Objectives:

To provide knowledge of basic principles and physiology of ornamental crop production to the students of Horticulture.

Theory:

Introduction and importance; present status and future scope, Raising techniques of annuals, flowering perennials, foliage plants, succulents and flowering bulbs with their propagation and crop management, Seed and bulb dormancy, Pruning, training and shaping, Use of growth regulators, Manipulation of growth and flowering. Concept of Bonsai and topiary, Outdoor and indoor decoration, Flower exhibition, Flower arrangements.

Practical:

Seeding, raising and transplanting of nursery, Identification of annuals, herbaceous perennials, foliage plants, succulents and flowering bulbs with their propagation methods and management practices (pinching, disbudding, deshooting etc.), Methods of breaking seed and bulb dormancy, Visits to ornamental nurseries, parks, cut flower shops, flower exhibitions and growing structures.

Learning Outcomes:

Students are expected to have knowledge of basic principles of ornamental crop production.

Books recommended:

·Arora, J.S. 2003. Introductory Ornamental Horticulture (4th Ed.). Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.

·Dey, S.C. 2010. Flowers from Bulbous Plants. Agribios, Jodhpur, India.

·Larson, RA. 1980. Introduction to Floriculture. Academic Press, New York.

·Laurie, A. and Ries V.S. 2004.  Floriculture: Fundamentals and Practices. Agrobios (Inidia), Jodhpur, India.

·Hessayon, D.G. 2007. The Flowering Shrubs Expert (3rd Ed.). Transworld Publishers,London, U.K.

·Hessayon, D.G. 2007. The Flowering Bulbs Expert (3rd Ed.). Transworld Publishers,London, U.K

·Bhattacharjee, S.K. 2006. Advances in ornamental Horticulture. Eastern Book Corporation, Delhi, India.

·Raj, D. 2002. Floriculture and Landscaping. Kalyani Publisher, New Delhi.