Module Details

Module Code: AGRI8010
Title: Floriculture
Long Title: Floriculture
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 6210 - Agriculture
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: An evaluation of the current and past floriculture industry globally.
Discussion of the floriculture methods, technologies in a national and international setting. Discussion of opportunities that may exist in Ireland and internationally.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the historical development and current characteristics of the world floricultural industry.
LO2 Apply the essential methods and technologies used in the production of cut flower, cut foliage and tender pot plant products.
LO3 Evaluate in detail the production of at least five named model cut flower, cut foliage and pot plant crops (products).
LO4 Assess the specialist marketing of floricultural luxury products.
LO5 Evaluate the post harvest physiology of floricultural products and requirements of care to optimise product shelf life from harvest to consumer.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Floriculture Industry
History. Horticultural advances. Technological advances. World production centres and consumption. Developed and developing world floriculture. Dutch auctions and FloraHolland. Main cut flowers and tender pot plants.
Cut Flower and Pot Plant Production
Species used for cut and dried flowers and foliage. Woody vs. herbaceous materials. Plant propagation. Systems of production: field, greenhouse, soil, hydroponic. Acheiving yield and quality. Plant nutrition, pruning, pest and disease control. Continuity of supply.
Marketing and Post Harvest
Preparing for product demands in selected market. Harvest planning and process. Cold chain prosesses. Ethylene and senescence. Shelf life.
Product Finishing and Logistics
Ensuring product market flexibility. Added value. Niche markets. The grower, the retailer, the consumer. Infrastructure needs. Logistics. Tracking. Crop payments.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Evaluation of the methods and technologies used in floriculture.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Present an evaluation of the marketing and or production of a named floriculture crop as outlined.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Explaining the elements of the Floriculture Industry Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Glasshouse investigations of floriculture crops, Industry site visits and crop case studies Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research current practices relating to selected floriculture crops or processes and investigate case studies in literature to support floriculture presentation Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Explaining the elements of the Floriculture Industry Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Glasshouse investigations of floriculture crops, Industry site visits and crop case studies Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research current practices relating to selected floriculture crops or processes and investigate case studies in literature to support floriculture presentation Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John M. Dole, Harold F. Wilkins. (2005), Floriculture, Second. Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J., [ISBN: 978-0130462503].
  • Paul V. Nelson. (2014), Greenhouse operation and management, 7th. Pearson Education, UK, p.566, [ISBN: 1292027681].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Allan M. Armitage, Judy M. Laushman. (2008), Specialty Cut Flowers, Timber Press, Inc., p.636, [ISBN: 9780881929768].
  • Ben-Erik van Wyk, Johannes Maree,. (2010), Cut Flowers of the World, Timber Press, [ISBN: 978-1604691948].
  • Cheryl Kimball,. (2006), Start Your Own Florist Shop and Other Floral Businesses, Entrepreneur Press, [ISBN: 978-1599180274].
  • Malcolm Ashwell, Sally Pearson. (2001), Professional Floristry Techniques, Farming Press, [ISBN: 978-0852365700].
  • (2008), Production of Cut Roses Year Round: Yield, Quality, and Vase Life, VDM Verlag Dr. Muller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG, [ISBN: 3639087840].
  • Gopinadhan Paliyath et al.. (2008), Postharvest biology and technology of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa, [ISBN: 978-0813804088].
  • Angelo Ramina (Editor), Caren Chang (Editor), Jim Giovannoni (Editor), Harry Klee (Editor), Pierdomenico Perata (Editor), Ernst Woltering (Editor). (2007), Advances in Plant Ethylene Research, Springer, p.461pages, [ISBN: 978-1402060137].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Forrest, M.. (1995), Eucalyptus Foliage -A Potential Crop in Ireland, Horticulture and Landscape Ireland, 3(2), p.22.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BHORT_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture 2 Elective