Floriculture and Horticulture are allied streams in Agriculture. The horticulturist identifies new ways to improve the nutritional value in plants, fruits and vegetables. They are also responsible to experiment and to identify new improved species of plants with good quality and yield. They invent new methods in cultivation, planting, and harvesting of such crops. The Floriculturist on the other hand deals with the cultivation and growth of flowers and foliage plants. The ornamental plants and flowers are used mainly as raw material in pharmaceutical industry, in perfume industry, cosmetic industry and so on. Though the profession of Floriculturist and Horticulturist are similar in certain ways there exist certain differences between them.

Floriculture Courses and Career Opportunities

The postgraduate degree in Floriculture is preferred for the job profile of Floriculturist. Those who have pursued graduation in Agriculture are eligible to apply for post graduation in Floriculture. Several short term and Certificate courses are offered in the stream of Floriculture. They may help aspirants to get in to entry level job positions in the field. These professionals can find opportunities in education field, perfume industry, cosmetic industry, in gardening centers and so on. They can get employed as Agricultural experts, Estate managers, floral designers, landscape architect, horticultural therapists etc.

Horticulturist Courses and Career Opportunities

The basic qualification required for the post of Horticulturist is Bachelors degree in any of the streams of Biology and agriculture. The Masters Degree in Horticulture is much beneficial to obtain a lucrative career in reputed firms operating in the same. The PG degree in Horticulture will help for conducting further research in plant propagation and cultivation.  They can find employment as Cropping Engineers, Plant breeders, as Tissue Culturist, Scientists, Teachers etc in educational sector, in government or private research Companies, Seed companies and so on.

Key differences between Floriculturist and Horticulturist

Though both Floriculturist and Horticulturist are allied professions in Agriculture, Floriculture acts as specialization field in Horticulture.

• Horticulturist concentrates in attributes such as the quality, nutritional value, immunity etc in fruits, vegetables, plants etc where as Floriculturist deals with the production and promotional activities of ornamental plants.
• The job spectrum of Horticulturist is much wider when compared with that of Floriculturist.

Though both the professions are similar in certain respects, they differ in education qualifications, career scope, and technology used for the production and cultivation activities in the respected fields.