NOTES IN BOTANY

by Norberto R. Bautista

INTRODUCTION TO BOTANY
BOTANY is the science of plants -- a very broad and general topic with many subdivisions -- a foundation course for most practical applied sciences like Agriculture, Forestry, and Agricultural Engineering.

Branches of Botany - Plant Physiology - plant functions; includes role of plant growth regulators. - Plant Anatomy - gross plant parts (as seen by naked eye), also in partnership with physiology. - Cytology / Histology - cells / tissues as seen through a microscope - Genetics - study of genes and inheritance in plants, it is important in breeding & genetic engineering. - Ethnobotany - medicinal / practical uses of plants, as learned from indigenous people. - Pathology study of plant pests & diseases and their control / also host - parasite relationships. - Paleobotany / Paleontology -- historical accounts of evolution of plant based on fossils - Geography - distribution / migration (as carried by man) of plants in wide areas - Ecology / Environmental Science -- relationships between plants and other organisms / or even the physical world (biome) - Crop Protection - ways of protecting plants from pests and diseases (associated with Pathology) - Weed Science - study of plants which are considered pesky weeds - Toxicology - poisons / allergens found in plants - Taxonomy - taxonomic classification of plants (including description of their habitat)

Introduction to Botany

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Disciplines related to Botany - Farming Systems involves science & engineering of producing plants in large quantities. - Micropropagation (plant tissue culture) asceptic and artificial culture of plants in vitro. - Breeding art and science of mixing plant species in order to achieve desired traits. - Seed Technology technique in developing via seeds & their storage and use for agriculture - Post harvest technology technique of processing harvested plant products in preparation to transport, storage, marketing or consumption. - Horticulture garden crops fruits, vegetables, plantation crops & ornamental crops. - Agronomy field crops cereals, fiber crops, oil crops, forage, sugar crops, etc. - Forestry silviculture cultivation and maintenance of trees, and forest plants and animals. - Biochemistry chemistry involved in living organisms, usually associated with organic chemistry. - Secondary Products & Metabolites research on the analysis and production of plant secondary metabolites to be used for industry (e.g. ethyl alcohol, rubber, pigments, biofuel). WHY STUDY PLANTS??? 1. Plants as food - know which are safe / edible & which are poisonous -->to improve nutrition; flavor; color; scents; 2. Fiber from plants for clothing, paper, basketry, twine, carbon-fiber casts, etc -- other applications 3. Plant parts for Housing / infrastructure - (e.g. timber, leaves for roofing, bamboo slats for walling, etc) 4. Fuel -- for heat and energy; to drive machines 5. Medicines -- to cure for cancer, basic ailments; reduce pain, fight infection, remove intestinal parasites, treat fever, kill pests. Plants which contain poisons can be used in moderate amounts to treat infections and parasites. 6. Pharmaceuticals -- lotions, soap, shampoo, cream, deodorants; perfume; 7. industrial products -- sugar, carbohydrates, alcohols, bio-fuels, component of carbon fiber 8. Plants for bioremediation (environmental purpose) - gives off oxygen; removes toxic heavy metals from soil / water; mask foul smell; filters dirty water; 9. Plants as natural habitat for animals, microorganisms and other plants. 10. Plants for landscaping and beautification plants has aesthetic beauty which aids in providing a cool and secure feeling for human, animal and plant habitat. It also provides a much more comfortable indoor home and office environment. Hand-out for educational purpose 2013 Norberto R. Bautista c/o Department of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Rizal Technological University, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, 1550 Philippines. Introduction to Botany Page 2