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Botany is a branch of biology which deals with the scientific study of plant life and development. Botany covers a wide range of scientific disciplines that study plants, algae, and fungi including: structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, chemical properties, and evolutionary relationships between the different groups. Botany one of the oldest sciences as it was a part of early human efforts to identify edible, medicinal and poisonous plants. This identification led to the the study of over 550,000 species of living organisms. Specialists in this field are generally known as Botanists. The study of plants is vital because they are a fundamental part of life on Earth, which generates the oxygen, food, fibres, fuel and medicine that allow humans and other life forms to exist. Botanist study the origin, development, structure, physiology, distribution, environment, interrelationship, classification and every other aspect of plant life and relate their findings of possible solutions to agricultural, horticultural and forestry problems. They also deal with artificial environments, space travel agriculture, hydroponics and many other fascinating areas of research.

List of Botany courses in India

Some of its specialized fields of Botany are -

• Agronomy - Application of plant science to crop production.
• Bryology - Mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.
• Economic botany - Study of plants of economic use or value.
• Ethnobotany - Relationship between humans and plants.
• Forestry - Forest management and related studies.
• Horticulture - Cultivated plants.
• Lichenology - The study of lichens.
• Palaeobotany - Fossil plants.
• Palynology - Pollen and spores.
• Phycology - Algae.
• Phytochemistry - Plant secondary chemistry and chemical processes.
• Phytopathology - Plant diseases.
• Plant anatomy - Cell and tissue structure.
• Plant ecology - Role of plants in the environment.
• Plant genetics - Genetic inheritance in plants.
• Plant morphology - Structure and life cycles.
• Plant physiology - Life functions of plants.
• Plant systematics - Classification and naming of plants.

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Microbiology and Disease Management.
2. Taxonomy of Angiosperms.
3. Plant Ecology.
4. Practical.

Objectives

• To develop methods and techniques so as to provide adequate amount of food for the growing population.
• To prevent wastage and destruction of plants due to various causes.
• To aid farmers to increase their yields by utilising nature itself like discovering that some insects prefer flowers of a particular colour etc.

Basic Requirement

To study Botany one needs to have passed 10+2 in science (physics, chemistry and biology as subjects) or equivalent. Botany is offered in most universities and colleges all over india.

Personal Attributes

A genuine interest in biological science, a love of nature, an insight into the world of plants plus a desire to perform highly specialised research work are needed in this profession. 

Job Perspectives

Growing world population demands better food supplies. Environmental concerns such as air, water and soil pollution have created openings for candidates in government and industry. The search for new drugs and medicines and genetic advancements has also created a need for botanists. Plant biologists are majorly employed by educational institutions, federal and state agencies, and industries. Job opportunities usually depend upon educational training and experience. Because the field is so broad, there are many kinds of plant biologists and many different opportunities available. 

Some Job Types

1. Ecologist.
2. Taxonomist.
3. Conservationist.
4. Forester.
5. Plant Explorer.
6. Plant Physiologist.
7. Plant Biochemist.
8. Molecular Biologist or Chemotaxonomist.
9. Researchers.
10. Administrators.
11. Fruit Growers.
12. Ethnobotanist.
13. Palaeobotanist.
14. Weed Scientist.
15. Mycologist.

Some Employment Areas

• Educational Institutions.
• Plant Resources Laboratory.
• Plant Health Inspection Services.
• Arboretum.
• Forest Services.
• National Parks.
• Land Management Agencies.
• Geological Survey Departments.
• Environmental Protection Agencies.
• Oil Industry.
• Chemical Industry.
• Lumber And Paper Companies.
• Seed And Nursery Companies.
• Food Companies.
• Fermentation Industries (Including Breweries).
• Biological Supply Houses.
• Biotechnology Firms.