This book is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for individuals preparing for competitive examinations, such as M.Sc. and Ph.D admissions in Agricultural and Horticultural Universities, ICAR Institutes, and other competitive examinations, including ARS, SRF, JRF, and Civil Services at the national level. It is intended to be of particular utility to students of floriculture and post-harvest technology, and it is hoped that the book will prove beneficial to its readers.

Professor Harminder Singh Baweja presently Director, Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Govt. of Uttarakhand. With over 30 years of experience in teaching, research and administration, Dr Baweja has worked on key positions like Managing Director, HP State Agriculture Marketing Board (HPSAMB), besides holding the post of Director, Horticulture, in Himachal Pradesh. Has joined as Assistant Scientist in the Department of Floriculture & Landscaping, UHF Nauni and served the University as Scientist, Principal Scientist and Professor and Head (Officiating) Deptt. of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, UHF, Solan. Dr Baweja has published excellent research publications, extension bulletins, popular articles, 13 Book Chapters and also authored 03  Books. He also performed his duty with different technical and policy making committees of colossal importance. Has visited Rome and attended “World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWSM) Conference in 2017, visited various Wholesale Markets in Madrid, Kent (UK), Spain viz., Villa Del Prado (Wine Pack House),  New Spital Fields Fruits and Vegetable Markets, London Retail Market as well as Borough Market (Wholesale and Retail Food Market) in South Wark in the vicinity of London Bridge (London) with an objective of updating and strengthening of agri-markets in Himachal Pradesh. Visited Dubai, U.A.E to study various markets viz., Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, Dubai as well as main vegetable market in central Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for exploring the potential of export of various vegetables, fruits and flowers to U.A.E from India in general and Himachal Pradesh in particular as a member of the Governing Council, Crop Diversification Promotion of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)- ODA project headed by Hon’ble Agriculture Minister of Himachal Pradesh during the period from  12th February, 2013 to -2nd January, 2018. Has attended a number of International Conferences.

Handled a number of externally funded projects worth Rs Crores and associated as a Member of the Governing Council, headed by the Chief Secretary, HP, for Horticulture Development Project of worth Rs. 1134 crores, a World Bank Funded Project. Worked with Himachal Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board (HPSAMB), Shimla and developed seven Market Yards with total budget out lay of 2979.64 lakhs, developed three Fruit and Vegetable Collection Centres in Himachal Pradesh. Associated with different technical and policy making committees, having experience as member of committees, Board of Management, Finance Committee, Research and Extension Councils of different Government as well as Private organizations.

Anil Kumar Verma, Doctorate in Horticulture (Post Harvest Technology) from Dr. Y S Parmar, University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) has published more than 150 research papers, review articles and popular articles in National and International journals. Has also authored 13 books viz. Nutritional Guide to all ages, Food Safety, Pushp Beej Utpadan–Ek Vayavsai., Swarojgar: Sushak Pushp Utpadan., Question bank on Post Harvest Technology, Post Harvest Technologies for Commercial Floriculture, Objective Horticulture, A Practical Manual–Analytical Chemistry and Mathematical Application in Post harvest Technology, A Practical Manual–Practical Chemistry Application in Post harvest Technology, Plum and apricot prasanskran etc. Also has been conferred Dr Rajendra Prasad Puruskar 2014 for Technical book in Hindi by ICAR, Dr JS Pruthi memorial award 2014, and Kejriwal award 2016 for best research papers by All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA).

Anil Gupta has obtained his graduation as well as post-graduation in Horticulture (Post Harvest Technology) from Dr. Y S Parmar, University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). Has published more than 100 research papers, review articles and technical articles in National and International journals. Has authored 9 books and written 15 book chapters. Has received ICAR Dr Rajendra Prasad Puruskar 2014 for Technical book in Hindi, Dr JS Pruthi memorial award 2014, and Kejriwal award 2016 for best research papers by All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA).  He has published one design patent as well as four technology patents and is associated as a research advisor for GI Tag on apricot kernel oil. Life member of reputed journals and also appointed as reviewer for journals in field of Food Science and Technology.

Dharminder Kumar presently working as Associate Professor in the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Centre, Jachh, District Kangra, Dr YS Parmar, University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh. Has written eight competitive examination books in different field of horticulture (both in Hindi as well as in English), more than 20 Research papers in National and International Reputed Journals. Released two two varieties i.e. One in lettuce and one in Red Cabbage. Having a long experience of teaching, research and extension and guided M.Sc and Ph.D. students in field of Horticulture (Vegetable Science). Also handled a number of externally funded projects, as Principle Investigator and Co- Principle Investigator. Has been a Life member of different International and National Journals and Societies. Has published 28 Research papers in different reputed international and national journals and also authored 10 books.

Parminder Kaur Baweja  presently working as Senior Scientist (Agrometeorology) is Ph. D. in Environmental Management. Has area of Specialization as Microclimatic studies on horticulture crops, crop-weather forecasting, climate change impacts.  Has attended a number National and International Seminar/symposiums and also received awards  for research presentations. She received Pride of Solan-2017 award her for contribution towards society. She has 22 years experience in the field of Crop-Weather-Relationship studies, environment management, teaching and research.  Has authored and published more than 20 Research Papers, a number of extension bulletins including  Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa Bulletin, Has worked on different projects like Crop-weather relationship studies in tomato, capsicum, peach and apricot, formulation of Crop-weather calendars for important crops, formulation of Ergographs for major crops of the area and weather forecasts based crop management practices. Delivered various farmers’ scientists’ talks, radio and TV Talks besides transmitting Agromet Advisory Bulletins to Press, Media for wider publicity of Weather based crop management practices. Organized Farmers’ Awareness Camps at different locations in District Solan. Has handled a number of externally funded projects, as Principle Investigator and Co- Principle Investigator/Nodal Scientist. 

1. Classification, 2. Short Notes,  3. Explanatory Notes, 4.  Multiple Choice Questions, 5.  Important Cultivars of Ornamental Crops, 6. Hints for Self-Confidence, 7.  Descriptive Notes