Horticulture- Definition and branches of Horticulture

Meaning of Horticulture

• Horticulture is derived from the Latin words:
  • “Hortus” meaning garden.
  • “Cultura” meaning cultivation.

• It originally referred to the cultivation of plants in enclosed spaces like gardens near homes, where fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants were grown.

Definitions of Horticulture by Scientists

• Bailey (1907): “Horticulture is the branch of agriculture concerned with the cultivation of garden crops, generally including fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and flowers.”

• Chadha (1996): “Horticulture is the science and art of production, utilization, and improvement of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other crops such as spices, condiments, and plantation crops.”

• Liberty Hyde Bailey: “Horticulture is the growing of flowers, fruits, and vegetables and of plants for ornament and fancy.”

• C.O. Appleman (1936): “Horticulture embraces all garden crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and ornamental plants, and their intensive cultivation.”

• H.J. Enochs (1945): “Horticulture is the branch of agriculture that deals with the intensively cultivated plants directly used by man for food, medicinal purposes, or aesthetic satisfaction.”

• Hewett (1965): “Horticulture is the science of growing crops like fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamentals under scientifically controlled environmental conditions.”

• Jules Janick (1972): “Horticulture is that branch of agriculture that deals with the cultivation, production, and processing of high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.”

Branches of Horticulture

1. Pomology

• Definition: The branch of horticulture that focuses on the cultivation, production, and management of fruit crops.
• Significance:
  • India is the second-largest producer of fruits globally, after Brazil.
  • Major fruits: Mango, banana, citrus, papaya, guava, pineapple, sapota, jackfruit, litchi, grapes, apple, pear, peach, plum, and walnut.
  • India produces 10% of the world’s total fruit, leading in mango, banana, and sapota production.
  • Leading states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh.

2. Olericulture

• Definition: The science of growing and managing vegetable crops.
• Significance:
  • India produces more than 40 vegetables from families like Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Cruciferae, and Fabaceae.
  • Major vegetables: Onion, tomato, potato, brinjal, peas, okra, chilli, cabbage, cauliflower, gourds, carrot, and radish.
  • India ranks second in vegetable production, contributing 13.38% to global production.
  • Leading vegetable-growing states: West Bengal, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka.

3. Floriculture

• Definition: The cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants.
• Significance:
  • Integral to Indian culture, religion, and festivals for centuries.
  • Includes traditional flowers like jasmine, marigold, chrysanthemum, tuberose, and aster, and cut flowers like rose, gladiolus, orchid, gerbera, carnation, and anthurium.
  • Leading states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya.
  • Has grown into a significant industry for domestic and export markets.

4. Plantation Crops

• Definition: Cultivation of perennial crops on large estates for commercial purposes.
• Major crops:
  • Beverages: Tea, coffee.
  • Oil crops: Coconut, oil palm.
  • Other crops: Rubber, cashew, cocoa, vanilla, betel vine.
• Significance:
  • Contributes ₹7,500 crores annually to India’s export earnings.
  • Leading states: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Assam.

5. Spices Crops

• Definition: Crops used to enhance flavor, aroma, and seasoning in food.
• Major spices:
  • Black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, chilli, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg.
• Significance:
  • India is known as the home of spices, leading the global production of several spices.
  • Leading spice-producing states: Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.

6. Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

• Definition: Cultivation of plants with medicinal properties and aromatic value.
• Medicinal plants: Isabgol, coleus, ashwagandha, periwinkle, aloe vera, tulsi.
• Aromatic plants: Mint, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, davana.
• Significance:
  • India has over 9,500 species of medicinal plants distributed across various regions.
  • Rising domestic and international demand for natural products.
  • Leading states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Gujarat.

7. Post-Harvest Technology

• Definition: Involves activities post-harvest such as handling, grading, packaging, storage, processing, and marketing of horticultural produce.
• Significance:
  • Reduces post-harvest losses (30–40% in fruits and vegetables).
  • Adds value through preservation and processing.
  • Ensures year-round availability and enhances export potential.

8. Plant Propagation

• Definition: The science of creating new plants from seeds, cuttings, grafting, budding, or tissue culture.
• Significance:
  • Ensures the multiplication of superior varieties.
  • Plays a crucial role in modern horticultural practices like hybridization and conservation of genetic resources.