Botany: Principles and Applications

Botany is a branch of biology that deals with the study of plants. It is an umbrella discipline which includes branches such as plant morphology, plant physiology, plant ecology, systematics, etc. Plant morphology studies the structure and form of plants. It also encompasses cytology, histology, anatomy and morphogenesis, besides others. The study of plant functions is essential for understanding the diversity of plant structures, which is addressed under the branch of plant physiology. The understanding of how the physical and natural environment comprising of the soil, climate and atmosphere affect the physiological functions of plants falls under the scope of plant ecology. Such studies have major implications in the provision of a number of products of human interest such as medicine, rubber, timber, fiber, oil, etc. Botanical research further aids in the synthesis of raw materials and chemicals for energy production and construction, environmental management and biodiversity conservation. This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of botany. It elucidates new techniques and their applications in a multidisciplinary manner. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.