- -  AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM - -


(CLF6000) Advanced Core Cluster: ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE

 (CLF6350)  Unit Title: ELEMENTS NECESSARY FOR PLANT GROWTH

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 (CLF6353)  Topic: FUNCTION OF NUTRIENTS     Time     Taught in Year(s) 
                     IN PLANT GROWTH           1 hour         3 and 4    
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        Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will 
        be able to:

        Learning Outcome #:

          (H-3) - Discuss the function of nutrients in plant growth.

        Special Materials and Equipment: Handmade flash cards for the
                    elements and their functions

        References: Hartmann, H., Kofranek, Anton M., Rubatzky, Vincent E.,
                      & Flocker, William J. (1988). PLANT SCIENCE:
                      GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND UTILIZATION OF CULTIVATED 
                      PLANTS (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-
                      Hall.
                    WESTERN FERTILIZER HANDBOOK (7th ed.). (1985). 
                      Danville, IL: Interstate Printers and Publishers.

        Evaluation: Quiz by instructor

TOPIC PRESENTATION: FUNCTION OF NUTRIENTS IN PLANT GROWTH

A. Knowledge of the main functions of the mineral nutrients is useful in 
   helping to understand the effects produced by the deficiency of any 
   one of the known 17 essential elements.

   1. Each element serves one or more functions within the plant. When an 
       element is missing, its function is affected, often causing specific 
       deficiency symptoms.

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Note: The elements presented here are in the same order as that used 
      in the topic, Symptoms of Deficiency. The instructor may wish to 
      use these two topic outlines together.

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B. The functions of each element are listed:

   Element                          Function in Plants

   Nitrogen              Synthesis of amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll,
                          nucleic acids, and coenzymes; promotes growth 
                          and green color.

   Phosphorus            Used in proteins, nucleoproteins, metabolic 
                          transfer processes, ATP, ADP, photosynthesis, and 
                          respiration; component of phospholipids; 
                          stimulates early growth and root formation; 
                          hastens maturity and promotes seed production.

   Potassium             Promotes the growth of meristematic tissue; 
                          plays role in the opening and closing of stomata 
                          and water retention; aids in nitrogen 
                          metabolism; is a catalyst in many biochemical
                          reactions.

   Calcium               Essential for cell wall formation; cell division 
                          and growth; and nitrogen assimulation.

   Magnesium             Essential in chlorophyll formation; essential in 
                          formation of fats and sugars; aids in seed 
                          germination.

   Sulfur                Used to metabolize several amino acids, activate 
                          enzymes, synthesize some vitamins; contributes 
                          to flavor compounds in cabbage and onion family 
                          vegetables.

   Zinc                  Used in formation of auxins, chloroplasts, and 
                          starch. Legumes need zinc for seed production.

   Iron                  Essential in photosynthetic processes; component 
                          in many enzymes.

   Manganese             Assists iron in chlorophyll synthesis.

   Copper                Assists in carbohydrate and protein metabolism; 
                          constituent in enzymes; catalyst for respiration.

   Boron                 Affects flowering, pollen germination, fruiting, 
                          cell division.

   Molybdenum            Helps transform nitrate nitrogen into amino 
                          acids; necessary for nitrogen fixation by 
                          legumes.

   Chlorine              Aids in root and shoot growth; required for 
                          growth and development.


C. The present list of essential elements should not be regarded as a 
   final one. It may be added to as methods of proving the need for other 
   elements becomes more refined and exact.

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         ACTIVITY: 
                     
         1. Use a set of flash cards with the element on one 
             side and its functions on the other. Divide the 
             class into two groups. Have groups compete for best
             knowledge of functions of nutrients.
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1/7/91 PJK/clh


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