ES2S53 - Plant Propagation and Breeding 01 Sep 2018 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ES2S53
Module Title: Plant Propagation and Breeding
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environmental Science
Module Leader:
Module Team: Abigail Figg, Anthony Davies
First Intended Intake: SEP 2013 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100529 - horticulture
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2018
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of how to manage plant propagation activities and how these can be applied in practice. The student will be able to understand the requirements of a commercial propagation facility and will be able to develop propagation schedules to meet production requirements. The learner will also be able to propagate plants by seed and a range of vegetative methods.

To supply an introduction to the principles and practices of plant propagation.

To gain an understanding of how propagation principles are applied in plant breeding.

To determine methods for protecting and promoting new plants.

Content Summary

  1. Sexual propagation;
  2. Asexual propagation;
  3. Propagation schedules, records and timing;
  4. Commercial nursery propagation facilities and systems;
  5. Plant selection;
  6. Breeding programmes;
  7. European and World rights and legislation.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 15
Project supervision 13
Supervised time in studio/workshop 20
Independent Study 45
Directed Study 40
Formative Assessment - Independent 67
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Utilise specialist skills, apply sexual and asexual production methods to propagate a range of stock.
LO2 Examine and evaluate propagation systems and facilities.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Prepare a report on an existing propagation facility. 0 3000 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Examine and evaluate propagation systems and facilities. 0 2000 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1
Portfolio 1

Reading List

Arbury, J, et al. (1997) The Complete Book of Plant Propagation. London: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 1561582344

Clarke, G., Toogood, A. (2001) The Complete Book of Plant Propagation. West Sussex: Ward Lock Ltd. ISBN 1841881447

Toogood, A.R. (2006). RHS Propagating Plants. Essex: Dorling Kindersley Publishers.

Adams, C.R., Early, M.P. (2004) Principles of Horticulture. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0750686945.

Dawson, P. (2011). A Handbook for Horticultural Students. Rushden: Dawson Books. ISBN 0952591111

Lamb, K., Kelly, J., Bowbrick, P. (Current Edition). Nursery Stock Manual: Grower Manual 1. London: Grower Books. ISBN 0901361 801.

Selected journals to include:

Horticulture Week

Plant Propagation Magazine

A list of useful databases can be found at:

http://www.hortweek.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/

http://www.rhs.org.uk/

http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk

http://www.the-hta.org.uk/