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close this bookBetter Farming Series 02 - The Plant: the Stem; the Buds; the Leaves (FAO - INADES, 1976, 30 p.)
View the document(introduction...)
View the documentPreface
View the documentPlan of work
close this folderThe stem
View the documentWhere is the stem?
View the documentHow a stem is made
View the documentWhat the stem does
View the documentThe buds
close this folderThe leaves
View the document(introduction...)
close this folderHow a leaf is made
View the document(introduction...)
View the documentThe leaf-stalk
View the documentThe veins
View the documentThe shape of leaves
close this folderWhat are leaves for?
View the document(introduction...)
View the documentHow the leaf changes raw sap into elaborated sap
View the documentOrganic matter in the plant
View the documentThe plant breathes.
View the documentThe plant transpires.
close this folderSome practical applications
View the documentThe plant needs air and light
View the documentThe plant needs water
View the documentThe plant needs its leaves

The plant needs water

When there is not enough rain, the roots cannot find water, the leaves wilt, the plant grows badly.
If there is a great lack of water, the harvest is very poor.
The plant feeds badly.
It does not produce many fruits or seeds.
It may die.

You understand now why you have to give the plant water.
When there is enough water, the plant grows well; it produces plenty of seeds or fruits.


The plant which has water and the plant which does not have enough water

Young plants do not have many roots.
They cannot seek out water that lies very deep.
They wilt quickly if they are left in the sun.
Seedlings must be protected by covering them, for instance, with branches.
Seedlings must be well watered.


Branche and seedlings