Program Overview

The College of Food and Agriculture Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Plant Production Sciences (PPS). The program aims to enhance natural resource development and sustainability, contributing to national food security.

Program Structure

The program consists of 135 credit hours, divided into:

• University Common Year (32 credit hours)
• Islamic Culture Courses (8 credit hours)
• College Common Courses (16 credit hours)
• Department Obligatory Courses (69 credit hours)
• Department Elective Courses (10 credit hours)

Course Descriptions

Level 1

• English (ENGS 100): 1 credit hour
• Writing Skills (ARAB 100): 2 credit hours
• Differential Calculus (MATH 101): 3 credit hours
• General Chemistry (1) (CHEM 101): 4 credit hours

Level 2

• An Introduction to Probability & Statistics (STAT 101): 1 credit hour
• IT Skills (CT 101): 2 credit hours
• Entrepreneurship (ENT 101): 3 credit hours
• Fitness and Health Education (EPH 101): 4 credit hours
• University Skills (CI 101): 5 credit hours
• English (ENGS 110): 6 credit hours

Level 3 (General for the College of Food and Agriculture Sciences)

• Botany (BOT 102): 1 credit hour
• Principles of General Zoology (ZOOL 103): 2 credit hours
• Introduction to Animal Production (ANPR 200): 3 credit hours
• Introduction to Plant Production (PPS 200): 4 credit hours
• Introduction to Plant Protection (PLPT 200): 5 credit hours
• Principles of Food Sciences (FSN 202): 6 credit hours
• Principles of Agricultural Economics (AGEC 201): 7 credit hours
• Islamic Culture Course (IC): 8 credit hours

Department Obligatory Courses

• General Biochemistry (BCH 101): 4 credit hours
• Water and Irrigation Systems (AGEN 230): 3 credit hours
• Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition (SOSI 331): 4 credit hours
• Nurseries and Methods of Plant Propagation (PPS 205): 3 credit hours
• Forestry (PPS 231): 3 credit hours
• Crop Physiology (PPS 309): 4 credit hours
• Islamic Culture Course (IC): 2 credit hours

Department Elective Courses

Students select 10 credit hours from the following courses:

• Firm Management (AGEC 217): 3 credit hours
• Pests of Horticultural and Field Crops (PLPT 242): 2 credit hours
• Extension Applications (AEE 301): 3 credit hours
• Plant Tissue Culture (PPS 308): 3 credit hours
• Forage Crop Production (PPS 348): 3 credit hours
• Turf Grasses (PPS 373): 3 credit hours
• Indoor Plants and Interiorscaping (PPS 374): 3 credit hours
• Postharvest Physiology (PPS 401): 3 credit hours
• Organic Farming (PPS 402): 2 credit hours
• Seed Production and Testing (PPS 409): 3 credit hours
• Crop Breeding (PPS 410): 2 credit hours
• Fruit Trees Physiology (PPS 421): 3 credit hours
• Production of Field Crops under Stress (PPS 446): 2 credit hours

Cooperative Training

• Cooperative Training (PPS 400): 12 credit hours

Course Details

PPS 200: Introduction to Plant Production

Agriculture human relations; an introduction, Environment in relation to crop production, Cropping systems of field crops, Cropping systems of horticultural crops, Plant reproduction, Harvesting, handling and storing of agricultural crops, Recent trends in plant production, Plant production in Saudi Arabia.

PPS 203: Crop Ecology

Identification of biotic and abiotic environmental factors, Climatic factors affecting plant growth, Crop response to climatic and biotic factors, Light as a factor, Water as a factor, Temperature and soil nutrients, Other climatic factors affecting crop growth, Field trip, Plant growth under stresses and how plant responds, Environmental stress physiology, Adaptation of plant to stresses, Acclimation of plant to stresses, Review of the course.

PPS 205: Nurseries and Methods of Plant Propagation

Nursery importance-Principles of plant propagation. Main methods of plant propagation-Nursery types, Aims and purposes of nursery establishment- Main steps for nursery establishment-Nursery structures and components, Kinds of greenhouses (Glass, Plastic, Wood, Cloth, Wire, Mobile Houses). Propagation used for producing plants in nurseries, other buildings in the nurseries, Means of greenhouse conditioning (heating, cooling, airing). Microclimate factors in the greenhouse, Field trip to the university nursery and college greenhouses, Soil and media mixes used in nurseries-the suitable medium used for nursery production, Different containers used in the nursery, Plant propagation methods (sexual and vegetative propagation). Seed propagation, seed collection, seed storage, seed viability, Seed germination, environmental factors affecting seed germination. Seed dormancy-seed treatments for breaking dormancy, Vegetative propagation: cuttings, budding, grafting, laying, off-shoots, suckers, underground plant parts (bulbs, corms, stem and root tubers, rhizomes, stolons and runners), separation and division, Types of propagation by cuttings-hormones encouraging root initiation and growth, Types of propagation by budding and grafting-types of propagation by layering- propagation by some underground plant parts, Propagation by separation and division. Field trip to a private commercial nursery at Riyadh area.

PPS 206: Applied Agriculture Genetics

Introduction to genetics and biotechnology, Mendelian genetics- dominance and co-dominance lethal genes epistasis, Chromosome structure-mitosis and meiosis-linkage and crossing over, Chromosomal changes-chromosomal mutation, Genetic manipulation-gene structure-gene action-gene expression, Population and quantitative genetics, Nucleic acid structure (DNA &RNA), replication, transcription, Recombinant DNA technology (restriction, ligation and modification enzymes, cloning vectors, gene transfer), PCR technology, sequencing, molecular markers and their application in plant (RAPD, APLP, SCAR, SSR, SRAP, SNP), Application of biotechnology in agriculture (gene mapping, plant transformation and GMO).

PPS 231: Forestry

Introduction, Global distribution of forests, Tree Identification, Woody plants and forests in Saudi Arabia, Silviculture, Forest Mensuarations, Forest protection, Forest Products Utilization, Wood technology, Agroforestry.

PPS 241: Range Science

Definition and classification of rangelands in the world and their economic importance, Preferred characteristics of a range plants (grazing resistance, persistence, palatability etc.), Plant morphology in relation to grazing process, Plant physiology in relation to grazing process, 1st Mid-term exams, Plant physiology in relation to grazing process (continued), Range condition and trend, Range carrying capacityRange utilization, Stocking rate, 2nd Mid-Term Exams, Stocking rate (continued), Animal grazing, distribution in rangelands, Common grazing, Grazing systems, Poisonous plants, Range conservation and improvement, Presentations and/or report papers, Final exam.

PPS 301: Production of Horticultural Crops

Introduction to Horticultural crops, Horticultural crops-environment interactions in relation to grow and production, Cultural practices and field trip to University Agricultural research & experiment station, Cropping systems of vegetable crops, Cropping systems of fruit trees, 1st mid-term exam, Cropping, systems of ornamental and flowering plants' groups and a brief description of major ornamental plants, Herbaceous plants (annuals, biennials, perennials, bulbs, medicinal and aromatic plants), Turfgrass and soil covered plants , Shade and greenhouse plants , Cactus and succulent plants, Trees and shrubs, Palm and palm-like trees, Other ornamental plants' groups, Saudi Arabia forests and plants, 2nd mid-term exam, Environmental importance of forests.

PPS 308: Plant Tissue Culture

Introduction to plant cell, tissue and organ cultures, Establishment of tissue culture laboratory, Formulation of nutrient media, Preparation, establishment and sterilization of nutrient media, Environmental factors affecting in vitro culture, Regeneration and hardening of plantlets, Micro propagation technology, Practices, advantages and problems of clonal propagation, Commercial clonal propagation methods in some economic horticultural crops, Application of tissue culture techniques in some horticultural crops.

PPS 309: Crop Physiology

Introduction to crop physiology, Seeds and Germination, Water Relations, Mineral Nutrition, Light Energy and Photosynthesis, Biological Nitrogen Fixation, Transport and Partitioning, Growth and development (germination, root growth, vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting), Plant Growth Regulation, Environmental Stress Physiology.

PPS 310: Principles of Plant Breeding

Concept and goals of plant breeding, Sterility and polyploidy in relation to plant breeding, Role of genetic in breeding, Mutations and plant breeding, Biotechnology in relation to plant breeding, Breeding of self-pollinated crops, Breeding of cross pollinated crops, Heterosis.

PPS 320: Production of Fruit Trees

Introduction to Pomology (taxonomy-economic importance). Suitable environment for growth and bearing of evergreen and deciduous fruit trees-establishment of fruit trees orchard. Propagation methods and techniques of fruit trees, Cultural practices that applied for fruit trees, First mid-term exam and field trip, Important fruit tree species and cultivars that could be grown in Saudi, Arabia (evergreen fruit crops), Important fruit tree species and cultivars that could be grown in Saudi, Arabia (deciduous fruit crops), 2nd exam and field trip.

PPS 324: Production of Date Palm and Dates

Date palm tree (definition history- economics). Date palm (anatomical structure of tree and fruit), Environmental factors: temperature & soil. Environmental factors: wind, humidity & Light. Horticultural practices: fertilization (organic & mineral), Horticultural practices: irrigation (surface and drop) & fertigation. Special practices in date palm (leaf pruning - removal bunch - bunch thinning). Special practices in date palm (bunch covering and harvesting). Pollination (methods of applications). Pollination (metaxinia and its effects on fruit quality). Common date palm varieties in Saudi Arabia. Date palm pests and diseases. Take advantage of nuclei- date palm fruit in the animal nutrition. Exams.

PPS 330: Vegetable Production

Introduction to Horticultural Science, the economic and nutritive values of vegetable crops. Classification of vegetable crops - Vegetable crops propagation. The environmental (climatic, edaphic and nutritive elements) factors affecting growing of vegetable crops. Soil préparation, cultivation, protection methods, irrigation and fertilization. First term theoretical exam. Production of some vegetable crops. Fam: Solanaceae (tomato potato eggplant - pepper). Family: Amaryllidaceae (onion - garlic) and Family: Rosaceae (strawberry). Family: Cucurbitaceae (cucumber squash water melon - melon - pumpkin). Family: Leguminosae (peas) and some other families including: Cruciferae (cabbage), Malvaceae (okra) and Composite (lettuce). Second mid-term theoretical exam.

PPS 342: Field Crop Production

Introduction to field crops and field crops classification. Introduction to cereal crops-wheat. Wheat. Barley, corn. Corn, sorghum. Millet, rice. Faba bean, lentil, check peas, fenugreek. Cotton, flax. Sugarcane, sugar beet. Soybean, sesame. Peanut, sun flower. Cluster bean, safflower. Alfalfa.

PPS 347: Weeds and Weed Control

Weed importance, general classification and effects on plant production. Weed establishment, competition and factors affecting competition ability. Weed growth habits, life cycles, dormancy types in seeds. Weed dispersal, propagation, factors affecting seeds viability and survival. Controlling weeds: agricultural quarantine, elimination, agricultural practices, certified seeds and field rotations. Exams.

PPS 348: Forage Crop Production

Introduction to the forage importance and development. Forage production and reputation to dairy projects in Saudi Arabia. Ecological and environmental factors affecting forage quality and quantity. Establishing forages as a purestand or in mixtures. Hay and silage importance and preparation. Grazing importance and types. Forage fertilization: in pure stands or in mixtures. Most common forage crops: Alfalfa and clovers, Rhodes grass, barley, oat, Sudan grass, Sorghum, millet, pea, annual legumes. Local issues about forage cultivation, growing, stocking, marketing and future under limited conditions of Saudi Arabia.

PPS 352: Afforestation of Dry Areas

Introduction to Afforestation. Definitions and lands exposed to desertification. Afforestation problems in arid and semi-arid zones. Windbreak establishment, Sand dunes (general review, temporary stabilization, permanent stabilization). Planting techniques and maintenance. Ornamental and parks afforestation.

PPS 370: Production of Ornamental Plants & Flowers

The importance of ornamental plants and flowers Various groups of ornamental plants. Tree definition, importance, characteristics and division. Tree propagation, plantation and maintenance. General principles and conditions for selecting and plantation ornamental trees in gardens, parks and streets. Various structural forms of trees, uses of trees in landscape. Important trees species grown under the environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia. Ornamental palm trees - Palm tree characteristics, propagation and plantation. The importance of palms in landscape. Important palm tree species grown in Saudi Arabia. Palm-like trees. Shrub definition, division, and purpose of use. Shrub propagation, plantation and maintenance. General principles for selecting and plantation shrubs. Shrub uses in landscape. Important shrubs species grown under the environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia.

PPS 373: Turf Grasses

Definition and importance of turf grasses- Environmental, social, and landscaping benefits of turfgrasses. Turfgrass terminology - Geographical distribution of turfgrasses - Morphological properties of turfgrasses. Evaluation of turfgrass quality, and environmental factors affecting it. Growth and development of turfgrasses. Turfgrass seed germination and factors affecting it. Roots and factors determining their growth- Relation between root and vegetative growth. Various methods of turfgrass propagation and plantation.

PPS 374: Indoor Plants and Interiorscaping

Importance of indoor plants, purposes of their interiorscaping uses. Divisions of indoor plants and their various species and varieties. Main principles for selecting the indoor plants and their interior uses. Various methods of propagation and production of the indoor plants. Important potting media and mixes used for propagating and growing interior plants. Understanding interior environmental factors affecting the growth and use of indoor plants (temperature, light, humidity and aeration). Cultural factors (maintenance and service processes) affecting growth of indoor plants (irrigation, fertilization, pruning, pest control).

PPS 400: Cooperative Training

Cooperative Training (PPS 400): 12 credit hours. NQF Learning Domains and Learning Outcomes: Knowledge: Outline crop cultural practices for plant production under field and greenhouse conditions, Recognize different varieties of crops, Recognize signs of different crop ripening, Recall various harvesting methods. Cognitive Skills: Subdivide assigned complex tasks into their simpler component parts, Compare methods and techniques used in crop production, Plan for cultivation of different crops, Design and prepare for harvesting different crops. Interpersonal Skills & Responsibility: Demonstrate ability to participate in planning for various crop cultural practices, Show ability to act responsibly and ethically in carrying out their field tasks. Communication, Information Technology, Numerical: Demonstrate ability to extract information on various crop cultural practices, Evaluate data collected during field training.

PPS 401: Post-harvests Physiology

Introduction of postharvest physiology course: course outline - lecture schedule- recommended reading - practical sessions, course policy and exams. History of preservation fresh commodity Science theories and principles of postharvest physiology. Development of plant and plant parts of horticultural crops. Nature, structure of harvested horticultural crops. Environmental factors affecting harvested horticultural crops: temperature, humidity, light etc. Respiration: measurement, comparative rates, significance, and affecting factors. Role of plant hormones and ethylene role in harvested horticultural crops. Water loss: characterization, significance, and affecting factors. Quality parameters of horticultural crops: (physical, chemical and safety parameter), Source of deterioration and loss in harvested horticultural crops Harvesting, handling, packing, cooling and storage of horticultural crops. Processing and fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Physiological disorders of fresh commodities during storage. Briefing on postharvest pathological infection during handling and storage.

PPS 402: Organic Farming

Introduction to organic farming, Definitions and objectives of organic farming, Recent world status of organic farming system and progress of organic farming in the Kingdom and other Arabic countries Horticultural crops production under organic farming systems, Steps of converting from traditional agriculture to organic farming. Registration and certifying for farms and products of organic farming, First mid-term theoretical exam, Types of organic fertilizers Composting and Biogas production, Biological control and integrated pest management (IPM) approach, Organic farming in greenhouses Revision, Second mid-term theoretical exam.

PPS 403: Protected Cultivation

Introduction to greenhouses management. History of greenhouse, and plant protection structures. Importance of greenhouses, Types and construction of protected structures (tunnels and greenhouses) Covering materials of greenhouses, Controlling the environmental factors affecting vegetable production under greenhouse (temperature and light), Controlling the environmental factors affecting vegetable production under greenhouse (relative humidity and other factors), First mid-term theoretical exam, Tools and methods of vegetable seedlings production, Growing system in the greenhouse, Soilless culture, hydroponics, aeroponics, Commercial production of some vegetable crops under greenhouse (tomato- pepper cucumber, strawberry. etc.) + Revision Second mid-term theoretical exam.

PPS 404: Principles of Field Experiments

Definitions, terminology, Scope and functions of statistics and experimental design, Elements of scientific experiments Principles of experimental designs, Types of Agricultural experiments, Preparation for field experiments, Completely randomized design (CRD), Randomized complete block design (RCBD), Latin square (LS), Factorial experiments, Split plot, Design Sampling and data collection, Data analysis and results illustration.

PPS 405: Practical Plant Biotechnology

Introduction ,plant molecular biology, lab setting up, buffer preparation, Nucleic Acids structure (DNA and RNA), DNA isolation from plant tissue, DNA quantification (gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometer), PCR Technology, Molecular markers and their applications (RAPD,AFLP, ISSR, SSR, SRAP, SNP), Data analysis and results interpretation, Recombinant DNA Technology ( restriction, ligation and modification Enzymes), Recombinant DNA Technology (Cloning vectors, Gene transfer), Gene Bank and public data bases search and tools, Applications of biotechnology in agriculture (Gene mapping, plant transformation GMO).

PPS 409: Seed Production and Testing

Nature of flowering, pollination and fruit formation Nature of flowering, pollination and fruit formation. Factors affecting seed production. Seed production requirements. Stages of seed production, Hybrid seed production Seed treatment and seed storage, Seed processing, seed certification, Seed testing, Seed technology, Seed viability, Seed index, Seed laws.

PPS 410: Crop Breeding

Genetic variation components, Hybrid breeding, Self- and cross-pollinated crops breeding, Polyploidy and plant breeding, Biotechnology in relation to plant breeding, Molecular breeding, Crop genomics.

PPS 421: Fruit Trees Physiology

Course Information: Course Outline, Lecture Schedule, Recommended Reading Schedule, Laboratory organization; Contact Persons, Factors affecting fruit trees growth, Genetic factors, Environmental factors, Root physiology, development and mineral uptake, tree fruit root distribution, Definition and classification of mineral nutrients; concentration or function, Mineral contents of fruit trees and soils; concentration and content, Experimental methods in mineral nutrition, Nutrient Availability and Soil Supply Processes - Soil nutrient availability; inputs, losses, retention - Soil supply processes; interception, mass flow and diffusion - Nutrient uptake - Plant and soil factors affecting nutrient uptake, Assimilation and Functions of Mineral Nutrients in fruit trees Metabolism - N assimilation and functions; deficiency effects and symptoms - P functions; deficiency effects and symptoms - Mycorrhizal symbioses; effects on N and P acquisition - S assimilation and functions; deficiency effects and symptoms - Functions of other macronutrients; deficiency effects and symptoms - Functions of micronutrients and beneficial elements; deficiency effects and symptoms, Foliar and fertilization, Ecological and Genetic Aspects of Mineral Nutrition, Weather factors - Temperature stresses - Light (training and pruning of fruit trees, physiological effects of pruning- vegetative growth fruiting relationship, light management) - Interactions between temperature and light General stress response mechanisms of fruit trees, Salinity: stress response mechanisms - Toxic ion effects - Nutritional effects - Osmotic stress, Stress response mechanisms - Drought Flooding, water relations.

PPS 446: Production of Field Crops under Stress

Identification of environmental factors either biotic or abiotic, Climatic factors affecting in plant growth. Crop response to climatic factors Light effects, Drought effects, Salinity effects, Soil fertilization, Other climatic factors affecting crop growth, Midterm exam, Plant Growth under stresses & plant mechanisms, Environmental Stress Physiology, Adaptation & acclimation of plant to stresses, Methods for improving crop production under different stresses.

PPS 460: Range Survey & Monitoring

Rangeland sampling and measurements (production, cover, density, frequency, abundance). Range site characterization. Mid-term exam, Estimation of rangeland carrying capacity. Setting stocking rate. Determination of utilization. Evaluation of rangeland condition and trend.

PPS 476: Landscaping of Gardens and Parks

Historical development of gardens landscape Common styles of garden design, Environmental impacts of gardens and Parks, Principles of landscape design, Constructional and plant materials of gardens and parks, Factors influencing garden components, Landscape uses and functions of plants, Types of gardens and parks, Characteristics and distinguished features of Saudi gardens, and their obstacles and solutions, Public gardens and national parks in Saudi Arabia.

PPS 495: Seminar

Choosing a topic, Collecting scientific material, Writing a report, Preparing PowerPoint presentation, Oral presentation by the student.

King Saud University: A Comprehensive Overview

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Overview:

King Saud University (KSU) is a prominent public research university located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the largest university in the country and holds a prestigious position in the global academic landscape.

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Services Offered:

KSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Programs:

A diverse selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Scholarships:

Financial assistance for deserving students.

Training:

Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

Student Services:

Support services such as counseling, career guidance, and health care.

Housing:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Libraries:

Extensive library resources and facilities.

Museums:

Cultural and historical museums for enriching experiences.

Student Clubs:

Opportunities for extracurricular activities and social engagement.

Sports Facilities:

Modern sports facilities for recreational and competitive activities.

Recreation Centers:

Spaces for relaxation and entertainment.

Electronic Services:

Online platforms for accessing academic resources, financial and administrative systems, and communication tools.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

KSU provides a vibrant and enriching campus experience for its students. The university boasts:

Modern Campuses:

Well-equipped and spacious campuses with state-of-the-art facilities.

Active Student Life:

A thriving student community with numerous clubs, organizations, and events.

Cultural Diversity:

A diverse student body representing various nationalities and backgrounds.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to participate in community service initiatives.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

KSU is renowned for its high-quality academic programs and distinguished faculty.

Research Opportunities:

The university fosters a strong research culture with numerous research centers and initiatives.

Global Recognition:

KSU holds a prominent position in international rankings, signifying its academic standing.

Comprehensive Services:

The university provides a wide range of support services to ensure student success.

Vibrant Campus Life:

KSU offers a dynamic and engaging campus environment with diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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Academic Programs:

KSU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Science:

Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Pharmacy, and more.

Health:

Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health, and more.

Humanities:

Arts, Languages, Literature, Social Sciences, and more.

Community Colleges:

Programs focused on vocational and technical skills.

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Other: