College of Agriculture and Life SciencesHorticulture
OverviewHorticulture is a broad and diverse field involved with producing and utilizing a multitude of specialized plants. Benefits of this industry to all people are both physical and emotional. Horticulturists provide the fruits and vegetables so important to good nutrition. Horticulturists also improve the human environment, through both beautification and conservation, by providing the ornamental plants and designs utilized to enhance aesthetics within and around the home, workplace, and other areas. Thus, while the field is based on a biological and agricultural science foundation, across the range from organic to molecular biology, there is ample opportunity for individuals also oriented toward business, social science, art, education, and international development. The horticulture curriculum is fully individualized in consultation with a course advisor. Following the freshman year of core courses, students begin their personal programs of study in one of four options. Landscape Contracting OptionThis program encompasses all components of the landscape services industry, including both exterior and interior landscapes. Additional study in ornamental plants, turf, and business supplement development of a single or combined concentration in landscape design, installation, and/or maintenance. Students in this option enter careers as entrepreneurs or employees of turf and landscape businesses in these specialties, as well as garden center operations, arboreta and private gardens management, and as town or city horticulturists. Horticulture Crops OptionThis program focuses on managing the production and quality maintenance during marketing of the high value, intensively grown horticultural crops. Study of the specializations in growing fruit, vegetable, nursery, and floral crops is supplemented with business and other supporting courses for the student's emphasis area. Careers include commodity production and marketing, consulting and sales in horticultural supply firms, quality assurance, integrated pest management, and international development. Horticulture Science OptionThis program supplements the departmental core with additional science study, individualized horticultural and supporting course development, and a directed research experience. Students in this option are prepared for graduate study in horticulture and the related plant sciences or to enter the rapidly expanding technical fields in plant and crop improvement, including biotechnology. Horticulture Education OptionThis program develops a broad horticultural foundation with supplemental requirements for a wide array of careers in teaching horticulture. These may include teaching in the secondary schools (with agriculture or biology endorsement), extension (agricultural or youth programs), community colleges, and arboreta and botanical gardens. Continuation for a graduate degree may be desirable or required for some of these education careers. Degree Requirements
Selection of the option may be delayed to the start of the junior year. Undecided (general horticulture) students may benefit in their course scheduling by a preliminary option selection supplemented with their alternative interest areas, e.g. landscape courses as electives to the Crops Option. Students are required to gain work experience during their academic careers. This may be developed independently or coordinated through the department in the Cooperative Education Program or various internship programs with which the department maintains direct contact (current listings available under Internships at http://www.hort.vt.edu/). Other experience and enrichment programs available include the Honors Program for students with outstanding academic records, the Horticulture Club for all interested students and the honorary society Pi Alpha Xi, special industry field trips, and the opportunity to develop dual major and minor programs. A horticulture minor program is also available for students in other curricula. The department offers programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. Areas of specialization include plant breeding and genetics, growth and development, physiology, molecular biology, intensification of production through modern cultural practices and innovative approaches, and urban horticulture. Satisfactory Progress
By the end of the academic year in which the student has attempted 72 hours (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing and credit by exam), "satisfactory progress" toward the degree will include the following minimum criteria: Undergraduate Course Descriptions (HORT)2134 (FOR 2134): PLANTS AND GREENSPACES IN URBAN COMMUNITIESModern concepts of sustainability changing plant use in urban settings. Fundamentals of urban horticulture and urban ecosystems. Philosophy of sustainability, urban forestry, urban wildlife, sustainable and community-supported agriculture, and innovations merging plant and ecosystem functions with building and site engineering. Multi-disciplinary emphasis in individual, community, regional, and global scales. (3H,3C) 2144: INDOOR PLANTS Basic horticultural principles, identification and cultural criteria applicable to foliage and flowering plants grown indoors. Specific plant groups discussed include ferns, cacti and succulents, and carnivorous plants, among many others. Non-majors only. (3H,3C) I,II,III. 2154 (SPAN 2154): SPANISH FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY Dialogue-based language course focusing on the vocabulary and grammatical structures pertaining to Green and Agricultural Industry jobs. Includes vocabulary and context specific to jobs and workers in greenhouse, nursery, turf and landscape environments. Spanish culture is included throughout the course along with grammar and structure. Prior study in Spanish is helpful but not required. I, II. (3H,3C) 2164: FLORAL DESIGN Principles and methods in floral art through designs for home and public environments. (2H,3L,3C) I,II. 2184: GLOBALIZATION AND HORTICULTURE Globalization, the interaction and integration of people, companies, and governments, is driven by international trade and investments. This course provides students with the knowledge of horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants) as a significant component of global trade. (3H,3C) II. 2224: HORTICULTURE SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY Survey course of horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, ornamentals) and enterprises. Includes plant science and business aspects of horticultural production and service industries, and introduces related issues and emerging technologies such as work force characteristics, organic production, and biotechnology. I. (2H,2C) 2234: ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN HORTICULTURE Principles and practices in managing environmental factors—temperature, water, light, atmospheric gases and pollutants, and soil and minerals—that influence growth and production of horticultural plants. (3H,3C) II. 2244: PLANT PROPAGATION ] Principles and practices of plant propagation by sexual and asexual methods. (2H,2L,3C) II. 2254: FOODSHEDS AND SUSTAINABILITY Study of foodsheds, civic agriculture and components of sustainable agriculture systems principles, exploring the evolution of agriculture from traditional farming practices to the emergence of a new agrarianism in the early 21st century. (3H,3C) 2304 (BIOL 2304): PLANT BIOLOGY Introductory botany. Form, growth, function, reproduction, and ecological adaptations of major groups of plants. Pre: BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106. (3H,3C) I,II. 2964: FIELD STUDY Variable credit course. 2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course. 2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 3114 (FST 3114): WINES AND VINES Principles and standard practices of wine grape production, processing, and sensory evaluation for students with a professional interest in premium table wines. Junior standing and instructor consent required. (2H,2L,3C) II. 3325-3326: WOODY LANDSCAPE PLANTS Functions, growing requirements, hardiness, problems, and methods of identification of landscape plant materials. 3325: Commonly available woody landscape plants. 3326: Native and rare woody landscape plants. Junior standing required. (2H,3L,3C) I 3345,3346: HERBACEOUS LANDSCAPE PLANTS Identification, growing requirements, culture, landscape use, flowering and dormancy physiology, and unique propagation of native and exotic herbaceous plants for temperate environments. 3345: Summer and fall-flowering ornamental annuals and perennials; cultivated wildflower, wetland, and aquatic systems. 3346: Winter and spring-flowering species and related herbaceous foliage plants. Junior standing required. Pre: 2244. (1H,3L,2C) 3345: I:3345. II:3346; 3346:3354 (FOR 3354): URBAN FORESTRY A study of the function, culture, and management of trees in an urban environment, with emphasis on tree value and the implementation of biological and ecological concepts to minimize maintenance and maximize utility in urban areas. Pre: (3326). (2H,3L,3C) I 3444 (CSES 3444): WORLD CROPS AND SYSTEMS An introduction to world crops, their primary regions of production, the factors that determine where they are grown, and their economic importance, and how they are used in the human diet. Describes the various factors that can be managed to improve crop yields. Examines present and potential systems of farming for improved crop production in the major climatic and soil ecosystems of the world. Junior standing required. (3H,3C) 3524 (LAR 3524): HISTORY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE A study of the design-form and structure of landscape architectural works from the Bronze Age to the present, including the influence of physical, climatological, and social context, and of the individual designers. Junior standing required. I (3H,3C) 3544: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Survey of landscape construction materials and methods. Concentration on small scale and residential applications, innovative uses, and cost estimates. (1H,3L,2C) I,II. 3574: LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION Principles and practices in landscape irrigation system design and operation. Junior standing required. (1H,3L,2C) 3584: LANDSCAPE CONTRACTING PRACTICUM The development of practical skills in landscape contracting. The course will rotate between design and installation of water gardens, landscape irrigation systems, landscape lighting or other pertinent topics on consecutive years. The course can be repeated for exposure to specific subjects to maximum of 3 credits. Junior standing required. Pass/Fail only. Pre: 2224, 2234. (3L,1C) 3644: LANDSCAPE ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT Principles and practices of the establishment and management of sustainable landscapes including site assessment, soil rehabilitation, plant establishment, pruning, irrigation, and maintenance. Emphasis is on hands-on approaches to achieving sustainable landscapes that protect and enhance the environment. Pre: 2234 or 3325 or 2134 or FOR 2324. (2H,3L,3C) 3664: HARDSCAPE MATERIALS & INSTAL Non-plant portions of landscape construction such as rock walls, paver floors, arbors, and water gardens. The course covers the materials, construction methods, and business aspects required for hardscape construction. Pre: 2224. (6L,2C) 4004: HORTICULTURE SEMINAR Assessment of fundamental horticultural skills developed through academics and employment. Includes career placement preparation and problem solving through research and production project design and implementation using a team approach. Junior standing required. (1H,1C) 4205,4206: PUBLIC GARDENS MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT 4205: Principles and practices of winter annuals and spring blooming bulb production and installation; water garden cultivation and systems maintenance; fall fertilization programming; vegetative waste management; information dissemination and communication methods for public outreach including education, interpretive programs, and fundraising. 4206: Principles and practices of pruning, summer annual production; soil amendment and protection; plant collections/accessions curation and database management; personnel and financial management issues unique to public gardens. Pre: Junior standing required. Pre: (3325, 3326, 3345), (3346 or 3644). (3L,1C) 4324: GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT For persons who intend to manage or advise those managing greenhouses. Includes greenhouse construction, environmental controls, disease/insect identification and management, control of plant growth, root-zone management, and marketing and management principles specific to greenhouse operations. Pre: Coursework or experience in plant growth and environmental management required. (3H,3C) 4504: LANDSCAPE CONTRACTING Capstone course for students entering the landscape contracting industry. Includes contracts, site plan interpretation, cost estimation and bidding, project sequencing, business marketing, irrigation design, and current issues. Emphasis on real-world skills and problem solving. Pre-requisite: Senior Standing required. Pre: 3264, 4004. (1H,3L,2C) 4545-4546: SMALL SCALE AND RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN Development of graphic skills with concentration on a variety of media and techniques. Basic theory and principles on design of small scale and residential landscapes with emphasis on spatial composition, user needs, ecology, and uses of plant materials and light construction. 4545, I; 4546, II. Pre: 3325, 3544 for 4545; 3325, 3544, 4545, 4545 for 4546. (2H,6L,4C) 4614: ORNAMENTAL PLANT PROD & MARKET Production and marketing of woody and herbaceous plants in wholesale nursery and floriculture/greenhouse and related retail outlets. Includes production laboratory. Pre: 2234, 2244, 4324, AAEC 2434. (3H,3L,4C) 4644: SMALL FRUIT PRODUCTION Propagation, production, and marketing of small fruit crops for the mid-Atlantic region. Emphasis on sustainable practices, market sectors, and health and nutritional benefits. Blueberries, strawberries, brambles and other crops. Pre: 2234, 2244, AAEC 2434. (3H,3C) 4654: VITICULTURE Overview of grapevine growth and development, factors affecting yield and grape quality, and regional industry. Vineyard financial considerations, site evaluation, varietal characteristics plus cultural practices of pruning, training, canopy management, fertilization and pest management. Pre: 2234, 2244. (3H,3C) 4764: VEGETABLE CROPS A comprehensive study of major and minor vegetable crops of Virginia, the U.S., and world in relation to production practices, crop development, nutritional value, and quality characteristics. I Pre: 2234. (3H,3C) 4774: VEGETABLE CROPS LABORATORY Laboratory and field study of principles and practices related to the production of vegetables. Cultural practices, production equipment, seed and varietal characteristics, and quality evaluation will be emphasized. I Co: 4764. (3L,1C) 4784: VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCTION The study of production agriculture or reproductive biology. Seed production, handling, identification, conditioning, enhancement, packaging, storage, testing, federal standards, and biotechnology. Pre: 4764 or 2244 or equivalent experience in vegetable crops, plant propagation, or plant growth and development. Pre: 4764 or 2244. (2H,2C) 4794: MEDICINAL PLANTS AND HERBS Comprehensive study of medicinal plants/herbs history, production, processing, lore and documented scientific benefits. Traditional plant medicinal practices of Native Americans, Chinese, Indians, European and African cultures will be contrasted with use of contemporary herbal products. Pre: BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1105. (3H,3C) 4835-4836: ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION Detailed practices in organic vegetable production. Issues in starting organic production, profitability, organic transition strategies and organic certification. Pre: 2254, ALS 3404 for 4835; 4835 for 4836. (2H,2C) 4845-4846: ORGANIC VEGETABLE PROD LAB Field experiences, demonstrations, and farm tours complementing 4835 and 4836 lectures. Co: 4835 for 4845; 4836 for 4846. (3L,1C) 4964: FIELD STUDY Variable credit course. 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course. 4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Programs of Study
Agricultural and Applied Economics | Agricultural and Extension Education | Agriculture and Life Sciences Agriculture Technology | Animal and Poultry Science | Biochemistry | Biological Systems Engineering Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences | Dairy Science | Entomology | Food Science and Technology | Horticulture Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise | Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science |
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