Horticulture Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books

Updated on Nov 18, 2024 09:32 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Horticulture is an applied science related to plant production, improvement, and marketing. Using horticulture, professionals can develop and sustain the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, develop seeds, and produce and market plant products. Horticulture impacts the lives of people by aiding in the development of nutritious fruits, vegetables and grains.

Horticulture can be studied as a certification or diploma course, a short program of a few months, or a proper undergraduate and postgraduate major, depending on the preferences and eligibility requirements. Horticulture undergraduate courses are available to students with biology as a compulsory subject. Students interested in biology should consider pursuing a BSc or BTech in Horticulture.

Horticulture Syllabus – Important Facts

Take a look at the important facts and details regarding Horticulture courses, syllabus and subjects.

  • BSc in Horticulture is a three-year semester programme. BSc in Horticulture focuses more on the research and development side of greenhouses, landscape, and ornamental plants and provides some industry knowledge.

  • BTech in Horticulture is a four-year programme. BTech in Horticulture is a technology degree that gives students an understanding of the scientific and engineering components of the field. It is made up of subjects from the fields of biological sciences and engineering.

  • Scope in India: Fruits and vegetables account for 90 per cent of overall horticulture production in India. According to the statistics, farmers' preferences are shifting away from food grains and toward horticultural crops.

Horticulture crops, which produced 311.7 million tonnes, had surpassed food grains in 2020-2021, which produced 284.8 million tonnes.

India accounts for less than two per cent of worldwide horticultural exports. India imports 1.5 per cent of fruits and vegetables from markets such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and France. To increase the export performance of horticulture products, the usage of fertilisers and pesticides must be closely monitored.

  • Horticulture Syllabus in NITs: NIT Andhra Pradesh and NIT Rourkela are some of the preferred institutions for studying aligned Horticulture courses in India, with numerous branches. The BTech in Horticulture programme's goals are as follows:

    • Identify and address horticultural issues while dealing with the plants.

    • Learn about the pitfalls of control in the horticultural sector.

    • To address concerns, use analytical chemistry and biotechnological techniques.

    • To assist in developing students’ careers and improving their knowledge and abilities.

    • Demonstrate their skills to be a leader and an entrepreneur.

  • Horticulture Syllabus in IITs: India's most prestigious universities like IIT BHU, IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur offer combination courses for Horticulture, providing a variety of fundamental Horticulture degrees. Here are a few examples:

    • Biochemical Process Calculations

    • Microbiology

    • Genetics

    • Agricultural Statistics

    • Biochemical Engineering

    • Computational Biology

    • Biophysics

    • Analytical Chemistry

  • General examination pattern: In general, lab exercises, assignments, short projects, mid-semester assessments, and end-of-semester examinations are used to assess pupils.

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List of Subjects in Horticulture Syllabus

The Horticulture syllabus can be divided into core Horticulture subjects and elective subjects. The tables below bring the list of core and elective subjects.

Typical Core Subjects for Horticulture

Subject title

Subject details

Primer on Horticulture

The syllabus of this subject is a combination of physical sciences, life sciences, and engineering. Native, nonnative, naturalising, invasive, straight species, subspecies, varieties, forms, cultivars, nativars, hybrids, asexual, sexual propagation, types of plant pollination and the impact on plant selection, plant durations and growth habits are the basic taxonomy of the subject.

 

Highlight content of the syllabus are:

  • Seed priming

  • Germination

  • Dormancy

  • Nutrients

  • Genes and chromosome

  • Biological Systems

Crop Physiology

It is the scientific study of the plant mechanisms that cause agricultural plants to grow, develop, and produce economic yield. Because most of the processes that determine yield act at the whole plant - plant community level, crop physiologists focus on whole plants and plant communities rather than individual plant sections, organs, or cells. Photosynthesis, respiration, light interception, nutrient usage, sink size, seed growth, partitioning, and senescence are only some of the processes studied.

 

Highlight content of the syllabus are:

  • Sink size

  • Nutrient Uptake

  • Seed growth

  • Phytochemistry

  • Phytopathology

Principle of Genetics

Genetic principles are used to create plants that are more valuable to humans. This is done by selecting plants that are economically or aesthetically desirable, managing the mating of selected individuals, and then selecting specific individuals from the progeny.

 

Highlight content of the syllabus are:

  • Genes, chromosomes, and heredity

  • Cell division and cell cycle

  • Chromosome mutations

  • Linkage, crossing over, and chromosome mapping

  • Sex determination and sex-linked characteristics

Principles of Analytical Chemistry

This subject helps in understanding many processes in plants. It helps in crop improvement. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and metabolism in plants.

 

Highlight content of the syllabus are:

  • Precipitation, Extraction and Distillation

  • Chromatography, Field-Flow Fractionation

  • Electromagnetic radiation

  • Qualitative and Quantitative analysis

Typical Elective Subjects for Horticulture

Subject title

Subject details

Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is basically the practice of monitoring an area’s physical features by estimating its emitted and reflected radiation. Satellites and aeroplanes use cameras to photograph broad sections of the Earth's surface, allowing us to see much more than we can from the ground.

Seed Production

Students learn about the basic concepts of the plant cell system, genetic engineering, plant transformation, and bioprocess technology for seed production. The subject also teaches the applications of these concepts to help them meet the challenges of the new areas of the Horticulture industry.

Horticulture Business Management

Horticultural Business Management offers the most comprehensive horticultural knowledge available. A core of business, computing, and economics courses make up the curriculum. Students in Horticulture might choose a specialisation or study a variety of courses that can lead to more work prospects. Graduates are prepared to run a horticulture firm or work in a market-related profession. Facilities, plant materials, equipment, and supplies are all available for sale.

Detailed Horticulture Syllabus

The disciplines of a BTech in Horticulture may differ from one university to the next, but the syllabus is generally the same. The following is a basic overview of the core or elective subjects taught in BTech Horticulture over eight semesters.

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject title

Subject Details

1 & 2

Agricultural Microbiology

Agricultural Microbiology

The subject studies plant-associated microorganisms. Its goal is to address issues in agricultural practices that are typically caused by a lack of biodiversity in microbial populations. Microbes are identified, and students learn about their structure, metabolism, and industrial applications. Students will learn about various sterilisation processes and how they work. Advanced-level understanding gets easier with the foundation provided by this course. Following that, students can use microbiological techniques such as isolation and staining.

1 & 2

Primer on Horticulture

Priming

The subject aims to provide the basic knowledge of Plant taxonomy and nomenclature. Some defining terms:

Native, nonnative, naturalising, invasive

Straight species, subspecies, varieties, forms

Cultivars, nativars

Hybrids

Asexual, sexual propagation, types of plant pollination and the impact on plant selection, plant durations and growth habits. Students can learn about priming and then apply the techniques in advanced courses.

3 & 4

Plant Genetics

Plant Genetics

Genetic principles are used to create plants that are more valuable to humans. Cells and their components, biomolecules and their activities, and cellular metabolism will all be covered. The topics addressed will aid students in comprehending gene expression in greater depth. They will understand the fundamentals of Mendelian genetics and chromosomal theory, as well as how they are applied in the industry.

3 & 4

Plant Biotechnology

Plant Biotechnology

Plant biotechnology, in the sense of using recombinant DNA techniques to improve crops or produce valuable chemicals in plants, is still a relatively new field of study. Plants are already employed to make a wide range of valuable chemicals. Students will gather knowledge about carbohydrates, proteins, and oils in seeds, in particular, provide raw materials for the majority of our food and feedstuffs. Plants also provide the majority of the fibre used in building materials, clothes, and paper. Many of our most commonly used medications, such as aspirin and taxol, were or are produced from phytochemicals.

5 & 6

Agricultural Marketing

Marketing and Management

The subject refers to the services that go into getting a crop from the farm to the customer. Students will learn about these services like planning, arranging, directing, and processing agricultural products in such a way that farmers, middlemen, and consumers are satisfied. Plan, execution, manufacture and packaging, processing, market intelligence, marketing and selling point are just a few of the interconnected tasks involved.

5 & 6

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has a lot of promise in terms of increasing agricultural output, which will help to ensure future food security. Maintaining the quality of harvested fruit and vegetables while minimising spoiling is a difficult issue in horticulture. Various types of nanomaterials have shown promise in increasing horticulture crop yield, shelf life, decreasing post-harvest damage, and improving quality. Students will learn about all these through this subject.

7 & 8

Agricultural Statistics

Agri Statistics

This subject aids in the study of the current system of agricultural statistics gathering methods and the development of a systematic approach to crop forecasting and advanced estimates of various agricultural crops, including horticultural crops. Students will learn how to offer ways to improve the technique for area estimates, yield estimates, and output estimates, as well as to evolve an acceptable Crop Calendar, how to determine the degree of divergence and inconsistency between various sets of agricultural data collected by various authorities such as the Agriculture Census, Land and Livestock Holdings Survey, and others, and to recommend appropriate corrective steps.

7 & 8

Landscaping

Landscaping

This subject is concerned with the art and understanding of developing plantation or ornamental plants by arranging them in such a way that they blend in with existing plants and structures to enhance the natural beauty of a location.Students will learn about sun position, terrain, topography, soil quality, prevailing winds, frost line depth, and natural flora and fauna system in this subject.

8

Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental Biotechnology

The subject serves as an introduction to the current biotechnological techniques and approaches implemented to conserve the environment using microbes. Students will gather knowledge about Molecular markers, molecular markers, and the benefit of microbes to improve the quality of crops.

Specialisations offered in Horticulture

Horticulture is a broad phrase that encompasses issues as diverse as genetics, microbiology, engineering, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry. Plants, soil, agriculture, pollution management, energy production and conservation, disease research, eco-conservation, vaccinations, pesticides, medication development, and fertilisers are just a few of the businesses that have benefited from this research.

Specialisation

Subjects

Details

Plant Biology

  • Algology and Bryology

  • Mycology

  • Cell Biology and Evolution

  • Animal Diversity

  • Microbiology

  • Plant Anatomy

  • Plant Biotechnology

  • Phytochemicals

  • Agriculture and Horticulture

  • Microbial Technology

This is a popular specialisation for students interested in plant biotechnology. Plant life will be studied, and technical approaches will be applied to living organisms and the environment. The subject teaches about using recombinant DNA techniques to improve crops or produce valuable chemicals in plants.

Plant Virology

  • Basic Virology

  • Basic Immunology

  • Tissue Culture and Cell Biology

  • Basic Epidemiology and Biostatistics

  • Virology Methods

  • Virus/Antigen Detection

This specialisation studies epidemiology and population dynamics of known viruses, as well as the discovery of new plant viruses and the development of diagnostic tools for their detection. The plants under investigation are diverse, including agriculturally important species, possible reservoir hosts, and native species. Although the bulk of known plant viruses is connected with crops, the viral diversity associated with even the most important crop species is likely to be drastically underestimated.

Ecology

  • Physiological Ecology

  • Community Ecology

  • Population Ecology

  • Geographic Ecology

  • Landscape Ecology

This speciality provides in-depth knowledge of the interrelationships between species where the ecological footprint is a major concern. The demand for plant-based food and fibre goods, animal and fish products, forest products and space for urban infrastructure to absorb carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels is measured by the ecological footprint of an individual or a population.

Books and Authors Related to Horticulture

Horticulture is a diverse field with many specialisations. Students read a wide selection of literature during their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Some of the most often recommended books are listed below.

Subject

Book title

Author

Description

Horticulture

Introductory Horticulture

Carroll L Shry Jr et al

Basics of horticulture, primarily about seeds, soil, rare plants, ornamental plants, orchids and landscaping.

Biochemistry

Principles of Biochemistry

Lehninger, and Cox, and Nelson

Using resources and icons for each principle, the authors identify and explain the most important principles of Biochemistry.

Plant Genetics

Handbook of Genetics and Plant Breeding

Dr Rajendra Kumar Yadav

This acclaimed book for classical genetics covers the basic theoretical information and the study of the heredity of plants through experiments and reasoning.

Plant Biotechnology

Plant Biotechnology

Shain-Dow Kung et al

The author covers all aspects of plant genetic engineering, from the molecule to the organism, with both theoretical and practical examples. The section on the molecular biology of chloroplast genomes and the possibilities for manipulating them is particularly noteworthy.

Biochemistry

Chemical Process Principles

Ragatz, Hougen, and Watson

The authors help students strengthen their ability to calculate biochemical and phytochemical solutions by providing problems at the end of every chapter.

Entrance Exams for Horticulture

The central and state-level exams conducted to secure places in BSc and BTech Horticulture degrees at India's top universities are listed here. Passing the Class 12 exam with excellent grades is the basic requirement for these exams. Every exam has its own set of cutoff conditions for the final merit list.

JEE Main and JEE Advanced tests have a moderate to high difficulty level, whereas the remaining exams have a moderate difficulty level. You should study Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology thoroughly in order to do well on these exams. Almost every exam is in the form of multiple-choice questions. The assessments might help you get into the best BTech in Horticulture colleges.

Syllabus for Distance Programme in Horticulture

Distance education allows students who cannot afford full-time classes to earn their degrees. Part-time or distance BTech in Horticulture programmes are also available for students who do not match the eligibility requirements for full-time programmes. Distance education programmes include a syllabus that is strikingly comparable to traditional programmes. In the distance course, at the end of one year candidates get mostly a diploma degree in Horticulture. In total, there are ten modules in distance horticulture courses. The fee structure of the program is well-known colleges can be as minimum as INR 5,000 in India.

Some of the colleges for distance education are Indira Gandhi Open University, Chatrapati Shivaji College, Vinayaka Mission Research Institution and SRM Institute of Science and Technology.

Top Colleges for Horticulture

Depending upon the curriculum, electives offered, faculty, internship opportunities and in-house placement, certain institutions become the top choice for students wanting to study Horticulture in India. Following is a list of some of the most notable ones.

College/Institute/University

Syllabus PDFs

SRM University

To be uploaded soon

Integral University

Download Here

Banaras Hindu University

To be uploaded soon

Annamalai University

Download Here

IIT Varanasi

To be uploaded soon

Gujarat University

To be uploaded soon

Visva Bharati University

To be uploaded soon

Dr YSR Horticultural University

To be uploaded soon

Andhra University

To be uploaded soon

Fergusson College

To be uploaded soon

 

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FAQs Regarding Horticulture Syllabus

Q: What is the scope of Horticulture?

A: Biology, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, and Chemistry are covered in depth by a Horticulture graduate or postgraduate. They can create the technology needed to create biological systems and living creatures' products and processes. Horticulture graduates can work in the following fields with their newfound knowledge:

  • Soil scientist

  • Plantation management

  • Horticulture Business Developer

  • Technical advisor

  • Horticulturist

  • Agronomist

Q: What are the subjects in Horticulture?

A: The following are some of the topics covered in BTech in Horticulture courses:

  • Crop Physiology

  • Fundamentals of Information Technology

  • Plant Science

  • Soil Microbiology

  • Entomology

  • Plant Biotechnology

  • Genetics

  • Agricultural Marketing

  • Waste Management

Q: Is Horticulture a good course?

A: BTech in Horticulture is generally regarded as one of the most popular alternatives among students who are interested in biology and engineering. The course equips students with a variety of transferable skills that will assist them in obtaining high-paying professions. It offers a wide range of specialities, and its multidisciplinary nature allows students to work in a variety of industries.

 

Q: What is the salary of a Horticulture professional?

A: A Horticulture graduate professional's average income ranges between Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 8 lakh per year. This wage changes depending on the type of profession. You can work as a horticulturist, a technical assistant, a professional lab technician, a soil microbiologist, or a variety of other jobs.

Q: Will I get a job after the Horticulture course?

A: You can work as one of the following professionals after graduating with a degree in horticulture:

  • Soil Scientist

  • Lecturer

  • Horticulturist

  • Plantation Manager

  • Waste Manager

 

Q: Which is better: BSc Horticulture or BTech Horticulture?

A: Both BSc Horticulture and BTech Horticulture programmes have advantages. BTech in Horticulture is a preferable option if you want to learn more about industrial procedures in depth. Students who want to do R&D in Plant and Soil Sciences, on the other hand, can choose between BSc and MSc programmes.

Q: Does Horticulture require NEET?

A: Horticulture is a field that investigates the intersection of Biology and some technical knowledge. Admission is not contingent on NEET scores.

Q: Which type of Horticulture course is the best?

A: Soil Microbiologists, Plantation Managers, Technical Advisors, R&D Scientists, Soil Scientists, Horticulture Technicians, and Clinical Lab Technologists are among the most in-demand horticulture occupations. You can choose one of these jobs to attain excellence in your industry, depending on your inclinations.

Q: Is there any entrance exam for Horticulture?

A: You might take one of the numerous admission tests for Horticulture programmes. JEE Mains, CUET, BHU PET, and MHT CET are the most popular exams for admission to BSc programmes. JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, MHTCET, JET, and GUJCET are the primary entrance exams for BTech courses.

Q: Is JEE required for Horticulture?

A: For admission to IITs, NITs, and other nationally renowned institutes that provide exceptional education, the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains and Advanced are required. You can also get into several reputed colleges with the help of JEE Mains scores.

Q: Is Horticulture hard to study?

A: Plants, soil, and seeds are all studied in horticulture. As a result, it is a complicated discipline of research that necessitates an in-depth study of theoretical issues as well as a comprehension of living processes. You must also have a desire to seek out the greatest opportunities for practical training and hands-on experience on a regular basis.

Q: Do you need Maths for Horticulture?

A: Mathematics is not an elective subject for students pursuing a BTech. in Horticulture. For admission to engineering colleges, you must have taken Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as obligatory subjects. Mathematics is not a required subject for those pursuing a BSc in Horticulture.

Q: Is Biology compulsory for BTech in Horticulture?

A: Biology is only required for some university admissions. You must have studied Biology as a core subject in 10+2 to get enrolled in BTech in Horticulture programmes.

Q: Can PCB students do a BTech in Horticulture?

A: In India, students who have studied science after 10th grade are eligible to enrol in BTech Horticulture programmes. Many organisations and universities only admit students to Horticulture courses who have studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Many universities, on the other hand, will accept students who have taken Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as 10+2 subjects.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Horticulture Courses. Students interested in pursuing a career on Horticulture Courses, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

Dec '24 - Feb '25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

TENTATIVE

Dec '24 - Feb '25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

14 Oct ' 24

Rajasthan JET 2024 Final Counselling Campus repor...

11 Oct ' 24

Rajasthan JET 2024 Final Counselling Last date t...

6 Jan ' 25 - 10 Jan ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling: Online Registrati...

15 Jan ' 25 - 16 Jan ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling 1st Round: Seat Al...

Popular Horticulture Courses Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Horticulture Courses Colleges in India. Learn more about these Horticulture Courses colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
6.66 K
9 LPA

#203 QS World University Rankings

2.14 L - 3.02 L
3.7

#151 NIRF

3 Courses
5.05 K - 5.85 K
3.7

#110 QS World University Rankings

1 L

#10 NIRF

1 Course
8.65 LPA
3 L
3.0

#14 NIRF

Popular Private Horticulture Courses Colleges in India

3 L - 4.8 L
6.6 LPA

#27 NIRF

Horticulture Applications open. Apply Now

1.33 L

#92 Outlook

Horticulture Applications open. Apply Now

3 L - 4.8 L
6.6 LPA

Horticulture Applications open. Apply Now

2.14 L - 3.02 L
3.7

#151 NIRF

2.23 L
3 LPA

#113 NIRF

3 L
4 LPA

#154 NIRF

Popular Horticulture Courses UG Courses

Following are the most popular Horticulture Courses UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Horticulture Courses PG Courses

Following are the most popular Horticulture Courses PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

Here are some of the top Horticulture college options offering the best placement opportunities in India:

Horticulture CollegesAverage Package Offered
Integral UniversityINR 13.55 LPA
Integral UniversityINR 3 - 9.3 LPA
University of CalcuttaINR 9.2 LPA
BAU SabourINR 9 LPA
Aligarh Muslim UniversityINR 8.65 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The Horticulture course fee varies depending on the college and course level. However, the average course fee ranges:

For UG Courses: INR 3,000 - INR 8 Lakh

For PG Courses: INR 1,800 - INR 6.7 Lakh

For PhD Courses: INR 1 Lacs - 3 Lakh

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The horticulture counselling process typically involves the following steps:

Application: Submit an application and register for admission.

Entrance exam: Take the entrance exam.

Cut-off: A cut-off is announced based on the candidates' performance.

Counselling: Candidates who score within the cut-off pa

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

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