Tropical Horticulture

Catalog description

This course explores the commercially relevant crops produced in the tropics, and the associated impacts that it has to the region, both environmental and economical. The course begins with soils, vegetation, and weather patterns associated with the tropics. Students learn the point of origin of the crops, the main production areas, and the import and export value of each crop. Students learn the scientific classifications based on based morphology. Students learn the production practices, deforestation, and agroecological impacts. Important crops covered are bananas, coffee, tea, cacao, guava, pineapple, mango, papaya, rubber, and macadamia, Brazil, cashew, pistachio nuts. Several more crops specific to Asia, Africa, and South America are also covered. PREREQ: BIO 1000 with a C or better