Why People Need Plants

by Wood, Carlton

• ISBN13: 9781842464250
• ISBN10: 1842464256
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-09-15
• Publisher: Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Summary

We live surrounded by the beautyand the bountyof the botanical world, but rarely do we stop to think seriously about all the roles plants play, many of them crucial to life on earth. After readingWhy People Need Plants, however, we won't be likely to take the earth's flora for granted ever again. Accessible and wide-ranging,Why People Need Plantscovers such topics as food production, biofuels, medicine, biodiversity, conservation, economics, genetic modification, and many moreall aimed at demonstrating the importance of plants to nearly every aspect of human life and society. A collaboration between the Open University and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with assistance from the Royal Horticultural Society, the book will informand surpriseplant lovers, gardeners, and students of all levels of knowledge.

Author Biography

Carlton wood has studied and taught plant science for 25 years. He followed his first degree in agricultural botany with a PhD and further research in plant physiology. He subsequently lectured in plant biology at the University of Sussex before moving to The Open University in 2005 where, as a senior lecturer, he works on a wide range of courses in life and environmental Sciences. Nicolette Habgood gained a cell biology degree and than a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a research biochemist, she joined The Open University in 2000 and, as a senior lecturer, is currently involved in teaching a number of life sciences courses. Nicolette also holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Certificate in Horticulture.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 5
Uses of plants
Food crops	p. 13
Wood, fibre and starch crops	p. 29
Biofuels	p. 41
Plants in crime	p. 51
Plants and health
Plants for nutrition and well-being	p. 63
Medicinal plants	p. 75
Drink and drugs	p. 89
Modern techniques in plant biology
Micropropagation	p. 101
Genetically modified plants	p. 111
Natural plant protection	p. 127
Plants and the planet
The impact of humankind on the planet	p. 137
Conservation	p. 149
Plant collecting and trading	p. 161
Plants and the future	p. 173
Photography credits	p. 179
Acknowledgements	p. 183
Index	p. 184
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