Customer Reviews

The Biology of Horticulture: An Introductory Textbook

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have recently completed a BSc (HONS) in horticulture and found this book very useful. I used many text during my degree, however this was the one I refered to most. I think that students particularily in the initial stages of a degree or diploma course would find the book most valuable. Many areas of interest are covered e.g. biological control of plant pathogens, irrigation and many other areas that may not be apparent from the books title. There are many good pictures and diagrams and each chapter has useful references. This book will also be of interest to horticultural professionals.

This book is by no means basic as the subtitle "an introductory textbook" states. In fact, this is one of the most detailed, and comprehensive books available on the subject. Covering everything from total plant anatomy all the way to pathology, nutrition, propagation, and beyond, it is an invaluable resource for any hort or botany student. Hobbyists will also find this book invaluably enlightening, as it can help them answer common questions such as why leaves on tomato plants are turning yellow.

I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Preece as an instructor for the General Horticulture class when I started college. Little did I know that I would be referring to this book when I was preparing for qualification exams for PhD in Botany. This textbook is an invaluable tool for students who want to further their education

The textbook is a wonderful introduction to horticultural biology. The black and white format of figures is criminal but typical for all horticulture textbook publishers.

Errors:
p. 103, Fig. 5-6: four errors in the C-3 photosynthetic pathway
P. 104, Fig. 5-7: error regarding malate (4 carbons in bundle sheath)
p. 191: gamma should be delta

I would recommend this to anyone looking to get into Horticulture, Landscape Design or their own backyard with a greater depth of knowledge in the science of plants and their care.