The Department of Plant Sciences, a core unit of the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, focuses its research, education, and services on the production, protection, and landscaping of plants for human use. It plays a vital role in supporting food security in Oman. The Department is concerned with the application of Plant Sciences to sustainable agricultural development, aiming to equip graduates with the skills to address the challenges that limit sustained expansion in agricultural production, yield, and quality that meets the nutritional and aesthetic needs of both current and future generations in the Sultanate. The faculty members of the department are actively involved in teaching, research, and consultancy activities that are highly relevant to Oman. The faculty members are also active in outreach, especially in supporting the farming community with advice related to plant production, protection, and landscaping issues. The Department provides training to the public, government organizations, and the private sector.

Prof. Muhammad Farooq
Professor & Head of the Department

Vision

To be internationally and regionally recognized as a leading department in teaching, research and community service in the field of plant Sciences and related disciplines.

Mission

To develop and implement innovative plant science education and research programs to enhance production, protection, and economic value of agricultural crops and native plants. Nurture skilled graduates to serve the country by disseminating and applying their knowledge of crop production and protection for sustainable agriculture.

Transfer criteria

For transfer to and from the major follow the link

Admission criteria for College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences 
Minimum Requirement for major subjects

General Education Diploma and equivalencies

Score the following:
•    Minimum of (75%) in the General Education Diploma and
•    Minimum of (65%) in Pure Mathematics and Core English Language and
•    Minimum of (65%) in 2 subjects only from Chemistry, Physics or Biology

A-LEVEL -Certificates

Student must study 2 subjects at least from (A- level) from the major’s required subjects

Score the following:
•    Minimum (C) in Mathematics from (A-level) or Minimum (B) in Mathematics from (AS-level) and
•    Must study 2 subjects only from (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) and score:

• Minimum (C) from A-level or
• Minimum (B from (AS-level

International baccalaureate Diploma (IBD)

Must attain 24 points out of total of 45 points and major subjects will be counted from both levels High Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL)

Score the following:
•    Minimum of (4) points in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (from (HL) or Minimum of (5) points in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches from (SL) and
•    Must study 2 subjects only from Chemistry, Physics, Biology and score minimum of (4) from (HL) or minimum of (5) points from (SL)

International baccalaureate Certificate (IBC)

Must attain 30 points out of total of 45 points and major subjects will be counted from both levels High Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL)

Score the following:
•    Minimum of (4) points in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (from (HL) or Minimum of (5) points in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches from (SL) and
•    Must study 2 subjects only from Chemistry, Physics, Biology and score minimum of (4) from (HL) or minimum of (5) points from (SL)

Program Learning Outcomes

The Department of Plant Sciences is one of the best-performing departments in research across SQU. The Department has an outstanding record of publications in internationally recognized journals with a high impact factor. The research programs at the Department of Plant Sciences are aimed at improving plant production in Oman through effective management of plant response to drought, salinity, high temperatures, arthropod pests, and diseases. From molecular biology to farmer-participatory research, the focus of our research is on addressing the plant production constraints in the Sultanate of Oman. The research in the department includes molecular analysis of plants, plant arthropod pests and pathogens, and soil microbes, mapping and management of invasive species affecting crops, development and introduction of stress-tolerant and high-yielding crop species and genotypes, preservation of local Omani plant varieties, diagnosis of plant arthropod pests and diseases, development of disease-resistant cultivars, and research on organic farming, cut flowers and ornamentals, landscape architecture and natural plant-based pesticides and biological control of plant arthropod pests and diseases. Funding for the research activities comes from His Majesty Trust Fund for Strategic research projects, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, SQU internal grants, other public sector grants, private companies, and regional and international funding agencies.

Prior to graduation, all B.Sc. students are required to spend a minimum of 8 weeks at one or two potential institutions, either in Oman or abroad, to gain experience and training for their future careers. They will present their experience to the department through a report and oral presentation, and their performance will also be evaluated by the employer or supervisor at the work site.

Internship Specific Objectives

Depending on the host institution and the facilities available, students perform some of the activities mentioned below:

1. Become involved in field trials to evaluate crop varieties.
2. Learn about field-based techniques in crop pest and disease management.
3. Become familiar with aspects of crop production at commercial farming enterprises.
4. Visit new installations and ongoing landscape maintenance and development projects.
5. Learn about the problems associated with crop production under salinity limiting conditions.
6. Learn about the use of water, for crop production, generated as a by-product from the oil industry, and also water recycled from sanitary treatment facilities.
7. Learn about the relationship between soil fertility and crop productivity.
8. Learn about the relationship between insect and disease levels and reductions in yield.
9. Become familiar with commercial companies that supply the agricultural sector, including pesticide and fertilizer sales.
10. Perform soil fertility studies.
11. Perform plant propagation operations and evaluate their success.
12. Learn about mushroom cultivation techniques
13. Inspect crops imported into Oman through the quarantine facilities, and identify pests that might be a problem, how to document them, and what to do with contaminated shipments.
14. Any other activities that officials of the host organization think will be useful to the students in their future career.

The department has six specialized laboratories for research in Entomology, Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology and Plant Physiology. These laboratories are used for both teaching and research. Each lab is equipped with the latest instruments, and can accommodate up to 30 students. In addition, the Agricultural Experiment Station provides temperature-controlled glasshouses, greenhouses with evaporative cooling, and field plots for research.