Phycology, generally referred as algology, is the study of algae, a diverse group of mostly aquatic plants that range in size from microscopic forms to shrubs or trees. The word phycology comes from the Greek word phykos, which literally means “seaweed.” They are the major producers in the food chain …

Microbiology is an eminent sub field of biology. This sub-sector is concerned with organisms (that can only be seen through a microscope and cannot be seen with the naked eye), specifically microorganisms, their characteristics, functions, classifications, and methods to exploit and control their activities for human benefit. Microbiology began to …

Microbiology is a study that studies a biologically varied group of usually small life forms, primarily bacteria and viruses. More than simply bacterial species were included in the diversity of microorganisms by the end of the classical Golden Age of microbiology. Other fields, in addition to bacteriology and virology, were …

Living organisms are classified into five kingdoms by R.H. Whittaker. He classified living species based on cellular structure, manner of nourishment, body organization, reproduction, phylogenetic relationship, and other factors. Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia were the five kingdoms. According to the above-mentioned criteria, the plant kingdom has been divided …

All viable seeds which have overcome dormancy (if any) either naturally or artifi­cially will readily germinate under suitable environmental conditions necessary for seed germination i.e., water, O2, temperature and in some cases light. The seeds that just wait for suitable environmental conditions to germinate are said to be ‘quiescent’. In …

There are several factors that influence seed germination such as temperature, moisture and seed dormancy. Temperature and moisture levels are fairly easy to explain but what is seed dormancy? All the viable seeds have the capacity to germinate if placed under suitable conditions necessary for germination. In certain plants such …

In case of some plants, even though they receive proper photoperiod, they do not flower. It means that apart from photoperiodism plants also require something for their subsequent flowering. But what is that? Not all plants flower when subjected to the correct photoperiod. The temperature has a profound effect on …

Economic botany is the study of plants, fungi, algae and bacteria that directly or indirectly, positively or adversely affect man, his livestock, and the maintenance of the environment. The effects may be domestic, commercial, environmental, or purely aesthetic. The direct effects refer to the use of food, fibre, fuel, medicine, …

If I say let’s become familiar with the Asteraceae family, probably it will not be so effective but if I say that let’s become familiar with the family of sunflower and dahlia flower it will be better to understand. As we do in the case of identifying a person’s family …

Mutations are tools to study the nature and functions of genes, as well as to generate raw materials for genetic improvements of crop plants. Many crop varieties with better quantitative, qualitative, and economic value have been developed using it. Recognizing the relevance of this technique in a country’s agricultural development, …