Plant Science (PS)

Sue Blodgett, Department Head
Brent Turnipseed, Teaching Coordinator
Department of Plant Science
Agricultural Hall 219
605-688-5123 (Department Head)
605-688-4450 (Teaching Office, SNP 247)
e-mail: sue.blodget@sdstate.edu
brent.turnipseed@sdstate.edu
http://plantsci.sdstate.edu

Faculty

Professor Sue Blodgett, Head; Distinguished Professor Malo; Distinguished Professor Emeriti Wrage; Professors Beck, Berg, Bleakley, Boe, Carlson, Cantangui, Carter, D. Clay, S. Clay, Doolittle, Fuller, Gelderman, Hall, Johnson, Kephart, Langham, Lemme, Owens, Rickerl, Schumacher, Sutton, Turnipseed, Wicks, Woodard; Professors Emeriti Buchenau, Carson, Dybing, Evenson, Gerwing, Gardner, Horton, Kantack, Kenefick, Kohl, Reeves, Shank, Shubeck, Smolik, Walstrom; Associate Professors Chase, Glover, Nleya, Osborne, Ren, Stein; Associate Professors Emeriti Colburn, Pollmann, Stymiest, Williamson; Assistant Professors Gonzalez, Grady, Gu, Moechnig, Nleya, Stein, Tilmon; Assistant Professors Emeritus Bonnemann, Kingsley.

Courtesy Appointments. The following staff members are employed outside the Plant Science Department but work cooperatively with Department staff and carry an adjunct professor appointment in the Department: (Biology/Microbiology) Reese, Yen; (HFLP) Schaefer; (Biogenetics Inc.) Kahler; (GAEA, Inc.) Butler; (North Central Soil and Water Conservation Research Laboratory, Morris, MN-USDA/ARS) Forcella, Lindstrom; (North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory- USDA/ARS) Anderson, Dashiell, French, Hesler, Lehman, Lundgren, Osborne, Pikul, Riedell; (Pioneer Hi-Bred) Jackson; (IPNI) Fixen; (Texas A&M) Ibrahim; (USDA/ARS, Soil & Water Cons. SOC.) Moldenhauer.

Programs

The primary goal of the Department is to prepare students for leadership in business, government, and enterprises related to crop production, pest management, breeding/genetics, natural resource management, and soil nutrient management. In addition, you can prepare for graduate study leading to a career in research, teaching, business, or extension.

Graduates with training in plant science are sought by agri-business, private foundations, and federal and state agencies for employment in domestic and international agriculture. Plant Science, with its variety of disciplines and specializations offered, provides an excellent background for career success in industry, business, farming or ranching, and graduate school.

The Department offers instruction leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Agronomy. Four areas of specialization are offered in the major: 1) Business, 2) Pest Management, 3) Production, and 4) Science.

The choice of an area of specialization need not be made until the sophomore or junior year. This enables you to become familiar with the broad field of plant science and, through consultation with faculty and advisers, to develop a program that can satisfy your needs.

The Department is equipped with modern classroom, laboratory, greenhouse, and field plot facilities. Numerous opportunities are available for part-time employment, scholarships, and work-study programs. The Agronomy and Conservation Club offers opportunities for fellowship, leadership, and career planning. The Department has nationally recognized crops, soils, and weeds judging teams.

Graduate study opportunities may lead to a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Agronomy or Biological Sciences.

Agronomy Major

Provides broad training in the plant and soil sciences and in crop production technology. The integrated program is designed to provide students with an understanding and knowledge base in crops, soils, weeds, entomology, plant pathology, breeding and genetics, precision agriculture, natural resource management, and the interaction of production systems. This major is recommended for students interested in cropping systems, natural/agricultural resource management, or the agribusiness areas of crops, soils, and pest management. Individuals can prepare for careers in crop consulting, crop/plant research, and with private industry managing agricultural inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers; developing improved seed traits, plant sciences, genomics, and producing seed; and for work with government agencies, such as the Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, Agricultural Research Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.