Plant Biotechs

Agriculture Crop Breeding Plant Biotechnology

Before they are served to our table, crop improvement

Naturally, we judge the foods based on their appearances such as color, shape, smell, and arrangement. Domestic crops have traits that are significantly different from their wild relatives. Undoubtedly tomato is red, banana is yellow, the carrot is orange. But how they end up being what they are on our plates? Can you imagine eating a banana with large seeds, a carrot in purple color, or tomato in black color? What happened to those fruits […]

Agriculture Fruit Horticulture

Durian, an exotic fruit that is the King in Southern Asia

Thanks to the convenience of air transportation and the active exchange of commodities globally. Durian, an exotic fruit that most Americans are not familiar with, can be found in most Asian supermarkets across the USA. This fruit is extraordinarily unique, known as the king of the fruits in Southern Asia, but also brings two extremely controversial responses, people either love or hate it. The taste of durian is a complex experience that has been described […]

Conservation Opinions

The blessings not to be taken for granted – why plants matter

There are scientific terms called Plant Awareness Disparity (PAD), or Plant Blindness (PB) referring to peoples who recognize plants as a disadvantage or simply not as aware of them compare to animals and other organisms. Surprisingly, researchers found that the PAD is quite widespread indicating that many of us tend to not recognize the existence of plants. There are many reasons that the importance of plants is often neglected by us. However, a group of […]

Anecdotes Horticulture

Aromatic herbs – the green magic

Herbs are often confused with herbaceous. Generally, herbs are plants that are valued for their flavor, scent, or medicinal properties due to the presence of the volatile compounds. Herbaceous, however, is a botanic term referring to perennial plants that are non-woody foliage and flower in each growing season. Herb usually has a succulent and soft texture, but with exceptions such as rosemary have woody stems with soft sprigs. As one of the essentials in our […]

Horticulture Landscaping

Terrarium – the miniature landscaping scenery in the glass

Indoor landscaping such as interior design and vertical wall gardens has become more and more popular as the stay-inside lifestyle becomes mainstream during special times. However, they are relatively expensive and space-consuming for those with smaller units. Moreover, the maintenance of such indoor landscaping requires time, energy, and patience, so the cost is relatively high for those who live an urban hectic life or don’t have green fingers. Therefore, alternatively, people go for the scenery […]

Evolution Morphology Taxonomy

Simplified plant evolution – From a tiny to a giant

The yellow meranti, a flowing plant in Southeast Asia reaches a height of 331 feet easily. The giant sequoia tree, a conifer species in California stands 314 feet tall and is over 36 feet in diameter at the base. The tallest tree, named Hyperion, a redwood species in California is 380 feet tall. How could a tree grow this huge? About 500 million years ago when the first land plants start to emerge, plants were as […]

Anecdotes Plant Defense Mechanism Plant Interaction

They are murderous plants – not carnivorous

Carnivorous plants have earned their fame by unique trap and kill devices that catching or luring animals. There are some other species that share similarities with carnivorous plants but not quite the same. The determination factor solely depends on their relationship with the growing environment including the victim. Whether or not the killing mechanism is critical for survival in a particular environment, where other plants cannot or at least cannot grow well. Carnivorous plants rely […]

Conservation Horticulture Propagation

Conservation of carnivorous plants

Carnivorous plants are popular ornamental plants for their unique appearance and special structures that prey animals. But not many growers are aware of the situation that many of the carnivorous plant species are classified as endangered, such as Aldrovanda sp. and some may have become extinct species. Several factors may cause them to be endangered and extinct directly or indirectly. First, the propagation method of carnivorous plants in nature. Many of the carnivorous plants are […]