The Importance Of Plant Science

Plant science can be divided into three major segments. What are those three segments?

#1 Agronomy #2 Horticulture #3 Forestry

In order, what are Indiana's top two agricultural commodities?

#1 Corn (Ranked 5th In Corn Nationally) #2 Soybeans (Ranked 5th In Soybeans Nationally)

Ornamental horticulture is growing and using plants for their beauty and can further be divided into two subcategories. What are those subcategories?

#1 Floriculture #2 Nursery/Landscape

What are the four major categories of field crops?

#1 Grain Crops #2 Sugar Crops #3 Oil Crops #4 Fiber Crops

Food crop horticulture is growing plants for food and can be further divided into two subcategories. What are those subcategories?

#1 Olericulture #2 Pomology

Horticulture can be divided into two major areas. What are those two areas?

#1 Ornamental Horticulture #2 Food Crop Horticulture

What is a "cereal grain"?

Cereal grain is the seed of grass-type plants grown for food and animal feed, such as corn, wheat, rye, etc. *Cereal grains fall under the "Grain Crops" category.

_____ include plants that are grown in large fields and used for oil, fiber, grain, and similar products.

Field Crops

Define the term "floriculture".

Floriculture is the production and use of plants for their flowers and foliage (which are the stems and leaves of the plant).

The leaves and stems of plants used for animal feed that may be harvested by animals grazing in a pasture of cut, dried, and stored to be fed later are known as _______.

Forage Crops (Or Forages)

Define the term "forestry".

Forestry is the science of growing trees and producing wood products.

Define the term "fruit".

Fruits are the sweet and fleshy product of a plant or tree that contains a pit or seeds and can be eaten as food.

Forage crops are primarily grasses of legumes. What are legumes?

Legumes are broadleaf plants that have their seeds contained inside a pod. Examples of legumes include soybeans, alfalfa, clover, peas, green beans, peanuts, etc. Don't know what broadleaf plants are? Broadleaf plants have relatively broad leaves, whereas leaves of grasses are bladelike. Leaves of broadleaves have one main vein from which smaller veins branch.

What natural benefit do legumes have on soil quality?

Legumes have the potential to pull nitrogen from the air and return it to the soil for plant growth.

What percentage of Indiana's land is devoted to farms, forests, and woodlands?

More Than 80%

Define the term "nursery/landscape".

Nursery/Landscape is growing and using plants to make the outdoor environment more appealing. It includes trees, shrubs, vines, flowering plants, and ground covers.

Define the term "olericulture".

Olericulture is the science of producing vegetable crops.

Define the term "spice".

A spice is an aromatic plant part used to season food. Examples include cinnamon, garlic, black pepper, ginger, cumin, etc.

The specialized area of plant science that deals with field crops and the relationship between them and the soil is known as _______.

Agronomy

Define the term "herb".

An herb is a nonwoody plant with leaves, seeds, or other parts used as medicine or to enhance food. Examples include basil, dill, mint, cilantro, oregano, parsley, etc.

Approximately how many farming operations are located in the state of Indiana?

Approximately 56,000 (56,649) *The average farm size in Indiana is 264 acres.

Very few plants that play an important role in everyday life are harvested in the wild. Most of the important plants have been "domesticated". What does that mean?

Plant domestication is removing plants from their native wild environments and growing them under controlled conditions.

Define the term "plant science".

Plant science is the study of the structure, functions, growth, and protection of plants.

Define the term "pomology".

Pomology is the science of producing fruits and nuts.

Define the term "vegetable".

Vegetables are any part of a plant that is used for food, including the roots, tubers, stems, or leaves, used especially in dishes that are not sweet. Root Veggies= Carrots, Onions, Turnips, Radishes, Etc. Tuber Veggies= Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes Stem Veggies= Celery, Broccoli, Cauliflower Leave Veggies= Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Cabbage

a) What are fiber crops? b) In addition, list at least 3 examples of fiber crops.

a) Fiber crops are the crops grown for the fiber produced in their fruit, leaves, or stems, which is used to manufacture cloth, paper, and other materials. b) Cotton is the major fiber crop. Others include flax, kenaf, hemp, jute, and ramie.

a) What are grain crops? b) In addition, list at least 3 examples of grain crops

a) Grain crops are plants grown for their edible seeds (not including the horticultural crops). b) Examples include corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice, etc.

a) What are oil crops? b) In addition, list at least 3 examples of oil crops.

a) Oil crops are the crops grown for the vegetable oil contained in their seed and fruit. b) Some of the major oil crops are soybeans, cotton, canola, and corn. Other common oil seeds are sunflower, safflower, peanut, coconut, linseed, and palm.

a) What are sugar crops? b) In addition, list at least 3 examples of sugar crops.

a) Sugar crops are the crops grown as a source of sucrose sweeteners. Sucrose is a carbohydrate that provides energy for physical activity by the body. b) The major sugar crops are sugar beets and sugar cane. Other sources are honey, maple syrup, and some kinds of sorghum.

_________ and _______ are a type of specialty crops grown in small quantities throughout North America. These crops have little food value but are used to improve the flavor of food and to make it more attractive.

Herbs and Spices

The production and use of plants for food, comfort, and beauty is known as ________.

Horticulture

Cultured forests that have been carefully planned, established, and maintained are known as ____________.

Tree Farms