Protecting California Agriculture
California’s agricultural industry feeds millions of people, but pests continue to threaten crop production around the world. The plant protection minor explores the science and technology used to protect crops and support sustainable agriculture.
What You’ll Study
You’ll explore the science behind plant health through entomology, plant pathology and weed science while learning how pests, diseases and invasive plants affect agricultural and natural systems.
What You’ll Take Away
You’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on skills to identify plant health challenges, evaluate management options and develop sustainable strategies that protect crops and natural resources.
Dig Deeper
With a minor in plant protection you’ll explore core courses that provide the foundational knowledge and skills for further learning and application.
Pest Management
You’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience to identify, manage and prevent plant pests while supporting healthy crops, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.
Crop Production
You’ll learn about fruit production, organic crop management, soil fertility and plant nutrition, and harvesting methods for the most important row crops grown in California.
Disease Control
You'll be better at recognizing, preventing and controlling diseases, pests and weeds that impact commercial ornamental plants in the greenhouse or landscape.
Coursework Highlights
Through hands-on coursework and applied learning experiences, you will develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to lead in modern agriculture.
Classes and Labs
You’ll study the science of entomology relating to agriculturally important insects including the biology, ecology and identification of insects and mites and their management in horticulture, field crops and landscapes.
You’ll explore sustainable approaches to managing weeds and invasive plants and learn how herbicides interact with plants and move through the environment.
You’ll learn the principles of plant growth in the production horticulture industry, with an emphasis on sustainability and the current technology and innovations.
You’ll explore the design, planning, and technical aspects of sustainable site horticulture while gaining hands-on experience with irrigation systems and sustainable construction materials.
You’ll build practical skills in identifying, preventing, and managing diseases, pests, and weeds that affect ornamental plants in greenhouses and landscapes. You’ll explore biological and cultural controls along with the safe, responsible use of pesticides.
You’ll learn the principles of biological control of arthropods and weeds, and the use of beneficial arthropods in ecological pest management.
You’ll explore the major diseases, insects, and weeds that affect grapes and learn how to identify, monitor, and manage them using cultural, biological and chemical strategies.
Explore the Plant Protection Minor
Check out the course catalogue and learn more about the courses you’ll take and what you’ll learn.