CURRICULUM

OF
CROP PHYSIOLOGY
FOR
MS
(Revised 2018)

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

ISLAMABAD
CURRICULUM DIVISION, HEC

Prof. Dr. Syed Sohail H. Naqvi Executive Director

Mr. Muhammad Javed Khan Adviser (Academic)
Malik Arshad Mahmood Director (Curri)
1
Dr. M. Tahir Ali Shah Deputy Director (Curri)
Mr. Farrukh Raza Asst. Director (Curri)
Mr. Abdul Fatah Bhatti Asst. Director (Curri)

Composed by: Mr. Zulfiqar Ali, HEC, Islamabad

CONTENTS
1. Introduction 7

2. Scheme of Studies for MSc (Hons.) in Crop Physiology 16

3. Detail of Courses for MSc (Hons.) in Crop Physiology 18

2
 PREFACE
The curriculum of subject is described as a throbbing pulse of a nation. By
viewing curriculum, one can judge the stage of development and its pace of
socio-economic development of a nation. With the advent of new technology,
the world has turned into a global village. In view of tremendous research
taking place world over new ideas and information pours in like of a stream of
fresh water, making it imperative to update the curricula after regular intervals,
for introducing latest development and innovation in the relevant field of
knowledge.

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 Sub-Section 2 (ii) of Act

of Parliament No. X of 1976 titled “Supervision of Curricula and
Textbooks and Maintenance of Standard of Education” the erstwhile
University Grants Commission was designated as competent authority to
develop, review and revise curricula beyond Class-XII. With the repeal of
UGC Act, the same function was assigned to the Higher Education
Commission under its Ordinance of 2002, Section 10, Sub-Section 1 (v).

In compliance with the above provisions, the HEC undertakes revamping and
refurbishing of curricula after regular intervals in a democratic manner
involving universities/DAIs, research and development institutions and local
Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The intellectual inputs by expatriate
Pakistanis working in universities and R&D institutions of technically
advanced countries are also invited to contribute and their views are
incorporated where considered appropriate by the National Curriculum
Revision Committee (NCRC).

A committee of experts comprising of conveners from the National Curriculum

Revision Committees of HEC in the disciplines of Basic, Applied, Social
Sciences, Agriculture and Engineering met in 2007 & 2009 and developed the
unified templates to standardize degree programs in the country so as to bring
the national curriculum at par with international standards, and to fulfill the
national needs. It also aimed to give a basic, broad based knowledge to the
students to ensure the quality of education. In line with above, NCRC
comprising senior university faculty and experts from various stakeholders and
the respective accreditation councils has finalized the curriculum for Crop
Physiology. The same is being recommended for adoption by the
universities/DAIs channelizing through relevant statutory bodies of the
universities.

MUHAMMAD JAVED KHAN

Adviser (Academics)
October,2017

3
 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

CURRI. UNDER
CONSIDERATION

COLLECTION OF FINAL STAGE FOLLOW UP

EXP
NOMINATION
UNI, R&D,
INDUSTRY &
COUNCILS

PREP. OF FINAL QUESTIONNAIRE

CURRI.

CONS. OF NCRC.

COMMENTS

PRINTING OF
CURRI.

REVIEW

IMPLE. OF
CURRI.
STAGE-I STAGE-II STAGE-III STAGE-IV

Abbreviations Used:

ORIE NTATION BACK TO STAGE-

COU RSES BY
LI, HEC
I

4
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT CYCLE

5
Minutes of National Curriculum Revision Committee (NCRC) Final Meeting
in
Crop Physiology, held from February 19-21, 2018 at HEC Regional Centre,
Peshawar

The final meeting of National Curriculum Revision Committee (NCRC) in the

discipline of Crop Physiology for Bachelor, Master and Ph.D degree programmes
was held from February 19-21, 2018 (03 days) at HEC, Regional Center, Peshawar.
Experts from academia, research and development participated in the meeting. Dr.
Muhammad Idrees (Director, Academics Division, HEC, Pakistan) coordinated the
NCRC meeting. The list of the participants is as below:

1. Dr. Qamaruddin Chachar Convener

Chairman / Professor,
Department of Crop Physiology,
Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.
2. Dr. Fahim Nawaz Secretary
Assistant Professor,
Department of Agronomy,
Faculty of Agricultural & Envr. Sciences,
Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture,
Multan.

3. Dr. Abdul Khaliq Member

Professor
Department of Agronomy,
University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad
4. Dr. Mukhtar Alam Member
Professor / Dean
Faculty of Science, Department of Agriculture,
University of Swabi, Anbar Swabi.

5. Dr. Muhammad Akmal Member

Professor / Chairman,
Department of Agronomy
The University of Agriculture,
Peshawar
6
6. Dr. Muhammad Yasin Ashraf (TI), Member
Professor / Head Soil and Environmental Sciences /
Manager Academic Cell
PAEC / Nuclear Institute for Agriculture & Biology
(NIAB), Jhang Road, Faisalabad
7. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Member
Professor
Department of Agronomy
The University of Agriculture,
Peshawar
8. Dr. Fauzia Yusuf Hafeez (TI), Member
Professor / Advisor,
Department of Biosciences,
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology,
Islamabad
9. Dr. Shad Khan Khalil Member
Meritorious Professor
Department of Agronomy
The University of Agriculture,
Peshawar
10. Dr. Jalal-ud-Din Member
Principal Scientific Officer
Wheat Wide Crosses Programme,
Institute of Crop Sciences,
National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC),
Islamabad
11. Dr. Azra Yasmeen* Member
Associate Professor
Department of Agronomy
Bahauddin Zakariya University,
Multan

7
12. Dr. Shahjahan Shabbir Ahmed Rana Member
Associate Professor,
Department of Biotechnology
BUITEMS, Iqbal Hall, Takatu Campus, Airport Road,
Quetta

13. Dr. Sajid Ali Member

Assistant Professor,
Institute of Agricultural Sciences,
University of the Punjab,
Quaid-e-Azam Campus,
Lahore
14. Dr. Rasheda Jabeen* Member
Assistant Professor,
Department of Biology & Life Sciences,
Lahore Garrison University,
Lahore
15. Dr. Anser Ali Member
Assistant Professor
Department of Agronomy,
Ghazi University,
D. G. Khan
16. Ms. Irfana Parveen Bhatti* Member
Assistant Professor,
Department of Crop Physiology,
Sindh Agriculture University,
Tandojam.

17. Dr. Syed Rehmat Ullah Shah Member

Associate Professor,
Department of Agronomy,
Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine
Sciences, Balochistan.

8
 18. Dr. Muhammad Aamir Iqbal Member
Assistant Professor,
Department of Agronomy.
The University of Poonch, Rawalakot,
Azad Jammu & Kashmir
19. Dr. Riaz Ahmad Afridi** Member
Research Officer (Plant Ecophysiologist)
Plant Physiology Research Program,
Agriculture Research Institute,
Tarnab, Peshawar

20. Dr. Abdul Aziz Khakwani** Member

Assistant Professor,
Department of Agronomy,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Gomal University, D.I. Khan
21. Dr. Muhammad Idrees Coordinator
Director (Curriculum),
Higher Education Commission,
Islamabad
* These members attended preliminary NCRC meeting only
** These members attended the final NCRC meeting only

NCRC Agenda

The agenda of NCRC for Crop Physiology was as follows:

1. To finalize the draft curriculum in the discipline of Crop Physiology and to bring
it at par with international standards.
2. To finalize the eligibility criteria for Bachelor, Master and PhD level programs.
3. To finalize preface, mission, vision, preamble, and rationale of the subject.
4. To finalize objectives / learning outcomes, list of contents and assessment
criteria (formative & summative) aligned with Bachelor programs (vertical
approach) and other Master programs (horizontal approach).
5. To incorporate/suggest latest reading materials/references (local &
international) against each course.

9
 6. To finalize contents keeping in view the uniformity across other disciplines and
avoiding overlapping.
7. To make recommendations for promotion/development of the discipline,
keeping in view the futuristic needs of the society.

The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran. Mr. Arshad Kamran,
Director General, HEC Regional Center Peshawar and Dr. Muhammad Idrees,
Director (Curriculum), HEC Islamabad welcomed the members on behalf of
Chairman HEC. All the participants introduced themselves highlighting their
qualification, experience and area of expertise. Keeping with the tradition, Mr.
Arshad Kamran, Director General, HEC Regional Center Peshawar requested the
Convener, Prof. Dr. Qamaruddin Chachar and Secretary, Dr. Fahim Nawaz of the
NCRC to continue the proceeding to finalize the curriculum.
In first session, Dr. Muhammad Idrees presented the agenda and objectives
of the NCRC. He highlighted the importance of this meeting and emphasized for
adaptation of general rules of curriculum development and revision like scope of the
subject/programme, horizontal & vertical alignment, rule of flexibility and adaptability
keeping in view the futuristic approach, market value/job market and social parity.
He also shared a template for finalizing the curricula according to paradigm shift of
including learning outcomes (Bloom’s Taxonomy), teaching methods and
assessment. The template was unanimously accepted to be followed. It was also
agreed to add preamble, programme objectives, programme learning outcomes,
teaching methodology and assessment segments in the curricula.
Prof. Dr. Qamaruddin Chachar, briefed the participants about outcome of
preliminary NCRC meeting. He informed the participants that in preliminary NCRC
meeting, a draft regarding the outline of curriculum was prepared after thorough
discussion according to the unified framework (guidelines) to institutions offering
degrees under the title of Crop Physiology. The house unanimously agreed to
pursue the same track to finalize Curriculum in the field of Crop Physiology in
current meeting.
In next session the house openly discussed the nomenclature of the
discipline, preface, objectives of the programme, learning outcomes, methods of
instruction and learning environment, assessment and operational framework. After
long deliberations, the committee also finalized such aspects of the degree as
framework/scheme of studies, the duration of the programme, number of semesters,
number of weeks per semester, total number of credit hours, number of credit hours
per semester, weightage of breadth and depth courses and weightage of theory and
practical of undergraduate 4-years programme for Crop Physiology. Furthermore,

10
 list of courses (core & elective) and semester wise breakup of courses were also
discussed and finalized unanimously.
On second day, each course was discussed and the course objectives,
learning outcomes, contents, teaching methods, assessment and reference books
were reviewed, revised and finalized. After an in-depth discussion draft curriculum
of the undergraduate (4-years) programme for Crop Physiology was finalized. In the
evening session, the courses of postgraduate programme were reviewed and
finalized. The house unanimously agreed to include a new course named Root
Physiology for Masters programme. Moreover, it was agreed to merge the course
Recent Advances in Crop Physiology into Advanced Crop Physiology with
modification in course contents.
On third day, the Secretary briefed the house about the deliberations and
progress made during two days exercise of the meeting. The preamble, mission
statement, eligibility criteria, and assessment tools in the curricula were finalized.
Moreover, semester wise split of the courses was discussed and finalized. In the
end, Dr. Muhammad Idrees thanked the Convener, Secretary and all members of
the NCRC Crop Physiology for sparing their precious time and taking pain to travel
a long way from across the country for the noble cause of finalizing the curriculum.
He further stated that their efforts will go a long way in developing workable, useful
and market oriented comprehensive degree programme in Crop Physiology. The
Convener of the NCRC thanked the members for their keen interest and valuable
input in finalizing the curriculum to make it more feasible, competitive, efficient and
realistic. The Committee highly appreciated the efforts made by the officials of HEC
Regional Centre, Peshawar for making arrangements to facilitate their comfortable
stay. The members extended their heartfelt felicitations to the Convener and
Secretary of the Committee. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks to Dr.
Muhammad Idrees and his team from HEC for providing the academic and
professional opportunity for national cause.

Recommendations

After thorough discussion, the participants of the National Curriculum Revision

Committee in Crop Physiology 2018 formulated the following recommendations for
uniform and effective implementation of the HEC policies at national level.

• The committee appreciates the role of HEC in improvement of Higher

Education in the country and recommends uniform implementation of its
policies including work load and financial matters in all public sector
universities.

11
• The respective departments of agriculture at province and federal level should
be approached for recognition of degree in Crop Physiology for recruitment of
graduates.
• Funding may be advanced for the purchase of equipment to be used for
research and training regarding physiological studies in crops that can be of
equally beneficial for sister disciplines.
• Emphasis should be given on the physiological basis of crop adaptation in the
context of changing climatic scenario as a futuristic vision for sustaining
agricultural productivity.
• The committee strongly recommends that mathematics/biology should be
considered as deficiency courses and shall not be counted towards the total
credit hours of the undergraduate degree programs.
• The course of crop physiology may be included in interdisciplinary foundation
courses template.
• NCRC recommends to hold regularly meetings of all experts in Crop
Physiology (at least once in six months).

Suggestions

• HEC is requested to ensure availability of at least 10 copies of all

recommended books to the departmental libraries of all the Agricultural
Universities/Faculties/Colleges of the country and to improve the
library/documentation of the institutions.
• Professors and Associate Professors should also be considered for different
administrative courses run by national policy institutes/public administration
staff colleges to enhance administrative and financial management skills.
• To improve the standard of the higher education at national level, the
committee recommends that the appointment of local examiners within the city
should be discouraged at MSc (Hons.)/MPhil degree programs.
• A final copy of the curriculum (2018) must be provided to at least every faculty
member of Crop Physiology all over the country.
• Follow up meetings may be arranged to further revise and finalize the
curriculum/learning outcomes and recommendations of present NCRC.
• Viable mechanism for follow up of implementation of recommendations /
suggestions should be developed.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks to and from the Chair.

Programme Objectives:
1. Discover, formulate and demonstrate new principles of crop improvement and
soil-crop management so that Pakistan’s agriculture is socially viable, profitable
for the farmer, and competitive on world markets.
2. Discover, formulate, and demonstrate new principles for prevention and
management of diseases, insects, and weeds affecting field, specialty food, and
amenity crops.

12
 3. Conduct fundamental research to discover new knowledge and advance the
frontiers of the crop and pest management sciences.
4. Develop and deliver research results in the environmental sciences to improve
agricultural profitability while decreasing adverse impacts on the environment,
both local and global.

Vision
Produce innovation-oriented Crop Physiology graduates who can contribute to the
betterment of agriculture, environment and society
Mission
To impart the best quality Crop Physiology education through advanced teaching
tools providing impetus for sustainable socio-economic development of Pakistan.
PREAMBLE
With the advent of new technologies, the world has turned into a global village. In view
of tremendous research taking place world over new ideas and information pours in
like a stream, making it imperative to update the curricula after regular intervals, for
introducing latest development and innovation in the relevant field of knowledge. In
exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 Sub-Section 2 (ii) of Act of
Parliament No. X of 1976 titled “Supervision of Curricula and Textbooks and
Maintenance of Standard of Education” the erstwhile University Grants Commission
was designated as competent authority to develop review and revise curricula beyond
Class-XII. With the repeal of UGC Act, the same function was assigned to the Higher
Education Commission under its Ordinance of 2002 Section 10 Sub-Section 1 (v). In
compliance with the above provisions, the HEC undertakes revamping and
refurbishing of curricula after regular intervals in a democratic manner involving
universities/DAIs, research and development institutions and local Chamber of
Commerce and Industry. The intellectual inputs by expatriate Pakistanis working in
universities and R&D institutions of technically advanced countries are also invited to
contribute and their views are incorporated where considered appropriate by the
National Curriculum Revision Committee (NCRC).
RATIONALE
Considering the recent advancements in the science and technology and their impacts
in the field of Crop Physiology, coupled with contemporary requirements of Outcome
Based Education (OBE), there is a dire need to update the curriculum of Crop
Physiology program.
SCOPE
The scope of the document is to provide minimum standards in the form of guidelines
for the development, delivery and assessment of the Crop Physiology program. The
guideline areas include; Program Educational Objectives (PEOs), Program Learning
Outcomes (PLOs) and Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs), scheme of studies, course
outlines, credit hours distribution, assessment criterion, and recommendations.

13
 SCHEME OF STUDIES
FOR MASTER IN CROP PHYSIOLOGY
Semester I Credits Semester II Credits
Advanced Seed Physiology 3(2+1) Physiology of Drought 3(2+1)
Biological Nitrogen Fixation 3(2+1) Plant Molecular Biology 3(2+1)
Advanced Crop Physiology 3(2+1) Physiological Aspects of Herbicides 3(2+1)
Developmental Physiology of 3(2+1) Plant Microbes Interaction 3(2+1)
Crops
Total 12 Total 12
Semester III Semester IV
M. Sc. Thesis Research Work 10 (0+10) Data Analysis, Thesis Write-up,
Seminar & Viva Voce Examination

Total Research Work 10(0+10)

G. Total (Course + Research Work) 34

14
 SCHEME OF STUDIES
FOR MASTER IN
CROP PHYSIOLOGY

Subject Title Cr. Hours

1. Advanced Seed Physiology 3 (2-1)

2. Biological Nitrogen Fixation 3 (2-1)
3. Advanced Crop Physiology 3 (3-0)
4. Developmental Physiology of Crops 3 (2-1)
5. Physiology of Drought 3 (2-1)
6. Plant Molecular Biology 3 (2-1)
7. Physiological Aspects of Herbicides 3 (2-1)
8. Plant Microbes Interaction 3 (2-1)
9. Analytical Techniques in Crop Physiology 3 (0-3)

Major Courses Credit Hours 27 Thesis

Credit Hours 10(0-10) Grand
total Credit Hours 37

Note: Degree Awarding Institutions may select 24 Credits from above

mentioned courses.

15
 DETAIL OF COURSES FOR
Masters in Crop Physiology

Title of the Course: Advanced Seed Physiology

Credit Hours: 3 (2-1)

Specific Objectives of Course:

 To focus on the latest developments in seed physiology and its practical

applications
Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the physiology of reproductive parts of plant.
2. Understand mechanism involved from imbibition to germination and
emergence
3. Understand pressure flow hypothesis involved in assimilate translocation
from source to sink
4. Understand the apoplastic and symplastic loading and unloading
processes
5. Know the postharvest physiological problems and their solutions
6. Practically analyze the seed viability and vigor tests to ensure the quality
use of seed

Theory:

• Physiology of seed development

• Source-sink relationship and reserve accumulation
• Factors affecting seed yield and quality
• Desiccation tolerance
• Seed storage, longevity and deterioration
• Process of seed germination; imbibition, activation and reserve
mobilization
• Regulation of seed germination: internal and external factors
• Seed enhancements

Practical:
• Seed sampling methods
• Purity tests
• Seed moisture determination
• Seed viability tests
• Germination and Vigor testing:
16
 o Electrical conductivity test o Accelerated
aging test o Cold test
o Controlled deterioration test
• Seed enhancement techniques
• Visit to public and private seed sectors

Teaching Methodology

• Lecturing
• Written Assignments
• Guest Speaker
• Field Visits
• Report Writing

Assessment

Mid Term (40%)

• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10% Final Term (60%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10%

Recommended Books:
1. Benech-Arnold, R. L. and R. A. Sanchez. 2004. Handbook of Seed
Physiology. Application to agriculture. Haworth Press. New York, USA.
2. Bewley, J. D., and M. Black. 1994. Seed: Physiology of Development and
Germination. 2nd Ed. Plenum Press. New York.
3. Fala, F. 1987. Handbook of Vigor Test Methods. 2 nd Ed. ISTA Secretariat,
Waginengin, The Netherland.
4. ISTA. 1985. International Rules for Seed Testing. Wageningen, The
Netherlands.
5. McDonald, M. B. and L. O. Copland. 2007. Principles of Seed Science
and Technology. 2nd Ed. Burgess Publishing Company. Minneapolis,
Minnesota, USA.
6. Recent review articles

17
 Title of the Course: Biological Nitrogen Fixation
Credit Hours: 3 (2-1)

Specific Objectives of Course:

 To understand the role of symbiotic and asymbiotic plant-microbe

relationships in nitrogen fixation
Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Know biological nitrogen fixation in symbiotic and non-symbiotic
association
2. Understand the sequence analysis expression of nodulation (nod) genes in
Rhizobium
3. Know the sequence analysis and expression of nitrogen-fixing (nif/fix)
genes in Rhizobium
4. Identify the different nitrogen fixing Rhizobium and their cross genera
association
5. Inoculate and measure the nitrogen fixing ability of different species

Theory:

• Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF)

• Symbiotic and asymbiotic associations in legumes and non-legumes
• Mechanism of BNF
• Nitrogenase; structure and function
• Genetics and regulation of BNF
• Crosstalk between endophyte and host
• Molecular characterization of nif and nod gene
• Cross inoculation groups
• Estimation of BNF
• Physiological and ecological limitations of BNF
• BNF in agroforestry
• Biofertilizers; production and maintenance of inoculum Practical:
• Morphology and anatomy of nodules
• Isolation of Rhizobium from nodules
• Isolation of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from roots
• Gram’s staining, re-inoculation test
• Nitrogen estimation by Kjeldahl`s method/acetylene reduction assay

Teaching Methodology

• Lecturing
18
 • Written Assignments
• Guest Speaker
• Field Visits
• Report Writing

Assessment

Mid Term (40%)

• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10% Final Term (60%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10%

Recommended Books:
1. Elmerich, C. and W. E. Newton. 2005. Associative and Endophytic
Nitrogen Fixing Bactreia and Cynobacterial Associations.
SpringerVerlag. Berlin, Germany.
2. Hardarson, G. 2003. Maximizing the Use of Biological Nitrogen Fixation
in Agriculture. Kluwer Academic Publishers. Amsterdam,
The Netherlands.
3. James, E. K., J. I. Sprent, M. J. Dilworth and W. E. Newton. 2005.
Nitrogen Fixing Leguminous Symbiosis. Springer-Verlag. Berlin,
Germany.
4. Klipp, W., B. Masepohl, J. R. Gallon and W. E. Newton. 2005. Genetics
and Regulation of Nitrogen Fixation in Free Living Bacteria.
SpringerVerlag. Berlin, Germany.
5. Stacy, G. 1997. Biological Nitrogen Fixation. Chapman and Hall Inc.
New York, USA.
6. Recent review articles

19
 Title of the Course: Advanced Crop Physiology
Credit Hours: 3 (3-0)

Specific Objectives of Course:

 To bestow upon the students the advancements in the field of crop

physiology

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe key-aspects in plant secondary metabolism
2. Understand the influence of environment on growth and development
of crops
3. Outline methods of measuring water availability, nitrogen availability
and radiation use efficiency
4. Devise strategies to improve crop production by integrating concepts,
methods and models based on crop physiology
5. Evaluate how different crops tolerate environmental stresses to
produce economic yield

Theory:

• Recent advances in crop physiology

• Secondary plant metabolism and types of physiological damage in plants
• Scavenging systems against physiological damage in crop plants
• Homeostasis in plants
• Stress signaling in plants
• Physiological basis for crop improvement
• Metabolic shift against stresses
• Omics approaches and their application
• Exercise in project development & data interpretation

Teaching Methodology

• Lecturing
• Written Assignments
• Guest Speaker
• Field Visits
• Report Writing

Assessment
20
Mid Term (40%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short Questions,
MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10% Final Term (60%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short Questions,
MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10%

Recommended Books:
1. Marten, J. and D. E. Sadave. 1994. Plants, Genes and Agriculture. Jones
and Bartlett Publishers International. USA.
2. Pessarakli, M. 2010. Handbook of Plant and Crop Stress. 3 rd Ed. CRS
Press, Taylor and Francis. USA
3. Taiz, L. and E. Zeiger. 2010. Plant Physiology. 6 th Ed. Sinauer Associates,
Inc., Publishers. Sunderland, USA.
4. Wilkins, M. B. 1992. Advanced Plant Physiology. Longmans Singapore
Publishers (pvt) Ltd. Singapore.
5. Recent review articles.

Title of the Course: Developmental Physiology of Crops

Credit Hours: 3 (2-1)

Specific Objectives of Course:

 To elucidate the patterns of growth and development of major crops

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Decipher the structural organization of plants at various levels
2. Gain in depth understanding of developmental plant physiology
3. Identify growth pattern of leaves and stomata
4. Depict correlations in root and shoot development
5. Understand the phenomena of flowering, fruit set, ripening, after
ripening, maturity and senescence

21
 Theory:

• Structural organization of plants at subcellular, cellular, tissue and

organ levels
• Basic events of growth; cell growth, division, enlargement and
differentiation
• Meristematic tissues and its types
• Physiology of root and shoot initiation and development
• Leaf growth and stomatal development
• Physiology of flowering, fruit set, ripening, maturity, after ripening and
senescence

Practical:

• Identification of growth stages of cereals, legumes and oilseed crops

• Root and shoot growth patterns
• Identification of position, number and size of stomata

Teaching Methodology

• Lecturing
• Written Assignments
• Guest Speaker
• Field Visits
• Report Writing

Assessment

Mid Term (40%)

• Written (Long Questions, Short Questions,
MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10% Final Term (60%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short Questions,
MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10%

Recommended Books:
1. Gregory, P. J., J. V. Lake, and D. A. Rose. 2010. Root Development and
Function. Cambridge University Press. UK.
22
2. Hopkins, W. G. 2008. Introduction to Plant Physiology. 4th Ed. John Wiley
and Sons. New York, USA.
3. Opik, H. and S. A. Rolfe. 2005. The Physiology of Flowering Plants. 4 th Ed.
Cambridge University Press. UK.
4. Ottline, L. and S. Day. 2002. Mechanism in plant development. Blackwell.
UK.
5. Salisbury, F. B. and C. W. Ross. 2010. Plant Physiology. 5 th Ed., Wordsworth
Publishing Company. Belmont, California, USA.
6. Taiz, L. and E. Zeiger. 2010. Plant physiology. 6 th Ed. Sinauer Associates,
Inc., Publishers. Sunderland, USA.
7. Recent review articles

Title of the Course: Physiology of Drought Credit

Hours: 3 (2-1)

Specific Objectives of Course:

 To understand the mechanism of damage and measurement of drought

resistance in crop plants

Leaning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Have a global perspective of drought
2. Know the mechanism of adaptation against drought
3. Know the influence of drought on photosynthesis, phytohormones,
nitrogen fixation, enzymatic activity and protein synthesis in plants
4. Quantify the extent of drought and its response

Theory:

• Global perspectives of drought

• Water deficit in plants
• Morpho-anatomical consequences of drought
• Mechanisms of drought tolerance in crop plants
• Responses of plants to drought
• Water stress and photosynthetic apparatus
• Photosynthetic adjustments to drought
• Relationships of drought with phytohormones
• Nitrogen fixation, nitrate reductase activity and protein synthesis
• Induction of drought tolerance in crop plants
• Strategies for improving water use efficiency
23
 • Crop research strategies for drought areas

Practical:
• Measurement of soil and plant water content
• Crop growth analysis under drought

Teaching Methodology

• Lecturing
• Written Assignments
• Guest Speaker
• Field Visits
• Report Writing

Assessment

Mid Term (40%)

• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10% Final Term (60%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10%

Recommended Books:
1. Close, T. J. and E. A. Bray. 1993. Plant Responses to Cellular Dehydration
during Environmental Stress. Current Topics in Plant Physiology. Vol. 10.
American Society of Plant Physiology. Rockville, USA.
2. Paleg, L. G., and D. Aspinall. 1981. The Physiology and Biochemistry of
Drought Resistance in Plants. Academic Press. Sydney, Australia.
3. Pessarakli, M. 2010. Handbook of Plant and Crop Stress. 3 rd Ed. CRS
Press, Taylor and Francis. USA.
4. Smith, J. A. C. and H. Griffiths. 1993. Water deficits: Plant Responses from
Cell to Community. Bios Scientific Publishers.
5. Taiz, L. and E. Zeiger. 2010. Plant Physiology. 6 th ed. Sinauer Associates,
Inc., Publishers. Sunderland, USA.
6. Recent review articles

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Title of the Course: Plant Molecular Biology Credit
Hours: 3 (2-1)

Specific Objectives of Course:

 To provide a vision of molecular biology to crop physiologists

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Understand the basic principles of molecular mechanisms

2. Evaluate genome structures for combating various stresses
3. Develop understanding regarding role of protein structures in gene
regulation
4. Apply molecular knowledge for genetic improvement

Theory:

• Macro molecules in plant; carbohydrates, proteins, lipids

• Nucleotides/Nucleosides and their role; structure of DNA, RNA
• Genes and gene expression
• Protein synthesis, chromosomes, mitotic and meiotic behaviour of
chromosomes
• DNA replication & repair mechanism
• Plant genome organization
• Plant transformation and its methods
• Genome editing
• Development of molecular markers for stress tolerance
• Gene regulation, signal transduction
• Chloroplast and mitochondrial genome
• Plant genetic engineering and its application in agriculture

Practical:
• DNA & RNA extraction and PCR amplification
• Bioinformatics tools used in molecular biology
• Isolation and quantification of protein
• Visits to research labs with related facilities

Teaching Methodology

• Lecturing
• Written Assignments
• Guest Speaker
25
 • Lab Visits
• Report Writing

Assessment

Mid Term (40%)

• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10% Final Term (60%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10%

Recommended Books:
1. Buchanan, B. B., W. Gruissem and R. L. Jones. 2002. Biochemistry and
molecular biology of plants. John Wiley and Sons. USA.
2. Devies, P. 2005. Principles and Methods of Plant Molecular Biology,
Biochemistry and Genetics. Student Edition, India.
3. Hafeez, F., Y. Zafar and A. M. Khalid. 2005. Modern Techniques in
Biotechnology: a theoretical Manual. NIBGE, Faisalabad.
4. Pena, L. 2005. Transgenic Plants. Methods and Protocol. HUMANA, JN,
USA.
5. Recent review articles

Title of the Course: Physiological Aspects of Herbicides

Credit Hours: 3 (2-1)

Specific Objectives of Course:

• To understand physiological basis of herbicide activity and selectivity in

crops

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Know different groups of herbicides and their physico-chemical
characteristics
2. Understand the mechanism of herbicide uptake, and their resistance
and tolerance by plants
26
 3. Know mode of action of herbicides belonging to various chemical
groups
4. Understand the bases of herbicide selectivity
5. Prepare herbicide formulations with correct dosage calculation and
their field application

Theory:
• Herbicides and their classification
• Chemical and physical properties of different herbicides
• Surfactants and their significance for enhancing herbicide activity
• Basis of plant selectivity, resistance and tolerance to herbicides
• Mechanism of herbicide uptake
• Physiological mechanisms of herbicide activity in plants: cell division,
elongation, germination, early growth, solute transport, cell membrane,
structure and function, water and CO 2 exchange, photosynthesis and
respiration
• Factors affecting uptake and translocation and activity of herbicides
• Herbicide degradation in plants and their residual activity
• Herbicide toxicity
• Development of herbicide resistance

Practical:
• Calculation of herbicide doses and their calibration
• Demonstration of different methods of herbicide application
• Demonstration of herbicide effects on weeds and crop plants

Teaching Methodology

• Lecturing
• Written Assignments
• Guest Speaker
• Field Visits
• Report Writing

Assessment

Mid Term (40%)

• Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10% Final Term (60%)

27
 • Written (Long Questions, Short
Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10%

Recommended Books:
1. Anderson, W. P. 1993. Weed Science Principles. 2 nd Ed. West
Publishing Company. USA.
2. Ashton, F. M. and A. S. Crafts. 1981. Mode of Action of Herbicides. 2 nd
Ed. John Wiley and Sons. New York.
3. Cobb, A. H. and J. P. H. Reade. 2010. Herbicides and Plant Physiology.
2nd ed. John Wiley and Sons. West Sussex, UK.
4. Rao, V. S. 2000. Principles of Weed Science. Oxford and IBH
Publishing Co. (Pvt). Ltd., New Delhi, India.
5. Recent review articles

Title of the Course: Plant Microbe Interaction

Credit Hours: 3 (3-0)

Objective:

To develop knowledge about utilization of beneficial microorganisms for

enhancing plant growth and productivity

Learning Outcomes:

After studying this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the role of microorganisms in nutrient acquisition by plants

2. Understand the role of microbes in production of secondary
metabolites
3. Comprehend the biological control of plant pathogens through
microorganisms
4. Apply and evaluate the seed inoculation techniques

Theory:
• Plant-soil-microbial interactions
• Utilization of microbial interactions for nitrogen fixation
• Microbial interactions facilitating nutrients solubilization
• Production of phytohormones and their role in plant growth
• Microbiological control of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens
28
 • Secondary metabolites with antifungal activities,
• Production of antibiotics, hydrolytic enzymes and siderophores
• Production and maintenance of inoculants and applications
• Development of biofertilizers and biopesticides

Teaching Methodology

• Lecturing
• Assignments
• Guest Speaker(s)

Assessment

Mid Term (40%)

• Written (Long Questions, Short Questions, MCQs)
• Presentation
 Assignments Final
Term (60%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 30%
• Assignments 20%

Recommended Books:
1. Hafeez, F. Y., K. A. Malik and Y. Zafar. 2009. Microbial Technologies For
Sustainable Agriculture. Crystal Press. Islamabad, Pakistan.
2. James, E. K., J. I. Sprent, M. J. Dilworth and W. E. Newton. 2005. Nitrogen
Fixing Leguminous Symbiosis. Springer-Verlag. Berlin, Germany.
3. Saghir, M. D. A. Zaidi and J. Musarrat. 2009. Microbes in Sustainable
Agriculture. Nova Science Publication. New York, USA.
4. Siddiqui Z. A. 2006. PGPR: Biocontrol and Biofertilization. Springer, the
Netherlands.
5. Tilak, K. V. B. R., K. K. Pal and R. Dey. 2010. Microbes for Sustainable
Agriculture. Int. Printing Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Dehli, India.
Recent review articles

Title of the Course: Analytical Techniques in Crop Physiology

Credit Hours: 3 (0-3)

Specific Objectives of Course:

 To equip the students with analytical techniques used in crop physiology

Learning Outcomes:
29
 At the end of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Understand the analytical approaches and apparatus used in crop

physiology
2. Quantify the physiological and biochemical traits
3. Analyze various growth attributes of plants

Practical:
• Centrifugation and use of tracers
• Techniques used for studying water relations in plants
• Chromatography
• Electrophoresis
• Spectrophotometry
• Plant growth analysis

Teaching Methodology

• Demonstration
• Written Assignments
• Guest Speaker
• Lab/Green-house/Field Visits
• Report Writing

Assessment

Mid Term (40%)

• Written (Long Questions, Short Questions, MCQs) 60%
• Presentation 20%
 Assignments 20% Final
Term (60%)
• Written (Long Questions, Short Questions, MCQs) 50%
• Presentation 20%
• Assignments 20%
• Report Writing 10%

Recommended Books:
1. Coombs, J., D. O. Hall., S. P. Long. J. M. O. Scurlock. 1985. Techniques
in Bioproductivity and Photosynthesis. Pergamon Press. Oxford, UK.
2. Dietmar, T. 1998. Nucleic Acid Electrophoresis: Lab Manual.
SpringerVerlag. Berlin.
3. Salisbury, F. B. and C. W. Ross. 2010. Plant Physiology. 5 th Ed.,
Wordsworth Publishing Company. Belmont, California, USA.
30
4. Salisbury, F. B. and C. W. Ross. 1974. Plant Physiology: Laboratory
Manual to 2r.e. Wadsworth Publishing Co Inc.
5. Pearcy, R. W., J. R. Ehteringer, H. A. Mooney and P. W. Rundel. 1991.
Plant Physiological Ecology: Field Methods and Instrumentation.
Chapman and Hall Inc. New York. USA.
6. Recent review articles

31