I.      Definition, characteristics and importance of horticulture:
        Differences from agronomic crops (intensive cultivation, perishable  nature, diversity), definition
        and divisions (food crops, ornamentals,etc), importance in terms of economic value
        (including generation of foreign exchange in Zimbabwe), nutritive value, aesthetic value and
        other.                      3 HRS

II.    Classification of horticultural crops:
        Different systems of classification: growth habit, leaf persistance, life span, climate  requirements,
        use and scientific classification.  2 HRS

III.   Effects of enviromental factors on horticltural plants:
        Detailed examination of how teroperature, light (photoperiod and light intensity), water, soil and
        other factors influence the processes listed below in horticultural crops, using specific crop
        examples. The physiology of how these factors influence the different processes is covered in detail.
        A.    Seed germination
        B.    Vegetative growth
        C.    Flower initiation and development
        D.    Pollination and fruit set
        E.    Fruit growth and maturation
        F.    Hormones and growth regulators            6 HRS

IV.   Management of enviromental factors influencing horticultural plants:
        A.    Water
        B.    Temperature
        C.    Light
        D.    Nutrition/fertility
        E.    Other biotic factors
        F.    Pests                                              3 HRS

V.     Plant propagation and nursery management:

        A.  The nursery
        B.    Propagation structures
        C.    Propagation media                                    2 HRS
        D.    Cultivar/clone selection, factors to consider.
        E.    Propagation by seed                                   2 HRS
               1.   Direct seeding
               2.   TranCplanting