JOB I: What is Horticulture?

OBJECTIVES:

   1.  Define horticulture.
   2.  Describe the different areas within the science of horticulture.
   3.  Explain the classification system of plants.
   4.  List horticulture related careers.

MOTIVATION:

   1.  Discuss the importance of horticulture in our society.
   2.  Have a speaker from the horticulture industry speak with the students.

STUDY GUIDES:

   1.  What is horticulture?
   2.  What are the six main divisions of horticulture?
   3.  How are plants classified in horticulture?
   4.  How is a species defined?
   5.  How is a genus defined?
   6.  What are the rules of classification as they apply to plant taxonomy?
   7.  There are three classifications of plants based on their seasonal growth cycle. Describe and identify these plants.
   8.  List the primary careers in horticulture.

ANALYSIS:

   1. What is horticulture?

     Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating, processing, and marketing of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamental plants. The word is
     derived from the Latin word hortus (garden) and cultura (cultivation).

   2. What are the six main divisions of horticulture?

   a.Pomology: the science and practice of fruit culture.
   b.Olericulture: the science and practice of growing vegetables.
   c.Ornamental: branch that deals with the cultivation of plants for their aesthetic value.
   d.Floriculture: the science and practice of cultivating and arranging ornamental flowering trees.
   e.Arboriculture: the science of growing and caring for ornamental trees.
   f.Landscape Architect: a professional who designs landscape plans.

   3. How are plants classified in horticulture?

     Plants are classified by a Latinized binomial (two-name) system first devised by Carolus Linnaeus in the 18th century. This system is used
     worldwide and standardizes plant and animal names based on evolutionary and genetic relationships. This system designated each plant by a
     first name – genus and a second name – species.

   4. How is a species defined?

     A species is a group in the classification system, which can readily interbreed without loss of fertility, has common form and ancestors, and
     maintains their features in nature throughout generations.

   5.How is a genus defined?

     A genus is a group of closely related species. Although each species within a genus is more or less distinct in form or habit, all species must
     be fundamentally similar in ancestry and traits to belong to the same genus.

   6.What are the rules of classification as they apply to written plant taxonomy?

   a.The binary name must be underlined or written in italics.
   b.The genus name starts with a capital letter and the species is written entirely in lowercase letters. It is both singular and plural.

   7. There are three classifications of plants based on their seasonal growth cycle. Describe and identify these plants.

   a.Annuals: only live through one growing season

     Seed-seedling-flowering-fruiting-death.

   b.Biennials: completes its life cycle in two growing seasons

     Seed-vegetative growth 1- dormancy-vegetative growth 2 – flowering-death.

   c.Perennials: herbaceous or woody plants that persist year-round through adverse weather conditions

   8. List the primary careers in horticulture.

   a.Greenhouse manager or worker
   b.Nursery manager or worker
   c.Florist
   d.Golf course manager or worker
   e.Landscape architect or designer
   f.Tree surgeon
   g.Groundskeeper
   h.Garden center manager or technician
   i.Vegetable grower
   j.Fruit grower
   k.Flower grower
   l.Researcher
  m.Extension officer
   n.Sales or marketing officer
   o.Teacher
   p.Farm manager
   q.Horticulture therapist