Horticultural scientist

Horticultural scientists research and develop ways to improve the breeding, growth, protection, harvesting and storage of crops such as fruit, vegetables, flowers and shrubs. They also use their knowledge to advise other people who are involved in horticulture.

Work activities

In research and development, horticultural scientists attempt to solve problems in areas such as plant breeding, growth, protection and storage. They meet the demands on the horticultural industry for an increasing variety of products, many to be available all year around, with increased resistance to disease and pests. Research teams can include people from a range of backgrounds other than in horticulture, including biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry and soil science, with support from specialists in biometrics, computing and statistics.

Horticultural scientists need a logical, systematic approach to their investigations, which can often be lengthy. They carefully design, monitor and analyse experiments to reach conclusions, regularly evaluating the project and changing their methods if necessary. Projects are likely to involve considerable amounts of time in the laboratory, as well as fieldwork, for example, to trial new crops and fertilisers.

Some horticultural scientists specialise in plant breeding and crop improvement. For example, crossing two different plant species enables scientists to develop a hybrid plant, sometimes with desirable characteristics from each of its “parents”. The hybrid crop might have increased resistance to drought, pests and weeds, or a petal colour that will make it attractive to people who buy flowers.

Other horticultural scientists work on ways to tackle the pests, diseases and weeds that affect plants. They could be working for agrochemical companies, developing new pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. With the trend towards organic horticulture, biological methods are of increasing importance, such as introducing insects to eat the pests. Generally, horticultural scientists work to reduce the use of chemicals throughout the industry.

Horticultural scientists are involved in laboratory research to develop their knowledge of pests and diseases. For example, this enables them to better predict disease outbreaks, and have more understanding of when to apply pesticides. Some horticultural scientists provide information and advice to people working in horticulture; they might do this through working as consultants.

Others work in areas such as marketing and selling, teaching and journalism. Horticultural scientists can use their knowledge and skills in the wide range of industries where plants are a source of products, such as pharmaceuticals and fuels.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a horticultural scientist, you’ll need:

A high level of scientific knowledge, especially in biology and chemistry.
Organisational skills to plan projects and experiments.
Accuracy and a methodical approach in field and laboratory work.
Patience to repeat experiments many times.
Teamwork skills.
The ability to explain your findings clearly and concisely, including through written reports.
Maths and statistics skills to analyse experiments.
The ability to use a variety of equipment and technology, including computers.

Horticultural scientists need management skills if they are leading projects and supervising people.

Pay and opportunities

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, horticultural scientists tend to earn around £45,000 per year.

Horticultural scientists usually work a full-time week. However, they might have to work occasional extra hours as project deadlines approach.

Horticultural scientists work for a range of public and private sector organisations in the land-based sector, in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, environmental management and conservation. These include government agencies, commercial and industrial companies and suppliers and manufacturers. There are also opportunities with environmental consultancies such as ADAS Farming Association (ADAS), and in the education and research sector. Jobs may also be available in government departments such as the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Environment Agency (EA). Other opportunities are with specialist research centres such as the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Opportunities for horticultural scientists occur in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on the Institute of Horticulture website, in science magazines and journals such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on general and specialist job boards and in local/national newspapers.

Entry routes and training

Horticultural scientists are usually graduates, from a range of backgrounds. Most have degrees in subjects such as horticulture, botany, plant or crop science, agriculture, soil science, biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology. Entrants often also have a postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc or PhD, taken before or during employment. For some specialist research posts, such as in higher education, a postgraduate qualification is essential. Entry can also be possible with an HND or foundation degree, although this is likely to be into a technician-level post.

You could enter this role with an apprenticeship in the role of laboratory scientist. This is a level 6 degree apprenticeship, providing you with a degree which you will work towards while training on the job.

Progression routes depend on the area of horticulture you work in and the type of employer. For example, in a government department or agency, you are likely to have a structured career path, with the chance to move up into team leader and managerial roles. In the private sector, some experienced horticultural scientists set up their own consultancy businesses. Scientists in higher education can move up to senior lecturer posts.

Qualifications

Entrants come from a variety of scientific backgrounds, usually having degrees in subjects such as horticulture, botany, plant or crop science, agriculture, soil science, biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology. The usual minimum entry requirements for degree courses will vary depending on the subject. Usually, they will be:

Two to three A-levels, including at least one science subject. Depending on the subject, you will usually need either biology or chemistry, or both.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs (9-4), including English and maths. You might also need any science subjects that you do not have at A-level.

Equivalent qualifications, such as Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, might be acceptable for entry - please check prospectuses carefully.

To do a degree apprenticeship, you will need two relevant A-levels plus GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

You may be able to enter higher education through an Access course, for example, Access to Science, leading on to a relevant degree course. You can search for relevant courses on the website of Lantra, the sector skills council for the land-based and environmental sector.

Funding for further study may be available from the Studley College Trust and the Merlin Trust. Candidates should see the Trusts’ websites to check on eligibility.

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