Horticulture

Introduction of Horticulture

'Horticulture' is derived from 2 Latin words, 'hiatus meaning garden, and 'cultural.' 
Means cultivation. 
In ancient times, the gardens of large estates were surrounded by high walls or similar structures, and the crops were usually cultivated within these areas. As a result, the term. 
In the original sense, Horticulture is referred to as the cultivation of crops within a protected enclosure. Quite frequently, this area is called a "Garden." Thus, horticulture is the culture of crops grown in the garden. 

At present, fruits, vegetables, flowers s, and ornamentals are grown within the home ground and in large quantities on a commercial scale as a business. The 
meaning of the word "Horticulture" is classically defined as "the culture or growing of 
garden plants." 
When considered from the science and business perspectives, Louisiana State University 
(2011) defined horticulture as the "science and art of cultivating, processing and marketing 
of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamental plants".It is unique among plant sciences because it 
not only involves science and technology, but it also incorporates art and principles of design 
for both beauty and utility. 

2 main aims of horticulture 

1.  To provide food 
2.  To impact the environment

5 main branches of horticulture

1. Pomology
2. Olericulture
3. Floriculture
4. Nursery culture
5. Landscape gardening

The above 5 branches of horticulture are mainly categorized into 2 aims/ goals already mentioned above.

To provide food

1. Pomology 

The study of fruit production and marketing is called 'Pomology.' The workers in the field are called 'Pomologists.' The horticulturist defines fruit as an expanded fertilized and ripened ovary.

Pomology was the first branch of horticulture to develop in the U.S.A. 
Growing fruits is a terminal operation. Fruit trees take a long time to come to the fruiting stage. 
The area of land on which fruit trees are grown in a significant concentration is called an 
"orchard." 

2. Olericulture

The branch of horticulture involving the production and marketing of vegetables is called 'Olericulture.' The worker in the field is called 'Olericulturists.' A vegetable is the edible portion of an herbaceous garden plant. There is no clear demarcation between fruits and 
vegetables.

Some crops such as tomatoes are considered vegetable crops but are valued horticulturally for their production of fruits. Other vegetables crops such as lettuce, potatoes 
and carrots are valued for their edible leaf, stem or roots, respectively instead of their fruits. 
Vegetables are used either fresh or processed.

Onions, tomatoes, and potatoes enter the world trade in unprocessed form. But most of the vegetables are processed before shipment because of their bulk or perishable nature. Vegetable production is classified as either market garden or truck crop.

Market gardening refers to growing vegetables for local or roadside markets. But the truck crop production refers to the large-scale production of limited crops for wholesale markets and shipping. 

To impact an environment

3. Floriculture 

The branch of horticulture involving the production and marketing of flowers and foliage plants is called 'Floriculture.' The workers in the field are 'Floriculturists.' Flowers and other ornamental plants have always played an important part in our lives. They have been used for generations to express joy or sympathy. Today flowers are associated with every social function. 
Over time, the greenhouse production of flowers developed to meet increasing and year-round demand. The retail stores began to sell the output. Gradually florist business developed with a separation of the production and marketing operations. 

4. Nursery culture

Although many nurseries produce fruit trees, the great majority of the nursery business today is devoted to producing perennial ornamentals. A person who 
produces or distributes ornamental plants is called a 'nursery grower.' A person who does research, teaching, or extension in this area is called an ornamental horticulturist. 

The nursery trade involves the propagation, growing, and maintenance of herbaceous annuals, 
biennials and perennials, shrubs, and young trees. The production of young fruit trees, some 
perennial vegetables, and small fruit plants, are an important part of this industry.Another 
important area is the production of young ornamental plants and turf for landscaping public 
and private buildings, residences, roadsides and parks. 

Wholesale nurseries usually specialize in relatively few crops for maximum production efficiency. They propagate their own stock and supply plants to retail nurseries, garden centers, etc. These then develop the plants to a suitable size, after which the plants are sold to 
the public.

5. Landscape gardening

= It is defined as using ornamental plants and other elements to fulfill aesthetic and functional purposes. It helps to beautify a given area. Since landscape gardening can enhance the property, it becomes an integral part of home construction. The 
professional who designs the area is called a 'Landscape architect.' 
The concept of home has changed in the modern world, and in landscaping, the person would like to achieve some advantages, his entity, and individuality. The goals are as follows:- 

 Privacy 
 Safety 
 Ease of maintenance 
 Convenience 
 Comfort 
 Flexibility 

In fulfilling the aesthetic and functional purposes, landscaping may also be used to 
accomplish different goals, e.g., to enhance aesthetic appeal, to increase the property value to 
blend concrete and architectural creations with the natural scenery to create recreationally 
grounds, to reduce noise and environmental pollution, etc. 
Commercial facilities and other public areas can also be appropriately landscaped. Malls, 
playgrounds, parks, etc. are the public places where ornamental plants are grown to enhance 
the environment aesthetically and to make it more functional.