Overview (AB Ed): Humans have always depended on plants as a source of food and fibre, and to meet a variety of other needs. To better meet these needs, technologies have been developed for selecting and breeding productive plant varieties and for maximizing their growth by modifying growing environments. Long-term sustainability requires an awareness of the practices humans use and an examination of the impacts of these practices on the larger environment.
Focusing Questions (AB Ed): Humans have always depended on plants as a source of food and fibre, and to meet a variety of other needs. To better meet these needs, technologies have been developed for selecting and breeding productive plant varieties and for maximizing their growth by modifying growing environments. Long-term sustainability requires an awareness of the practices humans use and an examination of the impacts of these practices on the larger environment.
Key Concepts (AB Ed):
needs and uses of plants
plant propagation and reproduction
life processes and structure of plants
fertilizers and soil nutrients
chemical and biological controls
plant varieties
selective breeding
monocultures
resource management
sustainability