For Introduction to Horticulture, Introduction to Plant Science, and Principles of Crop Production courses at the undergraduate level.
Written from the point of view of the horticulturalist, this comprehensive introduction to horticulture as a science, art, and business explores the four general areas of horticulture―ornamental horticulture, fruit culture, vegetable culture, and landscape architecture―and covers all the essential principles and practices of horticulture pertaining to indoor and outdoor production. The emphasis throughout is on the underlying science―including current technology―and how it is applied in practical horticulture.
This highly-regarded and very popular text is hailed by some as the most comprehensive, up-to-date text of its kind and the best introductory horticulture book available today. In preparing this new Second Edition, noted author, researcher and instructor George Acquaah has retained his easy-to-read writing style and the excellent pedagogical features of the first edition, while expanding and updating vital coverage of the latest developments and newest technologies. Horticulture: Principles and Practices, Second Edition, clearly speaks to the practical information needs of anyone involved in the field of horticulture, whether for passing interest or a lifelong career.
Chapters are organized into six main parts:
The Underlying Science
Classifying and Naming Horticultural Plants; Plant Anatomy; Plant Growth Environment; Plant Physiology; Plant Genetics and Improvement; Post Harvest 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; Organic Farming; Management of Selected Fruit Trees and Small Fruits
This book 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 the text for a course.
Among George Acquaah's other published works is Principles of Crop Production; Theory, Techniques, and Technology, another excellent Prentice Hall text.