What is horticulture?
Horticulture is the branch of agriculture dealing with cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.

What are the main branches of horticulture?
Pomology, olericulture, floriculture, landscape gardening, plantation crops, and post-harvest technology are major branches.

What is pomology?
Pomology is the study and cultivation of fruit crops like mango, apple, banana, and citrus.

What is olericulture?
Olericulture deals with scientific cultivation, improvement, storage, and marketing of vegetable crops.

What is floriculture?
Floriculture focuses on growing flowers and ornamental plants for gardens, decoration, and commercial purposes.

What is landscape gardening?
Landscape gardening involves designing and maintaining gardens, parks, lawns, and ornamental outdoor spaces.

What are plantation crops?
Plantation crops include long-duration perennial crops like tea, coffee, cocoa, coconut, and rubber.

Why is horticulture important?
Horticulture improves nutrition, generates employment, increases farmers’ income, and enhances environmental sustainability.

Which crops are included in horticulture?
Fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation crops, medicinal, and aromatic plants are included.

What is the difference between agriculture and horticulture?
Agriculture focuses on food grains, while horticulture emphasizes fruits, vegetables, flowers, and high-value crops.

Which country is the largest producer of fruits?
China is the world’s largest producer of fruits, followed by India.

Which country is the largest producer of vegetables?
China ranks first in vegetable production globally, with India in second position.

What is the role of horticulture in nutrition?
Horticultural crops supply vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber essential for human health.

What is protected cultivation?
Protected cultivation grows crops under controlled environments like greenhouses, polyhouses, and shade nets.

What is a greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a structure covered with transparent material to control temperature, humidity, and light.

What is polyhouse farming?
Polyhouse farming uses polyethylene-covered structures to grow crops under controlled climatic conditions.

What is vertical gardening?
Vertical gardening involves growing plants upward on walls or structures, saving space and enhancing aesthetics.

What are high-value horticultural crops?
Fruits, flowers, spices, and medicinal plants are considered high-value horticultural crops.

What is nursery management?
Nursery management involves raising healthy seedlings and planting materials for horticultural crops.

What is grafting in horticulture?
Grafting joins parts of two plants to grow as one, combining desirable traits.

What is budding?
Budding is a vegetative propagation method where a single bud is inserted into another plant.

What is tissue culture?
Tissue culture is a laboratory technique for rapid multiplication of disease-free plants.

Why is tissue culture important?
It ensures uniformity, disease-free plants, faster multiplication, and year-round plant production.

What are hybrid varieties?
Hybrid varieties are produced by crossing two genetically different parents for better yield and quality.

What is post-harvest management?
Post-harvest management includes handling, storage, packaging, transportation, and processing of produce.

What causes post-harvest losses?
Improper handling, lack of cold storage, pests, diseases, and poor transportation cause post-harvest losses.

What is cold storage?
Cold storage preserves fruits and vegetables by slowing respiration and microbial growth.

What is controlled atmosphere storage?
It regulates oxygen, carbon dioxide, and temperature to extend shelf life of produce.

What is ripening?
Ripening is the physiological process that makes fruits edible, flavorful, and soft.

What is ethylene?
Ethylene is a plant hormone that regulates fruit ripening and senescence.

Which fruit is called the king of fruits?
Mango is popularly known as the king of fruits.

Which fruit is called the queen of fruits?
Mangosteen is commonly referred to as the queen of fruits.

Which vegetable is richest in vitamin C?
Capsicum and broccoli are among vegetables richest in vitamin C.

What is organic horticulture?
Organic horticulture uses natural inputs, avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

What are biofertilizers?
Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that improve soil fertility and plant growth.

What is integrated nutrient management?
It combines organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources for sustainable crop production.

What is integrated pest management?
IPM uses biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to control pests sustainably.

What are medicinal plants?
Medicinal plants have therapeutic properties used in traditional and modern medicine.

What are aromatic plants?
Aromatic plants produce essential oils used in perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Which spice is known as red gold?
Saffron is called red gold due to its high value and medicinal importance.

Which flower is used for perfume production?
Rose is widely used for perfume and essential oil extraction.

What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics grows plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions.

What is aeroponics?
Aeroponics grows plants in air, misting roots with nutrient solutions.

What is aquaponics?
Aquaponics combines fish farming and hydroponics in a mutually beneficial system.

Which fruit has the highest potassium content?
Banana is rich in potassium and essential minerals.

Which vegetable is known as poor man’s meat?
Mushroom is called poor man’s meat due to high protein content.

What is mushroom cultivation?
Mushroom cultivation involves growing edible fungi under controlled environmental conditions.

Which mushroom is most commonly cultivated?
Button mushroom is the most widely cultivated mushroom globally.

What is floriculture industry used for?
It supplies flowers for decoration, rituals, landscaping, and export markets.

Which flower has the highest commercial value?
Rose has the highest commercial value in global floriculture trade.

What is bonsai?
Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees in containers.

What is topiary?
Topiary is the practice of trimming plants into decorative shapes.

What is pruning?
Pruning removes unwanted plant parts to improve growth, shape, and yield.

What is training of plants?
Training directs plant growth into desired shapes and structures.

What is mulching?
Mulching covers soil surface to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots efficiently.

What is sprinkler irrigation?
Sprinkler irrigation sprays water over crops like rainfall.

Why is drip irrigation preferred in horticulture?
It saves water, improves yield, reduces weeds, and minimizes nutrient loss.

Which state leads in horticulture production in India?
Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are leading horticulture-producing states in India.

Which ministry promotes horticulture in India?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare promotes horticulture development.

What is the National Horticulture Mission?
NHM promotes holistic growth of horticulture through technology, infrastructure, and capacity building.

What is urban horticulture?
Urban horticulture involves growing plants in cities using rooftops, balconies, and community gardens.

What is kitchen gardening?
Kitchen gardening grows vegetables and herbs near homes for household consumption.

Why is kitchen gardening important?
It ensures fresh vegetables, reduces food expenses, and improves nutrition.

What is floriculture export?
Floriculture export involves selling cut flowers and planting materials internationally.

Which flower is India’s major export?
Rose and marigold dominate India’s floriculture exports.

What is value addition in horticulture?
Value addition converts raw produce into processed products like jams, juices, and pickles.

What is horticulture processing?
It involves preservation, packaging, and transformation of horticultural produce.

What is dehydration?
Dehydration removes moisture from fruits and vegetables to increase shelf life.

What is canning?
Canning preserves produce by sealing it in airtight containers after heating.

What is pickling?
Pickling preserves vegetables and fruits using salt, oil, or vinegar.

What is the role of horticulture in employment?
Horticulture creates large employment opportunities in farming, processing, and marketing.

What is sustainable horticulture?
Sustainable horticulture balances productivity with environmental protection and resource conservation.

What is climate-smart horticulture?
It adapts horticultural practices to climate change impacts.

Which fruit is highest in antioxidants?
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and health-protective compounds.

Which vegetable is rich in iron?
Spinach is a good source of iron and essential nutrients.

What is floriculture nursery?
A floriculture nursery raises seedlings and planting materials of ornamental plants.

What is orchard management?
Orchard management includes planting, training, pruning, and protecting fruit trees.

What is fruit thinning?
Fruit thinning removes excess fruits to improve size and quality.

What is bearing age of fruit trees?
Bearing age is the time taken by fruit trees to start producing fruits.

Which fruit tree bears earliest?
Papaya bears fruits within one year of planting.

Which fruit has the longest shelf life?
Apple has a long shelf life under controlled storage conditions.

What is rejuvenation of orchards?
Rejuvenation restores productivity of old and unproductive orchards.

What is spacing in horticulture?
Spacing refers to proper distance maintained between plants for optimum growth.

What is crop rotation?
Crop rotation alternates crops to maintain soil fertility and reduce pests.

What is intercropping?
Intercropping grows two or more crops simultaneously in the same field.

What is monocropping?
Monocropping grows a single crop repeatedly on the same land.

What is floriculture landscaping?
It uses ornamental plants to beautify outdoor and indoor spaces.

What is horticulture marketing?
Horticulture marketing involves selling produce from farm to consumer.

What is farm-to-fork concept?
It emphasizes reducing intermediaries for fresher produce and better farmer income.

What is export-oriented horticulture?
It focuses on producing crops for international markets.

Which fruit is most exported from India?
Mango is the most exported fruit from India.

What is organic certification?
Organic certification verifies produce grown using organic farming standards.

What is Good Agricultural Practices?
GAP ensures safe, sustainable, and quality agricultural production.

What is floriculture value chain?
It includes production, harvesting, processing, transport, and marketing.

What is horticulture diversification?
Diversification shifts from cereals to fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

What is climate impact on horticulture?
Climate change affects yield, quality, pests, and crop distribution.

What is precision horticulture?
Precision horticulture uses technology for efficient resource management.

What is horticulture mechanization?
It involves using machines for planting, harvesting, and processing.

What is e-marketing in horticulture?
E-marketing sells horticultural produce through online platforms.

What is the future of horticulture?
Horticulture’s future lies in technology, sustainability, and high-value crop production.

What is fruit set in horticulture?
Fruit set refers to successful development of flowers into fruits after pollination and fertilization.

What is pollination?
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma of flowers.

What is cross-pollination?
Cross-pollination occurs when pollen transfers between flowers of different plants of the same species.

What is self-pollination?
Self-pollination occurs when pollen transfers within the same flower or plant.

Which insects help in pollination?
Bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies are major pollinating insects.

What is apiculture?
Apiculture is the scientific rearing of honeybees for honey and pollination benefits.

Why are bees important in horticulture?
Bees increase fruit set, improve yield, enhance quality, and ensure better pollination.

What is parthenocarpy?
Parthenocarpy is fruit development without fertilization, resulting in seedless fruits.

Which fruits show parthenocarpy?
Banana, pineapple, seedless grapes, and some citrus fruits show parthenocarpy.

What is fruit drop?
Fruit drop is premature falling of flowers or fruits before maturity.

What causes fruit drop?
Nutrient deficiency, water stress, hormonal imbalance, and pest attack cause fruit drop.

What is flower induction?
Flower induction is initiation of flowering triggered by environmental or hormonal factors.

What is bearing habit?
Bearing habit refers to regularity or irregularity of fruit production in trees.

What is alternate bearing?
Alternate bearing is irregular fruiting where heavy yield occurs one year and low next year.

Which fruit commonly shows alternate bearing?
Mango commonly exhibits alternate or biennial bearing.

What is canopy management?
Canopy management controls tree shape for better sunlight penetration and air circulation.

What is high-density planting?
High-density planting grows more plants per unit area for higher productivity.

Which crops use high-density planting?
Apple, mango, guava, banana, and papaya adopt high-density planting.

What is fruit cracking?
Fruit cracking is splitting of fruit skin due to moisture imbalance and nutrient deficiency.

Which fruits are prone to cracking?
Pomegranate, tomato, cherry, and citrus fruits are prone to cracking.

What is blossom end rot?
Blossom end rot is calcium deficiency disorder affecting tomatoes and peppers.

What is sunburn in fruits?
Sunburn is tissue damage caused by excessive sunlight and high temperatures.

What is chlorosis?
Chlorosis is yellowing of leaves due to nutrient deficiency or poor chlorophyll formation.

Which nutrient deficiency causes chlorosis?
Iron, nitrogen, magnesium, and zinc deficiencies commonly cause chlorosis.

What is fertigation?
Fertigation applies fertilizers through irrigation water for efficient nutrient delivery.

Why is fertigation useful in horticulture?
It saves fertilizer, improves nutrient use efficiency, and increases crop yield.

What is soil solarization?
Soil solarization controls soil-borne pests using solar heat under plastic covers.

What is vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting uses earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich manure.

Why is vermicompost beneficial?
It improves soil fertility, structure, microbial activity, and plant growth.

What is green manure?
Green manure involves growing and incorporating plants to enrich soil nutrients.

What is shade-loving horticultural crop?
Shade-loving crops grow better under reduced sunlight conditions.

Which crops prefer partial shade?
Ginger, turmeric, betel vine, and some orchids prefer partial shade.

What is floriculture bedding plant?
Bedding plants are ornamental plants used for seasonal flower displays.

Examples of bedding plants?
Petunia, pansy, zinnia, phlox, and calendula are common bedding plants.

What is cut flower?
Cut flowers are harvested flowers used in bouquets and floral arrangements.

Which flowers are popular cut flowers?
Rose, carnation, gerbera, orchid, and lily are popular cut flowers.

What is loose flower?
Loose flowers are sold without stalks for garlands and decorations.

Examples of loose flowers?
Marigold, jasmine, tuberose, and chrysanthemum are common loose flowers.

What is flowering season?
Flowering season is the period when plants produce flowers.

What is off-season production?
Off-season production grows crops outside their normal growing season using technology.

What is plant hardiness?
Plant hardiness indicates a plant’s ability to survive adverse climatic conditions.

What is frost injury?
Frost injury damages plant tissues due to freezing temperatures.

How can frost damage be reduced?
Mulching, irrigation, smoke, and protective coverings reduce frost damage.

What is horticultural zoning?
Horticultural zoning classifies regions based on climate suitability for crops.

What is floriculture landscaping design?
It combines aesthetics and plant science for attractive outdoor spaces.

What is lawn management?
Lawn management maintains grass health through mowing, watering, and fertilization.

What is turf grass?
Turf grass forms lawns and sports fields for aesthetic and recreational use.

Examples of turf grass?
Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass are common turf grasses.

What is weed management?
Weed management controls unwanted plants competing with crops.

What is hand weeding?
Hand weeding removes weeds manually from crop fields.

What is chemical weed control?
Chemical weed control uses herbicides to manage weeds.

What is biological weed control?
It uses natural enemies to suppress weed growth.

What is plant quarantine?
Plant quarantine prevents spread of pests and diseases through plant materials.

What is seed certification?
Seed certification ensures genetic purity and quality of planting material.

What is nursery certification?
Nursery certification verifies healthy and disease-free planting materials.

What is export quality produce?
Export quality produce meets international standards of size, color, and safety.

What is grading in horticulture?
Grading sorts produce based on size, quality, and appearance.

What is branding in horticulture?
Branding creates market identity for horticultural products.

What is agri-export zone?
Agri-export zones promote export-oriented agricultural and horticultural production.

What is horticulture entrepreneurship?
Horticulture entrepreneurship involves business ventures in crop production and value addition.

What is floriculture startup?
Floriculture startups focus on flower production, marketing, and exports.

What is precision irrigation?
Precision irrigation supplies exact water requirement to crops.

What is sustainable landscaping?
Sustainable landscaping conserves water and promotes eco-friendly plant use.

What is horticulture extension service?
Extension services educate farmers on improved horticultural practices.

What is the economic importance of horticulture?
Horticulture boosts income, exports, employment, and rural development.