Plant Tissue Culture PPT

It would be safe to say that every American is familiar with the ladybug - its small compact shell which is reminiscent of a Volkswagen Beetle, its cheerful spots that make it one of the few bugs whose image is used in classroom décor. It also shares a name with a popular children's magazine and is a popular Halloween costume.

An image search on "ladybug decorations" conjures up myriad red and black spotted wings on wall hangings, on invitations, on placemats. A search for "mosquito decorations"? Not so much.

Ladybugs are beloved for more than just their appearance - their appetite is perhaps one of their most valuable assets. Ladybugs are hungry. Unlike many other bugs found near your home, they aren't hungry for the wood that makes up your house or for the roses gracing your back fence.

Ladybugs (also called ladybirds, lady beetles, or ladybird beetles) have long held a place in folklore as a sign of good luck. It isn't just an old wives' tale - ladybugs prefer to feast on aphids, a plant-eating pest, and other bugs that target plants. Ladybugs act as your own personal targeted pest control - according to National Geographic, they lay eggs in the midst of colonies of aphids and other herbivorous insects. As larvae, young ladybugs begin devouring, and each can eat about 5,000 aphids in its lifetime.

Ladybugs are found throughout the world, barring the extreme northern and southern regions like the North and South Poles. National Geographic notes that their distinctive red-and-black spotted coloring is made to make them look like bad news for predators. They can secrete an unpleasant-tasting liquid from their leg joints - this acts as a predator deterrent, as the coloring serves as a reminder that a red spotted bug means a terrible taste.

Ladybugs don't only stop aphids and similar bugs from damaging plants - they help discourage ants as well. Ants are attracted to a secretion produced by aphids, and some species of ants develop aphid "farms" where they keep and cultivate aphids for this secretion. With fewer aphids around, ants are more likely to leave your home and garden alone.

In 1880s California, the ladybug saved the citrus industry - scale insects from Australia were killing entire groves of orange and lemon trees. Growers released $1,500 worth of Australian ladybugs over two years and successfully brought the scale insects under control (Celticbug.com). Today, ladybugs (as well as ladybug houses) are available for purchase by those who wish to use them as a natural means of pest control.

The ladybug has a well-deserved international reputation as a protector of agriculture, and many languages associate the insect with God. The name "ladybird" supposedly arose from the moniker "Our Lady's Bird," a reference to the Virgin Mary. Other less common historical names for it include the German marienhuhn (or "Mary's chicken"), a Swedish name translating to "the Virgin Mary's golden hen," and the Spanish vaquilla de Dios, or "God's little cow (campus.udayton.edu)."

The ladybug is by no means underappreciated, and its role in agriculture over the world shouldn't be discounted. The ladybug is both an attractive ornament and an environmentally-sound, green pest control - perfect for today's eco-conscious farmers, gardeners, and homeowners.

View the original article here

Gardening is one of the many small pleasures many people, especially those who live in the suburbs, can indulge in. Gardens not only beautify the environment but also help people in so many different ways. Having a garden of you own is a great thing to have in any home. It gives you a space to relax and ease your mind while at the same time provide a space to simulate your senses.

There are many benefits of gardening that one can get out of this simple task or hobby. Mentally and physically - both can benefit well from gardening. Here are some of the benefits people can get out of gardening.

It Helps Fight Depression

Gardens have that special vibe that uplifts the mood of any person. It has actually been a prescribed activity of many psychologists and psychiatrists to many patients to help them overcome depression, anxiety and stress. Gardens have the healing effect on people and with constant exposure to such, people feel less stressed and actually feel better. This is one of the many benefits of gardening that people can get. If you are fighting some form of depression - mild or severe - do some gardening stuff and you'll be surprised at how much better and happier you'll feel over time.

It can be a form of Exercise

Exercise is also one of the many benefits of gardening. The positive effects of exercise to our bodies are undeniable. But many of us hardly have the motivation to do so because of the muscle fatigue and the feeling of soreness after some time of working out. Other people get bored with exercising because it is not something that they want to do but they have to do in order to stay fit and healthy. If you find yourself bored and undetermined to exercise, try gardening instead. The constant motion and activity to plant, arrange and dig earth are all forms of physical activity that can be considered as exercise. It has less monotonous movements and more appealing than other forms of exercise as you see results in not just your body but in your garden as well.

Reducing Stress

One of the many undeniable benefits of gardening is reducing stress. It has been common knowledge ever since that some form of greenery can uplift the spirit and reduce any stress. It helps ease your mind and provide a sense of tranquility you won't get elsewhere. In gardening, you engage yourself in an activity that can take your mind off your stressors and give you something more beguiling to focus on. And when you see great results after, it gives a sense of fulfillment that can reduce stress levels as well.

Heals the Mind

Aside from fighting depression and reducing stress, one of the many benefits of gardening is to heal the mind. The different sensory stimulants found in a garden stimulate people with all sorts of mental illnesses. It helps them heal their mind.

The benefits of gardening are irrefutable. It is an activity that anyone can engage in - not just the elderly. You can find peace and serenity with gardening.

Are you looking for more information regarding benefits of gardening? Visit http://lifestylesecretreview.com/ today!

View the original article here

Drip or trickle irrigation is one way of watering the plants, crops and trees by means of reduced usage of water and fertilizers. Through this irrigating method, water directly targets the roots of the plants. There are different types of drip irrigation depending on the application, whether for crops or for residential irrigation.

This type of irrigation is best suited for dry areas and the supply of water is very limited. With the use of irrigation, water is distributed and used in such a way that they reach the exact point where water is needed without wasting anything.

The present situation of the world indicates the importance of wisely use of the water resources especially in irrigation. As a result, a lot of farmers resorted to the use of drip irrigation wherein they were able to enjoy the profits it delivers through the increased crop yields as well as reduction on energy cost, water, labor, chemical use and water runoff.

A lot of landscapers were also gaining benefits from the savings they make with the use of irrigation while observing the improvements on their plants by directly supplying water to the target.

Some of the benefits you can get from drip irrigation are the following.

There is an increase in revenue due to increased drop yields.
The quality of crops yielded also delivers higher revenue to the farmer.
There is only sufficient water used in watering the crops and plants, therefore, the cost on water usage is decreased.
The cost of labor is decreased
Because there is no need for constant running of the irrigation system, the cost of energy is deceased.
The cost of pesticide and fertilizer is also decreased as there is almost no water runoff in this type of system
Improved environmental quality
Plants endure lesser stress that can result from varied soil moisture.
Because areas between plants are not supplied with water, the growth of weeds is controlled
The slow application of water prevents building up of water thus, reducing evaporation

Setting up your Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation systems require the installation of fixed watering system for plants that allows the farmer or the home owner to supply the water where it is needed. The installation of the system depends upon the size of the farm or the garden.

In the installation of irrigations, make sure that nozzles are properly placed near the roots of the plants.

You may also consider using the punctured hose for drip irrigation; however, make sure that the hose follows the right course since its major goal is to water the garden beds. When using the punctured hole, check for any leaks that might result to water wastage.

Similar types of plants should be placed in the same beds. This is because plants have various watering needs. There are plants that require more water than the other. Placing them in the same plant beds will ensure that the appropriate amount of water is delivered to the plants. Group the flowering plants, shrubs and vegetable plants according to their kind and watering needs.

In drip irrigation system, water is delivered to the root zone drip by drip, hence the name irrigation. If the drip watering is managed well, it can be considered as the best and perhaps the most efficient way of irrigation aside from its being cost effective. In other places, drip irrigation is combined with other method such as using plastic sheets that will help in reducing evaporation of water which can significantly waste water.

For more information about Drip irrigation and irrigation systems visit our website http://www.irrigationsystemsinc.com/

View the original article here

Plants are the heart of every garden; they engage emotions and enhance the land. Gardeners understand that flowers and vegetation are one of life's necessities. Many choose to grow a garden just to be surrounded by the wonders of nature. Adding flowers around the home is another way to create a peaceful environment.

A few of the things that people grow include shrubs, trees and flowers. In addition, people also grow herbs, fruits and vegetables. No matter what kind of item is grown, they all start with a seed. In order for the seed to sprout, it must be planted in proper conditions. For instance, some seeds will only grow in the spring. Certain items need a warm environment to grow. Pineapples, for instance, are unable to survive in Montana.

With that said, people don't need to wait for seeds to sprout. If they want, greenery is available in stores; this greenery has already started to grow. Any time that someone misses the start of growing season, it's handy to buy flowers that are beyond the seed stage. Those who want to add some shade around their home should consider purchasing trees that are already grown. It takes several years for trees to develop. Therefore, it often makes more sense to skip the first half of the growing stage.

In order to grow, vegetation requires soil, water and warmth. Since the sun converts light into food, it is especially important. Plants are crucial to all parts of life. Not only do they give food to humans, they also feed animals. Cows and chickens are two examples of animals that need vegetation to thrive. People eat meat; therefore, herbs are a must to keep the animals alive. Along with that, fruits and vegetables are an important part of maintaining good health.

Besides providing food, the greenery also has other benefits. For instance, some foliage turns into cloth; fibers taken from the greenery can be made into clothing. Medicine is another benefit. There are certain herbs that can treat and heal wounds. Those who live in homes with chimneys require wood to heat their heat houses. If it weren't for the trees, this essential resource would not exist.

No home is complete without landscaping. When people see a home, the landscaping is usually the first thing that they notice. Trees, shrubs and flowers are appealing to just about everyone. They are visually stunning to look at. Along with that, foliage often has a pleasing smell. For example, people can add lavender around their home to make it smell better. As long as the shrub doesn't give off a foul odor, it's usually worth planting somewhere near the home.

Flowers are also a great gift. If someone is going to a housewarming party, then he or she should consider taking flowers instead of a bottle of wine. Although wine is a traditional housewarming gift, flowers are a more unique idea. Most people appreciate any small token of congratulations. Besides housewarming gifts, the flowers also work as birthday and anniversary gifts. Husbands can even surprise their wives by planting pretty bushes around their property for a fun Mother's Day present.

Poppy Lynch has been helping beginner gardeners for over 15 years. For simple, easy-to-follow gardening tips, Poppy suggests signing up for the Woolly Green Weekly, a great source of gardening chat, products, offers and competitions. Woolly Green is a new website, for people who like to garden as a bit of an antidote to their otherwise busy lives.

View the original article here