Fruit Science Major
For a Healthier, Happier World
Apples, pears, plums, cherries, walnuts, berries, vines -- fruit production is a multi-billion dollar industry. From just-picked fruit to cider to wine, fruit is in demand both in California and nationally. Consider the magnitude of grape production : There are 6,200 wineries in the U.S., nearly half of them are in California, and the State is the fourth largest wine producer in the world. California produces over 86% of the lemons and essentially all the almonds consumed in the U.S. Cal Poly's location in San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast is an ideal location to experience fruit production through its Fruit Science major.
The Fruit Science major prepares you for the current and future challenges of the fruit and nut crop industry by focusing on crop growth and production. Fruit Science is a high-tech world of genetics and breeding, where new, better-tasting varieties of fresh fruit are developed that ship better and are more nutritious. You can be a part of this exciting area of study using tissue culture and other biotechnologies, while exploring physiology and cultural practices, plant pathology and entomology.
From growing and harvesting quality fruit to postharvest technology which utilizes techniques to preserve the highest quality for the longest possible period after harvest, you experience the efficient and sustainable management of water, soil fertility, pests and plant health. You learn to use innovative techniques in propagation, orchard design, postharvest technology, irrigation, fertilization and pest management. Marketing and economics teach you to move the fruit profitably from tree to table.
Pursue a career as an extension specialist and teach farmers how to produce more from their fields. Grow grapes and make wine. Work on a farm to grow citrus, avocados or peaches and plums. Become a researcher who evaluates fruits in the pursuit of a better, longer-lasting berry or develops techniques to increase the storability of California's unique nut crops. Contribute to science and nutrition. Careers in Fruit Science abound, both nationally and internationally.