Tag: economic botany
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Pulling the stuffing out of plants…
Jonathan Drori’s book, the stuff that stuff is made of, explores the crucial role of plants in human life. Featuring 30 plants, it blends factual information with engaging illustrations, anecdotes, and humour to bridge plant-awareness gaps. Intended for readers aged 7 to 100, it aims to inspire curiosity and appreciation…
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What insects lack, fungi provide…
The relationship between the lac insect (Kerria lacca) and its symbiotic yeast-like organism (YLS) is crucial for laccaic acid production, a valuable red pigment. Research reveals YLS provides necessary amino acids for pigment synthesis, indicating a mutualistic bond, while the functions of the pigment itself remain unclear.
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Plants, biting the hand that weeds them…
By way of preamble the post discusses the multiple uses of plant fibres, especially in relation to paper in books and newspapers, and longevity of the printed word. The post then discusses research into what types of paper cause paper cuts, and how the results led to creation of the…
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Botanical Origins of Modern Medicines
“Modern medicines from plants,” edited by Henry Oakeley, explores over 50 plants integral to modern prescription drugs. It chronicles the historical use and transition of these plants into medical treatments, detailing the origin stories of various drugs. The book is informative, well-illustrated, and a significant contribution to understanding plant-based medicines.
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When chocolate goes viral
Viruses cause significant damage to plants, with cacao trees being particularly vulnerable to the cacao swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD). This disease threatens global chocolate production, but mathematical research offers hope that appropriate spacing of vaccinated and unvaccinated trees can thwart spread of CSSV.
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What’s the beef with hybrid rice?
This post discusses various types of coloured rice, including black, purple, blue, yellow, red, and pink rice. It also considers a new “pink rice” created in a laboratory by integrating rice grains with animal cells. Two hopes for this hybrid food are to address concerns around climate change, and provide…
Plant Cuttings 