Syllabus Reference: Concept of floriculture and pomology. Distribution and cultivation of Orchids, Asters, Roses, Mango, Banana, Citrus and Pineapples. [cite_start]Orchard Management [cite: 612-613].
1. Concepts
- Pomology: Science of growing fruit. Includes site selection, planting, care, and harvesting.
- Floriculture: Science of growing flowers for commercial (cut flowers, loose flowers) and aesthetic purposes.
2. Important Flower Crops
A. Rose ("Queen of Flowers")
- Scientific Name: Rosa spp.
- Propagation: T-Budding and Hardwood Cuttings.
- Pruning: Essential operation done in Oct-Nov (North India) to induce fresh flowering shoots.
- Uses: Cut flowers, Gulkand, Rose oil (Attar).
B. Orchids
- Features: Epiphytic or terrestrial. Known for long vase life and exotic shapes.
- Important Genera: Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Vanda.
- Cultivation: Require high humidity and shade. Growing media usually includes charcoal, brick pieces, and coconut husk (not soil).
3. Important Fruit Crops
| Crop | Scientific Name | Propagation | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mango | Mangifera indica | Veneer Grafting / Inarching | "King of Fruits". Alternate bearing is a major problem (fruits every alternate year). |
| Banana | Musa sp. | Suckers (Sword suckers) | Monocarpic (fruits once then dies). Propagated via rhizomes/suckers. High potassium requirement. |
| Citrus | Citrus spp. (Lemon, Orange) | T-Budding / Air Layering | Rich in Vitamin C. Susceptible to Citrus Canker (bacterial disease). |
| Pineapple | Ananas comosus | Suckers / Slips / Crowns | CAM plant (drought tolerant). Flowering can be induced artificially using Ethrel. |
4. Orchard Management
- Layout Systems: Square system (most common), Hexagonal (15% more trees), Contour (for hills).
- Floor Management: Clean cultivation (weeding), Sod culture (growing grass), or Mulching (covering soil to save water).
- Pruning vs. Training:
Training: Done in early years to give shape to the tree.
Pruning: Removal of diseased/unwanted branches to encourage fruiting.