Aims

This module aims to provide students with detailed knowledge and encourage understanding of the physiological, agronomic and other key factors which affect the physical and financial performance of the major temperate combinable crops. Students will develop skills in researching, organising and presenting scientific information, in verbal and written forms, both individually and in small groups.

Outline Of Syllabus

Cereal physiology, agronomy and management as it influences growth and yield.
Tillage practices, G x E interactions on growth, yield and quality of cereals, canopy management, apical development and vernalisation, managing cereal rooting systems, lodging, dwarfing genes, soluble stem carbohydrates, source:sink relations, yield component compensation, cereal ideotypes.

Cereal quality and markets
Factors influencing global supply, consumption and trade of wheat and barley. Grain quality as influenced by genotype and the environment

Grain legume physiology and management

Oilseed Rape: growth, physiology and production
Techniques for successful establishment of oilseed rape, potential actual and record yields, canopy management, rooting, apetalous OSR, pre-harvest treatments, crop ideotypes

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will develop a deep understanding of crop growth and development with respect to improvement via agronomic management. Small group teaching enables students to communicate effectively and to develop their depth of understanding with respect to a range of subject areas linked to crop improvement. Fieldwork links the applied nature of the module with information on crop growth, development and management and further develops skills in terms of the handling and analysis of plant material.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination assesses a students understanding of the physiological basis of crop growth and yield of the major temperate combinable crops as influenced by variety, environment and management which is provided via the lectures and practical visits suplemented with relevant information from other sources.
The practical report enables students to integrate knowledge and understanding acquired over the course of the module and to develop key skills that are essential in practical, commercial and/or research situations.