Importance of Plant Science

Food Crop Horticulture

Consists of growing plants for food.

Nut Crops

Are botanically unrelated plants that are grouped together because their fruit type is a nut and their harvesting, post-harvest processing, nutritional value, and marketing characteristics are relatively similar.

Legumes

Are broadleaf plants that have the potential of fixing nitrogen from the air in the soil.

Tree Farms

Are cultured forests that have been carefully planned, established, and maintained.

Fiber Crops

Are grown for the fiber produced in their fruit, leaves, or stems.

Vegetable, Fruit, and Nut Crops

Are grown primarily for food.

Grasses

Are nonwoody plants that have parallel veins in their leaves.

Oil Crops

Are plants grown for the vegetable oil contained in their seeds and fruit.

Field Crops

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

Fibers

Are tiny, threadlike structures used in manufacturing cloth, paper, and other materials.

Sugar Crops

Are used as a source of sucrose sweeteners.

Turf Compromises

Plants used to present a pleasing appearance and to protect the soil.

Forage

Refers to the leaves and stems of plants used for animal feed.

Foliage

Refers to the stems and leaves of a plant.

Grain Crops

include plants grown for their edible seeds, not including the horticultural crops.

Pomology

s the science of producing fruits and nuts.

Agronomy

Is a specialized area of plant science that deals with field crops.

Fruit

Is a succulent, reproductive body of a seed plant used chiefly in a dessert or sweet course.

Spice

Is an aromatic plant part used to season food.

Horticulture

Is the production and use of plants for food, comfort, and beauty.

Floriculture

Is the production and use of plants for their flowers and foliage.

Forestry

Is the science of growing trees and producing wood products.

Olericulture

Is the science of producing vegetable crops.

Cereal Grain

Is the seed of grass-type plants grown for food and animal feed.

Plant Science

Is the study of the structure, functions, growth, and protection of plants.

Vegetable

Is typically a herbaceous plant that is grown for its edible parts, such as leaves, stems, seeds, or roots.

Ornamental Horticulture

Involves growing and using plants for their beauty.

Nursery/Landscape

Involves growing and using plants to make the outdoor environment more appealing.

Herb

Is a non-woody plant with leaves, seeds, or other parts used as medicine or to enhance food.