PLSCI 4500

Fruit Crop Physiology

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

We will be studying the physiology of perennial fruit crop production with an emphasis on the biochemical and genetic mechanisms by which fruit crops function and interact with the environment. The class focuses on temperate fruit trees, grapevines, and small-fruits that are commercially grown in the Northeastern U.S., but other species will be highlighted on occasion. Topics include: flower development, pollination and fertilization, cold hardiness, fruit set and growth, plant growth regulators, carbon acquisition and partitioning, soil-root interactions, mineral nutrition, and water transport. Additionally, we will highlight critical challenges to fruit crop production, such as climate change and soil degradation. Course readings will largely come from journal articles. Students will lead and participate in discussions, write a review article, and learn how to evaluate scientific methods.

Prerequisites PLSCI 1420 or PLSCI 3420.

Enrollment Information Recommended prerequisites: PLSCI 3350 or PLSCI 3575 or PLSCI 4520 or PLSCI 4140 or NTRES 3250.

Distribution Requirements (AFS-AG, BSC-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP, 2022SP, 2020SP, 2018SP

Learning Outcomes

• Apply physiological processes to temperate fruit crop plants and planting systems.
• Evaluate scientific methods and experimental designs used to study fruit crops.
• Synthesize complex phenomena and present information in a concise written format.
• Facilitate discussions based upon course readings.

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