INTRODUCTION

1. Welcome

2. The Test

3. What is economic botany?

-association with plants predates our humanity

-exploitation of a wide variety of plant species has proceeded through trial and error

-the number of exploited species has declined with time:

~300,000 (known 'edible' plants)---->2500 (historically eaten)----->150 (some role in world commerce) ----> ~20 feed most people today

-these 20 species are among the 'original' 2500, but have been modified through artificial selection to increase productivity, ease of harvest, etc.

4. Main Topics of the Course

Plants As Living Organisms

Plants As Food Crops

Plants As Beverages, Spices and Medicines

Plants As Sources of Materials

Plants in the Future