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Eligibility
Although it is possible to enter the field of horticulture without any formal training, it is advisable to have obtained some training of a formal nature. To become a horticulturist, a candidate should join the agricultural stream for a B.Sc. in agriculture or horticulture.
Most colleges do not conduct a separate course for horticulture at the undergraduate level, but treat it as part of the agriculture course.
M.Sc. in horticulture offers specializations in pomology (cultivation of fruits), olericulture (cultivation of vegetables) and floriculture, and even fruit preservation.
M.Sc. may be followed by a Ph.D and then a post-doctoral fellowship.
Areas of Specialization
Most horticulturists specialize in some aspect of horticulture, whether it is the cultivation of a particular fruit or vegetable, or exotic varieties of flowers, such as orchids or houseplants, or bulb production. Other areas of specialization could be landscaping and layout of gardens, both public as
well as private, or the setting up or running of a nursery. These are possible mainly in the urban areas.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Patience, ability to put in long hours, often outdoors, and in varying climatic conditions, perseverance, knowledge of seasonal and local plants, plant diseases, soil, etc.
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