Pomology: A career option for students who love botany 

A pomologist is a professional in the field of science who specialises in trees and plants that breed fruits and nuts and is responsible for ensuring their proper growth and cultivation. A pomologist studies and analyses various stages of fruits development and applies the gathered data for effective fruit production. Youngsters who are greatly interested in plant biology can take up pomology as an unconventional career option right after their higher secondary. Here’s everything aspiring pomologists need to know. 

Eligibility criteria 
To pursue pomology in India, students must successfully pass their 10+2 curriculum with science stream with compulsory Biology and English. Most colleges and universities in India prefer a qualifying percentage of 50 or above.  

Courses available 
To become a pomologist, candidates must pursue any of the following undergraduate degree courses such as B.Sc in Botany, B.Sc in Agricultural Science, B.Arch in Agriculture or B.Sc in Horticulture.  

As part of these courses, they learn the physical and chemical properties of fruits and trees that bear them, fruit maturation, pollination, plant genetics, climatology required for fruit plantation, transplantation, soil analysis and treatment, pruning, fruit nutrition and so much more.   

Institutes to study pomology or equivalent 
Students can pursue pomology related courses in India from colleges and universities such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Pune and Kharagpur and DG Vaishnav College in Chennai. Pomology training institutes also include Agricultural Research Service Centre in Delhi and Indian Council for Agricultural Research in Delhi.  

Career options 
After being trained in the field of pomology, candidates can opt for career options such as Pomology Agriculture Supervisor, Fruit Scientist, Pomology Technician, and Fruit Producer among others. Orchards, farms, laboratories, research institutes, greenhouses, vineyards and other agricultural organisations hire pomologists.