Solution and Answer Guide: Shry, Introductory Horticulture, 10th Edition, 2027, 9798214094618;
Chapter 1: The Horticulture Industry
Solution and Answer Guide
SHRY, INTRODUCTORY HORTICULTURE, 10TH EDITION, 2027, 9798214094618;
CHAPTER 1: THE HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: The Horticulture Industry ...................................................................................1
Checkpoint.....................................................................................................................................1
Review Questions ........................................................................................................................ 2
Discussion Questions ................................................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 1: THE HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY
CHECKPOINT
1. What is horticulture, and why is it important to know the history of horticulture?
Answer: Horticulture is the art and science of cultivating, processing, and marketing
fruits, nuts, vegetables, ornamental plants, and flowers. It encompasses home gardens,
large commercial operations, rural and urban landscapes, and greenhouses, and
includes a vast array of scientific, technological, and artistic endeavors. By learning
about the history of horticulture, you can gain an understanding of the many cultures
that contributed to horticulture as it is practiced today, learn how past innovations
paved the way for present practices, and see how technological and other advances
have been a constant throughout history.
2. What role does horticulture play in the U.S. economy?
Answer: The horticulture industry plays a pivotal role in the economy. The USDA
estimates that agriculture, food, and related industries contribute more than $1.5
trillion annually to the economy. In addition, consumer horticulture contributes $196
billion annually. Beyond the numbers, the industry creates food security for our nation
and the wider world, provides essential components of a healthy diet, enhances the
beauty and value of homes and other areas, and provides millions of career
opportunities.
3. What are the six major divisions of horticulture?
Answer: They are (1) pomology, which focuses on fruit and nut crops; (2) olericulture,
which focuses on vegetables; (3) viticulture, which focuses on grape cultivation; (4)
arboriculture, which focuses on trees; (5) floriculture, which focuses on flowers and
ornamental plants; and (6) the landscape and nursery industry.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 1
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Shry, Introductory Horticulture, 10th Edition, 2027, 9798214094618;
Chapter 1: The Horticulture Industry
4. Identify at least three reasons why studying horticulture can be beneficial.
Answer: Answers may vary, as there are a multitude of reasons why the study of
horticulture is beneficial. By studying horticulture, an individual can help ensure food
independence, sufficiency, and safety—for example, they can work in plant breeding or
promote healthy practices such as organic gardening. Other benefits of studying
horticulture include being able to contribute to environmental sustainability; fostering
biodiversity and reducing the use of chemicals; and preserving and enhancing the human
environment by creating beautiful and enjoyable landscapes and interiorscapes. Studying
horticulture also engages a person’s scientific, technological, and artistic creativity.
5. What are some new developments in horticulture?
Answer: New developments include technological advances in controlled environment
agriculture (CEA) and precision agriculture; an increased focus on sustainability; a new
interest in regenerative farming with its focus on soil health; new responses to
evolving consumer preferences, including a preference for locally grown, pesticide-free
produce; and a new focus on native plants and pollinators in the garden.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What does the field of horticulture encompass?
Answer: Horticulture encompasses the cultivation, processing, and marketing of fruits,
nuts, vegetables, ornamental plants, and flowers. It is concerned with home gardens,
large commercial operations, rural and urban landscapes, and greenhouses and
involves an array of scientific, technological, and artistic endeavors. It includes
pomology, olericulture, viticulture, arboriculture, floriculture, and the landscape and
nursery industry.
2. What are some examples of crops that are native to one continent but are now
produced around the globe?
Answer: Examples include rice that is native to Asia; maize (corn) that is native to the
Americas; and okra and watermelon, which are native to Africa.
3. What does the term consumer horticulture refer to?
Answer: Consumer horticulture refers to the cultivation and use of plants, flowers,
gardens, and landscapes primarily for personal benefit or community well-being.
4. What is pomology?
Answer: Pomology is the branch of horticulture that focuses on the cultivation,
harvesting, storage, and marketing of fruit and nut crops.
5. What is olericulture, and how did the term get its name?
Answer: Olericulture is the science and practice of growing, harvesting, storing,
processing, and marketing vegetables. The name derives from the Latin word oleris,
which means “vegetable,” and the Latin suffix -culture, which means cultivation. The
field encompasses all aspects of vegetable production, from soil preparation and
planting all the way through harvesting and marketing.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 2
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Shry, Introductory Horticulture, 10th Edition, 2027, 9798214094618;
Chapter 1: The Horticulture Industry
6. What is viticulture?
Answer: Viticulture is the science and practice of grape cultivation, particularly for
wine production. It involves all aspects of vineyard management, from selecting
appropriate grape varieties to pruning, managing pests and diseases, and harvesting.
7. What is the difference between arboriculture and floriculture?
Answer: Arboriculture focuses on trees and shrubs, while floriculture focuses on
flowers and ornamental plants for gardens and landscapes. There is some overlap
between arboriculture and floriculture in that both share an interest in shrubs. But
arboriculture is focused on the care of trees and very large shrubs, while floriculture is
more concerned with smaller, highly ornamental shrubs.
8. What is one distinction between agriculture and horticulture?
Answer: Agriculture involves both the practice of cultivating plants and the rearing of
animals, whereas horticulture is concerned with plants and not with animals. A further
distinction is that agriculture focuses on staple crops or commodities such as wheat
and soybeans, which are typically grown on large commercial farms, whereas
horticulture focuses on specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, and grapes.
Moreover, horticulture is concerned with plants’ aesthetic and ornamental value, while
agriculture is not.
9. How does the field of horticulture benefit our environment?
Answer: Horticulture benefits our environment and supports sustainability in a
multitude of ways. It fosters biodiversity, improves soil health through practices such
as crop rotation, finds ways to use fewer harmful chemicals in farming and
landscaping, and helps combat climate change by planting and caring for trees that
absorb carbon dioxide. Horticultural practices such as precision agriculture, integrated
pest management, and advanced hydroponics create healthy ecosystems that work in
harmony with nature.
10. What is horticultural therapy?
Answer: Horticultural therapy is a field of horticulture that uses gardening to promote
people’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, especially in settings such as
rehabilitative hospitals and assisted living facilities.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Of the six divisions of horticulture discussed in this chapter, which one interests you
the most? Why?
Answer: Answers will vary.
2. What motivates you to study horticulture? Do your classmates all have similar
motivations, or do you have a variety of different motivations?
Answer: Answers will vary.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 3
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Shry, Introductory Horticulture, 10th Edition, 2027, 9798214094618;
Chapter 2: Careers in Horticulture
Solution and Answer Guide
SHRY, INTRODUCTORY HORTICULTURE, 10TH EDITION, 2027, 9798214094618;
CHAPTER 2: CAREERS IN HORTICULTURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 2: Careers in Horticulture .......................................................................................1
Checkpoint.....................................................................................................................................1
Review Questions ........................................................................................................................ 2
Discussion Questions ................................................................................................................. 4
CHAPTER 2: CAREERS IN HORTICULTURE
CHECKPOINT
1. What are the broad career paths in horticulture, and what are some examples of
horticultural jobs?
Answer: Specific job examples will vary, but the broad career areas include (1) production
horticulture (job examples: greenhouse worker, crop specialist, mycologist); (2) retail and
wholesale horticulture (e.g., garden center employee, e-commerce specialist); (3)
landscape design and maintenance (e.g., landscape architect, sports field turf manager,
arborist, landscape installation crew member), (4) floriculture (e.g., flower farmer, floral
designer); (5) horticultural research and education (e.g., Extension agent, plant pathologist,
ethnobotanist, teacher); (6) horticultural therapy (e.g., horticultural therapist, therapy
garden coordinator, healing garden designer); (7) public horticulture (e.g., botanical garden
director, garden tour guide); and (8) horticultural technology and engineering (e.g.,
greenhouse systems manager, CEA specialist, drone specialist).
2. Identify examples of hands-on learning opportunities in agricultural education.
Answer: Horticultural students can engage in hands-on experiential learning through
Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and involvement with Advance CTE’s Career
and Technical Education programs. SAEs are provided through the National FFA
Organization and include Foundational SAEs and Immersion SAEs. With Advance CTE,
horticulture programs are offered under the Plant Systems sub-cluster.
3. Why is it important to develop employability skills?
Answer: Employability skills (soft skills) are essential to success in any career and are
sought after by all employers. They include effective written and verbal
communication skills such as active listening, teamwork skills, and critical thinking and
problem-solving skills.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 1
accessible website, in whole or in part.
Chapter 1: The Horticulture Industry
Solution and Answer Guide
SHRY, INTRODUCTORY HORTICULTURE, 10TH EDITION, 2027, 9798214094618;
CHAPTER 1: THE HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: The Horticulture Industry ...................................................................................1
Checkpoint.....................................................................................................................................1
Review Questions ........................................................................................................................ 2
Discussion Questions ................................................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 1: THE HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY
CHECKPOINT
1. What is horticulture, and why is it important to know the history of horticulture?
Answer: Horticulture is the art and science of cultivating, processing, and marketing
fruits, nuts, vegetables, ornamental plants, and flowers. It encompasses home gardens,
large commercial operations, rural and urban landscapes, and greenhouses, and
includes a vast array of scientific, technological, and artistic endeavors. By learning
about the history of horticulture, you can gain an understanding of the many cultures
that contributed to horticulture as it is practiced today, learn how past innovations
paved the way for present practices, and see how technological and other advances
have been a constant throughout history.
2. What role does horticulture play in the U.S. economy?
Answer: The horticulture industry plays a pivotal role in the economy. The USDA
estimates that agriculture, food, and related industries contribute more than $1.5
trillion annually to the economy. In addition, consumer horticulture contributes $196
billion annually. Beyond the numbers, the industry creates food security for our nation
and the wider world, provides essential components of a healthy diet, enhances the
beauty and value of homes and other areas, and provides millions of career
opportunities.
3. What are the six major divisions of horticulture?
Answer: They are (1) pomology, which focuses on fruit and nut crops; (2) olericulture,
which focuses on vegetables; (3) viticulture, which focuses on grape cultivation; (4)
arboriculture, which focuses on trees; (5) floriculture, which focuses on flowers and
ornamental plants; and (6) the landscape and nursery industry.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 1
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Shry, Introductory Horticulture, 10th Edition, 2027, 9798214094618;
Chapter 1: The Horticulture Industry
4. Identify at least three reasons why studying horticulture can be beneficial.
Answer: Answers may vary, as there are a multitude of reasons why the study of
horticulture is beneficial. By studying horticulture, an individual can help ensure food
independence, sufficiency, and safety—for example, they can work in plant breeding or
promote healthy practices such as organic gardening. Other benefits of studying
horticulture include being able to contribute to environmental sustainability; fostering
biodiversity and reducing the use of chemicals; and preserving and enhancing the human
environment by creating beautiful and enjoyable landscapes and interiorscapes. Studying
horticulture also engages a person’s scientific, technological, and artistic creativity.
5. What are some new developments in horticulture?
Answer: New developments include technological advances in controlled environment
agriculture (CEA) and precision agriculture; an increased focus on sustainability; a new
interest in regenerative farming with its focus on soil health; new responses to
evolving consumer preferences, including a preference for locally grown, pesticide-free
produce; and a new focus on native plants and pollinators in the garden.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What does the field of horticulture encompass?
Answer: Horticulture encompasses the cultivation, processing, and marketing of fruits,
nuts, vegetables, ornamental plants, and flowers. It is concerned with home gardens,
large commercial operations, rural and urban landscapes, and greenhouses and
involves an array of scientific, technological, and artistic endeavors. It includes
pomology, olericulture, viticulture, arboriculture, floriculture, and the landscape and
nursery industry.
2. What are some examples of crops that are native to one continent but are now
produced around the globe?
Answer: Examples include rice that is native to Asia; maize (corn) that is native to the
Americas; and okra and watermelon, which are native to Africa.
3. What does the term consumer horticulture refer to?
Answer: Consumer horticulture refers to the cultivation and use of plants, flowers,
gardens, and landscapes primarily for personal benefit or community well-being.
4. What is pomology?
Answer: Pomology is the branch of horticulture that focuses on the cultivation,
harvesting, storage, and marketing of fruit and nut crops.
5. What is olericulture, and how did the term get its name?
Answer: Olericulture is the science and practice of growing, harvesting, storing,
processing, and marketing vegetables. The name derives from the Latin word oleris,
which means “vegetable,” and the Latin suffix -culture, which means cultivation. The
field encompasses all aspects of vegetable production, from soil preparation and
planting all the way through harvesting and marketing.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 2
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Shry, Introductory Horticulture, 10th Edition, 2027, 9798214094618;
Chapter 1: The Horticulture Industry
6. What is viticulture?
Answer: Viticulture is the science and practice of grape cultivation, particularly for
wine production. It involves all aspects of vineyard management, from selecting
appropriate grape varieties to pruning, managing pests and diseases, and harvesting.
7. What is the difference between arboriculture and floriculture?
Answer: Arboriculture focuses on trees and shrubs, while floriculture focuses on
flowers and ornamental plants for gardens and landscapes. There is some overlap
between arboriculture and floriculture in that both share an interest in shrubs. But
arboriculture is focused on the care of trees and very large shrubs, while floriculture is
more concerned with smaller, highly ornamental shrubs.
8. What is one distinction between agriculture and horticulture?
Answer: Agriculture involves both the practice of cultivating plants and the rearing of
animals, whereas horticulture is concerned with plants and not with animals. A further
distinction is that agriculture focuses on staple crops or commodities such as wheat
and soybeans, which are typically grown on large commercial farms, whereas
horticulture focuses on specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, and grapes.
Moreover, horticulture is concerned with plants’ aesthetic and ornamental value, while
agriculture is not.
9. How does the field of horticulture benefit our environment?
Answer: Horticulture benefits our environment and supports sustainability in a
multitude of ways. It fosters biodiversity, improves soil health through practices such
as crop rotation, finds ways to use fewer harmful chemicals in farming and
landscaping, and helps combat climate change by planting and caring for trees that
absorb carbon dioxide. Horticultural practices such as precision agriculture, integrated
pest management, and advanced hydroponics create healthy ecosystems that work in
harmony with nature.
10. What is horticultural therapy?
Answer: Horticultural therapy is a field of horticulture that uses gardening to promote
people’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, especially in settings such as
rehabilitative hospitals and assisted living facilities.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Of the six divisions of horticulture discussed in this chapter, which one interests you
the most? Why?
Answer: Answers will vary.
2. What motivates you to study horticulture? Do your classmates all have similar
motivations, or do you have a variety of different motivations?
Answer: Answers will vary.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 3
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Shry, Introductory Horticulture, 10th Edition, 2027, 9798214094618;
Chapter 2: Careers in Horticulture
Solution and Answer Guide
SHRY, INTRODUCTORY HORTICULTURE, 10TH EDITION, 2027, 9798214094618;
CHAPTER 2: CAREERS IN HORTICULTURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 2: Careers in Horticulture .......................................................................................1
Checkpoint.....................................................................................................................................1
Review Questions ........................................................................................................................ 2
Discussion Questions ................................................................................................................. 4
CHAPTER 2: CAREERS IN HORTICULTURE
CHECKPOINT
1. What are the broad career paths in horticulture, and what are some examples of
horticultural jobs?
Answer: Specific job examples will vary, but the broad career areas include (1) production
horticulture (job examples: greenhouse worker, crop specialist, mycologist); (2) retail and
wholesale horticulture (e.g., garden center employee, e-commerce specialist); (3)
landscape design and maintenance (e.g., landscape architect, sports field turf manager,
arborist, landscape installation crew member), (4) floriculture (e.g., flower farmer, floral
designer); (5) horticultural research and education (e.g., Extension agent, plant pathologist,
ethnobotanist, teacher); (6) horticultural therapy (e.g., horticultural therapist, therapy
garden coordinator, healing garden designer); (7) public horticulture (e.g., botanical garden
director, garden tour guide); and (8) horticultural technology and engineering (e.g.,
greenhouse systems manager, CEA specialist, drone specialist).
2. Identify examples of hands-on learning opportunities in agricultural education.
Answer: Horticultural students can engage in hands-on experiential learning through
Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and involvement with Advance CTE’s Career
and Technical Education programs. SAEs are provided through the National FFA
Organization and include Foundational SAEs and Immersion SAEs. With Advance CTE,
horticulture programs are offered under the Plant Systems sub-cluster.
3. Why is it important to develop employability skills?
Answer: Employability skills (soft skills) are essential to success in any career and are
sought after by all employers. They include effective written and verbal
communication skills such as active listening, teamwork skills, and critical thinking and
problem-solving skills.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 1
accessible website, in whole or in part.
