Pomology orchard programs in response to growing markets. At the same time, horticulturists from the USDA and agricultural colleges were bringing new varieties to the United States from foreign expeditions, and developing experimental lots for these fruits. In response to this increased interest and activity, USDA established the Division of Pomology in 1886 and named Henry E. Van Deman as chief pomologist. An important focus of the division was to publish illustrated accounts of new varieties and to disseminate research findings to fruit growers and breeders through special publications and annual reports. During this period Andrew Jackson Downing and his brother
Pomology Pomology Pomology (from latin "pomum" (fruit) + "-logy") is a branch of botany that studies and cultivates fruit. The denomination fruticulture—introduced from Romance languages (from Latin "fructus" and "cultura")—is also used. Pomological research is mainly focused on the development, enhancement, cultivation and physiological studies of fruit trees. The goals of fruit tree improvement include enhancement of fruit quality, regulation of production periods, and reduction of production cost. One involved in the science of pomology is called a pomologist. Pomology has been an important area of research for centuries. During the mid-19th century in the United States, farmers were expanding fruit