AGROSTOLOGY
AGR2AGS
Not currently offered
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Agrostology is the branch of botany relating to grasses (Poaceae). In this subject, students will build on the concepts previously taught in Turf Management and a sound basis in agrostology for Turf Managers. Key areas taught include grass taxonomy, morphology, identification, basic physiology, genetics and breeding systems, establishment methods, growth habit, performance as a turf species or control as weed species. This subject will underpin later learning in plant physiology, water use and pest control. This subject will allow students to combine theory with practice via field trips and laboratory exercises on grass morphology and systematics, the collection and identification of grasses, and the evaluation of key specific characteristics such as water use rate, herbicide tolerance, growth habit, density, texture and overall turf quality.
School: School of Life Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Penelope Smith
Available to Study Abroad Students: No
Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG
Exchange Students: No
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: AGR1TM1 and must be admitted into SBATE.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Turfgrass: Science and Culture | Prescribed | Beard, J.B. (1973) | Prentice-Hall, NJ |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Collect, prepare and identify to genus level a range of turf species
- Activities:
- Students will undertake laboratory exercises to identify standard species, and collect specimens on field trips.
02. Explain the breeding mechanism and plant breeding techniques used for the ten major turfgrass species
- Activities:
- Lectures and further reading, on-line activities and workshop discussions
03. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of photosynthetic types in turfgrass applications
- Activities:
- Lectures and further reading, on-line activities and workshop discussions
04. Explain the origin and key morphological and physiological features of each sub-tribe and tribe selected grass species and their sub-families
- Activities:
- Lectures and further reading, on-line activities and workshop discussions
05. Select a turfgrass species and plan its establishment for any particular location and end-use
- Activities:
- Lectures and further reading, on-line activities and workshop discussions