Exploring the Horticulture Industry Chapter 1

AGRICULTURE The production of plants & animals to meet basic human needs.

HORTICULTURE -the culture of plants for food, comfort & beauty. Historically, horticulture was “garden culture” derived from the Latin words hortus meaning garden and colere meaning culture. Today horticulture is far more than garden culture.

HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY -all of the activities that support meeting the needs of consumers for horticulture products. Botany-a major area of science in horticulture; the study of plants, including their life cycle, structure, growth & classification.

HORTICULTURE TECHNOLOGY -applying science in horticulture production -controlling & managing a plant’s environments -developing & using the proper cultural practices Combining modern technology with a solid, scientific understanding of plants promotes a more effective management program.

AREAS OF HORTICULTURE Ornamental horticulture-growing and using plants for their beauty Floriculture-the production, transportation & use of flower & foliage plants Landscape horticulture-producing & using plants to make the outdoor environment more appealing

Nursery-a place where plants, shrubs & ornamental trees are grown for transplanting to landscape areas Interiorscaping-the use of foliage plants to create pleasing & comfortable areas inside buildings Foliage plants-grown & sold for their beautiful colored leaves

Olericulture-growing, harvesting, storing, processing & marketing of vegetables Pomology-growing, harvesting, storing, processing & marketing of fruits & nuts.

“Applied botany” Taxonomy-plant classification Anatomy-plant structures Physiology-plant functions Entomology-insects Pathology-plant diseases Heredity-plant genetics Horticulture science relates to the cultivation of ornamentals, vegetables & fruits.

Famous Horticulturist Theophrastus-Greek who speculated that roots of a plant absorbed nutrients. Carolus Linnaeus-developed the taxonomy for classifying living organisms. Gregor Mendel-considered the father of genetics.