Economic Botany

The course “Plant Resource Utilization” is a core course in B.Sc. Botany under the Choice Based Credit System (CBSE). The course is specially designed to supplement and enhance the understanding of students about different dimensions of plant identification as a resource for self-sustenance, their domestication, commercialization based on the need and induction of modification using modern techniques. Starting from basic concept of Plant resource identification, their domestication and commercialization and ultimately culminating with genetic manipulation for self dependence.

Syllabus

WEEK - IVavilov’s Centre’s of originEvolution of CropsCrop domestication and loss of Genetic DiversityWheat and its products
WEEK - IIRice: Botany, cultivation and economic importanceRice fieldsMilling of Rice and its by-productsSugars– as information molecules
WEEK - IIISugarcane: Botany, cultivation, and its economic importanceGenetically modified cropsFats and oilsEssential oils: General account, extraction methods, comparison with fatty oils and their uses.
WEEK - IVEucalyptus essential oilsSandalwood essential oilRosa essential oilMustard: Botany, cultivation, and economic importance
WEEK - VGeneral description, classification, extraction, uses and health implications of linseed oilBrief Account of MilletsEconomic importance of fennelTimber: general account with special reference to teak and pine
WEEK - VITimber extraction–mining, dams, and their effects on forests, and tribal peopleLegumes: Structure and compositionProcessing of legumesPigeon pea: Origin, morphology and uses.
WEEK - VIIChickpea: Origin, morphology and usesStarch: Commercial sources and productivityPotato: Botany, cultivation, and economic importanceCinchona: Botany and uses
WEEK - VIIISoybean: General description, classification, extraction, uses, and heath implicationsEconomic importance of Clove and Black pepperSpices and Condiments: General accountSpices -Classification, trade, flavors, processing, and quality
WEEK - IXMedicinal plants: General accountGreen gold of Kashmir Himalayas: Medicinal herbsTherapeutic and habit forming drug CannabisDigitals: General Account
WEEK - XPapaver: General AccountTobacco: Morphology, processing, uses and health hazardsCotton: Botany, cultivation, and economic importanceJute: Cultivation and economic importance
WEEK - XICoconut: Botany, cultivation, and economic importanceCoir: Morphology, extraction and usesCoffee: Botany, cultivation, and processingRubber: Botany, cultivation, processing, and uses
WEEK - XIISimple sugarsFirewood and timber sourcesDNA damageProjected risks & benefits of genetically modified crops