Course coordinator
Consultation is by appointment. To make an appointment, please email r.cave@uq.edu.au
Principles and practices of horticultural production covering nursery, fruit, vegetables and floriculture industries. Based on an understanding of the horticultural science of plant growth and development and its manipulation, from propagation through to postharvest.
This course is designed for students wanting to study the science and technology of producing nursery, fruit, vegetable and flower crops. Your studies will include the operation of the various industries and aspects of the botany, growth cycles and cultural practices of a range of horticultural crop plants.ᅠIt is suitable for people interested in diverse careers in horticulture including allied industries (agribusiness, services and agricultural supplies providers)ᅠand research as well as production management.
Recommended pre-requisites are courses in Plant Biology, Plant Physiology and Horticultural Science.ᅠSome knowledge of basic plant biology including plant structure and function, classification, reproduction, physiology,ᅠnutrition and the influence of climatic variables and soil characteristics on plant growth may be assumed.ᅠStudents without this background should still be able to succeed in the course but should seek guidance from the lecturer during the course where they find they lack the background.
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
HORT3003 (co-taught)
This course is jointly-taught with:
Co-taught with HORT3003. Lectures and field trips are shared.
Consultation is by appointment. To make an appointment, please email r.cave@uq.edu.au
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The course runs concurrently with HORT3003 (undergraduate course).
Students enrolled in external mode will not be expected to attend face-to-face lectures and field trips. However, there will be two all-day field trips (Week 5 and 10) and one Brisbane Fresh Market (week 10 TBC) field trip that are optional, non compulsory, that can be attended by External students.
To develop an understanding of the vegetable, floriculture, nursery crop and fruit production systems. To apply the understanding of horticultural science to horticultural technology and practice, and crop improvement. To gain a global perspective of horticultural production including the cultural and management practices, product distribution (postharvest) and marketing.
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Evaluate production practices used in commercial nursery crop production.
LO2.
Outline the factors that shape the fruit production industry with reference to the cultural and management practices associated with perennial fruit crop production.
LO3.
Outline the contemporary issues that shape the vegetable industry with reference to the cultural and management practices for a range of warm and cool season vegetable crops for the fresh, processing and export sectors of the vegetable industry.
LO4.
Outline the factors that shape the floriculture industry with reference to the cultural and management practices for floriculture production.
LO5.
Evaluate the positive and negative interaction of invertebrates with horticulture crops pre- and post-harvest.
LO6.
Describe key postharvest factors that influence fruit and vegetable quality and shelf life and the techniques used to reduce fresh produce losses/wastage.
LO7.
Prepare a solution proposal addressing a contemporary challenge relating to production horticulture.
LO8.
Communicate scientific solutions clearly in both written and spoken forms to a general audience.
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Improving productivity with robotics (automated technology) | 20% |
23/08/2024 2:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Introduction of a new crop | 25% |
13/09/2024 2:00 pm |
Presentation | Oral presentation | 15% |
16/10/2024 2:00 pm |
Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
23/08/2024 2:00 pm
Interest in robotics (automated technology) is increasing in the horticulture sector due to a number of reasons, but particularly due to challenges associated with sourcing human labour for repetitive tasks. As the development officer of a medium to large horticulture enterprise, prepare a proposal for your manager for the implementation of robotics (automated technology) into a production sector of the company to improve productivity. To complete this assignment, you may find it useful to first explore the definition of robotics (automated technology), then select a horticulture industry of your choice (e.g., nursery, floriculture, vegetables or fruit) and for a particular enterprise (e.g., stone fruit orchard, hydroponic strawberry farm), research a production task/process that would benefit from the use of robotics.
Note, selecting a production task/process where robotics (automated technology) are not already commonly used will demonstrate a higher level of critical thinking. For example, equipment that is used to sort individual fruit by weight and colour are commonly used in packing sheds, however, you may find equipment designed for packing lines with new capabilities and benefits that would be appropriate for this assignment.
Guide for preparing the proposal
Background
Outline the horticulture industry you have selected and explain the horticulture practice/process you have chosen and why robotics (automated technology) should be considered. Economic factors are likely to be the main motivation, however, other horticultural, social and environmental factors should be considered. (200 words)
Proposed robotics
Describe how the horticulture task/process can be accomplished with robotics (automated technology). Ensure that you include scientific, plant/crop physiology, literature to support your argument. For example, if a robot is used to prune fruit trees, explain the scientific reason for the removal of wood, i.e., yield and tree health. (800 words)
Benefits and constraints
Describe the benefits and constraints of using robotics (automated technology) for the particular horticulture task/process you have chosen. The benefits could include production advantages, improved/consistent quality, workplace safety, economic and social gains, and environmental sustainability. The main constraint is likely to be cost, however, other constraints should also be identified and justified. Ensure that you use scientific literature and reports from reputable sources to support your statements. For example, you could research the injuries associated with a manual task the robotics (automated technology) would replace or perhaps the robotics (automated technology) themselves will introduce new safety problems. (1200 words)
References
The majority of your papers should be published within the last 10 years. You are welcome to use any referencing style, provided you are consistent, or you may use the style set by the American Psychological Association style (APA). The most recent version of APA is the APA 7th style. https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/apa7
General Presentation
Your proposal should contain images. However. links to videos will not be suitable as the marker will not access content contained in links.
Your assignment should contain headings and subheadings for clarity, and images (with sources referenced).
Length: 2200 words +/- 10%, not including in-text references, reference list and figure captions.
Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
A failure to reference MT use and / or the use of generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
13/09/2024 2:00 pm
Students are to prepare a proposal and justification for the introduction of a new crop for cultivation under Australian climatic conditions. As a horticulture consultant working for a company in Australia you are tasked to explore a possible new horticultural crop that could be suggested to growers, as an alternative to existing commodities crops (such as avocado, citrus, table grapes, mango, etc.), for those that would like to diversify their production base. This crop should be resilient and be adapted to unpredictable climates, particularly dominated by increased temperature and water scarcity. The produce should have the potential to be marketable to consumers that demand sustainably produced, high-quality products, and have strong export potential.
Guide for preparing the report
Introduction
Identify, introduce and justify the importance and benefits associated with the production of the proposed crop. You will need to search the literature, and ideally include statistics and scientific information from the literature to provide a reasoned and clear argument for growing the new crop you have selected. You should also highlight any gaps in the current knowledge. In the final paragraph, restate why the crop should be introduced, including how the new crop will benefit the horticultural industry. (300 words)
Body
Describe the environmental and other production requirements, whilst also considering ecological adaptations that make this crop a suitable choice. Based on the growing requirements of the crop, consider the regions where the crop could be grown in Australia. Identify possible markets and other financial, social and environmental benefits associated with this new crop. Also, highlight any challenges that you foresee with the introduction of the crop, and possible solutions to overcome such hurdles. (2050 words)
Conclusion
Summarise the main points covered in your report and restate the relevance of your proposed crop to the horticultural industry, society and the environment. (150 words)
Reference list
The majority of your papers should be published within the last 10 years. You are welcome to use any referencing style, provided you are consistent, or you may use the style set by the American Psychological Association style (APA). The most recent version of APA is the APA 7th style. https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/apa7
General Presentation
Your report should be prepared with headings and subheadings to provide structure and clarity. The case study should be typed using 12-point Times New Roman / Calibri /Arial and 1.5 line spacing.
Length: 2500 words +/- 10%, not including figures, tables, and reference list.
Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
A failure to reference MT use and / or the use of generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
16/10/2024 2:00 pm
Students are required to prepare a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation based on your 'Introduction of a new crop' assignment. In this assessment task, you will give a mock presentation to your company CEO or Board of Directors stating the crop you have identified, the benefits of introducing the new crop for the company and consumers (e.g. new markets), the changes (e.g. labour, equipment, technology) that would need to be made to introduce the new crop, limitations and potential solutions. Conclude by restating the benefits of the new crop to the company, the horticulture industry, the environment, and society.
Students enrolled in External mode must record their presentation and the camera of your computer must be on and your face shown live (in a small box) the entire time as this is an Identity Verified assessment.
Guide for preparing the presentation
For a 10-minute presentation (plus 3 mins for questions), aim to have no more than 10 slides, excluding a title slide and a reference slide. Your slides should include the following:
Introduction
Provide a concise overview of the topic and outline the main sections you will be covering in your presentation.
Body
For your new crop, you should include new scientific findings - such as current technologies, new developments, and recent research. Research data should be presented clearly using graphs and/or tables. You should critically review the data you present and compare the results to other studies, where possible. Include in-text references to acknowledge sources where necessary.
Conclusion
Summarise the main points of your presentation and restate the benefits of the new crop.
Reference list
Include a list of references, on a separate slide, at the end of your presentation. You are welcome to use any referencing style, provided you are consistent, or you may use the style set by the American Psychological Association style (APA). The most recent version of APA is the 7th edition. https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/apa7
General advice Your presentation should be reportable in a 10-minute time slot.
PowerPoint presentations should be visually attractive and use images to explain your points rather than typed words. Keep word use to a minimum and use a clear font, such as Arial or Courier. Avoid reading directly from slides as it prevents you from connecting with your audience.
Practice your presentation beforehand. Use language that is listener-friendly and scenarios that people can easily relate to. Pretend that you are describing your work to your parents or your best friend who is not necessarily a horticulturist but is educated and interested. Add a little humor to keep the presentation entertaining and interesting. Use voice tone and hand gestures to transmit information.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit. Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Students are expected to write detailed answers in response to the exam questions on the paper. The exam can cover any content in this course, including guest lectures. Students must sit/complete the End of Semester Exam in-person at a venue to be advised in your personalised exam timetable. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 0% - 34% for all assessment items |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 35% - 46% for all assessment items |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score of 47% - 49% for all assessment items |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 50% - 64% for all assessment items |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 65% - 74% for all assessment items |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 75% - 84% for all assessment items |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 85% - 100% for all assessment items |
Course Grading Hurdles:ᅠ
To pass the course students must (1) achieve a passing mark in the final exam, and (2) achieve an overall mark for the entire course assessments of 50% or greater.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and the final exam and the student does not score a passing mark in the final exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
TurnItIn Assignments
TurnItIn Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site.ᅠ If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action. ᅠ
Please note the following when writing your assignmentsᅠ
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.ᅠ
Results
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, every attempt will be made to have the results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability for progressive assessment will be announced via the course Blackboard site.ᅠ
Feedback
Studentsᅠwill beᅠencouraged to complete the course evaluation questionnaire at the end of the semester.
Re-mark Applications – refer to theᅠUniversity's Re-mark Policyᅠto check your eligibility
Deferred and Supplementary assessment (including Deferred Mid-Semester Examinations)
Deferred and Supplementary information can be located on the my.UQ website
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Item | Description | Further Requirement |
---|---|---|
HORT3003/HORT7002 Blackboard site | http://learn.uq.edu.au |
There is a shared Blackboard site for HORT3003 and HORT7002. However, assessment information and submission links will be specific for each course.
Useful references/resources:
The departments responsible for Agriculture/Horticulture in the various Australian states carry a wide range of publications on horticulture and related topics.
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Course introduction General introduction to horticultural production systems & discussion of assessments. Lecturer: Robyn Cave. |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Nursery production Overview of nursery production practices. Lecturer: Robyn Cave. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Fruit industry Overview of the fruit industry. Lecturer: Sundar Kalaipandian. Learning outcomes: L02, L06 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Fruit tree production Fruit tree production practices. Lecturer: Tahir Khurshid, NSW Department of Primary Industries. Learning outcomes: L02, L06 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Berry production Berry production practices. Lecturer: Louise Wheatley, Costa Group. Learning outcomes: L02, L06 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Vegetable Industry Overview of the vegetable Industry. Lecturer: Robyn Cave; Guest lecture on vegetable production in the Lockyer valley. Learning outcomes: L03, L06 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Vegetable production Vegetable production. Lecturer: Clinton McGrath, Dept. Agriculture and Forestry. Learning outcomes: L03, L06 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Pest and diseases Pest and disease management. Lecturer: Kayvan Etebari. Learning outcomes: L05 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Pollination Pollination in horticulture crops. Lecturer: Kayvan Etebari. Learning outcomes: L05 |
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Precision agriculture Technology used in horticulture practices. Lecturer: Guta Bedane. Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Floriculture Floriculture production systems. Lecturer: Robyn Cave. Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Student presentations Face-to-face oral presentations for students enrolled in In-Person mode only. External students submit online. Learning outcomes: L08 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Revision Exam information session via Zoom for all students. |
Revision week (28 Oct - 03 Nov) |
Not Timetabled |
Revision period Independent study |
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.