Plant Science: An Introduction to Growth, Development, and Production of Agronomic and Horticultural Crops

This textbook was written to provide students with a succinct summary of major topics involved in the study of plant science. It is primarily intended for those enrolled in Introductory Plant Science, Agronomy, and Horticultural Science courses; however, others seeking to enhance their knowledge concerning plant science and crop production will benefit from the book.

This book is not a detailed encyclopedic work covering every aspect of all plant species but focuses on major agronomic and horticultural crops produced primarily in the Americas; therefore, reams of information on hundreds of species are not provided. The book does, however, provide the necessary taxonomic and biological information background in the early chapters which would enable individuals to study most any plant species.

The book is a culmination of over 50 years of experience acquired by the author in both practical production agriculture experience and scientific experimentation in both industry and academia beginning with cotton, soybean, forage crop production as-well-as small fruit production and continuing with variety development and basic agronomic research.

The book is divided into four major sections beginning with the history, economic,  environmental importance, and taxonomy of plants (Chapters 1 and 2); plant cell biology, plant anatomy and plant chemistry (Chapters 3-5); soils as a medium for plant growth, weather and climate, physiological and pathological factors involved in plant growth and development, major weed pests, and plant variety development (Chapters 6-11; and characteristics and growth and development of major agronomic and small fruit horticultural plant species (Chapters 12-18).

In the first 11 chapters, basic environmental, taxonomic, chemical and biological concepts are provided, these provide a solid foundation for in-depth study and understanding of the plants in general, as-well-as the specific agronomic and horticultural crops presented in the later chapters. 

Finally, another major aim of this textbook is to provide a solid foundation in the plant sciences which will enable those who take advanced courses in the field to be exhibit a thorough understanding of basic concepts prior to further studies.