Increase fruit crop yields by researching plant diseases.
Help feed the world by genetically engineering drought-tolerant crops.
Develop new agricultural techniques to grow food on board the space station.
Genetically engineer a new exotic rose variety.
Overview
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With a growing world population, making sure that there is enough food for everyone is critical. Plant scientists work to ensure that agricultural practices result in an abundance of nutritious food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Plant Scientist
Watch this video to accompany a plant scientist student as she collects flower specimens.
Critical Thinking:?Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing:?Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making:?Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Listening:?Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Systems Analysis:?Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Core Tasks
Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Plant Scientist might do:
Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.
Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.
Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the effects of alternative practices on the environment.
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.
Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
Tasks 1/3
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