Plant and Crop Sciences is a scientific discipline that studies plants in all of its varieties. It entails researching biological systems, soil, vegetation, biodiversity, climatic conditions, genetics, and agricultural management. Plant Sciences studies plant categorization, histology, physiology, biogeography, and pathology and Crop Sciences examine methods for enhancing crop and agricultural output as well as the efficient control of pests. The overall goal of this field is to examine how plants and crops interact with the environments in which they are grown. Plant and crop science is a multidisciplinary area of agriculture that incorporates concepts from entomology, genetics, environmental science, soil science, and botany.

Students who major in Plant and Crop Sciences will gain both academic and practical knowledge about the field. They will learn pertinent information in fields including genetics, plant breeding, seed biology, pest control, and sustainable agriculture and the ability to create goods like fuel, fibre, and food while preserving and maintaining the environment will be a skill for those working in this industry. Plant and Crop Sciences also ensures that plants grow, develop, and are of high quality. Additionally, in this case, technology is key to creating superior plants and crops and students will thereby receive the instruction and knowledge required to merge technology and science.

Study levels:

Different colleges and universities offer courses in Plant and Crop Sciences at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, via degrees, diplomas and certificates which can be pursued under the following:

• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Plant Science
• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (Plant Science)
• Bachelor in Plant and Soil Science
• Bachelor in Plant Science with Industrial or Professional Experience
• Bachelor in Agriculture and Crop Science
• Master Degree in Integrative Plant Sciences
• Master of Science in Plant Science
• Master’s Degree in Plant Pathology
• Master’s Degree in Agricultural Science- Crop and Livestock Farming Systems
• Master of Science in Plant Biotechnology
• Master of Science in Plant Breeding
• Master of Science in Crop Sciences
• Master’s Degree in Crop Protection
• Master’s Degree in Plant Genomics and Breeding
• Master of Science in Plant Biology
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Biological Sciences- Plant Molecular Biology Specialization
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Plant Science
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Plant Pathology
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Soil and Crop Sciences

Specialisations:

There are many specialisation options available to students pursuing a degree in Plant and Crop Sciences and these areas of specialisation include:

• Ecology
• Organic Agriculture
• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• Plant Computational Biology
• Plant Evolution and Systematics
• Plant Pathology
• Plants and Human Health
• Soil Science
• Sustainable Plant Production
• Role of Technology in Society
• Management and Sustainable use of land
• Forage Crops
• World Agricultural Systems
• Crop-Environment Interactions
• Cropping Systems

Employability:

Plant and Crop scientists work in a variety of environments. Understanding the molecular and chemical mechanisms by which crops grow is a goal of basic research, which includes figuring out how a specific gene affects plant growth. This knowledge is used by researchers that do applied research to identify mechanisms that can be used to enhance the quality, quantity, or safety of agricultural goods. Other plant scientists oversee the marketing, production, or research and development departments in businesses that create agricultural technology, seeds, and pesticides. Some plant scientists work as consultants for the government, businesses, or individual clients.

Job titles include:

• Agronomist
• Floral Designer
• Biotechnologist
• Plant Journalist
• Field Advisor
• Soil Scientist
• Greenhouse Manager
• Propagation Scientist
• Plant Breeder
• Landscape Scientist
• Environmental Scientist
• Pathologist
• Entomologist
• Horticultural Scientist
• Plant Biologist
• Crop Consultant
• Grower
• Plant Researcher
• Seed Sales Representative
• Professor
• Production Consultant
• Crop Care Manager
• Soil Management Specialist
• Weed Specialist