PLNT 5293
Plant Response to Water Stress
Instructor: Dr. Bjorn Martin
Credit Hours: 3
Semesters Offered: F
Prerequisite:BOT 3463, BIOCH 3653
Office Hours: Open door policy except one hour before class meets. If I am not in my office, please make an appointment through the secretary in 162 Ag Hall (744-6414).
Physiological ramifications of water deficit stress on cells, tissues, plants and canopies. Discussion of the soil/plant/atmosphere continuum, and avoidance and tolerance mechanisms leading to drought resistance. Photosynthesis, transpiration, and water-use efficiency and their relationship to biomass accumulation and crop yield.
Course Objectives
To become familiar with movement of water through the soil/plant/atmosphere continuum, with emphasis on the plant; to learn concepts and terminology relating to plant water relations, water stress, and water stress resistance; to understand the mechanistic foundations of contrasting water stress resistance among plants; to realize the links between water availability and use, water stress, and plant productivity.
Course Outline
- Stress concepts and terminology
- About water in general
- Water in biological systems
- Techniques to measure plant water relations
- Electrical resistance analogue of plant gas exchange
- Water deficit (drought) stress
- Morphological/anatomical effects
- Physiological effects
- Drought injury classifications
- Plant adaptation/acclimation to water deficit stress
- Water excess stress
Exams, Major Assignments, Policy of Attendance, and Grading
Two 100 point written exams plus a 150 point comprehensive final exam will be given. Notice about dates of tests will be given at least one week in advance. Each student will be required to do library research on a subject relevant to the class, write an essay on the subject and make an oral summary presentation in class. The essay and presentation count jointly for 50 points toward the final grade. Students will also be required to write a research proposal (see outline below) that counts for 50 points toward the final grade. Fifty points toward the final grade will depend on attendance, participation in class discussions, and scores on possible unannounced quizzes. Notification of time for oral presentation and deadlines for the essay and the proposal will be given in class. Both the essay and the proposal should be written by the student as assignments in this course. Already existing documents, no matter how much modified, are not allowed. Make-up exams will be administered during final examination week. Make-up exams may be written or oral.
The research proposal (format: modified USDA/NRI proposal, 5-10 double spaced pages) should include the following components:
Summary: One page abstract of all components of the full proposal.
Introduction: Define the problem you wish to work with. Present previous work in the area by reviewing relevant literature. List objectives.
Rationale and Significance: State the need to complete the project, and how success with the research will benefit Oklahoma, the United States, and the World.
Experimental Plan: Describe the design of experiments and the techniques that will be used to collect data.
Budget: On a separate sheet, list costs for the proposed project (such as labor, materials and supplies, equipment, travel, publication). For simplicity, use a fringe benefits rate of 30% and an indirect cost rate of 45%. Justify costs on a separate budget explanation sheet.
Literature Cited: List relevant publications. Use the format of Crop Science.
Grading Scale:
A >90%B 81-90%
C 71-80%
D 61-70%
F <61%
The scale will not be raised, but it may be lowered.
Text Materials and Mode of Teaching
The course text book is Paul J. Kramer and J.S. Boyer (1995) Water Relations of Plants and Soils, Academic Press, San Diego, ISBN 0-12-425060-2. Lectures will use numerous examples from other identified sources. Exams will cover the textbook and all other materials brought up in class.Drop and Add Policy
University regulations.
