Horticulture & Botany – Career Planet

Plant Pathologist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:44:32 +0000

A plant pathologist is a professional who specializes in plant health much as a doctor specializes in human health or a veterinarian in animal health. Keeping plants healthy requires an understanding of the organisms and agents that cause disease as well as an understanding of how plants grow and are affected by disease.

In their work, plant pathologists cooperate with plant breeders, crop managers, insect, and weed specialists in developing integrated, environmentally sound approaches to managing crops and their pests.

Working together with other specialists, plant pathologists contribute to the production of a stronger economy, safer foodstuffs, a cleaner environment, conservation of soil and water resources, and the health of workers in farms, gardens, and landscapes.

Plant pathologists and bioengineers also work closely together to develop disease-resistant plant varieties, preserving food from spoilage, developing new strains of organisms for biological control, and even in developing composting processes for solid waste disposal.

Information source: http://www.apsnet.org/careers/careers.asp

Grassland Scientist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:44:11 +0000

Grassland scientists are responsible for the effective management of natural and established pastures. Grasslands are important for livestock, as they form the first link in the food chain. Established grasslands are more common for livestock farming. The physical and biological planning of any farm must be done in accordance with the principles of grassland science. Pasture programmes for different kinds of livestock have to be planned and implemented.

South Africa has a wide variety of veld types, all of which have their own characteristics. These characteristics are dictated by climate and soil conditions, and each kind of veld needs a specific kind of management.

Effective management includes activities as determining when, and to what degree, pastures should be stripped; the numbers of animals that can feed off an area for a set period of time; how long the soil should lie fallow before being cultivated again; and the type of soil management necessary to ensure productive fields.

What they do:

· plan and implement pasture programmes for different kinds of livestock

· continuously searching for additional forage plant species that are suitable for local conditions

· attempt to improve indigenous materials and cultivate new varieties

Where to study:

Universities: UP, UFS, UKZN, NMMU, UL

Companies to work for:

National and provincial parks boards, fertiliser manufacturers, mining companies, educational institutions, commercial farms, self-emplo

Ethnobotanist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:43:24 +0000

Ethnobotanists study indigenous plants used by specific cultures for specific reasons such as food, shelter, clothing, hunting, medicine or religious ceremonies. They combine elements of botany anthropology, sociology, phytochemistry, medicine and agriculture in their intensive studies. They therefore, need to be knowledgeable about plants as well as different cultures. They also need to be aware of the dynamics of different cultures and how these cultures work. Ethnobotanists also work closely with local healers within native cultures to explore and examine a particular cultures’ concept of disease and treatments.

What they do:

· go on expeditions to explore valuable clues about plants and also search for new nutritious and flavourful plants not yet discovered

· do intensive research, collect information and do regional studies on the cultures, ecology and environment of the people in the area they are exploring

· gather medical, chemical and biological information on the plants used by the people in the region

· record their findings

· advise authorities on the loss of tropical plants, the knowledge associated with these plants, the civilisations and cultures to be lost, and the potential damage to be caused to the Earth’s ecological balance

Where to study:

Universities: UJ, UP, UKZN, Unisa, UL, UZulu, RU

Companies to work for:

Research institutions, pharmaceutical industry, educational institutions, medical industry, chemical industry, food industry

Horticulturist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:42:48 +0000

OFO No:

What is a Horticulturist?

A Horticulturist uses their scientific knowledge and experience to grow and propagate (breed) plants mainly for human and non-human uses. This can be done on a small scale as well as on a large scale like crop farming.

Horticulture is very diverse and covers a variety of different plants from mushrooms, to flowers, to fruits & vegetables etc.

Besides propagation, horticulture can also include landscaping, conservation, rehabilitation, design, soil science, entomology and many other sciences and disciplines.

Horticulturist may specialise in one area like landscaping, rehabilitation or research etc.

CLICK HERE to meet Sisanda Velembo, a horticulturist

What does a Horticulturist do?

researches various aspects of growth, yield and performance in plants
develops new plant varieties
researches and designs storage methods
provides technical and other information to farmers
conducts experiments and investigations into pest and disease control
works in the field
assists mining companies with the rehabilitation of mined land
works with grass turfs for example – sports fields, cricket pitches, etc
landscapes
keeps up to date with technologies
manages staff

Are you . . . ?

happy working outdoors?
very fit and physical active?
interested in plants?
interested in research?
passionate about nature and conservation?
patient?

How do I become a Horticulturist?

If you are interested in working with plants – you could start your career as a nursery worker. In a nursery you can learn as you go and pick up a lot of experience. In some cases, the nursery may even send you on courses if you show enough enthusiasm and work hard.

Here are some institutions that offer training in Horticulture.

CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Offers a 3 year, full-time National Diploma in Horticulture and a Baccalaureus Technologiae in Horticulture

http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/appliedsciences/prospectus/course?i=195&seo=TkQ6IEhPUlRJQ1VMVFVSRQ==

TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Offers a National Diploma in Horticulture

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

National Diploma: Horticulture
BTECH: Horticulture

http://www.tut.ac.za/Students/facultiesdepartments/science/departments/horticulture/Pages/default.aspx

UNISA

N Dip: Ornamental Horticulture

http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/index.asp?link=http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/Qualifications/98025.html

N Dip: Horticulture (NDHRTC)
B Tech: Horticulture (BTHORT)

INTEC: (Countrywide)

Offers an 18 month – INTEC Gardening and Horticulture Certificate

http://www.intec.edu.za/course/P502/intec-gardening-and-horticulture-certificate/

Minimum requirements: Grade 10 or equivalent

Other ways you can study to get into Horticulture is taking up training and studies in agriculture. See careers under agriculture for more information.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Floriculturist or Florist

Is becoming a Horticulturist the right career choice for me?

Herbarium Worker

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:42:08 +0000

They press and mount plant specimens and maintain a collection of records of the herbarium. They start the process by placing the specimens in a fumigation cabinet and opening the valve to release toxic fumes, which destroy insects, fungus and other parasites. They arrange the plant specimens between sheets of unsized paper so that the upper and under portions of leaves, blossoms and other components are visible. The paper is padded with layers of felt and newsprint to protect the specimens and form stacks. A specified number of stacks are placed in a pressing frame, and identification information written on the top layer of each stack. Tightening the frame section with screws, fastening it with leather straps or typing it with twine secures the frame around the stack. The frame is fastened to compress the stacks and dry the specimens in the desired configuration. The dried specimen is mounted don heavy paper with glue, adhesive strips or needle and thread. Care must be taken not to break or distort the specimens. The herbarium worker then writes identification information on paper and inserts the mounted specimens in labelled envelopes or folders. The folders are filed in drawers or cabinets according to a standard botanical classification system. Herbarium workers have to maintain card files of the specimens I the herbarium collection. They also record acquisitions, loans or sales of specimens.

Botanist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:41:24 +0000

OFO No: 213106

What is a Botanist?

Botany is an ancient science. Botanists study plant biology, including fungi and algae. They also study the relationship of plants with their environment and other living organisms.

DID YOU KNOW?

South African has a serious shortage of skilled professionals and trained technicians in the plant industry!

Plants are extremely important to the world and to everyone’s lives. They are used in food, drugs, manufacturing (materials) etc. Botany serves an important role in providing the world with nutrition and medicine.

There are many different fields of specialised botany:

Aboriculturist

Studies the propagation of trees

Agronomist – CLICK HERE

Studies the science of crop production

Bryologists – CLICK HERE

Studies mosses

Drendrologist

Studies woody plants, shrubs and trees

Enthobiologists

Studies the role and relationships beween plants and humans (cultures)

Floriculturist – CLICK HERE

Studies the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens, floral industry and for export

Forester – CLICK HERE

Studies forest management and related studies

Horticulturist – CLICK HERE

Studies the propagation of garden plants

Marine Botanist

Studies aquatic plants and algae

Mycologist – CLICK HERE

Studies fungi

Paleobotanists

Studies plant fossils

Pharming Botanist

Studies the genetic engineering of plants to produce pharmaceuticals

Phycologists

Studies algae

Plant Geneticist

Studies the heredity and genetics of plants

Plant Pathologist

Studies disease in plants

Plant Physiologist

Studies the physical functions of plants

Pomologist

Studies fruits and nuts

Taxonomist

Researches, identifyies, names and classifies plants

Botanists are very good at research. It’s a very important part of their job. Botanists usually work both outdoors and in a laboratory. Some Botanists even travel locally and overseas to do research and/or discover new plants.

What does a Botanist do?

travels to different locations study plants in their natural environment
collects plant samples and other data
studies plants under a microscope
conducts experiments on plants
writes reports
attends conferences
liaises with other plant specialists
acts as a consultant to companies when necessary

Are you . . . ?

passionate about plants?
a person who loves nature?
scientifically minded?
inquisitive?
self-motivated?
willing to work in all weather conditions?
detail orientated?

How do I become a Botanist?

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI)

For a critical jobs list and for places to study various aspects of Botany in South Africa, CLICK HERE

http://www.sanbi.org/

There a numerous careers involving plants – which means there are a number of paths to study.

UNIVERSITIES of TECHNOLOGY and COLLEGES

National Diplomas can be done in (for example):

Horticulture
Nature Conservation
Forestry
Floriculture etc

CLICK HERE to find a training institution near you.

UNIVERSITIES:

Bachelor of Science degrees (BSc) can be done in biological sciences at most SA universities.

CLICK HERE to find a university near you.

DID YOU KNOW?

Many institutions offer opportunities for in-house training, internships, volunteer / vacation work and short contract employment.

NATIONAL BOTANICAL SOCIETIES, SA

http://www.botanicalsociety.org.za/SitePages/Home.aspx

SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF BOTANISTS (SAAB)

http://sabotany.co.za.www22.cpt3.host-h.net/

OTHER CAREER TO CONSIDER: Horticulturist, Forestry or Floriculturist

Is becoming a Botanist the right career choice for me?

04.02.2015 – Posted on Facebook

Soil Scientist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:37:50 +0000

Soil scientists study and analyse the chemical and physical properties and evolution of soil and rocks. They make us of the principles of physics, mathematics and chemistry to study the earth’s surface and its internal composition, and atmospheric, magnetic, electrical and gravitational forces.

What they do:

· They use sophisticated geophysical instrumentation, log data, and analyse and classify minerals, fossils, precious stones and rocks according to their composition and structure.

· They locate minerals, oil and gas deposits using seismic technology, which may also reveal unusual underground features which could indicate natural gas or petroleum deposits.

· Although most soil scientists work in agricultural applications for the purpose of maximising crop yields, other work on conservation applications and in conservation research.

· They may also search for natural resources to help solves environmental and ecological problems.

Where to study:

Universities: UFS, UCT, UZulu, UKZN, Potch, NMMU, UP, UL

Companies to work for:

Department of Agriculture and Department of Land Affairs, educational institutions, research institutions, mining companies, construction companies, agricultural industry

Arboriculturist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:37:49 +0000

JOB DESCRIPTION

Arboriculturists who do only hands-on tree and shrub maintenance may be called arborists.

The work is undertaken in both rural and urban settings and includes all aspects of felling, preserving, planting and protecting trees, sometimes using heavy equipment. There is an increasing focus on maintaining a safe relationship between the trees, their immediate environment, and the general public.

Arboriculturists usually specialise in a particular area of work, such as: tree climbing and maintenance; tree preservation and conservation; parks and gardens; planning; and tree survey and inspection.

TYPICAL TASKS

Planting trees and shrubs
Thinning and tree surgery using a range of equipment
doing groundwork using a chainsaw and a chipper; visiting a range of sites

Bonsai Culturist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:37:49 +0000

Stunts plant growth, using root and branch pruning techniques and soil and fertilizer mixtures. Trains limbs and branches to achieve artistic shape, using cutters and wires. Arranges plantings in containers, selected according to style, size, and shape complimentary to arrangement, and adds decorative materials, such as rocks, moss, and mirrors.

Weed Scientist

eadmin — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:37:49 +0000

They also have knowledge of insects, through which they may introduce a specific species of insect into the environment to try and solve a particular problem. For example, if there is an insect (or its larvae) (which would use the weeds in the dam or river as food), that would solve the problem described above. Various methods of control â€“ chemical, mechanical and biological â€“ could be used to clear an affected area. They must also be familiar with ecological principles in order to preserve the ecological balance, prevent further week outbreaks and control soil erosion. They also study every aspect of how plants co-exist, as wall as their origins, classification, environment, distribution and other characteristics. Weed science is a sub-discipline of botany.