Fruit and Vegetable Crops

Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences

Contact: Wesley Autio,
Program Coordinator
Office: 205 Bowditch Hall
Phone: (413) 545-2963
Email: autio@pssci.umass.edu

The production and marketing of fruit and vegetables are major enterprises in Massachusetts. To maintain these enterprises amidst rising land values, increasing costs of production, and heightened environmental concerns, highly trained and skilled personnel are required. Efficient and environmentally safe methods of land use, water, pesticides, fertilizers, and cropping techniques are stressed. Economic factors which bear upon successful crop and farm management are given particular attention. Farms, laboratories, and greenhouses are available and provide a base for hands-on learning.

Course of Study

First Semester
PLSOILIN 102 Introductory Botany (4 cr)
PLSOILIN 105 Soils (4 cr)
*PLSOILIN 300 Deciduous Orchards PLSOILIN 315 Greenhouse Management (4 cr)

Second Semester (7 wks)
*PLSOILIN 101 Insects and Related Forms (2 cr)
PLSOILIN 103 Plant Science (1.5 cr)
PLSOILIN 104 Plant Nutrients (1.5 cr)
PLSOILIN 397F Pesticide Management for Greenhouse Crops (2 cr)
PLSOILIN 398G Greenhouse Practicum (1 cr)
STOCKSCH 170 Pesticide Certification (1 cr)(Optional) or PLSOILIN 196 Independent Study (1 cr)
RES-ECON 141 Consumer Marketing (2 cr)
*STOCKSCH 186 Internship (4 cr) (April-August)

Third Semester
ENGLISH 120 English Composition Math by placement exam (2-3 cr)
*PLSOILIN 111 Horticultural Plant Pathology
PLSOILIN 114 Plant Pathology Lab (1 cr)
*PLSOILIN 305 Small Fruit Production At least one of the following:
PLSOILIN 265 Sustainable Agriculture
PLSOILIN 310 Weed Management
PLSOILIN 370 Tropical Agriculture

Fourth Semester
*PLSOILIN 182 Principles of Pesticide Management (2 cr)
*PLSOILIN 325 Vegetable Production (4 cr)
RES-ECON 140 Managing Your Own Business
RES-ECON 142 People in Organizations At least one of the following (min. 4 cr):
PLSOILIN 120 Organic Farming and Gardening
PLSOILIN 235 Pruning Fruit Crops (2 cr)
PLSOILIN 350 Soil and Crop Management
PLSOILIN 365 Hydroponics (4 cr)
PLSOILIN 397C Community Food Systems

Total: 62-66 credits

* A grade of C or better must be earned in these courses.