ISHS Acta Horticulturae 350: I International Symposium on Education and Training in Horticulture
THE ROLE OF RESEARCH IN UNIVERSITY TEACHING OF VEGETABLE CROPS |
| Author: | Warid A. Warid |
| Abstract:
The university instructor, provided by personal-conducted research, practical experience, and subject-matter knowledge, is able to deliver lectures in the most efficient manner. The laboratory work includes scientific methods, experiments, demonstrations, audio-tutorial laboratory methods, and participation in research. The existence of 143 botanical names for vegetables reflects the diversity of plant material. The edible portion varies according to vegetable kind. Plant morphology, taxonomy, physiology, and the vegetative and reproductive phases of growth are usually included in the curriculum. Vegetable research is conducted in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field. The research subjects include the developmental pattern of plant organs, growth and development of a given cultivar in different seasons under greenhouse and field conditions, and in vitro culture of plants. Field trips enrich the academic curriculum by giving the students practical insight and experience on local problems. The envolvement of students in research can be divided into three types of activities. The most common strategy is to teach means of conducting research, to impart some research skills, and to provide opportunities to use these skills. The two other types of activities, viz, the technician and colleague models, involve participating in ongoing research that gives the student an opportunity to assist faculty staff member with research. The disclosure of totipotency specific to the plant cell, and the use of conventional and biotechnological techniques have resulted in remarkable achievements. 1- Micropopagation, i.e. in vitro vegetative propagation. 2- Embryo rescue. 3- In vitro fertilization. 4- Production of haploids. 5- Procurement of pathogen-free propagules. 6- Induction of somatic and zygotic embryos. 7- Obtaining somatic hybrids between species and genera. 8- Revealing the mode of inheritance of plant characters, and number of genes expressing a trait. 9- Introduction of transgenic plants, for approximately 40 species, having genes for resistance to pathogens, insects, herbicides, and abiotic stress. These include 16 kinds of vegetables, namely, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cucumber, eggplant, horseradish, lettuce, muskmelon, pea, potato, sweetpotato, and tomato. | |
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