Horticulture (Plant Diseases and Chemicals) OpenCourseWare: USU's Free Bachelor Level Horticulture Course on Plant Diseases

Published Mar 24, 2009

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The 'Plant Diseases & Chemicals' OpenCourseWare helps students learn to identify and fight plant diseases using residential and commercial pesticides. This undergraduate-level course is ideal for students interested in studying Agriculture, Horticulture or Botany and is offered free online by Utah State University.

Plant Diseases & Chemicals: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes Yes Yes Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes No No

Plant Diseases & Chemicals: Course Description

Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that focuses on the growth and development of flowers, fruits and vegetables, as well as plants used for landscaping. Not only does horticulture incorporate scientific principles and technology, but it also welcomes artistic sensibilities. The 'Plant Diseases & Chemicals' OpenCourseWare is led by Utah State University Extension Plant Pathologist, Dr. Sherm Thompson, who outlines the chemicals used to control the development and spread of plant diseases. This undergraduate-level class also focuses on the diagnosis of plant diseases. Dr. Thompson compares this diagnostic process to a detective collecting clues to solve a crime or a doctor diagnosing a patient. The course materials stress the importance of careful observation, thoughtful questioning and an open mind when determining the cause of a plant's illness. When the spread of diseases among plants is left to nature, Dr. Thompson explores why some plants die off while others thrive.

This horticulture OpenCourseWare makes downloadable videos of course lectures available for free online. If you'd like to learn more, visit the horticulture course page.

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