HRT306 Vegetable Crop Management (8)

Annual and perennial vegetable crops are important horticultural crops in Australia and worldwide. This subject covers an overview of the vegetable industry in Australia and worldwide; components of the industry; classification, biology; breeding and improving vegetable crops. It focuses on the horticultural principles of their establishment, culture and management. Plant management techniques to improve production, quality and profitability are important areas of study. Most important are vegetable quality and postharvest handling and care of vegetables; biotechnology and genetic engineering in vegetable production. Students will study specific groups of vegetable crops: perennials, legumes, cole crops, root crops, leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, onions and related vegetables, underground vegetables, other vegetables. Other individual crops will be studied as case studies to further research specialised technologies used in their culture and management. This subject emphasises the technology and science behind the management of these crops.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2019.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

It is expected that students have basic knowledge of plant biology, as well as computer skills.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the range and diversity of vegetable crops; and select a range appropriate for a specific situation.
  • be able to determine the various marketing options for vegetable crops and select appropriate options for a range of vegetable crops.
  • be able to accurately detail the growth cycle of vegetable crops within a particular environment.
  • be able to understand and interpret the the various techniques for improving vegetables through breeding.
  • be able to accurately define and evaluate alternative techniques to establish vegetable crops.
  • be able to demonstrate how to interpret and manage the vegetative and reproductive phases of vegetable growth.
  • be able to apply the acquired knowledge to understand, design and reflect on management practices.
  • be able to determine harvest maturity; and accurately develop an optimal postharvest system for vegetable crops.
  • be able to understand the principles and determine the treatments and conditions for processing of vegetables.
  • be able to critically review research; create and conduct an investigative project and communicate in a clear and logical manner.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • vegetable crops history and their benefit to society
  • marketing of and markets for vegetables
  • the global and Australian vegetable industries
  • vegetable crop biology and classification systems
  • improving vegetables
  • vegetable crop propagation & establishment
  • vegetable crop management
  • postharvest handling of vegetables
  • processing of vegetables
  • codes of practice and ethics in vegetable production
  • cultivation of a variety of vegetable crops: perennials, legumes, cole crops, root crops, leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, onions and related vegetables, underground vegetables, other vegetables

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.

Residential school is a Study Tour which looks at: market outlets, including wholesale markets, auctions, retail outlets; vegetable production systems including protected cultivation, open field cultivation; hydroponic systems for vegetable growing; plant management systems; irrigation, nutrition and media; assessment of vegetable growing businesses; assessment of vegetable growing equipment; study of harvest determination; pre- and postharvest handling systems for vegetables; plant protection options for vegetables, including IPM systems; organic vegetable production; visiting a wide range of vegetable crop enterprises to study the broad range of products within a variety of climatic regions; research institutes.

All items in the residential school are supplementary to online materials and assessments, and are assessed in assignments and exam.

While the schedule changes each year, according to availablility of hosts, a typical program is as follows:

Ausveg leader and field vegetable producer: sweetcorn, cauliflowers, cabbages
Frozen and processed vegetable factory
UWS, Richmond: Postharvest research in vegetables
DPI, Richmond: Vegetable production systems; SmartFarms project
Large scale nursery: propagation facility
Vegetable breeding
Fresh produce wholesaler: wholesale produce, fresh-cut produce, processing, re-packing, distribution
Sydney Vegetable & Flower Markets tour
Sydney Markets: Overview presentation
Freshcare Code of Practice: protocols; audits; certification
DPI, Ourimbah: Asian vegetables, IPM, organics
Greenhouse and hydroponic herbs, vegetables
Mushroom producer

Contact

For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:

Current students

Future students

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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