1. Introduction
How is HORT 315 different from most of the other classes you are taking?

2. Information Technology
Impacts of the World Wide Web on horticultural business and education.

3. Environmental Responsibility
From the age of "better living through chemistry" to the Green Revolution.

4. Protecting Intellectual Property
Adding value to horticultural commodities through trademarks, patents, copyrights and seed variety protection.

5. Advanced Technology
Computers, networking technology, sensors and controls... taking horticulture into the 21st Century.

6. Sustainable, Organic and Alternative Production Systems
Cropping systems that value environmental and social considerations along with economic profitability

7. Insuring a Safe and Adequate Food Supply
Food borne diseases, pesticide residues, irradiation and other issues related to the fruits and vegetables we eat...

8. Water
Water is one of our most precious natural resources. Access to an inexpensive source of clean, high-quality irrigation water is an absolute requirement for all horticultural cropping systems. Citizens expect an ample water supply for their home and landscape needs. When a shortage occurs, who determines how water is allocated?

9. Integrated Pest Management
The consumer demands blemish-free fruit and vegetables that are free of pesticide residues, available year-round, and at a reasonable price. IPM is an important tool in achieving this goal.

10. Horticultural Labor
Agricultural labor is hard work, the wages are low, and the jobs are seasonal. The government requires a certain level of living standards for migrant worker housing, education of the workers concerning pesticides, and specific records to be kept on the wages paid to employees. Are grower/operators prepared to manage the human resorces associated with their firms?

11. Ethics
Acheiving profitability while engaging in ethical business practices.

12. Economics of Horticultural Businesses
Horticulture is a major economic factor in American agriculture. The pattern of crop production in Texas is shifting toward the more service-oriented landscape industries, and NAFTA is having a major influence on the profitability of some crops traditionally strong in Texas.

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