Horticulture

Overview

Specializations are available in several aspects of crop science: organic and sustainable horticulture, diversified crop production for urban and regional food systems, environmental impact of horticultural practices, environmental regulation of plant growth and development, plant breeding, biochemistry and molecular biology of horticultural plants, microculture and biotechnology, weed control and herbicide physiology, and biostatistics. Students of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin Madison have the opportunity to develop their research projects using vegetables, fruits, trees, ornamentals, specialty crops, or model species such as Arabidopsis thaliana.

The department houses research labs, controlled environment chambers, and greenhouse facilities. Field-plot areas with associated storage and laboratory facilities are available at the UW–Madison Arboretum, Horticulture Research Farm at Arlington, and the Agriculture Research Stations managed by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at selected locations throughout the state. In conjunction with the farm at Sturgeon Bay, the world's largest collection of tuber-bearing Solanums is maintained by the Inter-Regional Potato Introduction Project and is available for research use.

Learning Outcomes

• Articulates the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry used in the field of horticulture.

• Identifies sources and assembles evidence pertaining to questions in the field of horticulture.

• Understands the primary field of horticulture in a global context.

• Selects and utilizes the most appropriate methodologies and practices.

• Synthesizes information pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of horticulture.

• Communicates clearly in ways appropriate to the field of horticulture.

• Recognizes and applies principles of ethical conduct.