Economic Botany Overview

The study of plants, fungi, algae, and bacteria that have a direct or indirect impact on humans, their livestock, and the environment.

The era before humans domesticated animals and cultivated plants, marked by nomadic lifestyles and reliance on hunting and gathering for food.

The period when humans transitioned from hunter-gatherers to food producers, marked by the development of rudimentary agriculture techniques.

The era when agriculture progressed significantly, with invention of tools like ground and polished stone tools.

The shift from relying solely on hunting and gathering for food to producing food through cultivation.

The process of domesticating animals and cultivating plants, which permanently changed human societies by allowing for settlement and population growth.

The foundation of human existence as it provides the basic necessities of food, shelter, and clothing.

The importance of the vegetable kingdom is highlighted by its contribution to fundamental necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.

The process of cultivating plants, a practice that likely began with the accidental growth of spilled seeds.

A potent insecticide derived from the roots of Derris elliptica and Lonchocarpus nicou plants, belonging to the Fabaceae family.

A potent insecticide obtained from the unopened flower heads of Chrysanthemum species like C. cinerariifolium and C. coccineum, belonging to the Asteraceae family.

A process where bacteria break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting plant growth.

The use of yeast in the process of fermentation, which transforms raw ingredients into desirable products.

The 'Father of Botany', known for his comprehensive work on plants. He revolutionized the understanding of plant classification.

A period marking a revival of learning. This revival greatly impacted agriculture by encouraging renewed research and experimentation.

A prominent scientist who questioned the origin of our most useful plants, emphasizing the mystery of their origins.

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, obtained from flowering plants, provide essential nutrients for humans. They are the foundation of the world's food supply.

Fruits and vegetables, while less dense in stored food, are rich in vitamins and minerals crucial for maintaining health. They add vital nutrients to our diet.

Spices like paprika, pepper, and ginger, obtained from plants, provide distinctive aromas and flavors. They are essential oils, contributing to the richness of our cuisine.

Beverages like coffee, tea, and cocoa, along with alcoholic drinks, are all derived from plants. They offer a diverse range of flavors and benefits.

Wood provides structural support for buildings, transportation, and various products like paper, rayon, and plastics. It is an essential resource for countless industries and everyday items.

Cotton, flax, jute, hemp, and sisal are some of the most important plant fibers, used for fabrics, ropes, paper, and more. They provide the raw materials for a wide range of everyday items.

Plants have been used for centuries by various cultures as remedies for numerous ailments. Examples include cinchona for malaria, foxglove for heart problems, and opium for pain relief.

From food to fabrics and medicines, plants play a vital role in human life, from simple uses to advancements in medicine. Their importance in our world is immense and diverse.

Mostly amorphous colloids composed of degraded cellulose or other carbohydrates, they are used in various industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

A natural product obtained from plants, they are insoluble in water but readily dissolve in alcohol and other organic solvents.

A milky, viscous, colloidal secretion found in specialized ducts of plants like rubber trees.

A type of latex known for its non-elastic properties, it is utilized in various applications including marine cables and dental fillings.

A natural polymer obtained from latex, known for its elasticity and use in a wide range of products, including tires, tubes, and hoses.

Used in the manufacture of chewing gum, this latex is harvested from a specific tree species.

Fatty esters of monohydroxy alcohols commonly found on plant surfaces as a protective layer.

Known for its high melting point and significant wax content, this plant is widely used in various industries, including the manufacture of candles and polishes.

The areas where crops spread from their original centres and new varieties developed, both intentionally and unintentionally.

The imbalance between food production and population growth, leading to concerns about future food security.

A lack of protein in the diet, a serious problem causing diseases like kwashiorkor and marasmus, especially in children.

The use of genetic engineering to improve crops and livestock, leading to increased yields and disease resistance.

The production of high-yielding and high-quality varieties of cereals, millets and pulses to combat protein malnutrition.

Extracting protein from unconventional sources like grasses, algae, and microorganisms to address protein deficiency.

The direct use of marine algae as a source of human food, contributing to food security.

Darwin believed cultivated plants originated from wild plants that underwent significant modifications under human care.

Mendel's laws explain how traits are passed down, suggesting natural selection and hybridization as key factors in the origin of cultivated plants.

De Candolle's book explored the ancestry, domestication, and history of important cultivated plants, classifying them into six categories.

Vavilov focused on identifying centers of origin for cultivated plants and their wild relatives, known as the gene center concept.

Primary gene centers are regions where domestication began, characterized by dominant genes.

Secondary gene centers are regions where cultivated plants diverged, featuring recessive traits and lacking wild relatives.

Microcenters are areas of high crop variation, representing localized agro-ecological groups.

Harlan expanded on the concept of gene centers, highlighting the widespread occurrence of plant domestication in specific areas.