Agriculture

Teaching young people about botany prepares them to tackle the big problems of feeding large populations. Ever hear about genetically engineered food or patented seeds? Those things came from an understanding of plant genetics, a division of botany. Scientists at big agribusinesses study the genetics of crops so they can create pest and disease resistant strains. They do this by inserting genetic material from other organisms. These companies also use their knowledge to select crops with higher yields or other desirable traits. They then sell the genetically engineered seeds to farmers, hoping that the corn, wheat, and soy crops will be superior.

Teaching young people about botany prepares them to tackle the big problems of feeding large populations. Ever hear about genetically engineered food or patented seeds? Those things came from an understanding of plant genetics, a division of botany. Scientists at big agribusinesses study the genetics of crops so they can create pest and disease resistant strains. They do this by inserting genetic material from other organisms. These companies also use their knowledge to select crops with higher yields or other desirable traits. They then sell the genetically engineered seeds to farmers, hoping that the corn, wheat, and soy crops will be superior.