International horticulture: An interdisciplinary course for agriculture undergraduates

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

8-31-2004

Abstract

A course entitled, "International Horticulture" was developed in order to expand the depth and diversity of the undergraduate horticulture curriculum at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA, USA). It was designed to be interdisciplinary in nature, in order to attract horticulture and non-horticulture students with interests in agriculture business, trade, food science, and plant protection. The course was intended to broaden the exposure of both domestic and international students to the importance of horticulture, the global diversity of crops and cropping systems, the economic significance of horticultural product trade, and value-added activities worldwide. An overview of horticultural crop production methods, postharvest handling, agro-processing, and marketing is provided from numerous countries and in all continents. Instructional information is obtained from numerous sources, including personal travel and work experiences, international horticulture trade publications, agriculture statistics reporting services, private sector producers/ exporters, transportation companies, websites, and library reference materials. Students are encouraged to share additional international horticulture-related information with the class during the lecture and discussion presentations. The class information can easily be formatted for delivery via compressed video or other long distance learning mechanisms. The student learning experience was greatly enhanced by the extensive use of visuals from the individual countries discussed. A supplementary international horticulture study tour can be added for additional credit. This paper is descriptive of the basis and content of the course.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Acta Horticulturae

First Page

35

Last Page

38

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