Horticulture
Head: J. Roger Harris
Professors: E. Beers, R. Harris, J. Latimer, A. Niemiera, R. Veilleux, G. Welbaum, and T. Wolf
Associate Professors: S. Clark, S. Day, R. McDuffie, H. Scoggins, M. Williams, and B. Zhao
Assistant Professors: R. Arancibia, A. Bombarely Gomez, M. O'Rourke, J. Owen, and J. Samtani
Adjunct Professors: J. Atland, M. Chaungsheng, K. Da, Y. Dan, B. Flinn, Z. Liu, S. Lowman, and S. Zhang
Instructor: A. Hessler, B. Leshyn, and L. Taylor
A P Faculty Professional: D. Close, J. Freeborn, S. Gugercin, S. Huckestein, L. Fox, A. Straw, and A. Vallotton
Undergrad Program Director: A. Niemiera
Undergrad Program Coordinator: M. Wood
Web: www.hort.vt.edu
Overview
Horticulture is plant science that includes the study of plant growth and plant interactions with the environment (soil, air, water) to improve human life through the cultivation of crops and the maintenance of a sustainable environment. Horticulture is unique as a scientific field of study in that it often utilizes artistic expression to aid the design of human landscapes and to restore natural environments. At its core it is an environmental science that recognizes that humans are dependent on their environment for sustenance and well-being that has developed as a field of study that recognizes humans are philosophically and artistically linked to nature through millions of years of human evolution.
Virginia Tech's Department of Horticulture offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in a range of applied and basic environmental plant science topics, from plant-soil interactions, biotechnology, landscape design, sustainable urban landscaping, urban forestry, crop production, and plant breeding. Our department is committed to engaging students in service and learning projects in the local community. To read more about our Engaged Department Award, http://www.hort.vt.edu/newsCSECP.html.
Landscape Contracting Major
Students learn to design, build, and manage beautiful and functional landscapes using science-based practices that improve the living environment and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.
Environmental Horticulture Major
Experience the creativity and rewards of the many facets of horticulture. Students can specialize in producing floriculture and nursery plants, growing sustainable fruits and vegetables, landscape design and management, and other areas of plant science.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.
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 B.S. degree will include the following minimum criteria:
- having a grade point average of 2.0, overall and in-major
- passing at least 24 semester credits that apply to the Curriculum for Liberal Education
- passing the following:
- MATH 1014 and 1025
- CHEM 1035 and 1036
- HORT 2224, 2234 or 2244
- 6 credits additional HORT courses
- 6 credits from CSES 3114 or 3134, ENT 4254, PPWS 4104
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (HORT)
2134 (FREC 2134): PLANTS AND GREENSPACES IN URBAN COMMUNITIES
Modern 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)
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)
2184: PLANTS PLACES CULTURE GLOBALLY
The impact of worldwide production and trade in fruits,
vegetables, and ornamental plants (horticultural
commodities) on cultures, economies, politics,
environment, science, and technology. Globalization
fundamentals, horticultural trade aspects, and
individual commodity case studies illustrate
inextricable interactions between horticultural
crops, places, and people.
(3H,3C)
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)
2244: PLANT PROPAGATION
Principles and practices of plant propagation by sexual
and asexual methods.
(2H,2L,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)
2554 (FREC 2254): ARBORICULTURE FIELD SKILLS
Field observation, discussion, and practice of skills
employed in the management of urban landscape trees.
Hands-on experience with tree pruning, removal, pest
control, fertilization, cabling/bracing, lightning
protection, and climbing. Emphasis on arborist safety,
professional ethics, and best management practices. Guest
instruction provided in part by professionals working in the
tree care industry.
Pass/Fail only.
(3L,1C)
2834: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICUM
Hands-on training in sustainable agricultural production at
a student-operated vegetable and fruit farm. Participation
in tasks required in managing a diversified sustainable
horticulture operation, including planting, pest management,
irrigation, and post-harvest handling. Discussion of soil
fertility, planning, efficiency, food safety and community
food systems. May be repeated with different content, for a
maximum of 6 credits.
(1H,6L,3C)
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)
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.
(2H,3L,3C)
3345,3346: HERBACEOUS LANDSCAPE PLANTS
Identification, growing requirements, culture, landscape
use, flowering and dormancy physiology, and unique
propagation of native and non-native 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)
3354 (FREC 3354): URBAN FORESTRY AND ARBORICULTURE
Biology, ecology, and management of trees and forested
green space in urban and urban-rural interface
environments. Life-cycle management of landscape trees,
including selection and planting, cultivation and
preservation, and utilization and recycling. Urban forest
planning, site evaluation, diagnostics, and risk management
are emphasized.
Pre: (FOR 2314 or FREC 2314 or BIOL 2304 or HORT 2304), (FOR 2324 or FREC 2324 or HORT 3325 or HORT 3326).
(3H,3C)
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.
Provides an opportunity to taste foods made in traditional
and non-traditional ways from the crops hence from field to
fork. Junior standing required.
(2H,3L,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)
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 or FREC 2324.
(2H,3L,3C)
3664: HARDSCAPE MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION
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 commercial or institutional greenhouses.
Includes greenhouse construction, environmenal
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: 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.
Pre: 3325, 3544 for 4545; 3325, 3544, 4545, 4545 for 4546.
(2H,6L,4C)
4614: ORNAMENTAL PLANT PRODUCTION AND MARKETING
In-depth 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.
(2H,3L,3C)
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.
(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.
Pre: 2234.
(3H,3C)
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 PRODUCTION LABORATORY
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.