Lab.1. Plant Identification & Classification

Definition of Agriculture:
- Origin of terms: 'agri' (L. = field) + 'cultura' (L. = cultivation).
- Involves science and technology of growing and raising plants/animals.
Branches of Agriculture:
- Horticulture
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Fishery
- Agribusiness
- Forestry

Etymology:
- Combination of 'HORTUS' (garden) and 'CULTURA' (cultivation), meaning "garden culture."
Scope of Horticulture:
- Science, technology, and art related to cultivation, utilization, and improvement of:
  - Fruit plants
  - Vegetable plants
  - Ornamental plants

Pomology: Cultivation of fruit crops.
Olericulture: Cultivation of vegetable crops.
Floriculture: Cultivation of flowering plants.
Plantation Crops: Includes trees like rubber, coffee, coconut.
Spices: Focus on cultivation of spices.
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs): Specialized cultivation.
Plant Propagation: Methods for propagating plants.
Post-Harvest Technologies: Handling, grading, packaging, storage, and marketing of crops.

Plant Naming Convention:
- Consists of two Latin names:
  - First word: Genus
  - Second word: Species
  - Authority abbreviation as third word (e.g., Hordeum vulgare L. for barley).

Types of Seed Plants:
- Gymnosperms: Naked seeds (e.g., conifers).
- Angiosperms: Fruit-bearing plants.
Categories of Angiosperms:
1. Monocotyledonous: One seed leaf (e.g., grasses).
2. Dicotyledonous: Two seed leaves (e.g., broadleaf plants).
Definitions:
- Cotyledon: Embryonic leaves for food storage.
- Monocotyledon: One seed leaf plant.
- Dicotyledon: Two seed leaves plant.

Growth Habits:
- Herb: Non-woody plants.
- Shrub: Multiple branches, typically under 4m.
- Tree: Single trunk, usually over 4m.
Seasonal Changes:
- Evergreen: Retains leaves all year.
- Deciduous: Leafless at certain times (usually winter).

Annuals: Complete lifecycle in one growing season; return only from seed.
- Types: Summer annuals; winter annuals.
Biennials: Two-year life cycle; may grow roots or bulbs first year, produce flowers second.
Perennials: Last multiple years and regenerate from roots or buds, in addition to seeds.

Tropical Plants:
- Originate in warm, frost-free climates (e.g., bananas, mangoes).
Sub-Tropical Plants:
- Require some winter chilling, sensitive to severe cold (e.g., citrus).
Temperate-Zone Plants:
- Require cold winters; can withstand freezing (e.g., apples, cherries).

Cool Season Plants: Thrive in cooler temperatures (4°C to 21°C); tolerate light frost (e.g., lettuce).
Warm Season Plants: Thrive in warmer temperatures (18°C to 32°C); intolerant of cool weather (e.g., tomatoes, corn).

Students will engage in classifying various plant types according to prior classifications (growth habit, life span, edible part, scientific classification, etc.).