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Plant Sciences
Plant Science is the field of study involving the production, marketing, utilization and study of plants and plant materials. Agronomy, crop science, entomology, and plant breeding are included in plant science. Scientists in these disciplines study plants and their growth in soils, helping producers of food, feed, and fiber crops to continue to feed a growing population while conserving natural resources and maintaining the environment.
Agronomists and crop scientists not only help increase productivity, but also study ways to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seed, often through biotechnology. Some crop scientists study the breeding, physiology, and management of crops and use genetic engineering to develop crops resistant to pests and drought. Entomologists conduct research to develop new technologies to control or eliminate pests in infested areas and to prevent the spread of harmful pests to new areas, as well as technologies that are compatible with the environment. They also conduct research or engage in oversight activities aimed at halting the spread of insect-borne disease.
Due to the over inclusiveness of the field, there are many disciplines within plant sciences, resulting in numerous definitions and classifications that intersect and overlap. Major areas of coverage include:
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Physiology, |
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Pathology, |
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Environmental biology & pollution, |
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Breeding, |
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Agronomy & horticulture, |
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Biotechnology, |
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Diversity, |
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Genetics, |
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Taxonomy, |
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Crop protection, |
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Water & nutrients, |
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Plants & medicine, |
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Algae, lichens, mosses and ferns, and |
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Forestry. |
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