Title: Reading Assignment
Course: HRT 111 Introduction to Horticulture -Spring 2015 > Section: HRT 111 Introduction to Horticulture -Spring 2015

Reading Assignment

Reading Assignment

Read Chapter 6 in the Acquaah textbook.

Genetics is the study of heredity and how plant traits are passed down from generation to generation, and how they can be altered through the effects of the environment, selective breeding and mutations.

The assignment begins with a discussion of the biochemistry of genetics.  Next, it traces how Gregor Mendel figured out the basic principles of heredity working with peas in his monastery garden.  It goes on to discuss techniques used by modern horticulturalists to manipulate genetics to improve plant quality and performance.

Additional Readings:

Here are some other (silly or scary, depending on your point of view), examples of GMOs.
Click here to download website with the examples of GMOs.

History of the cultivated carrot.  If you have time left after everything else, click here to link to the World Carrot Museum site in England.  It traces the amazing journey of the carrot from a purple root that originated in Afghanistan up to the present. Every cultivated plant has a unique story!