Horticultural Production & Marketing - Course Descriptions

First Year

I. Semester

Botany as a science, scope of botany, its history, plants and man, etnobotany, living systems, introduction to classification, plant cell structure, basic cell functions, plant cell specializations, plant tissues: meristems, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed and fruit.

CHEM 101 Chemistry I (2, 2) 3

This course is based on understanding the theory of general chemistry designed for engineering majors. Topics include the necessary mathematical background, matter and energy; atoms, molecules, and ions; chemical reactions; periodicity and atomic structure; chemical bonding; thermo-chemistry; properties and behavior of gases; solutions and their properties; aqueous equilibria and acids-bases; and electrochemistry.

COMP 113  Computer Application (1, 2) 2

Students are introduced to the use of basic programs such as word processor, spread sheets, graphic and presentation programs. By preparing various projects the student will prepare texts, collect, summarize and present data in way that is needed for his further study. During the second part of the course the Internet and its application will be covered with emphasizes on how to search and collect information, how to handle Internet sources and information and basic Internet security issues.

MATH 113 Mathematics (3, 0) 3

The purpose of this course is to provide an appropriate mathematical background for students who wish to enter occupations which require the use of basic mathematical techniques. The direction taken by the course in focusing on mathematical skills and techniques that have direct application to agricultural study.

ENGL 121 English I (3, 0) 3

The primary aim of this course is to help students to develop study skills, which will improve their overall performance and competence on their program. The course will also focus on specific language skills, in order to increase the students’ knowledge of grammatical structures, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, speaking and key features of academic English.

TURK100 Turkish (2, 0) 2

Introduction to the grammar and structure of Turkish language the changes and developments oral and written presentations. Reading and analyzing essays in Turkish literature this course is designed for Turkish speaking students.

PHYS 105 Physics I (3, 0) 3

This course is the first in a two semester series of general physics designed for engineering majors. A study of the basic concepts in physics including forces and basic principles of vectors, motion in one dimension, motion in two dimensions, Newton's Laws of motion, work and energy, potential energy and conservation of energy.

II. Semester

AGRI 112 Botany II (2, 2) 3

This course covers the topics of absorption and transport systems, photosynthesis, the control of growth and development, plant growth substances, respiration, lower vascular plants, gymnosperms, angiosperms, some important plant families: asteraceae, cucurbitacee, gramineae, leguminosae, liliaceae, pinaceae, rosaceae. Also it introduce to plant ecology.

CHEM 102 Chemistry II (2,2) 3

The primary aim of this course is to help the students to understand basic chemistry subjects such as stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetic, kinetics, acids and bases, redox and finding practical roles of chemistry in agricultural sciences.

BUSN 102 Introduction to Business (3, 0) 3

This course aims to enhance the student's ability to understand the business enterprise and how decision makers in firms resolve their problems. Topics covered include: The functions of business organizations; types of business organizations and their objectives.

AGRI 114 Ecology (3, 0) 3

Ecology introduces ecological topics ranging from ecosystems to individual organisms. Some of the topics introduced in the course include the nature of ecology as a science, the individual and its physical environment, population distribution and growth, biodiversity, and community dynamics. Ecological concepts will be explained using examples from diverse habitats and across a broad spectrum of taxa. Special topics include evolutionary process, population ecology, community ecology and behavioral ecology.

ENGL 122 English II (3, 0) 3

The primary aim of this course is to help students develop study skills including use of dictionaries and reference materials, finding relevant sources in the library. Tuition will be given in paraphrasing, summarizing information, writing short essays and short research reports that are clear in terms of overall structure, organization, and development of ideas, and which demonstrate on appropriate academic style. Students will also participate in discussions and debates, putting forward clear ideas, opinions and argument, plus give short oral presentations in class.

HIST 100 History of Turkish Reforms (2, 0) 2

A history of the construction of the Turkish Republic under the light of Kemal Atatürk’s principles, and a brief history of Cyprus covering the Ottoman Rule, British Rule, the foundation of the Republic of Cyprus, civil strife, the intervention of Turkey and the political developments until the establishment of the TRNC.

Second Year

III. Semester

AGRI 207 Soil Science        (3, 0) 3

This course starts with the classification of soils, the different classification systems, and genesis of soils will be dealt with. Later the physical and chemical properties of different soil types and their manipulation and endangerment due to agricultural practices are presented. Basic soil-water and soil-plant are presented, focusing on knowledge important for fertilization and irrigation.

AGRI 217 Phytopathology (3, 0) 3

Principles and concepts of plant pathogenesis, plant disease epidemiology, plant disease management at the level of the whole plant and in plant populations; impact and control of significant plant disease. Non-infectious diseases: environmental factors causing plant diseases, Plant Diseases caused by fungi, Plant Diseases caused by Prokaryotes: Bacteria/ Phytoplasma, Plant Diseases caused by Viruses/ Viroids.

AGRI 215 Basics of Vegetable Production (3,0) 3

The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of the principles of vegetable growing. The course starts with the classification of vegetables, their economic importance and nutrition values. The major topics of the course are “vegetable production systems and exploitation forms”, “ecological and economical factors influencing vegetable production, “planning a vegetable garden”, “seed propagation and seedling production”, “soil preparation”, “seeding and transplanting”, “management practices” and “crop rotation”. Harvesting, postharvest handling, storage and market preparation of vegetables are also discussed.

AGRI 227 Agricultural Economics (3, 0) 3

Scope of agricultural economics as a social science; development of agricultural economics as a separate scientific branch consumer behavior and demand for agricultural commodities; producer behavior and agricultural supply; law of diminishing returns; markets and market equilibrium; price determination in different types of markets i.e., perfect competition, oligopoly and monopoly; elasticity concept and its applications in agricultural economics, functions of agriculture in national and international economics.

AGRI 221 Genetics (3, 0) 3

The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of prokaryote and eukaryote cell structure, organelles and their functions. Individual differences found in animal and plant cells. The course provides basic fundamentals of genetics and their application to contemporary issues. Major topics include DNA structure and replication, the chromosomal basis of inheritance, protein synthesis, and genetic engineering. Special topics may include cloning, genetic basis of disease, agricultural crop breeding, reproductive technologies, and the conservation of genetic diversity in nature. Details of some of the major discoveries involving genetics and inheritance Mendel, Darwin, Watson and Crick.

AGRI 229 Basics of Fruit production (2, 0) 2

The course is designed to inform the student with the botanical characteristics, taxonomic classification, fruit production trends, cultural practices, and nutritional value of major fruit crops. The basic botanical and horticultural concepts related to fruit culture will be emphasized.

AGRI 225 Agricultural Mechanization (2,0) 2

The students will be made familiar with machinery used in agri- and horticulture and the possibilities of mechanization in agriculture. The main subjects presented are machinery and mechanization in agri- and horticulture, performance characteristics of various machinery, maintenance requirements, cost analysis, and energy technologies.

Second Year

IV. Semester

AGRI 216 Plant Physiology (3, 0) 3

Plant physiology emphasizes on biochemical processes involved in plant development, plant growth and their effects on various yield factors. The function and interactions of plant hormones and their effect on dormancy, sink and source relationships within the plant, flower set, fruit set and pollination and the use of synthetic hormones in horticulture are covered. Effects of environmental factors like temperature, light, humidity, etc. on plant physiology are discussed.

AGRI 218 Entomology (3, 0) 3

This course starts with a general introduction into insect pests. Learning arthropod phylogeny and insect orders; such as Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera, Homoptera and Coleoptera. Learning external anatomy of insects; insect’s head, antennae, thorax, legs. General introduction into pest control tactics such as chemical, cultural and biological control methods.

AGRI 226 Plant Biochemistry (3,0) 3

Principle of biochemistry, water, hydrogen bonding, pH, and buffers are shown. Amino acids, their general formula and tree dimensional structure, the structure and properties of the individual amino acids and some small peptides of physiological interests are shown. Besides structure of monosaccarides, oligosaccarides, polysaccarides, and glycoproteins are topics of this course. The definitions of a lipid, interplay of the forces that determine primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of proteins are substantial part of the course. Also, Students will use plant tissue culture as a means of laboratory micropropagation and plant conservation. The plant molecular biology will be used to analyse the genetic diversity of plant communities.

AGRI 228 Field Crops (3, 0) 3

This course gives information about history and economics of field crops in the world, classification of field crops, preparation of seedbeds, tillage and harvesting practices of field crops. Also includes description and biology of cereals, legumes, and forage crops, root crops such as potatoes and also about sugar plants.

AGRI 204 Plant and Soil Laboratory (2, 2) 3

This laboratory course is designed to develop understanding of the nature of plant response to soil applications of essential nutrients, nutrient sources and methods of application. To familiarize students with some of the properties and processes that determines the behavior of soil as a medium for plant growth. To conduct plant analysis as a means of identifying natural disorders. Learn to perform soil analysis and use it is as a tool for assessing the fertility status of the soil and to be able to make fertilizer recommendations. Students will have hands-on experience using different types of equipment to conduct various measurements of soil properties and plant analysis.

AGRI 222 Vegetable Production (3, 0) 3

In this course the most important vegetables belonging to Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Malvaceae, Fabaceae, Amaryllidacea, Brassicaceae, Umbelliferae, Chenopodiacea and Compositae families and their growing techniques and technologies will be described. In each crop, information about their origin and distribution in the world, morphological and biological characteristics, cultivars and types of varieties, soil and climatic requirements, propagation methods, seeding and planting, management systems, maintenance procedures, pests and diseases are presented. In addition, harvesting and post-harvest processing of vegetables and also packing and marketing are also discussed.

Third Year

V. Semester

AGRI 311 Irrigation Techniques (2,0) 2

This course describes various irrigation systems used in agri- and horticulture in field and under cover. Focusing on the principle that a particular crop water requirement demands a specific irrigation technique, essential system requirements will be discussed. Besides classical irrigation systems, centre-pivot irrigation systems, micro-irrigation and surface micro- irrigation systems are topics of the course. Fertigation techniques irrigation systems efficiency and application efficiencies are substantial part of the course.

AGRI 313 Diseases of Horticultural Plants (2, 2) 3

After describing the concept of abiotic and biotic stress of plants the course describes the various pathogens a horticultural student has to deal with: Virus, Bacteria, Fungi, and Nematodes. Life cycles and ecological properties of each pathogen group are described selecting important diseases of horticultural plants. Field trips and laboratory work will make the student familiar with identification of diseases on symptomatological base and on collecting and preserving symptomatic plant organs.

AGRH 315 Horticultural Techniques (3, 0)3

The aim of the course is introduce student to Horticultural practice in an experiential learning format. Plant identification, seeding, propagation, pruning, grafting, cultivation media, pesticide application and safety are examined in the context of integrated crop management. Plant propagation techniques for the commercial and home propagator will be explained. Various methods of plant propagation such as tissue culture, seed, cutting, layering, grafting, and division will be covered. Emphasis will be given on mist propagation system construction and operation.

MARK 301 Principles of Marketing (3, 0) 3

This course is design to introduce students to marketing both as a vital business philosophy and as a key functional area. Topics covered are: Essentials of marketing, strategic planning, the marketing environment, marketing research, consumer markets, consumer behavior, organisational markets, measuring and forecasting demand, market segmentation, market targeting and market positioning.

AGRI 319 Basic Statistics (2, 2) 3

This is an introductory course in statistics. The course is planned so that students learn the basic concepts needed in probability theory and statistics. It familiarises students with statistical terms such as population, sample, sample size, random variable, mean, variance, and much more. The course covers materials such as collecting data, graphical methods, descriptive statistics, regression and correlation, probability basics, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.

AGRI 303 Field Practice I (2,2) 3

This course will make the student familiar with all tasks which is necessary in horticulture. Vegetable production in field and greenhouse, orchard and greenhouse management and nursery production topics will be given to the students and students will be involved in field works.

Third Year

VI. Semester

AGRI 306 Temperate and Subtropical Fruits (3, 0) 3

Principles of fruit production, emphasizing on temperate zone and subtropical fruits are the main subject of this course. Within this course integrated management of temperate and subtropical fruit cropping systems including site selection, cultural and management practices, taxonomic classifications, physiological and environmental control of plant development will be covered. Subject matter will include orchard establishment, applied crop physiology and production methods. In addition, insect and disease management, soil science, hydrology, and genetics and plant breeding will be discussed.

AGRH 308 Pests of Horticultural Plants (2,2) 3

This course describes insect pest management and tactics in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Learning citrus pests, strawberry pests, peach and nectarines pests, grape pests, olive pests, important vegetable pests and their control methods. During the lab hours, the insect specimens and insect damages on horticultural crops shown to the students.

AGRI 314 Plant Nutrition (3, 0) 3

This is a basic course on principles of plant mineral nutrition and nutrient management. Macro-micro-elements, mechanism of mineral uptake from soil, mineral movement and storage within plants will be discussed. Fertilization basics for agronomic crops, vegetables, floriculture, and fruit crops will be covered.

AGRI 316 Agricultural Policy (3,0) 3

Analytical treatment of historical and current economic problems and governmental policies influencing Turkish agriculture. Uses of economic theory to develop historical and conceptual understanding of the economics of agriculture; how public policy influences the nature and performance of Turkish agriculture. Current and historically important policies related to agriculture, including subsidies and regulations related to markets, prices and production.

AGRH 322 Research and Experimental Methods (2, 2) 3

Introduction to the planning and execution of agricultural experiments. The principles of scientific experimentation. Statistical methods commonly used in agricultural research and experimental biology. Descriptive statistics, T-Test, Analysis of Variance, Regression analysis, parametric and non parametric test and their uses. Experimental designs in order to avoid or reduce confounding factors and pseudoreplication.

AGRH 302 Field Practice II (2,2) 3

In this course, students will practice different pruning and grafting methods, also different insect pest management and weed control tactics. Students will also use agricultural equipments in the field such as tractor.

AGRI 320 Practical Internship (0,0) 0

Summer Training is compulsory for all students at the end of the third year. Its period must be minimum four weeks and students are required to prepare a report. Institutions for the summer training are selected together with the students.

Fourth Year

VII. Semester

AGRH 425 Organic Farming (3, 0) 3

This course gives information on organic farming; organic farming methods, organic pest & disease control and weed management in organic farming. Also European Union organic farming regulations are explained during this course.

AGRH 413 Plant Breeding (3, 0) 3

This course includes all aspects on most important breeding aims for important crops as quality, storage ability, pest and disease resistance or tolerance. It outlines of the modern breeding objectives. It gives information about breeding tactics such as crossing, mutation, selection and general aspects of tissue culture.

AGRH 415 Citriculture (3, 0) 3

This course gives an overview about the citrus production worldwide and the Mediterranean Basin in particular. Topics covered are: orchard establishment (rootstock and scion selection and nurseries), crop production, economics of crop production, crop health and post harvest considerations. Students are also introduced in description of the main cultivated citrus varieties in the world.

AGRH 421 Graduation Project (0,6) 3

In the graduation project the student should show his ability to solve a specific problem in horticulture utilizing the knowledge obtained during his education in the different fields of horticulture. The problem and the solution should both be based on a strong interdisciplinary and practical approach. The solution should be presented in different parts including the analysis of the problem, evaluation of different solution models, synthesis of feasibility and economy and a critical review of the proposed solutions.

AGRH 409 Greenhouse Technologies (2, 2) 3

The design and structures of greenhouse, the material used in greenhouse construction (steel, aluminum, glass, PVC, concrete, etc.) as well as heating and cooling systems, and systems for irrigation and fertilization are shown in detail. The student is also introduced to temperature, humidity and light control systems used in greenhouses, different designs, depending on use of the greenhouse (vegetable, flower (cut and potted), propagation, quarantine, etc.) is presented.

Fourth Year

VIII. Semester

This course describes growing grapes, grape species and varieties of the world, grapevine morphology, fruit growth and development. In addition, it gives information about vineyard management such as irrigation, fertilization, pruning, insect pest management, disease control.

AGRH 408 Greenhouse Productions (3, 0) 3

This course will provide to student basic information on protected cultivation of important vegetable species for protected cultivation and starts with principles and practices utilized in growing and maintaining greenhouse crops. Also this course is designed to introduce students to greenhouse construction; heating/cooling and maintenance.

AGRH 402 Agriculture and Environment (3, 0) 3

This course starts with a general introduction to land, water and soil resources in agriculture. It gives brief information on agricultural revolution, green revolution and blue revolution. Students will learn agricultural practices impact on the quality of our health, land, water and air.

AGRH 418 Post Harvest Physiology (3, 0) 3

To understand the quantitative factors affecting postharvest losses of horticultural crops, including physiological and biochemical considerations, and compositional and physical changes occur during maturation and senescence.

Elective Courses

AGRI 401 Plant Biotechnology (3, 0) 3

The aim of this course is to provide enough information and examples to give the students a sound knowledge of plant biotechnology in all its various dimensions included its potential and application areas. The major topics studied in the course are plant tissue culture, molecular markers and genetic engineering. Regulation of genetically modified (GM) crops; economic, social, moral and ethical impacts of plant biotechnology; and future prospects for plant biotechnology and GM crops are also discussed.

AGRH 423 Floriculture (3,0) 3

The course discusses the production of floriculture crops with emphasis on environmental manipulation and scheduling of crop growth and development for targeted market periods. Specific flowering crops are used as models to demonstrate potted flowering plant, cut flower, including cut flower production, bedding plant production, and potted flowering plant production strategies. 

AGRH 411 Processing of Horticultural Crops (3,0) 3

To understand the methods of processing horticultural crops including drying, fermenting, canning, freezing, preserving and juicing.

AGRH 427 Woody Ornamentals (2, 2) 3

A detailed study of identification and use of ornamental trees and shrubs, and basic design principles are introduced.

AGRH 429 Biodiversity (1,2) 2

This course describes ecology, community and ecosystems. Definition of the habitat and biomes. Defining the water environment, lake and stream ecosystems. Introduction to marine ecosystem and coastal zone. Classification of organisms, defining web of life. Students learn the major threats to biodiversity and what natural and social science methods and alternatives are used to stop the threats.

AGRH 430 Seminars (0, 2) 1

This course provides preparing oral presentation in horticultural areas, and literature review, research results or published paper of relevance to horticulture.

PM 103 Landscape Architecture (3, 0) 3

The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of Landscape Architecture profession, which is defined as the art and science of planning or designing on the land: arranging and creating spaces and objects in a landscape for safe, efficient, healthful and pleasant human use. The course focuses on design continuum of living landscapes from wilderness, to managed forests, to rural landscapes, to suburbia and to our cities, towns and new communities.

AGRH 422 Seed Technology (3,0) 3

Vegetable seed production and trade has become now an important sector in world over. The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of vegetable seed industry. The course starts with variety registration, variety types and seed categories. The major topics of the course are the production, certification, field and laboratory controls, storage, packaging; commercialization and distribution of vegetable seeds. The rules and regulations concerning seed business and their scientific bases are also discussed. As case study, seed production in some major warm season and winter vegetable crops are presented.

AGRI 404 Agricultural Economics, Marketing and Entrepreneuralship (3, 0) 3

An introduction to economic analysis in a management environment in agricultural sector. The emphasis given to management problem-solving techniques under various situations. The business side of agriculture and its unique characteristics. Alternative managerial options under government agricultural policy; marketing of agricultural products, marketing systems, approaches to agricultural marketing; international marketing and trade concept of comparative advantage applied to agriculture, macroeconomic policy linkages to agriculture and agribusiness.

AGRH 426 Meteorology (2, 0) 2

This course introduces the study of the weather, including atmospheric properties and processes that control temperature, wind, precipitation, and storm systems. Students also discuss weather forecasting, air pollution, and climate change.

AGRH 428 Surveying Techniques (2, 2) 3

Surveying techniques in agricultural and in biological sciences are examined in this lecture. In addition; design of sampling methods for collecting good quality data, soil sampling, insect sampling, leaf nutrient analysis, sampling and surveying of plant communities are introduced.

AGRI 406 Nursery Management (2, 2) 3

This course introduces to the study of planning and classification of nurseries. Also, generative and vegetative reproduction of seedlings, new developments, used systems for production of seedlings, training will be applied. Renewal and maintenance of nurseries, farming tools and systems used in space and organization, marketing and issues will be discussed.

AGRH 416 Feasibility Analysis (3, 0) 3

Acquaints students with agricultural project concept, costs and benefits, budgeting, cash flow analysis, time value of money, cost-benefit, internal rate of return.

AGRI 431 Weed Science (1, 2) 2