Botany

Plants are essential to our lives. They provide – either directly or indirectly – all of our food and the oxygen we breathe. They are a source of important medicines (aspirin developed due to the study of rotting tree bark, and penicillin came from mold). They are the foundation of all terrestrial communities and, as such, have a dramatic impact on the world’s climate, the global cycles of nutrients and water, and the daily lives of every living creature.

Botany – sometimes referred to as plant science, plant biology, or phytology – is the study of all aspects of the biology of plants, including their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. The importance of the field of botany cannot be overstated, as botanical research has resulted in an increased and improved supply of medicines, foods, fibers, building materials, and other plant products. In addition, conservationists use botanical knowledge to help manage rangelands, forests, parks, and wilderness areas. And environmental protection and public health professionals depend on their understanding of plant science to help solve society’s most pressing pollution problems.[1]

Botany is such a broad field of study that it is helpful to break it down into areas of specialization.[2][3][4]

Branches of Plant Biology

Anatomy

Plant anatomy is the study of the internal structure (cells and tissues) of the plant.

Biochemistry

Plant biochemistry is the study of the chemical aspects of plant life processes, including the chemical products of plants (phytochemistry).

Biophysics

Biophysics involves the application of physics to plant life processes.

Cytology

Plant cytology is the structure, function, and life history of plant cells.

Ecology

The ecology branch of botany studies the relationships between plants and the world in which they live, both individually and in communities. Included in this branch is the study of adaptations of plants with reference to their environment and the study of soil erosion, soil conservation, and pollution.

Genetics

Genetics is the study of heredity and variation. Botanists that specialize in plant genetics study genes and gene function in plants.

Histology

Plant histology is the study of microscopic plant cells and tissues.

Morphology

Plant morphology is the study of the macroscopic form and structure of plants. Morphologists also study the evolution and development of leaves, roots, and stems.

Paleobotany

Paleobotany is the study of extinct plants or fossilized plants recovered from geological strata. Plant fossils provide us with key insights into evolutionary milestones and past environments.

Physiology

Plant physiology is the study of every aspect of a plant’s internal functioning – those physical and chemical processes necessary for life as it manifests itself in a plant. It includes the study of interactions of photosynthesis at the molecular level and internal diffusion of water, minerals, and nutrients as well as the processes of plant development, seasonality, dormancy, and reproductive control.[5]

Systematics

The primary goal of plant systematics is to reconstruct the evolutionary history of plant life and the relationships among plants.

Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the science of discovering, naming, and describing the species diversity on our planet. Plant taxonomy is the branch of botany that classifies plants according to their characteristics and interrelationships.

Applied Plant Sciences

Agronomy

Agronomy is the study of field crop production and soil management. Agronomists make practical use of plant and soil sciences to increase the yield of field crops.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology uses biological organisms to produce useful products. Plant biotechnology involves inserting desirable genes into plants and having those genes expressed.

Plant Breeding

Plant breeding is the development of better varieties of plants. Plant breeding involves selecting and crossing plants with desirable traits such as disease resistance.

Economic Botany

Economic botany is the study of plants with reference to their products (e.g., medicines, gums, oils, fibers, fuel, wood etc.). Economic botany includes the study of which plants and plant products are harmful and beneficial.

Food Science and Technology

Food Science and technology involves the development of food from various plant products.

Forestry

Forestry involves the management of forest for the production of timber, and conservation.

Horticulture

Horticulture is the production of ornamental plants and fruit and vegetable crops.

Plant Pathology

Plant Pathology studies the different types of plant diseases, their symptoms, causes and methods of control.

Plant Types

Bryology

Bryology is the study of mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.

Lichenology

Lichenology is the study of lichens, symbiotic organisms composed of a fungus and a photosynthesizing partner.

Mycology

Mycology is the study of fungi. Fungi have a tremendous impact on the biosphere as they help recycle dead organic material.

Pteridology

Pteridology is the study of ferns and similar plants.

Phycology

Phycology is a branch of biology that is concerned with the scientific study of algae, the primary photosynthetic organisms in freshwater and marine food chains.

…

Citations

1. Botanist, Purdue University College of Science.
2. Areas of Specialty in Botany, Botanical Society of America.
3. Branches of Botany, Teaching Science.
4. Introduction to Botany, Environmental Science.
5. Study of Plant Physiology, Its Aims and Economic Application, International Journal of Engineering Science Invention (IJESI), ISSN (Online): 2319-6734, ISSN (Print): 2319-6726, www.ijesi.org ||Volume 9 Issue 12 Series II || December 2020 || PP 64-66.