Free Plants As Food Sources Essay Sample

According to Bennett (n.d.), the most significant food source of humans are plants because of the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that can be obtained from them. Some of the main sources of food sources include wheat (Triticum aestivum), rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), potato (Solanum tuberosum), and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.).
Figure 1. Wheat (Huffpost Living, 2012)
Triticum aestivum is commonly found in temperate climates. However, they were originally cultivated in the Mediterranean region and the areas southwest of Asia (Encyclopedia of Life, n.d.). In terms of ecology, wheat is known to withstand up to 1.9 to 25.0 dm of rainfall and a temperature between 4.9 to 27.8 °C. Wheat needs a nitrogen rich soil which is required for nitrate formation, compacted soil to keep it together, and the capability of the soil to hold water (Purdue University, 1998).
Figure 2. Rice Plant (GMO Safety, 2011)
According to Purdue University (1998), rice originated from the region of Southeast Asia which has a tropical and subtropical climate. However, currently, other countries have also started to grow rice in the Northern and Southern Parts of America. Growth of rice is possible with 4.2 to 42.9 dm of rainfall and 8.4 to 27.9 °C for the temperature. However, growth is maximized at temperatures of 24-25 °C. The type of soil used for the cultivation of rice must be fine in consistency, has a pH around 5-7.5, fertile, and has the ability to hold water.
Figure 3. Ear of corn (Park Brothers Greenhouses, n.d.)
Zea mays L. which is also known as corn was first cultivated and harvested in the states of Mexico. Currently, corn has already been cultivated all over and world especially where there are warm temperature during the summer. Based on its ecology, corn grows in areas with subtropical and temperate climate, temperature of around 19-21°C, and about 750 mm of rainfall. Lastly, this plant can be cultivated in a wide variety of soil type with a pH of 4.3-8.7(Purdue University, 1998).
Figure 4. Potatoes (Trueman, n.d.)
Solarum tuberosum commonly known as potatoes which originated in South America. In terms of ecology, this tuber plant is cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas like Canada, South America, and even in North America. Its production prefers cold temperature and abundant amount of rainfall. To maximize the cultivation of potatoes, the soils must contain large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium which are nutrients critical for its growth (Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 2014).
Figure 5. Sugar cane (Wise Geek, n.d.)
According to Purdue University (1998), Saccharum officinarum L. or sugar cane was originally cultivated in the islands of South Pacific and New Guinea. Currently, areas like South Africa, Spain, and some states in United States can also cultivate sugarcanes. In terms of ecology, this plant is grown in areas with tropical and subtropical climates. Also, it needs a flat or slightly elevated land which consist of firm top soil or moisture rich soil, temperature of about 16.0-29.9°C, and 4.7-42.9 dm of annual moisture. The type of the soil where sugarcane can grow include iron rich soil, clay like soil, calcareous soil, loamy stiff soil, sandy soil, and organic soil.

References

Bennett, B.C. (n.d.). Plants as Food. Economic Botany. Retrieved from http://www.eolss.net/sample-chapters/c09/E6-118-07.pdf
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2014 July 03). The Biology of Solanum tuberosum (L.) (Potatoes). Retrieved from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plants-with-novel-traits/applicants/directive-94-08/biology-documents/solanum-tuberosum-l-/eng/1330982063974/1330982145930
Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.) Triticum aestivum: Bread Wheat. Retrieved from http://eol.org/pages/1115240/details
GMO Safety. (2011 Aug 30). Plant Genetic Engineering: China hesitates in a brink. Retrieved from http://www.gmo-safety.eu/news/1347.genetic-engineering-china.html
Huffpost Living. (2012 Oct 08). Why are we waging a war on wheat?. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/10/08/why-are-we-waging-a-war-wheat-_n_1947650.html
Park Brothers Greenhouses. (n.d.). Is our sweet corn GMO?. Retrieved from http://www.parksbrothers.com/is-our-sweet-corn-gmo/
Trueman, S. (n.d.). Potato Rolls. Retrieved from http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/hu/wellbeing/food/recipes/sandwiches-and-wraps/potato-rolls
Wise Geek. (n.d.). What is can sugar?. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cane-sugar.htm#