Careers in Horticultural Science Prof. David Guest Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources University of Sydney

Horticulture means gardening doesnt it? Thats a hobby for old people You dont make money from gardening! Growing plants isnt cool Oh, you can tell me whats wrong with my lemon tree

WRONG! Who put the flavour back into your strawberries and melons? Who developed waratah and flannel flowers for cut flowers? Who is solving problems in soil salinity? Why is our viticulture industry so successful ? Why is our food safer to eat? Who leads the way in water management?

Horticulturalists do! Art of horticulture applies SCIENCE to the production, marketing, use and improvement of fruit, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants and the conservation of natural environments

What is so special about horticulture? Industries have a clean and green image Playing a major role in improving our environment Horticulture industry is the fastest growing sector agriculture

What do horticulturalists do? Develop new crops Improve food quality and nutrition Develop new technologies in crop production and storage Develop environmentally friendly ways to do this which leads to sustainable industry

What are some Australian achievements in Horticulture? Pink Lady Apple – plant breeding Control of flowering – molecular biology Large non-cracking cherries – selection and production Partial root zone irrigation – irrigation science and plant physiology Environmentally friendly pest oils - entomology Bruising resistant potatoes – transgenic plants Commercialisation of native flora – botany, population genetics and production Guaranteed Sweet melons – postharvest biology, production

What can Sydney University Offer 4 year horticultural Science degree Excellent foundation in science Communication, problem-solving, analysis Opportunity to specialise in area of choice

The Bachelor of Horticultural Science Year 1 Horticultural Science 1 Biology Economics Chemistry Biometry Year 2 Horticultural Science 2 Plant Biochemistry Australian Flora Entomology Microbiology Biometry Plant Form and Function Soil Science

The BHortSci (contd) Year 3 Horticultural Science 3 Plant Genetics Food Biochemistry Postharvest Biology Plant Disease Experimental Design Agribusiness Flower and Nursery Biotechnology Environmental Chemistry Year 4 Research Thesis – 50% Choice of Specialisation in: Sustainable Production Plant Breeding Plant Pathology Environmental or Food Chemistry Marketing and Agribusiness

The BHortSci (contd) Exciting Features 18 weeks work experience Field based learning Scholarships Deans List for academic achievement International exchange Participation in international aid programs e.g. Vietnam and China

What are our graduates doing? Research Scientists - Royal Botanic Gardens Buyers and quality control in supermarkets Managers – hydroponics, turf, vineyards Industry Development Officers Plant Breeding Molecular Biologists Plant pathologists International aid Marketing Env. Protection Agency

More Hort Information? Contact: Michele Gairn – Robyn McConchie David Guest Web: