Precision Floriculture and Landscape Design presents a comprehensive and forward-looking integrating scientific principles, technological innovations, and practical applications. The book is structured into six interconnected parts that collectively guide the reader from foundational knowledge to advanced concepts. It begins with Foundations, where the global importance of floriculture is established alongside the introduction of precision floriculture, supported by tools such as artificial intelligence, IoT, GIS, and drones, while also covering the systematics, diversity, and genetic resources of ornamental plants. Moving into Breeding Genetics, the book highlights both conventional and modern approaches to plant improvement, including molecular breeding, genomics, genetic engineering, and advanced genome editing technologies like CRISPR, emphasizing their role in developing resilient and high-quality ornamental varieties. The section on Production Systems focuses on smart and efficient cultivation practices, including protected cultivation, urban and peri-urban horticulture, and optimized methods for producing cut flowers, loose flowers, potted plants, and seeds using precision-based approaches. Post-Harvest Management addresses the crucial handling stages after production, detailing cold chain systems, storage, transportation, and value addition strategies to maintain quality and enhance market potential. Expanding into creativity and planning, Smart Landscape Architecture and Design explores principles of landscape design, integration of digital tools, urban and bio-aesthetic planning, eco-tourism landscapes, advanced turfgrass management, and miniature gardens, reflecting the modern scope of landscape practices. Finally, Sustainability underscores environmentally responsible approaches, covering regenerative practices, carbon credits, phytoremediation for pollution control, and innovative resource-efficient technologies, while also including competitive MCQs for ARS/NET/ICAR examinations and a comprehensive glossary.
