Dr. Lekha Sreedhar Associate Professor/Chair, Horticulture

Dr. Lekha SreedharAssociate Professor/Chair, HorticultureWhat was your college major?Post Doctoral Associate/Plant BiotechnologyPh.D., Botany/Specialization in Plant PhysiologyM.S., Plant AgricultureM.S., Horticultural ScienceB.S., Agricultural ScienceDid this major lead you to your current career?Yes, it did. I have studied plant science for 16 years post high school and have been interested in plants all my life. Lovefor plants and love for plant science got me here. Horticulture is production, use and management of plants. In the past,horticulture used to be referred to as ‘applied botany’. Horticulture applies principles of many pure and appliedsciences; for example, to grow a horticultural crop, we apply the science of botany, plant physiology, chemistry,biochemistry, mathematics, physics, plant pathology, entomology, agronomy, soil science, genetics, etc. There is also anart component; for example, landscape design, and techniques like grafting require both science and art.What are the characteristics that your most successful students possess?The most important characteristics are a passion and enthusiasm for plants, nature, and environment. They will beworking with plants all day long. Good solid scientific background, ability to solve problems, artistic skills and awillingness to work hard with long hours in the sun sometimes. Some jobs require extensive field work like landscapeprep, planting, etc. Some require managerial skills, some require excellent communications skills (e.g. a job in sales) andsome require excellent computer skills. Having an open mind, willingness to learn and read more to stay current is veryimportant. Horticulture is a very challenging, dynamic field.

Name three things a student should know when exploring this career.Professional horticulturists have very challenging jobs. They have to stay current with the new cultivars (cultivatedvarieties) introduced every year for different plant species, new techniques, new products, and market-trend.Horticulture is a very diverse industry (i.e. pomology, floriculture, landscape design, ornamental horticulture andlandscape architecture, viticulture, horticultural therapy, etc.). It is extremely important for students to know theirstrengths and interests and focus on that. Initial jobs might not be high salaried jobs. They have to be patient andgradually build up their resume. Having a broad background in botany, biology, chemistry, math, soil science,environmental science, writing and verbal communication skills, and personal management. Spanish, as well ascomputer literacy helps.What skills will a student learn when pursuing this career?From enrolling and completing either a certificate program or Associates in Applied Horticultural Sciences, students willacquire a solid science foundation with plenty of hands-on experience. Students will learn to grow and manage plants ina responsible manner. What they do will impact the environment aesthetically and/or functionally. In the labs theylearn everything from sowing, to transplanting, to growing plants, various propagation techniques like grafting, budding,layering, cuttings, micro-propagation, diagnosing plant problems, Integrated Pest management, Pesticide Application,Landscape Design, Landscape Maintenance, Turf management, Landscape Construction, Tree management andirrigation/water management.For a student needing part-time employment while in college, what types of jobs provide the bestexperiential learning opportunities?Work in greenhouses, wholesale nursery, retail, propagation industry, nursery retail, landscaping companies, tissueculture labs, wholesale seed production companies, arboretums, parks and recreation, golf courses, sales, specialtygrowers, for green roof modules, conservatories, interiorscaping, interior design, landscape construction, arborist,nursery manager, field supervisor, sales, garden center manager, plant technician, groundskeeper, landscape technician,golf course employee/manager/superintendent, vegetable grower, fruit grower. Government agencies like theEnvironmental Protection Agency, US Department of Agriculture and Kansas Department of Agriculture all haveinternship opportunities.If a college student is unable to find related work experience in this career field, how do you suggest he/sheprepare for the workplace?Take additional courses if needed to strengthen existing skills. Being a certified arborist helps. They must build up theirresume gradually. Speaking Spanish is very important. Nurseries are looking to hire students who are able to identifyplants, talk in depth about each plant and have additional skills such as diagnosis and management of diseases, pests,nutritional problems. Pesticide applicator’s license is also highly recommended. Landscaping companies are looking forfarm machinery operation skills and a ‘Class A or B driver’s license to transport trees, in addition to being able to leadthe work crew. Some landscaping companies have openings for office staff to manage their inventory, shipping, etc.Some computer skills, especially managing Excel data sheets is important for such positions. Good communication skillsand a thorough knowledge of all aspects of plant growth and development in addition to plant identification will helpsecure jobs in the sales department. The high paying jobs are in sales.Is there a selection process for entering this program?There is no selection process. Students must be a high school graduate or equivalent. Biology, Chemistry, and Botanycourses are really helpful.November 2010