Introduction to Botany Page 1

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 Page 2

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.