Unit II – Plant ScienceUnit II – Plant Science

The Importance of PlantsThe Importance of Plants

Benefits of PlantsBenefits of Plants

Plants are essential to the survival of human Plants are essential to the survival of human beings.beings.

Plants provide biological, physical, and Plants provide biological, physical, and emotional benefits.emotional benefits. Biological Biological

Plants convert COPlants convert CO2 2 to Oto O2 2 by by

photosynthesisphotosynthesis Provide foodProvide food

Benefits of PlantsBenefits of Plants

PhysicalPhysical Provide materials for shelterProvide materials for shelter Provide materials for clothingProvide materials for clothing Provide shade, cooling, and wind controlProvide shade, cooling, and wind control Reduce wind and water erosionReduce wind and water erosion Provide energy sourcesProvide energy sources Provide habitat for wildlifeProvide habitat for wildlife

Benefits of PlantsBenefits of Plants

EmotionalEmotional Provide beauty Provide beauty

from landscapes from landscapes and individual and individual specimensspecimens

Provide an Provide an enjoyable hobbyenjoyable hobby

Provide a relaxing Provide a relaxing effecteffect

Plant Science Areas*Plant Science Areas* Four areas of science that are closely related to the study of Four areas of science that are closely related to the study of

plantsplants Botany*Botany* the science of plants and consists of anatomy, the science of plants and consists of anatomy,

ecology, physiology, and taxonomyecology, physiology, and taxonomy Horticulture*Horticulture* includes producing, processing, and includes producing, processing, and

marketing fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental shrubs, marketing fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental shrubs, and trees; nursery and landscaping; and turf managementand trees; nursery and landscaping; and turf management

Agronomy*Agronomy* the study of field crops and soil the study of field crops and soil managementmanagement

Forestry*Forestry* the science of managing trees for lumber, the science of managing trees for lumber, paper, and other wood productspaper, and other wood products

Plant SciencePlant Science

Plant Parts and ProcessesPlant Parts and Processes

Main Parts of Main Parts of a Planta Plant

•Plants are made of four main parts: roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.•Each part is essential to the growth or reproduction of the plant.•Roots*

•Absorb water and minerals from the soil•Anchor the plant•Food storage area

Main Parts of Main Parts of a Planta Plant

•Stems •Supports the plant’s leaves and flowers

• Leaves* •Major producer of food for the plant (through photosynthesis)•Food storage area•Site of respiration and transpiration

•Flower* •Site of sexual propagation•Source of fruit and seed•Attracts pollinators

Photosynthesis vs. Respiration*Photosynthesis vs. Respiration* Photosynthesis is the Photosynthesis is the

process by which plants process by which plants produce their own food.produce their own food.

Sunlight (Chlorophyll) + Sunlight (Chlorophyll) + Water + Carbon Dioxide Water + Carbon Dioxide = Energy (Sugars)+ = Energy (Sugars)+ OxygenOxygen

Respiration is the process Respiration is the process by which plants take in by which plants take in Oxygen and release Oxygen and release carbon dioxide.carbon dioxide.

How do plants reproduce?*How do plants reproduce?*

SexuallySexually Sexual propagation occurs within the flower as a Sexual propagation occurs within the flower as a

result of pollinationresult of pollination This produces fruit and seedsThis produces fruit and seeds

AsexuallyAsexually Asexual propagation uses vegetative partsAsexual propagation uses vegetative parts Asexual techniques can produce new plants from Asexual techniques can produce new plants from

leaves, stems, and roots, depending on the plantleaves, stems, and roots, depending on the plant

When you finish this, you should be able to:When you finish this, you should be able to: Understand plant reproduction, the importance of flowers, Understand plant reproduction, the importance of flowers,

the pollination process, and the relationship between the pollination process, and the relationship between plants and animals in reproduction. plants and animals in reproduction.

Identify at least three ways plants are able to reproduce. Identify at least three ways plants are able to reproduce. Demonstrate a propagation technique. Demonstrate a propagation technique. Identify the parts of flowers. Identify the parts of flowers.

Pay special attention to these key ideas:Pay special attention to these key ideas: Flowers are made up of different parts. Flowers are made up of different parts. Flowers need to be pollinated in order to make seeds. Flowers need to be pollinated in order to make seeds. Flowers attract insects and animals that aid in the Flowers attract insects and animals that aid in the

pollination process. pollination process. Plant structures can be used to start new plants.Plant structures can be used to start new plants.

Flower PartsFlower Parts

Flowers are important in making seeds. Flowers are important in making seeds. Flowers can be made up of different parts, Flowers can be made up of different parts, but there are some parts that are basic but there are some parts that are basic equipment. The main flower parts are the equipment. The main flower parts are the male part called the male part called the stamen and the female and the female part called the part called the pistil..

The StamenThe Stamen

The stamen has two The stamen has two parts: parts: anthers and and filaments. The anthers . The anthers carry the pollen. These carry the pollen. These are generally yellow in are generally yellow in color. Anthers are held color. Anthers are held up by a thread-like part up by a thread-like part called a filament. called a filament.

The PistilThe Pistil

The pistil has three The pistil has three parts: stigma, style, and parts: stigma, style, and ovary. The ovary. The stigma is the is the sticky surface at the top sticky surface at the top of the pistil; it traps and of the pistil; it traps and holds the pollen. The holds the pollen. The style is the tube-like is the tube-like structure that holds up structure that holds up the stigma. The style the stigma. The style leads down to the leads down to the ovary that contains the that contains the ovules. .

Other PartsOther Parts

Other parts of the flower Other parts of the flower that are important are the that are important are the petals and sepals. petals and sepals. Petals attract pollinators and are attract pollinators and are usually the reason why we usually the reason why we buy and enjoy flowers. The buy and enjoy flowers. The sepals are the green petal- are the green petal-like parts at the base of the like parts at the base of the flower. Sepals help protect flower. Sepals help protect the developing bud. the developing bud.

Perfect vs. ImperfectPerfect vs. Imperfect

Flowers can have either all male parts, all Flowers can have either all male parts, all female parts, or a combination. Flowers female parts, or a combination. Flowers with all male or all female parts are called with all male or all female parts are called imperfect (cucumbers, pumpkin and (cucumbers, pumpkin and melons). Flowers that have both male and melons). Flowers that have both male and female parts are called female parts are called perfect (roses, lilies, (roses, lilies, dandelion).dandelion).

PollinationPollination

When When pollination occurs, occurs, pollen moves from the male pollen moves from the male parts to the female parts. parts to the female parts. Pollen grains land on the Pollen grains land on the stigma and a tiny tube and a tiny tube grows from it and down the grows from it and down the style into the ovary. The style into the ovary. The fertilized ovule becomes the fertilized ovule becomes the seed and the ovary becomes seed and the ovary becomes the fruit. the fruit.

The FruitThe Fruit

When a plant flowers and produces seeds, it also produces When a plant flowers and produces seeds, it also produces something else we all like -- fruit. As you learned, when the something else we all like -- fruit. As you learned, when the ovary ripens, it swells and forms a protective covering ovary ripens, it swells and forms a protective covering around the seeds. This protective covering, or fruit, often around the seeds. This protective covering, or fruit, often finds its way on top of cereal, ice cream, a salad, or just a finds its way on top of cereal, ice cream, a salad, or just a tasty snack.tasty snack.

PollinationPollination

Since flowers can't move, they need to be Since flowers can't move, they need to be able to attract pollinators or be built so that able to attract pollinators or be built so that wind is able to pollinate them. Flowers wind is able to pollinate them. Flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, insects, and birds with sweet nectar, bright insects, and birds with sweet nectar, bright colors, and shapes and structures. Some colors, and shapes and structures. Some flowers open at special times to attract flowers open at special times to attract pollinators such as night blooming plants pollinators such as night blooming plants that are pollinated by bats.that are pollinated by bats.

Asexual PropagationAsexual Propagation

Plants from parts is a form of asexual or vegetative Plants from parts is a form of asexual or vegetative propagation. This process is sometimes called cloning propagation. This process is sometimes called cloning because every new plant is exactly like the parent. because every new plant is exactly like the parent. One type of cloning uses cuttings--parts of plants that One type of cloning uses cuttings--parts of plants that grow into new plants. Both stems and leaves can be grow into new plants. Both stems and leaves can be used as cuttings. Another kind of cloning is grafting--used as cuttings. Another kind of cloning is grafting--the joining together of two plants into one. Other the joining together of two plants into one. Other kinds of cloning use bulbs or tubers--underground kinds of cloning use bulbs or tubers--underground parts that make new plants. parts that make new plants.

There are several common asexual There are several common asexual propagation methodspropagation methods

There are several common asexual There are several common asexual propagation methodspropagation methods

Asexual PropagationAsexual Propagation

There are four main reasons for using asexual There are four main reasons for using asexual propagation.propagation. Some plants do not produce seed or seeds are Some plants do not produce seed or seeds are

difficult to germinatedifficult to germinate It is usually a faster process than seedingIt is usually a faster process than seeding It is more economicalIt is more economical

Functions of the parts of the Functions of the parts of the flowers?*flowers?*

Petals-Petals- Attract insects for pollinationAttract insects for pollination

PistilPistil Female structure of the flowerFemale structure of the flower Site of fruit and seed formationSite of fruit and seed formation Contains the stigma, style, and ovaryContains the stigma, style, and ovary

SepalSepal Protects the flower in the early stagesProtects the flower in the early stages

StamenStamen Male structure of the flowerMale structure of the flower Produces pollenProduces pollen Contains the anther and filamentContains the anther and filament

Germination*Germination*

Germination is the beginning or plant growth as seen Germination is the beginning or plant growth as seen by the sprouting of the seedby the sprouting of the seed

The seed is in a dormant, or resting, stage with a The seed is in a dormant, or resting, stage with a supply of food and a protective seed coat until the supply of food and a protective seed coat until the requirements for germination are metrequirements for germination are met

The following are needed for a seed to germinate:The following are needed for a seed to germinate: Favorable temperature that varies by speciesFavorable temperature that varies by species Sufficient moistureSufficient moisture AirAir Presence or absence of light (depends on plant species)Presence or absence of light (depends on plant species)

Annuals vs. Biennials vs. Perennials*Annuals vs. Biennials vs. Perennials*

Annuals are plants that complete their life Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle (grows, flowers, produces seed, and cycle (grows, flowers, produces seed, and dies) in one yeardies) in one year

Biennials are plants that grow during one year Biennials are plants that grow during one year and flower, produce seed and die during the and flower, produce seed and die during the next year. They live for two yearsnext year. They live for two years

Perennials are plants that live for more than Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. They can grow year after year two years. They can grow year after year without replanting.without replanting.

Monocots vs. Dicots*Monocots vs. Dicots*

Process of a seed growing to plant.Process of a seed growing to plant.

Process of a seed growing to plant.Process of a seed growing to plant.

Plant SciencePlant Science

Plant Care RequirementsPlant Care Requirements

What are the factors affecting plant What are the factors affecting plant growth?growth?

*Water*Water Essential for photosynthesis Essential for photosynthesis Maintains cell shapeMaintains cell shape Enables nutrients to be absorbed and transported Enables nutrients to be absorbed and transported

throughout the plantthroughout the plant *Growing medium*Growing medium

Provides support for the roots Provides support for the roots Allows water and air filtration and movementAllows water and air filtration and movement Stores needed nutrientsStores needed nutrients

What are the factors affecting plant What are the factors affecting plant growth?growth?

*Nutrients (fertilizer) – 16 nutrients essential for *Nutrients (fertilizer) – 16 nutrients essential for plant growth plant growth (Mg Ca N S P K, Cu Zn Fe Mo Mn Cl B, C H O)(Mg Ca N S P K, Cu Zn Fe Mo Mn Cl B, C H O)

*Light*Light Plants need different levels of light intensityPlants need different levels of light intensity Light is required for photosynthesisLight is required for photosynthesis

*Temperature*Temperature Plants differ greatly in their tolerance for hot and cold Plants differ greatly in their tolerance for hot and cold

temperaturestemperatures Extremes in temperature can cause slow growth, fruit or Extremes in temperature can cause slow growth, fruit or

flower damage, or death of the plantflower damage, or death of the plant

What’s in a bag of fertilizer?What’s in a bag of fertilizer?

                                     

Sample Label1.The Guaranteed Analysis shows the percentages of nutrients in a fertilizer. The three numbers always stated on the front of the bag indicate the percentage of N, P, and K. The rest of the analysis is listed below as items 2, 3, and 4.

2.This states the total nitrogen and itemizes the percentages from a variety of nitrogen types. It also details the percentage of phosphorus (called “available phosphate”) and the percentage of potassium (called “soluble potash”) in the bag.

3.This states the amount of iron contained in the fertilizer. Iron is important to help lawns achieve a deep green color. If other nutrients such as magnesium or calcium are included, they will also be listed here.

4.This states from what sources the ingredients in the bag originate. Most are long names that won’t mean much unless you know chemistry.

What care should be provided for What care should be provided for indoorindoor plants? plants?

*Provide proper water*Provide proper water Use a well-drained growing Use a well-drained growing

mediummedium Water plants as neededWater plants as needed Water thoroughly at every Water thoroughly at every

wateringwatering *Control humidity levels*Control humidity levels *Maintain appropriate temperature *Maintain appropriate temperature

rangerange *Maintain appropriate light levels*Maintain appropriate light levels *Fertilize the growing medium as *Fertilize the growing medium as

neededneeded *Provide appropriate pinching and *Provide appropriate pinching and

pruningpruning Pinch or prune dead/damaged Pinch or prune dead/damaged

leaves and branchesleaves and branches Pinch or prune to maintain plant Pinch or prune to maintain plant

shapeshape

What care should be provided for What care should be provided for outdoor plants*?outdoor plants*?

Watering is usually only required during dry periodsWatering is usually only required during dry periods Grow in areas where they are adaptedGrow in areas where they are adapted Select tolerant plants for locations where pollution Select tolerant plants for locations where pollution

can be a problemcan be a problem Fertilizer is generally only needed once per yearFertilizer is generally only needed once per year Prune occasionally to remove dead and damaged Prune occasionally to remove dead and damaged

leaves and branchesleaves and branches Prune to maintain the plant’s natural shape, when Prune to maintain the plant’s natural shape, when

requiredrequired

Rules of Proper WateringRules of Proper Watering Use a well-drained growing Use a well-drained growing

mediummedium The medium should be The medium should be

porous yet retain waterporous yet retain water Water plants as neededWater plants as needed

Observe the color of the Observe the color of the mediummedium

Test for moisture by Test for moisture by touchtouch

Water thoroughly at every Water thoroughly at every wateringwatering Water should flow out the Water should flow out the

bottom of the containerbottom of the container

Plant SciencePlant Science

The Growing MediumThe Growing Medium

What is soil?What is soil?

*Soil is the naturally occurring top layer of the *Soil is the naturally occurring top layer of the earth’s surface that provides food, water, air, earth’s surface that provides food, water, air, and support for plant life.and support for plant life.

Soil is a natural resource that humans depend Soil is a natural resource that humans depend on for food, clothing, and materials for shelter.on for food, clothing, and materials for shelter.

Soil is composed of a great amount of life. Soil is composed of a great amount of life. Scientists agree that there is more life below Scientists agree that there is more life below the surface of the earth than there is above it.the surface of the earth than there is above it.

*Soil is not dirt! Dirt is misplaced soil.*Soil is not dirt! Dirt is misplaced soil.

What are the components of soil?What are the components of soil?

The ideal soil contains the following components:The ideal soil contains the following components: *45% mineral matter – inorganic (not from plants or *45% mineral matter – inorganic (not from plants or

animals) and varies in sizeanimals) and varies in size Sand – largest particlesSand – largest particles Silt – medium-size particlesSilt – medium-size particles Clay – smallest particlesClay – smallest particles

*5% organic matter – originates from a living source, *5% organic matter – originates from a living source, usually a plant or animalusually a plant or animal

25% water25% water 25% air25% air

Ideal Soil ComponentsIdeal Soil Components

Soil Particle SizesSoil Particle Sizes

What is a growing medium?What is a growing medium?

*Growing medium (singular) or growing *Growing medium (singular) or growing media (plural) are the materials in which the media (plural) are the materials in which the roots of plants grow.roots of plants grow.

The growing medium supports, or anchors, the The growing medium supports, or anchors, the plant in place, even after watering.plant in place, even after watering.

The growing medium must retain sufficient The growing medium must retain sufficient moisture, yet be porous enough to allow moisture, yet be porous enough to allow excess water to drain.excess water to drain.

What is a soilless mix and where is it What is a soilless mix and where is it used?used?

*A soilless mix is a medium that contains no soil.*A soilless mix is a medium that contains no soil. Soilless mixes contain various combinations of the Soilless mixes contain various combinations of the

following materials.following materials. Perlite – gray-white material of volcanic origin used Perlite – gray-white material of volcanic origin used

to improve aerationto improve aeration Vermiculite – heat-treated mica (a very thin, layered Vermiculite – heat-treated mica (a very thin, layered

mineral) with a high moisture-holding capacitymineral) with a high moisture-holding capacity Peat moss – partially decomposed vegetation with a Peat moss – partially decomposed vegetation with a

high moisture-holding capacityhigh moisture-holding capacity Tree bark – usually the bark of fir, pine, or cedar as a Tree bark – usually the bark of fir, pine, or cedar as a

source of organic mattersource of organic matter

What is hydroponics?What is hydroponics?

*Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water *Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water (nutrient solution) rather than soil.(nutrient solution) rather than soil.

*This technique is used to grow high-value crops in *This technique is used to grow high-value crops in greenhouses, especially during the winter.greenhouses, especially during the winter.

Some hydroponic systems use sand, gravel, Some hydroponic systems use sand, gravel, rockwool, pealite, or sawdust rather than soil.rockwool, pealite, or sawdust rather than soil.

Bare root systems mist the roots of plants at regular Bare root systems mist the roots of plants at regular intervals with a nutrient solution, use shallow pools intervals with a nutrient solution, use shallow pools with plants floating on the surface, or use with plants floating on the surface, or use recirculating streams of nutrient solutions.recirculating streams of nutrient solutions.

Aquarium Hydroponic SystemAquarium Hydroponic System