Top 10 Jobs in Plant Science

Are you interested in a career in plant science and becoming a food hero? From research and development to working with farmers in the field, there are many interesting jobs for those wishing to pursue careers in plant science. While there are hundreds of different ways to support farmers and the world food supply, we have picked out 10 below:

Agronomist: the “family doctor” of plants. This professional is multi-disciplined with specializations in crop rotation, irrigation and drainage, plant physiology, soil classification and soil fertility, weed management, or insect and pest control. Click here for more about this career.

Biochemist/Biotechnologist: both disciplines specialize in bio-engineering and genetics. Biochemists explore the chemical events that cause biological phenomena in living organisms, whereas bio-technologists focus on improving plant functions. Click here for more about this career

.Entomologist: the “bug expert” who studies how to protect crops from pests without harming beneficial insects like bees. Entomologists may also develop new ways of Integrated Pest Management, using predatory insects to control others. Click here for more about this career.

Horticulturist: deals with the art, science, technology and business of growing vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, flowers, grass and ornamental trees. Click here for more about this career.

Plant Breeder/Geneticist: an expert that changes plant traits in order to produce desired characteristics. Plant breeding can be accomplished through different techniques ranging from cross-breeding plants with desirable characteristics to modern biotechnology through genetic Click here for more about this career.

Plant Pathologist: a specialist who studies plant diseases caused by pathogens such as harmful bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms. This involves identifying pathogens, their origins and cycles, causes of infection, impact on humans and animals, and their genetics and disease management. Click here for more about this career.

Soil Scientist: studies all aspects of earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological and fertility properties; and how these properties relate to the use and sustainable management of soils. Click here for more about this career.

Toxicologist: a specialist who draws from biology, chemistry and medicine to study the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. This expert also deals with the harmful effects of chemical, biological and physical agents in biological systems. Click here for more about this career.

Weed Scientist: an expert in weeds who identifies them, determines how to combat them and informs farmers how their herbicides will interact with plants and the ecosystem. Click here for more about this career.

Agricultural Rural Development Specialist: often an agronomist by training, who focuses on training farmers in developing countries on good agricultural practices, Integrated Pest Management and the responsible use of crop protection products