Plant cell structure and functions. Plant cell water relations. Photosynthesis and respiration (photo and thermo chemical reactions, analysis photosynthetic pathways of C3, C4 and Crassulacean acid metabolism [CAM] and the effect of environmental factors). Photosynthetic efficiency in agricultural crops (photosynthesis, photorespiration, the potential for increasing crop photosynthesis, canopy architecture and interception of solar radiation, optimum and maximum leaf area indices). Translocation in phloem. Source-sink relationship. Dry-matter partitioning.

Water properties and functions. Aqueous solutions and measuring concentration. Plant cell water relations. Water potential and its components. The importance of water in plants. Water in soil and plants. Root growth and functions. Absorption mechanisms and water movement through plants. Factors affecting the absorption of water. Evapotranspiration and crop water consumption. Agricultural crop water requirements. Water use conservation. Water deficits and plant growth. Drought and tolerance mechanisms. Salts and crop water status. Measurement of water status in soil and plant.

Environmental stresses; definitions, sources, types, interactions and effects on plant growth stages (seed germination, vegetative stage, flowering and reproductive stages). Effect of stresses on plant physiological process (water and minerals absorption, photosynthesis, respiration, translocation and partitioning, nitrogen metabolism, nitrogen fixation and hormonal balance). Plant response to stresses (adaptation, hardening, resistance and physiological mechanisms). Factors affecting plant resistance to environmental stress.

Significance of Plant Breeding, Germplasm definition, and Significance. Biodiversity, Germplasm collection, Characterization and use. Germplasm maintenance and Conservation, in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, Cryopreservation, Genomic conservation, world collections, CGIAR and NRC Network.

Environmental factors (Climatic, Soil, Biotic & Abiotic). Environmental factors and their relation to crop growth and development. The relationship between crops and the living organisms in the environment. Crop adaptation. Environmental stresses (sources, types and their effects on growth) Crop tolerance and resistance.