This document provides information about the principles of horticulture. It defines horticulture as the science of studying garden plants, and notes that it deals with important crops grown in gardens, such as vegetables and fruits. The document outlines several benefits of horticulture, including higher yields per unit area, nutritional benefits, beautification, and suitability for small farmers. It also discusses the scope and importance of horticulture in India due to varied climates, irrigation, and growing markets and demand. The main branches of horticulture - olericulture, pomology, floriculture, and post-harvest technology - are also summarized.

1. Course: B.Sc. Agriculture
Subject: Principles of Horticulture
Unit :1
Introduction of Horticulture

2. •Horticulture is a science of studying garden plants.
•The world Horticulture is derived from two Latin words
viz. Hortus means garden and Culture means knowledge of
growing these crops.
•Horticulture is an aesthetic science that deals with the
important crops which are grown in the gardens e.g.
vegetable crops in vegetable garden, fruit crops in fruit
orchards.
Horticulture

3. 1. As compared to field crops Horticultural crops give more returns per unit
area (More yield in terms of weight and money).
2. Horticulture crops are important as their nutritional status is high.
Particularly fruits and vegetables provide high amount of vitamins and
minerals to us.
3. Horticulture is important as it beautifies the surroundings.
4. Horticulture crops are suitable for small and marginal farmers.
5. The varieties of crops are available in the Horticulture section with wide
range of uses.
6. Horticultural plants improve environment by reducing pollution,
conserves soil and water and improve socio-economic status of the farmer.
Scope of Horticultural crops .
Importance and scope of Horticulture

4. 1. Varied agro climatic conditions in India, allows growing
different Horticultural crops in different regions.
2. Increasing irrigation facilities provide more scope for growing
Horticultural crops.
3. Availability of technical information regarding production of
Horticultural crops will provide congenial condition for growing
these crops.
4. Increasing communication and transport facilities provide greater
markets to Horticultural crops.
Factors affecting the scope of Horticultural crops in India

5. 5. There is scope for export of fresh and processed products.
6. Greater demand for Horticultural commodities in local
markets.
7. Facilities provided by the government helps farmer to replace
their traditional crops with Horticultural crops.
8. Development of financial institutions, co-operatives in rural
areas. increasing returns from these crops.

6. 1. Olericulture (Vegetable culture):
This branch deals with the study of vegetable crops.
Vegetables are nutritive food of plant origin which are normally
cooked before consumption or eaten raw as salad. e.g. Cabbage,
Tomato, Fenugreek.
2. Pomology (Fruit Culture):
This branch of Horticulture deals with study of different
fruit crops. Cultivation, management and other aspects of fruit crops
are covered under this branch e.g. Mango, Banana, Grapes.
Branches of Horticulture

7. 3. Floriculture and Ornamental Gardening:
This branch of Horticulture covers flower crops and
ornamental plants. Study of different flower crops and ornamental
plants with reference to their production and uses. It also includes
gardening, landscaping and beautification of surroundings e.g.
Roses, asters, lily, Cactus, Ferns, etc.
4. Post Harvest Technology and preservation:
Study of post harvest handling, marketing, and processing
of Horticultural crops is covered under this branch. Post harvest
management of fruits, vegetables, flowers with their storage,
marketing and preservation is studied under this branch e.g.
Preparation of jam, jelly, ketchup etc.

8. 1) Nutrition:
Vegetables are rich and comparatively cheaper source of
vitamins. Consumption of these items provides taste, palatability,
increases appetite and provides fiber for digestion and to prevent
constipation. Their consumption in plenty fair amount of protein. They
also play key role in neutralizing the acids produced during digestion of
pretentious and fatty foods and also provide valuable roughages which
help in movement of food in intestine.
Some of the vegetables are good sources of carbohydrates
(leguminous vegetables, sweet potato, potato, onion, garlic and methi)
proteins (peas, beams, leafy vegetables and garlic) vitamin A (carrot,
tomato, drumstick, leafy vegetables), Vitamin B (peas, garlic and tomato),
Vitamin C (green chillies, drumstick leaves, Cole crops, leafy vegetables
and leaves of radish) minerals (leafy vegetables, drumstick pods). As per
dietician, daily requirement of vegetables is 75 - 125 g of green leafy
vegetables, 85 g of other vegetables and 85 g of roots and tubers with
other food.
Importance of Vegetables

9. 2) Importance as Food:
Food production is increasing. If is essential to sustain increased
production besides nutritional standard of people. It can be increased by
increasing production of vegetables which will help to solve food problem as
yield of vegetable crops is 4 to 10 times more than cereals. Thus, vegetables
play a vital role on food front as they are cheapest-sources of natural foods and
can admirably supplement the main cereals of the country.
3) Importance to a grower:
Nature is in providing us-with all kinds of vegetable crops that can be
grown in different seasons of the year in region. Different kinds of vegetables
provide leaf, stem, flower, fruit or seed for consumption.' Considering vividness
in the requirement of soil and season farmers can grow vegetable crops
throughout the year for earning regular and steady income to meet the daily
expenditure. There are vegetables of very short duration that can be grown as
rained and intercrops in either agronomical crops or vegetable crops. There 'are
vegetables which will improve soil and also provide fodder to catties. Thus
farmer has wide choice to select suitable crop to adjust in his cropping pattern
in given situation. Climate and soil conditions of this region are conducive to
grow different vegetables.

10. 4) Employment:
Since cultivation of vegetable crops involve intensive cultural
operations starting from sowing to marketing, it provides more and
regular employment opportunities in rural areas.
5) Industrial importance:
The perishable nature of vegetables demand comprehensive
planning for movement, Storage, processing and distribution of vegetable
products. The growth of vegetable industry as a commercial proposition
largely depends on mainly allied enterprises like storage, processing
marketing and maintenance and service enterprises to encourage vegetable
growing.
6) Importance of vegetables Production for medicinal properties:
Many of the vegetable crops posses high medical value for
curing certain diseases. For instance, onion and garlic are found to possess
antibacterial property (Sharma et. al. 1976). Many solanaceous and
cucurbitaceous vegetables are found to possess Vitamin D.

11. Statistics on area and production of vegetable crops is
not so accurate. It is highly essential develop some procedure to
work out proper figures of area and production. It is most
important for planning its production as per population.
As per recommendation of different every adult
has to consume 250-300 g of vegetable per day.
India is the second largest producers of vegetable with
2.8 % of total cropped area under vegetables. An increase of 2.5 %
per year in vegetable production is also necessary. Present
production of 1.5 million tones of vegetable supply only 145 g per
capital per day against recommended requirements of 300 g.
Statistics of Area and Production of Vegetable in India

12. Sr. No Vegetable Area (000 ha ) Production (000MT)
1 Potato 1120 18500
2 Cabbage 220 4200
3 Tomato 330 5000
4 Cauliflower 280 500
5 Onion 405 4300
6 Brinjal 310 3300
7 Beans 145 390
8 Peas 148 2150
9 Cucumber 17 114
Area and Production of Different Vegetable Crops in India

13. Sr.No States Area (M ha) Production
(MT)
Productivity
(t/ha)
1 Orissa 0.87 8.7 10.0
2 Uttar Pradesh 0.86 13.88 I 16.13 III
3 Bihar 0.85 12.28 II 14.44
4 West Bengal 0.51 5.39 10.56
5 Karnataka 0.29 5.70 19.65 II
6 Kerala 0.24 2.78 11.58
7 Maharashtra 0.21 2.95 14.04
8 Tamil Nadu 0.17 4.39 25.82 I
Area, Production and Productivity of Different States

14. VEGETABLE CLASSIFICATION
Different methods of classification followed in vegetables are described below
Botanical classification
Botanical classification is based on taxonomical
relationship among different vegetables. Plant kingdom is divided
into four viz.Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteriodophyt a and
Spermatophyte. All vegetables belong to division Angiospermae of
Spermatophyta. It is further divided into two classes viz.,
Monocotyledoneae and dicotyledoneae.

15. Classification based on parts used
In this system, crops are classified based on their parts used for
vegetable purpose.
Tender stem and leaves:
Cabbage, Chinese cabbage, knolkhol, Amaranth, palak
etc.
Fruits:
Tomato, brinjal, chilli, cowpea etc.
Flower parts:
Sprouting broccoli
Under ground portion:
Carrot, radish, beet root, potato etc.

16. Classification based on hardiness
This classification is based on ability to withstand
frost and low temperature and it will be useful to know season of
cultivation of a crop. Here the vegetable crops are classified into
hardy, semi hardy and tender. Hardy vegetables tolerate frost and low
temperature and are basically winter or cool season or temperate
vegetables. Warm season or subtropical or tropical vegetables are
considered as tender since they cannot withstand frost. Temperate
vegetables, in general, can be stored for long periods under low
temperature. Tropical vegetables are bulky and more perishable
compared to temperate vegetables.

17. Hardy Semi hardy Tender
Garlic Beet root Brinjal
Onion Carrot Okra
Peas Palak Chilli
Radish Potato Cluster bean
Spinach lettuce Tomato
Sweet potato

18. Classification based on season of cultivation
This is one of the most important classifications from the
grower’s point of view since majority of vegetables are season bound and
specific to particular seasons. Vegetables are classified into summer season
crops, rainy season crops and winter season crops based on growth and
production during particular seasons.
Spring / summer season prevails from February to June / July
under North Indian plains and from January to May / June in South Indian
plains.
October to January is winter season, experiencing chilling
temperature, in most parts of the country.
However, in high rain warm humid climatic condition of Kerala,
a distinct winter season is lacking and rainy season starts from June and
extents up to September. Here vegetable crops can be grouped as rainy
season, mild winter season, and summer season crops.

19. A few typical vegetables suited to each group are :
Winter season crops- Cruciferous vegetables, carrot, radish,
beetroot, onion, garlic, peas etc.
Mild winter- Hyacinth bean, winged bean, tomato
Summer season- All gourds, amaranth
Rainy season crops- Okra, chilli, brinjal, cluster been, cowpea etc.
However, depending on receipts of rain, slight variation is noticed in
different parts of country. Usually early rains are received in Kerala
where monsoon starts during last week of May or first week of June.

20. Cultivars
The choice of cultivars depends upon its climatic
requirement, soil conditions and moisture availability. In case of temperate
fruits, it is necessary to see whether the cultivars to be planted will get
necessary chilling hours in winter. Wherever pollinizers are recommended,
they should be planted in sufficient numbers as they result in higher yield.
Method of cultivation
Planting distance
The spacing given to the fruit trees are generally governed by
the various factors like climate, soil, choice of cultivars, growth habit of
tree, rootstock used, nature of irrigation and pruning technique followed.
Vigorous cultivars on vigorous rootstocks need more spacing than less
vigorous cultivars on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks .

21. Planting time
Evergreen plants like those of mango, citrus, guava, papaya,
litchi and other fruits can be planted in two seasons viz. (i) Spring season
(Feb.-April) and (ii) rainy season (July-September). It is preferable to carry
out planting of litchi, mango, in late rainy season i.e. September or early
October when weather becomes mild and more favourable and enough
moisture is available in the soil.
Where irrigation is available, spring plantation can be done.
The deciduous fruits are planted once in a year i.e. during late winter when
they are still dormant. Planting should be completed before emergence of
new growth in spring. In snow bound areas, planting should be completed
before emergence of new growth in spring. In snow bound areas, planting
operation can be deferred till the snow melts or is cleared.
Planting of fruit trees should be avoided during hot and dry
spells and preferably be done in the afternoon on cloudy and humid days
rather than in bright sunshine and dry weather.

22. Providing windbreaks
An effective windbreak of tall trees alternating with relatively small
but spreading trees must be grown on the windward side of orchard, well before
the orchard is planted to protect trees from hot winds of summer which damages
the trees and results in fruit-drop.
Eucalyptus, Jamun, seedling mango, mulberry are some of the trees
which can make good windbreaks under sub-tropical conditions.
Digging and filling of pits
Preparation of pits and planting should always be done with the
help of planting board. The guide pegs are planted at both ends. One meter
deep pits of 1 meter diameter should be dug. Top 30 cm soil should be kept
on one side and is used for refilling the pits as fertile soil. Bottom 70 cm
soil should be kept on other side. The pits should be exposed for a few
days before planting. The pits should be filled with mixture of top soil, 2-3
baskets of silt as well as well rotten farm yard manure. The refilled pits
should be watered properly before planting the tree. To each pit, 0.05%
chlorpyriphos can be added against white ants.

23. Manuring and fertilization
Fruit trees remove large amount of nutrients from soil than
most other crops. An orchard can be maintained in commercial bearing by
adding adequate manuring. However, the manorial requirements of fruit trees
are governed by many factors like fruit kind, fruit cultivars, climatic conditions
and cultural practices followed. For proper fertilizer programme, there is need
of soil and leaf analysis for particular fruit growing area.
Organic manures should be applied 3 months ahead of spring
so that nutrients are converted into available for m by the onset of spring
season. The fertilizers should be placed in bands or trenches around the tree in
basins. The basin should be increased with the increasing age and canopy of the
tree.
Irrigation
For obtaining a good yield, it is necessary to have optimum
moisture in the soil at certain critical stages of growth, flowering, fruit set and fruit
development. The aim of irrigating a tree should be to wet the entire rooting zone.
Depending upon the availability of water, different irrigation systems, like furrow,
basin, sprinkler and drip can be utilized. In rainfed areas, water-harvesting
techniques during rains should be practiced.

24. Rate of Respiration
After harvesting, the rate of respiration of the parts harvested
enhence depending on the climatic condition. The vegetables having lowest
respiration possess the longest storage ability
Very high High Moderare Low Very low
Asparagas Bean Beet Cabbage Onion
Brocolli Lettuce Carrot Sweet potato Potato
Pea Lima bean Tomato Turnip
Spinach Cucumber
Respiration rate of Vegetable

25. Non-climacteric fruit is fruit that does not ripen after
harvest. All fruits and many vegetables and nuts are classified as
either climacteric or non-climacteric. Climacteric fruits will ripen,
i.e. get softer and sweeter after harvest. Non-climacteric fruits, once
harvested, never ripen further. The biochemical process involved is
that climacteric fruits give off large amounts of ethylene gas whereas
non-climacteric fruits give little or no ethylene gas.
E.g. Non-climacteric fruits – Cashew, pineapple,
lime, orange, strawberry, cherry, Grape.
Climacteric fruits – Jack Fruit, Papaya, Apple,
Mango, Banana, Guava, Peach, Pear,

26. Soil Reaction
The vegetable according to their tolerance to soil
reaction are dividing into the following three groups
Slightly tolerate
(pH 6.8-6.0)
Moderately tolerant
(pH 6.8-5.5)
Highly tolerate
(pH 6.8-5.0)
Beet Carrot Potato
Cabbage Tomato Sweet potato
Okra Cucumber Water melon
Cauliflower Brinjal
Palak Pea
Onion Garlic

27. It is the method of growing of vegetables out of
their normal in sellers, heated buildings, greenhouses, cold farms
and under other artificial growing conditions. It is the most
intensive type of vegetable growing. Vegetable produced through
these, give a very high return, vegetable forcing is not possible
because the consumers cannot afford the prices of such vegetables.
According to Choudhury (1997) growing of the
summer vegetables on the river beds during the winter months
with the help of organic manure, with breaks of dry grass is also
type of forcing. Some times for early product seedlings of crops
like tomato or brinjal are forced to germinate in small protected
structures. This may also be a type of vegetable forcing.
Vegetable Forcing

28. Web References:
1. Agri info.in
2. ICAR e-courses