卷 44, 编号 4 (2023)

This article focuses on the institutionalization of horticulture in France through the formation, self-organization, and development of horticulture societies. The author examines the origins of the French National Society of Horticulture (SNHF), the Horticultural Society of Lyon, and other regional organizations. Their common features include regular exhibitions, the publication of journals, and the development of scientific committees. The article also analyzes the difficulties encountered by the societies as well as their importance not only for plant breeding but also for France in general. The first such association, the Paris Society of Horticulture, was established in France in 1827. It subsequently changed its status and name many times and became the central and national organization. This did not mean, however, that many other associations could not be established in the regions and small cities. Despite numerous political crises in France in the 19th century, the societies continued their fruitful work. This process reached its peak in the early 20th century and only World War I with its devastating impact on French economy, science, and agriculture disrupted the development of plant breeding in the country. Not all of the horticulture associations survived this difficult period; some ceased to exist altogether while many others merged to form the new, much larger organizations. During the interbellum period, the societies’ periodicals were published regularly, they held met regular meetings, the exhibitions were organized, scientific work was carried out, and French horticulture became internationally recognized. Not having fully recovered after World War I, scientific research in France was disrupted by World War II. The consequences can still be seen today: France has not reached the amount and diversity of horticulture societies, journals, and exhibitions, or the number of researchers involved in these studies it had in the early 20th century.