What is horticulture?

The term ―Horticulture‖ is derived from two Latin words i.e. ―Hortus‖ meaning

garden or enclosure and ―Cultra‖ meaning cultivation. So, horticulture literally means

garden culture or culture of garden crops.

The term ―Agriculture‖ refers broadly to the technology of raising plants and

animals .On the other hand ―Horticulture” which is a part of agriculture is concerned

with the raising of so called garden crops.

In olden days staple (food) crops (Paddy, Maize, Wheat etc.) were grown in

open fields on a large scale, while some crops of special interest like fruits,

vegetables, flowers etc. were grown in the back yard of houses in an enclosure. In

cases where fruits, vegetables and flowers were grown in areas other than backyards,

they are protected by erecting walls, by raising live fences, non-live fences etc. i.e.

they are enclosed. As such the term Horticulture in the original sense referred to the

cultivation of crops with in the protected enclosure, which is often called as a garden

(Crops grown in a protected enclosure). So, the culture of crops in gardens is referred

as ―Horticulture‖.

At present, fruits, vegetables, flowers etc. are grown not only with in the back

yards, but also in large areas in open fields on a commercial scale. Traditionally

garden crops include fruits, vegetables and flowers. But today‘s horticulture deals not

only the fruits, vegetables and flowers but also other important crops like spices,

condiments, plantation crops, medicinal and aromatic plants etc,. Besides cultivation

of these crops, present day horticulture deals with the utilization and improvement of

these crops. Hence, modern horticulture may be defined as a part of agricultural

science, which deals with the production, utilization, and improvement of fruits,

vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, plantation crops, medicinal and aromatic plants etc.

Divisions of horticulture:

Horticulture crops include fruits, Vegetables, flowers, plantation crops, Spices,

condiments, Medicinal and Aromatic crops etc. In addition to these, Horticulture also

deals with raising of trees for shade, ornamental and avenue purposes, planning and

raising of ornamental gardens, parks and raising of seed and planting material.

Further, horticulture also deals with the utilization of horticulture produce and

improvement of horticulture crops.

Hence, based upon the crops dealt and also their purpose and utilization, the branch

of horticulture is sub-divided in to the following divisions for convenience.

Pomology: It is derived from two words i.e.‖ Pomum‖ meaning fruit and ―Logos‖

meaning discourse or study. So, pomology is study or cultivation of fruit crops.

E.g. Mango, Sapota, Guava, Grape, Banana etc.

Fruit: It is a developed and matured ovary with or with out accessory parts and which is generally eaten

as raw.

Olericulture: It is derived from two words ie.‖Oleris‖ meaning Potherb and ―Cultra‖

meaning cultivation. So, Olericulture literally means potherb cultivation. In the present

days it is broadly used to indicate the cultivation of vegetables.Eg. Brinjal, Okra,

Tomato, Pumpkin etc.

Vegetable: It is any part of the herbaceous plant that is generally used after cooking as a principal part of the meal.

Floriculture: It is derived from two words i.e. ―Florus‖ meaning flower and ―Cultra‖

meaning cultivation. So floriculture means study of flower crops.

In this there are again two sub-divisions.

 (1) Commercial Floriculture 

(2)Ornamental Floriculture.

Commercial floriculture: Deals with the cultivation of flower crops grown on

commercial scale for profit (Income). E.g.: Rose, Jasmine, Carnation, Aster, and

Marigold etc.

Ornamental floriculture: It deals with the raising of flower crops for ornamental,

pleasure and fashion purposes. E.g.: Dahlia, Zinnia, Cosmos, Hibiscus, Balsam,

Nerium, Poinsettia, Hollyhock, Gerbera, and Gaillardia etc.

Arboriculture: This branch deals with the raising of perennial trees meant for shade,

avenue or ornamental purposes. Eg.Polyalthia, Spathodea, Cassia, Gulmohar etc.

Plantation crops: Are those crops, which are cultivated in an extensive scale in large

contiguous areas, owned and managed by an individual or a company and whose

produce is utilized only after processing.Eg. Coffee, Tea, Rubber, Coconut, Cocoa

etc.

Spices and condiments: This branch deals with the cultivation of crops whose

produce is used mainly for seasoning and flavouring dishes.

Spices: Are those plants the products of which are made use of as food adjuncts to add aroma and

flavour. Eg. Pepper, Cardamom, Clove, Cinnamon, All spice etc.

Condiments: Are those plants the products of which are made use of as food adjuncts to add taste only.

Eg.Turmeric,Ginger,Red chillies,Onion,Garlic etc.

Both spices and condiments contain essential oils, which provide aroma, flavour and

taste and they are of little nutritive value.

Medicinal and aromatic plants: It deals with the cultivation of medicinal plants, which

provide drugs and aromatic crops which yields aromatic (essential) oils.

Medicinal plants- are those plants, which are rich in secondary metabolites and are potential sources of

drugs. The secondary metabolites include alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, flavonoides and steroids etc.

Eg. Periwinkle, Opium, Menthi, Cinchona, Dioscorea Yam, Belladona, Senna, Sarpagandha,

Aswagandha, Tulasi etc.

Aromatic plants- are those plants, which possesses essential oils in them. The essential oils are the

odoriferous steam volatile constituents of aromatic plants. Eg. Lemon grass, Citronella, Palmrosa,

Vetiver, Geranium, Davanam, Lavendor etc.

Fruit technology: It deals with the processing and preservation of produce of

horticulture crops.

Landscape gardening: It deals with the planning and execution of ornamental

gardens, parks, landscape gardens etc.

Nursery and seed production: It deals with the production of seeds and planting

material of horticulture crops on commercial basis.

Plants grown for aesthetic value are also included in horticulture. Though crops like

potato, cowpea and several condiments are grown as field crops they are included

under horticultural crops when they are grown as vegetables in small areas.

Role of horticultural crops in human nutrition

From human nutrition point of view horticulture is most important to our daily living.

Many of the horticulture crops and their products find place in our meals and diet.

Human body requires vitamins, minerals, proteins, energy etc. for its health. All these

are supplied by horticultural crops. Fruits and vegetables are the chief sources of

vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins etc.

Fruits and vegetables are recognized as protective foods as they are necessary for

the maintenance of human health.

Vitamins: These are the important constituents of fruits and vegetables and are

indispensable part of human diet. Although required in very minute quantities, they are

absolutely essential for the maintenance of health. The deficiency of any vitamin from

the diet for considerable period may lead to diseased state or disorder conditions.

Fruits and vegetables supply several vitamins.

Vitamin-A: It is essential for normal growth, reproduction and maintenance of health

and vigour. It affords protection against cold and influenza and prevents night

blindness. The deficiency of this vitamin results in cessation of growth in young

children, night blindness, drying up of tear glands in the eyes, eruption of skin (Rashes

on the skin) and brittleness of the teeth

Sources: Fruits-Mango, Papaya, Dates, Jackfruit, Walnut etc. Vegetables-Greens like

palak, spinach amaranthus, fenugreek, carrot, cabbage lettuce, peas, tomato etc.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Tones the nervous system and helps in proper functioning of

the digestive tract. Its deficiency in human diet results in ―Ber-beri‖, paralysis, loss of

sensitivity of skin, enlargement of heart, loss of appetite ,loss of weight and fall in body

temperature.

Sources: Fruits-Orange, pineapple, jack fruit, cashew nut, walnut, dry apricot, almond,

banana etc,.Vegetables-Green chilli, beans, onion, sweet potato, tomato (red), leaves of

colocasia .

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): This vitamin is required for body growth and health of the

skin.

The deficiency of this vitamin causes sore throat, anorexia cataract, and loss of

appetite and body weight and also development of swollen nose.

Sources: Fruits- Bael, papaya, litchi, banana, apricot, pomegranate, pear etc.

Vegetables- Cabbage, cauliflower, potato, peas and beans, methi, lettuce, asparagus,

green chillies, leafy vegetables etc,.

Vitamin -C (Ascorbic Acid): This vitamin promotes general health and healthy

gums, prevents scurvy disease which is characterized by pain in the joints and

swelling of limbs (rheumatism), bleeding of gums, tooth decay and keeps the blood

vessels in good condition.

Sources: Fruits: Amla, guava, ber, citrus, strawberry, pineapple etc. Vegetables:

Tomato, palak, menthi, cabbage, green chillies, spinach, potatoes, peas and beans

and carrot etc,.

Vitamin-D: This vitamin is necessary for building up of bones, preventing rickets and

diseases of teeth.

Sources: All green leafy vegetables are rich in this vitamin.

Vitamin-E: Has an important effect on the generative functions and promotes fertility.

Sources: Green lettuce and other green vegetables.

Vitamin-K: This vitamin prevents blood clotting

Sources: All green leafy vegetables are rich in this vitamin

Minerals: Human body requires minerals like P, Ca, Iron, and Iodine etc. for

maintaining good health.

Calcium: It is essential for development of bones regulation of heartbeat, controlling

blood clots

Sources: Fruits- Acid lime, Orange, Fig, Dried apricots, wood apple etc. Vegetables-

Cabbage, greens, beans, carrot, onions, peas, tomatoes, agati, spinach drumstick leaves etc.

Iron: It is required for production of haemoglobin and it is constituent of red blood

corpuscles. Its deficiency causes anaemia, smooth tongue, pale lips, eyes and skin

and frequent exhaustion.

Sources: Fruits- Custard apple, Guava, Pineapple, Straw berry, Grape, Black

currents, dried dates etc. and vegetables like Carrot, Drumstick leaves, beans and agati

etc.

Phosphorous: It is essential for maintaining the moisture content of tissues and for

development of bones.

Sources: Fruits-Guava, Grape, Jackfruit, Passion fruit, Orange and vegetables like

Carrot, Chilli, Drumstick leaves, Beans, cucumber and onion.

Proteins: These are bodybuilding foods. These are essential for growth of the body.

The deficiency of proteins in the body causes retarded growth and increases

susceptibility to diseases and causes lethargy.

Sources: Fruits- Most of the fruits are low in proteins except Guava and Banana.

Vegetables like peas and beans are rich in proteins.

Enzymes: These are required for controlling several metabolic activities in the body.

Sources: Papaya-Papain and Pineapple-Bromelin.

Fibre and roughages (Cellulose and pectin): Fruits and vegetables supply

roughages These are required for digestion and prevention of constipation.

Sources: Fruits contain low content of fibre. Guava and anola are better sources

compared to other fruits. Leafy vegetables are rich in fibre content

Energy foods: Fruits and vegetables contain Carbohydrates and fats there by supply

energy to human body. Those fruits (Banana, Dates, Apple etc.) and vegetables

(Potatoes, Sweet potato, Beans, Peas etc.), which contain Carbohydrates, are called

as ―energy Foods.‖ Nut fruits like Walnut, Cashew nut and almond etc supplies

proteins besides energy.