Fundamentals of Horticulture - Lecture 1 Practice Flashcards

This set covers definitions, branches of horticulture, production statistics in India, and the nutritional importance of horticultural crops based on the fundamentals of horticulture lecture.

Horticulture

Derived from Latin 'Hortus' (garden) and 'Cultura' (cultivation), it literally means 'garden culture' and deals with the production, utilization, and improvement of fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, and plantation crops.

Arable Land in India

Approximately $144\,\text{million hectares}$, with nearly $70\%$ dependent on rainfed agriculture.

Pomology

The study or cultivation of fruit crops; derived from 'Pomum' (fruit) and 'Logos' (discourse or study).

India's Fruit Production Rank

India is the second largest producer of fruits in the world after Brazil, accounting for $10\%$ of total world production.

Olericulture

Derived from 'Oleris' (potherb) and 'Cultura' (cultivation), this branch refers to the cultivation of vegetables.

India's Vegetable Production Rank

India ranks second in the world next to China, contributing $13.38\%$ to total world production.

Floriculture

Derived from 'Florus' (flower) and 'Cultura' (cultivation), it is the study of flower crops divided into Commercial and Ornamental branches.

Arboriculture

The branch of horticulture dealing with the raising of perennial trees for shade, avenue, or ornamental purposes, such as Polyalthia and Gulmohar.

Plantation Crops

Crops cultivated on an extensive scale in large contiguous areas, managed by an individual or company, where the produce is used only after processing (e.g., coffee, tea, rubber).

Spices

Horticultural crops whose produce is used mainly for seasoning and flavouring, containing essential oils for aroma.

Condiments

Substances such as Turmeric, Ginger, and Garlic added to food while cooking or eating to improve its taste or appeal.

Medicinal Plants

Plants rich in secondary metabolites (alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids) used to make drugs for treating or preventing diseases.

Aromatic Plants

Plants containing essential oils, which are strong-smelling, steam-volatile substances used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Fruit Crop Labor Intensity

Fruit crops generate about $860\,\text{man-days/year}$, while intensive crops like grapes or pineapple require $1000–2500\,\text{man-days/year}$.

Nutritional Security Targets

To meet dietary needs, it is recommended to consume at least $85\,g$ of fruits and $200\,g$ of vegetables per person per day.

Vitamin A

A micronutrient important for vision and immune function found in mango, papaya, jackfruit, and dates.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Supports energy metabolism and nervous system health; rich sources include orange, pineapple, and cashew nut.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Aids in energy production and skin health; found in bael, papaya, banana, and litchi.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Strengthens immunity and aids iron absorption; highest sources include Amla, guava, and citrus fruits.

Iron in Fruits

A mineral crucial for blood formation and oxygen transport found in guava, custard apple, strawberry, and dried dates.

Papain

A digestive enzyme derived from papaya.

Bromelain

A digestive enzyme derived from pineapple.