Reported October 2008

What's A Horticulturist?: Horticulturists are scientists who use a variety of tools to study a variety of plants -- from fruits, vegetables, and flowers to ornamentals. They may focus on a variety of issues, from fruit yield, to appearance, to the ability to endure cold or drought. They are interested in everything from plant genetics, to breeding, to aesthetics, and may work in greenhouses, gardens or parks.

The Advantage Of Hybrid Plants: Humans often produce hybrid plants in the hopes of creating a plant with improved qualities over the original. For example, someone might take a food crop and hybridize it with another plant in order to produce more or larger seeds or fruits. Horticulturists may also attempt hybridization in order to enhance the ability of the plant to stand up to harsh conditions or diseases. There are multiple techniques for creating a hybrid, including cross-pollinating plants of the breeder's choice.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Dr. Mark Bridgen
Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center
3059 Sound Ave.
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 727-3595