (2+0)

PPS 410: Crop Breeding

Genetic variation components, Hybrid breeding, Self- and cross-pollinated crops breeding, Polyploidy and plant breeding, Biotechnology in relation to plant breeding, Molecular breeding, Crop genomics.

2 (1+1)

PPS 421: Fruit Trees Physiology

Course Information: Course Outline, Lecture Schedule, Recommended Reading Schedule, Laboratory organization; Contact Persons, Factors affecting fruit trees growth, Genetic factors, Environmental factors, Root physiology, development and mineral uptake, tree fruit root distribution, Definition and classification of mineral nutrients; concentration or function, Mineral contents of fruit trees and soils; concentration and content, Experimental methods in mineral nutrition, Nutrient Availability and Soil Supply Processes - Soil nutrient availability; inputs, losses, retention - Soil supply processes; interception, mass flow and diffusion - Nutrient uptake - Plant and soil factors affecting nutrient uptake, Assimilation and Functions of Mineral Nutrients in fruit trees Metabolism - N assimilation and functions; deficiency effects and symptoms - P functions; deficiency effects and symptoms - Mycorrhizal symbioses; effects on N and P acquisition - S assimilation and functions; deficiency effects and symptoms - Functions of other macronutrients; deficiency effects and symptoms - Functions of micronutrients and beneficial elements; deficiency effects and symptoms, Foliar and fertilization, Ecological and Genetic Aspects of Mineral Nutrition, Weather factors - Temperature stresses - Light (training and pruning of fruit trees, physiological effects of pruning- vegetative growth – fruiting relationship, light management) - Interactions between temperature and light General stress response mechanisms of fruit trees, Salinity: stress response mechanisms - Toxic ion effects - Nutritional effects - Osmotic stress, Stress response mechanisms - Drought – Flooding, water relations.

2 (2+0)

PPS 446: Production of Field Crops under Stress

Identification of environmental factors either biotic or abiotic, Climatic factors affecting in plant growth. Crop response to climatic factors Light effects, Drought effects, Salinity effects, Soil fertilization, Other climatic factors affecting crop growth, Midterm exam, Plant Growth under stresses & plant mechanisms, Environmental Stress Physiology, Adaptation & acclimation of plant to stresses, Methods for improving crop production under different stresses.

2 (1+1)

PPS 460:  Range Survey & Monitoring

Rangeland sampling and measurements (production, cover, density, frequency, abundance). Range site characterization. Mid-term exam, Estimation of rangeland carrying capacity. Setting stocking rate. Determination of utilization. Evaluation of rangeland condition and trend.

2 (1+1)

PPS 476: Landscaping of Gardens and Parks

Historical development of gardens landscape – Common styles of garden design, Environmental impacts of gardens and Parks, Principles of landscape design, Constructional and plant materials of gardens and parks, Factors influencing garden components, Landscape uses and functions of plants, Types of gardens and parks, Characteristics and distinguished features of Saudi gardens, and their obstacles and solutions, Public gardens and national parks in Saudi Arabia.

1 (0+1)

PPS 495: Seminar

Choosing a topic, Collecting scientific material, Writing a report, Preparing PowerPoint presentation, Oral presentation by the student.