LV EN RU DE FR

Alternative Horticulture

Course developer

Course abstract

Classification, agrobiological properties and ecological requirements of herbs and medicinal plants, generative and vegetative propagation, cultivation`s aspects, choosing of cultivars and conservation of genetic resources. Biological properties and growing methods of edible flowers, non-traditional vegetables, cultivated mushrooms. Harvesting, post-harvesting and realization of non-traditional production.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge about growing technologies of herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants, cultivated mushrooms and non-traditional vegetables as well as cultivation resources, choosing of specialization – tests, practical works;
Are able to choose the most appropriate growing technology, to count resources and materials – practical works;

Are competent to analyze ecological and economic factors for choosing of the most appropriate specialization type – tests, practical works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Alternative horticulture as the branch of agricultural production, the principles of choosing of specialization, analysis of statistical data and economical indices. 2 h
2. Aromatic and medicinal plants, classification, the historical aspects of cultivation, practical importance, agrobiological characterisation, growing and propagation methods, harvesting, storage and realisation. Variability of using of herbs. Contraindications in using of medicinal plants. 4 h
3. Genetic resources of herbs, conservation and importance of the scientifical work in Latvia and in the world. 1 h
4. Edible petals, principles of growing, storage and specifics of their use. 2 h
5. Test 1. 1 h
6. Non-traditional vegetables, their biological and botanical characterisation, nutritional value, principles of growing, propagation of plant material, yield harvesting and realisation, economical indices. 2 h
7. Cultivated mushrooms, their practical and economical value, growing technologies. Providing of optimal conditions for cultivation of cultivated mushrooms. 3 h
8. Test 2. 1 h

Practical work
1. Assortment of herbs, generative and vegetative propagation. 4 h
2. Planning of herb garden. 4 h
3. The planning of resources and counting of economical indices for cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, edible petals, non-traditional vegetables. 4 h
4. Risk analysis of cultivated mushrooms. 2 h

5. Planning of oyster cultivation, counting of growing chamber occupancy. 2 h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Oral exam.
The final mark is the average mark of:
- the cumulative score of the two tests;
- exam mark.
All practical work should be elaborated, defended and credited.
The test should be successfully completed. The cumulative score will be obtained if all the requirements are met and the average score is above 6.5. If the average score is below 6.5, students should pass an exam and the score awarded will be the final grade.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Preparing of practical works according to the given task, using additional materials (handouts, scientific literature and other sources of information), works are developed individually and presented.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Practical work on a specific topic – graded pass/fall
Tests – graded pass/fall

Oral exam - graded

Compulsory reading

1. Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas Through the Production and Exploitation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Ed. by Bobit D. M., Ciufu M,m Ghinea V., Līcīte L. et al. Jelgava: LLU, 2018. 255 p.
2. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Agricultural, commercial, ecological, legal, pharmacological and Social Aspects. R. J. Borgers, L. E. Craker, D.Lange (eds.). Wageningen: Springer Netherlands, 2006. 312 p.

3. Žukauska I. Netradicionālā dārzkopība. Studiju materiāls. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 123 lpp.

Further reading

1. Vaivare M., Lūkina B., Kučere A, Labas higiēnas prakses vadlīnijas kaltētu garšaugu, tējas un ārstniecības augu pirmapstrādei, pārstrādei un realizācijai bioloģiskajā lauksaimniecībā. Rīga: LBLA, 2006. 31 lpp.
2. Vainikauskaitė-Tomaševičienė S., Hrund H., Petruškė L. et al. (2025). Urban gardening. Jelgava: Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, 81 lpp. Pieejams: https://socialsciences.lbtu.lv/sites/default/files/URBAN_GA
RDENING.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

Interneta resursi, dažādi informatīvie materiāli.
Nozares žurnāli: Dārzs un drava, Dārza pasaule, Profesionālā Dārzkopība u.c.

Zinātniskie žurnāli: Agronomy Research, Horticultural Science, Acta Horticulturae u.c.

Notes

Professional bachelor’s study program “Agriculture”, qualification “Agronomist with specialisation in Horticulture”.