Lecturer: Mr. Milton A. Gager INTRODUCTION TO HORTICULTURE (PLSC2102)

What is Horticulture? The word horticulture comes from two Latin words “hortus” and “colere”, which means garden culture. Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that deals with certain features involving utilization of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other plants.

Definition continue Horticulture is the art, science and practice of growing and maintaining plants in different types of environment. It involves the propagation, cultivation and processing of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, ornamental plants and flowers.

Deals with production and processing of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals plants, spices, herbs and flowers. Horticulture involves intensive cultural practices where plants or species are usually given individual attention.

Branches of Horticulture The practice of horticulture is made up of different disciplines. Each discipline is called a branch; and each branch performs a specific set functions. There are branches of horticulture that deal with flowers, seeds, turf and lawns, fruits, trees, worms, fishes, wines, silk, garden trails and much more.

Some Branches of Horticulture Pomology: The science and practice of growing, handling, storing, processing and marketing of tree fruits. Example: citrus, pear, apples, peach, cherry. Floriculture: The science and practice of growing, handling, storing, processing and marketing of flowers. Example: roses, daffodils tulip, carnation, chrysanthemum, orchid, anthurium.

Olericulture: The science and practice of growing, handling, storing, processing and marketing of vegetables. Example: broccoli, tomato, pumpkin, cabbage, peppers. Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture: The art of designing gardens, establishing lawns, installing plants and placing ornaments in the landscape.

Other Branches of Horticulture Seed Production Technology Sericulture Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Viticulture Food and Vegetable Preservation Turf Management Forestry Silviculture Horticultural Therapy

Careers in Horticulture If you like plants then there are many careers in horticulture to consider. Horticulture covers a wide domain of the science and practice related to plants. Depending on one’s interest and level of training; jobs in horticulture may range from highly scientific to technical to skilled.

Horticulture Jobs Scientific Researcher Teacher Consultant Plant Breeder Technical Garden Centre Manager Extension Officer Landscape Designer Skilled Nurseryman Grounds-keeper Propagator Greenhouse Worker

Basic Job Descriptions Horticulture jobs are diverse and in many cases overlaps even though each one has its special sets of responsibility. Researcher: Conducts experiments on various aspects of plant propagation, cultivation, pest control, post harvest management and others.

Basic Job Descriptions Teacher:Prepare and present information to individuals on different topics to make them aware and improve their knowledge. Consultant: Provides expert and specialized horticultural advice to businesses and growers.

Basic Job Descriptions Plant Breeder: Provides new and improved plant varieties. Garden Centre Manager: Sells landscape plants, tools, and supplies in a retail outlet. Provide plant information to customers. Extension Officer: Develops and coordinates programs to promote agriculture in an extension area. Carry out field trials and test demonstrations, and providing educational opportunities for growers.

Landscape Designer: Plans and designs exterior landscapes; for homes, estates, and small commercial buildings. Nurseryman: Plants, transplants, maintain and harvest nursery crops. May also, be engaged in plant propagation. Groundskeeper: Involves planting and maintaining private and public landscapes, gardens, and lawns.

Propagator: Propagates new plant material using a range of seed production, and vegetative propagation techniques. Greenhouse Worker: Plants, cultivates, and harvests greenhouse crops.

Class Activity Look at each branch and discuss the different careers include working conditions and educational and personal requirements Discuss the scope, size and economic importance of the horticulture industry in Jamaica.