Page 16 - Introduction to Agriculture by: Aqleem Abbas

Introduction to Agriculture Notes prepared by: Aqleem Abbas

CLASSIFICATION OF CROPS

Classification, in biology, identification, naming, and grouping of organisms into a formal
system based on similarities such as internal and external anatomy, physiological functions,
genetic makeup, or evolutionary history. Most plants are usually known by their common local
name, which are different from country to country, locality to locality. For example pumpkin
refer to species cucurbitaceous in America while in Britain pumpkin refer to any of several
species of squash. In order to avoid confusion and to facilitate international communication, in
scientific writing, a plant is given one name …………it’s scientific, technical, or botanical name.
According to international accepted rule, each plant has a two words or binomial name given in
Latin. The first name refers to the Genus and second to Species. The initial of the person
(authority) who names a plant species or variety is listed after the species name. for example in
the name Triticum aestivum L.
L means Linnaeus who named the wheat plant. Generic name always begins with a capital letter
while species name with lower case letter. These names are underlined If written by hand or type
writer and italicized when printed.

1. To identify related species for different purposes like feed, food and fiber.
2. To gave reference to avoid any confusion in identification.
3. Common names for some plants in different localities are different or some
where it is extent so single (technical) anme is given for scientific purposes.
4. Classification was initiated by Theophrastus in 370 BC. Later on Carolous
Linnaeous a Swedish botanist (1707-1778) has introduced a two name system for
classification and divided plants on he basis of similarities and differences.
According to him there are four groups of plants
1. Thallophyta
2. Bryotphyta
3. Pteriodeiophyta
4. Spermatophyte.

Thallophyta

They may be single cell, rope cells or thallus

They are called lower plants.

They don’t have roots, stems or leaves.

e.g. bacteria, algae and fungi

They have importance.

They fix nitrogen. They are harmful and cause diseases e.g. rust

Bryophyte