Horticulture : Principles and Practices (3rd Edition)
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Horticulture is the area of plant science that caters to the needs of a broad range of people, from the small backyard farmer in the urban area to the large-scale producer. Horticulture's adaptability to the home situation makes it attractive to people from all walks of life, including those who may not wish to study agriculture or be identified as farmers in the way society defines them, but are willing to grow and care for plants. Horticulture is thus a popular instructional program and part-time activity indulged in by many people. The horticulture industry, as explained in the text, is making it increasingly more attractive for nonprofessional plant growers to participate in plant culture at various levels and for various needs. The purpose of this text is to provide a resource for use in instruction in the fundamentals of horticulture and as a reference for hobbyists and professionals. As an instructional text, Horticulture: Principles and Practices is designed for use at the undergraduate level. Emphasis is placed on instruction in the basic principles and practices of horticulture, thereby minimizing regional and national biases. Horticulture is presented as a science, an art, and a business. The principles discussed are applicable to both small- and large-scale production. A format with unique features is adopted throughout the text. First, the text is divided into parts, within which related topics are treated as chapters. Chapters on broad topics are subdivided into appropriate modules. Each chapter opens with a stated purpose or objective, followed by a list of expected outcomes upon completion of the chapter. The key words and terminologies encountered in the text are listed next, providing an opportunity for the reader to evaluate his or her understanding of the material in the text. An overview is designed to introduce the subjects to be discussed and to define the scope of presentation. Each subject is discussed under clearly defined headings and subheadings. Key words and terminologies in the text are highlighted in boldface and italics and defined or explained. The reader is also frequently referred to other places in the text where certain key terminologies or concepts are presented in detail. The reader is thus able to refresh his or her memory, if need be, to facilitate the learning of the current material. A brief summary at the end of each chapter reviews the main message for emphasis. A list of literature is presented at the end of each chapter to acknowledge the sources consulted by the author in preparing the text and to suggest sources for further information on the topics discussed. If the reader has difficulty in defining or explaining any terminology or key wor4the glossary at the end of the text may be used as a quick reference. Practical activities to enhance the understanding of the material discussed are suggested at the end of the chapters. Finally, the student is provided an opportunity to assess whether the material in the chapter was really understood. The outcomes assessment is conducted at three levels. The first part requires the reader to simply agree or disagree with a statement. The second part is designed to test the understanding of terminologies and concepts and requires the student to provide specific information. Lastly, part three of the outcomes assessment requires the student to think a little harder and to discuss, explains or describe events, concepts, principles, or methodologies and to communicate effectively in writing. The presentation includes many photographs, line drawings, and tables to facilitate the comprehension of the material and can be used for a quick reference. The materials included in this textbook were chosen to provide the student and the user a complete introduction to the four general areas of horticulture: ornamental horticulture, fruit culture, vegetable culture, and landscape architecture. Part 1 is devoted to describing the underlying science. The amount of time spent on these chapters depends on the background of the student. The presentation is such that the reader clearly sees the relevance of the science in horticulture. Topics are presented from the point of view of the horticulturist. The chapters take the reader through a review of pertinent topics in plant taxonomy, plant anatomy, plant growth environment, plant physiology, and plant genetics and improvement. The role of these disciplines of science in the horticultural industry and how they are applied or manipulated to increase the performance of plants are also discussed. Part 2 is devoted to a discussion of how horticultural plants are protected. In this section, the student learns about biological enemies of horticultural plants and the principles and methods of disease and pest control. Part 3 presents a discussion on plant propagation, discussing the characteristics of sexual and asexual methods of propagating plants. Growing plants indoors forms the theme for Part 4. Horticulture can be conducted in an open area or under a controlled environment where growth factors are manipulated for the optimal performance of plants. The student learns how the greenhouse is designed and used in the production of plants. Hydroponics is discussed in some detail. In this section, the student is instructed in the science and art of growing plants in containers in the home and office. Part 5 discusses growing plants outdoors, including detailed coverage of the installation, use, and maintenance of plants in the landscape. A discussion on the establishment and maintenance of a lawn, as well as pruning and landscape maintenance tools, is also presented. Part 6 focuses on the culture of plants for food, especially in the home garden. Selected garden crops and herbs are discussed. Methods of growing fruit trees and small fruits are presented, and a selected number of small fruits are discussed in detail.
From the Back Cover
Now in its third edition, Horticulture: Principles and Practices continues to explore horticulture as a science, an art, and a business, meeting the practical information needs of everyone involved in the discipline-from the small urban gardener/hobbyist to the large-scale producer. Hailed by many as the leading text of its kind and the best introductory horticulture book available today, this new edition is completely updated to include the latest developments and newest technologies.
Chapters are organized into six main parts: The Underlying Science
What Is Horticulture?; Classifying and Naming Horticultural Plants; Plant Anatomy; Plant Growth Environment; Plant Physiology; Plant Genetics and Improvement; Postharvest Handling and Marketing of Horticultural Products Protecting Horticultural Plants
Biological Enemies of Horticultural Plants; Principles and Methods of Disease and Pest Control Propagating Horticultural Plants
Sexual Propagation; Asexual Propagation Growing Plants Indoors
Growing Houseplants; Terrarium Culture: Bonsai: The Art of Miniature Plant Culture; Controlled-Environment Horticulture; Growing Succulents Growing Plants Outdoors: Ornamentals Principles of Landscaping: Nursery Production and Installation of the Landscape; Turf Production and Use; Pruning; Maintenance of the Landscape and Garden; Cut and Dried Flowers: Production and Arranging Growing Plants Outdoors: Vegetables, Fruits, and Nuts
Growing Vegetables; Herb Gardening; Organic Fanning; Management of Selected Fruit Trees, Nuts, and Small Fruits
This text is particularly useful for undergraduate courses in introductory horticulture, introductory plant science, and principles of crop production. Additional resources are available to instructors who adopt this text for a course.
Horticulture : Principles and Practices (3rd Edition)
Horticulture: Principles and Practices (3rd Edition),George Acquaah,Prentice Hall,013114412X,Agriculture - General,Gardening,Gardening / Horticulture,Gardening/Plants,General,Horticulture,Techniques,Technology / Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
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