Module

AGRI-FISHERIES (PART II) 1

TOPICS:
Basic Concept of Agricultural Crop CHAPTER
1
Lesson 1: Define and Appreciate Agriculture
Lesson 2: Brief History of Agriculture
Lesson 3: Branches of Agriculture
Lesson 4: Types of Agricultural Crops
Lesson 5: Types of Commercial Food Crops in the Philippines
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, the learners are expected to: CHAPTER
1
[Link] the fundamental concepts and historical
development of agriculture, including its definition, scope,
branches, and significance to food production and national
development.

[Link] and analyze agricultural crops, with emphasis on the

different types of crops and major commercial food crops in
the Philippines and their economic importance.

[Link] the structure and function of plant parts, and relate

plant anatomy to crop growth, productivity, and sustainable
agricultural practices.
✓ Agriculture – it is the science, art and practice of cultivating the soil,
producing crops and raising livestock and in varying degrees the DEFINITION
preparation and marketing and resulting of products OF
✓ Farm Equipment - These are machineries used in crop production. TERMS
They are used in land preparation and in transporting farm inputs and
products. These equipment need a highly skilled operator to use
✓ Farm Implements - accessories pulled by animals or mounted to
machineries to make the work easier
✓ Farm Tools - objects that are usually light and are used without the
help of animals and machines
✓ Fertile Crescent – semicircle of fertile land stretching from southeast
coast of Mediterranean around Syrian Desert, North of Arabia to
Persian Gulf
✓ Neolithic – of or relating to the latest period of the Stone Age
characterized by polished stone implements
✓ Parthenocarpy – the production of fruits without fertilization
 DEFINITION AND IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE
LESSON
What is Agriculture? Nominal Definition (explains what a name is) 1
✓ Agriculture comes from the Latin word ager, agri meaning
field and cultura meaning growing, cultivation. Therefore,
it means “growing and cultivating of the field.”

Real Definition (explains what a thing is)

✓ Agriculture is the science or practice of farming which
includes the cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops
and fruit-bearing trees. It also considers the raising of
animals to provide food and other raw materials which can
produce another product.
ELEMENTS IN THE DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is both a science and a practice. It is considered a science because it LESSON

involves a systematically organized body of knowledge based on empirical 1
observation, experimentation, and verified facts rather than mere opinions,
hypotheses, or unsupported theories. This scientific foundation enables the
continuous improvement of agricultural methods through research and technological
advancement (Hartmann, Kester, Davies, & Geneve, 2011; Brady & Weil, 2017).

At the same time, agriculture is a practice because it involves the practical

application of scientific principles in real-world farming activities. These include soil
cultivation, crop production, and the management of plants and animals to meet
human needs (FAO, 2018).

Agriculture is fundamentally concerned with farming, which refers to the act or

process of preparing the land, planting seeds, cultivating crops, and harvesting
edible plants. It also includes the raising of livestock for food products such as milk
and meat, as well as for fiber and other agricultural by-products (Rasmussen, 1989;
Pretty, 2008).
VALUE OF AGRICULTURE
Agriculture plays a vital role in the life and progress of an economy. LESSON
It provides food, which is the most basic necessity of humankind, and 1
ensures the continuous supply of raw materials required by various
industries. Beyond food production, agriculture generates employment
opportunities for a large segment of the population, particularly in rural
areas, thereby supporting income generation and poverty reduction
(Todaro & Smith, 2020; FAO, 2017).

Agriculture serves as a primary source of livelihood that contributes

to both micro- and macro-level community development. It sustains food
and fodder supplies essential for human survival and livestock production.
Moreover, agricultural activities produce marketable surplus commodities
that stimulate trade and strengthen economic linkages at the local,
national, and international levels, thereby promoting cooperation and
diplomatic relations among nations (FAO, 2018; World Bank, 2020).
VALUE OF AGRICULTURE
The agricultural sector also plays a significant role in national LESSON
economic development by contributing to capital formation, 1
savings, and government revenue. Through increased productivity
and efficient resource utilization, agriculture supports industrial
growth and helps stabilize the national budget by reducing
dependence on food imports (Johnston & Mellor, 1961; Schultz,
1964).

Without a strong agricultural foundation, an economy faces

serious risks to food security, which may lead to social instability,
increased poverty, and broader national problems. The absence or
decline of agricultural productivity can result in adverse economic
consequences that threaten sustainable development and overall
national well-being.
 BRIEF HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE
LESSON
Agriculture was developed at least 10,000 years ago, and it has undergone 2
significant developments since the time of the earliest cultivation.

Ancient Origins
c. 9,000 BC
• Early cultivation of legumes and nuts (lentils, bitter vetch, almonds,
pistachios) evidenced at Franchthi Cave in Greece.
• Early agricultural activity in the Fertile Crescent, including domestication
of Neolithic founder crops (emmer wheat, einkorn wheat, barley, peas,
lentils, chickpeas, flax).

c. 7,000 BC
• Small-scale agriculture spread to Egypt.
• Farming of wheat and barley documented in the Indian subcontinent
(Mehrgarh, Balochistan).
 BRIEF HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE
Ancient Origins
c. 6,000 BC LESSON
• Mid-scale organized farming established along the Nile River. 2
• Independent agricultural development in East and Southeast Asia, with rice as the
primary crop.
• Domestication of taro, mung bean, soybean, and azuki bean in Asia.
• Expansion of organized fishing to supplement agricultural diets, supporting
population growth.
c. 5,200 BC
• Early domestication of maize, manioc, and arrowroot in the Americas.
c. 5,000 BC
• Sumerians developed advanced agricultural systems in Mesopotamia, including
large-scale cultivation, irrigation, monocropping, and specialized labor along the
Tigris–Euphrates river system (Shatt al-Arab region).
• Domestication of aurochs and mouflon into cattle and sheep, integrating livestock into
farming societies.
Later Classical Period (c. 800 BC – 500 AD)
• Greeks adopted earlier agricultural methods despite poor soils.
• Romans expanded and organized agriculture further, emphasizing large-scale crop
production and trade.
 BRIEF HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE
MIDDLE AGES
• During the Middle Ages, Muslim farmers in North Africa and the Near East LESSON
significantly advanced agricultural technology. 2
• They developed and spread sophisticated irrigation systems based on hydraulic and
hydrostatic principles, including water-raising machines, dams, and reservoirs.
• Agricultural manuals were written to provide location-specific farming guidance.
• They promoted the widespread cultivation of crops such as sugar cane, rice, citrus
fruits, apricots, cotton, artichokes, aubergines (eggplant), and saffron.
• Muslims introduced lemons, oranges, cotton, almonds, figs, and subtropical crops
like bananas into Spain.
• The development of the three-field crop rotation system during the Middle Ages
greatly improved soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
• The adoption of the Chinese-invented moldboard plow further increased farming
efficiency by allowing deeper and more effective soil cultivation.
• Toward the end of the Middle Ages, the discovery and cultivation of fodder crops
enabled livestock to survive the winter, strengthening mixed farming systems and
improving overall agricultural output.
 BRIEF HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE
MODERN ERA
Post-1492 (Columbian Exchange): LESSON
• Global exchange of crops and livestock between the New World and Old World. 2
• New World to Old World: tomato, maize, potato, cocoa, tobacco.
• Old World to New World: wheat varieties, spices, coffee, sugar cane.
• Introduction of horses, donkeys, ponies, and dogs to the Americas significantly
transformed agricultural labor and farm productivity.
Early 1800s:
• Major improvements in agricultural techniques, tools, seed stocks, and plant
varieties.
• Development of cultivated plant varieties selected for specific useful or decorative
traits.
• Crop yields per land unit greatly exceeded those of the Middle Ages.
Late 19th to 20th Century (Mechanization Era):
• Rapid rise of mechanization, especially the tractor.
• Farming operations became faster, larger in scale, and more efficient.
• Some countries (e.g., United States, Argentina, Israel, Germany) achieved very high
productivity per land unit.
 BRIEF HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE
MODERN ERA
Haber-Bosch Process (Early 20th Century): LESSON
• Development of synthetic ammonium nitrate fertilizer. 2
• Enabled crop yields to surpass previous natural soil fertility limitations.
20th Century Agricultural Trends:
• Increased productivity and mechanization.
• Greater reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Selective breeding of crops and livestock.
• Emergence of environmental concerns, including water pollution.
• Implementation of farm subsidies in some nations.
Late 20th Century to Present:
• Growth of the organic agriculture movement in response to environmental
impacts of conventional farming.
• Agricultural exploration expeditions conducted globally to discover new
species and improved farming practices.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
LESSON
There are four main branches of agriculture, namely; 3

1. Livestock Production or Animal Husbandry

2. Crop Production or Agronomy
3. Agricultural Economics
4. Agricultural Engineering
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Livestock Production (Animal Husbandry) LESSON
• Livestock Production, also known as Animal Husbandry, is a major 3
branch of agriculture concerned with the scientific breeding,
feeding, care, and management of domesticated animals for the
production of food, fiber, labor, and other valuable by-products.

• Livestock species provide essential commodities such as meat, milk,

eggs, wool, leather, honey, and manure. Effective animal husbandry
integrates principles of genetics, nutrition, health management,
housing, and reproduction to maximize productivity while ensuring
animal welfare and sustainability.

• Livestock production systems may be classified into several types

based on management practices, mobility, and species
specialization.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Livestock Production (Animal Husbandry) LESSON
3
Nomadic Pastoralism
• Nomadic pastoralism is a traditional livestock production system
characterized by the seasonal or continuous movement of herders and
their animals in search of fresh pasture and water sources.
• This system is commonly practiced in arid and semi-arid regions where:
- Rainfall is limited and unpredictable
- Vegetation growth is seasonal
- Permanent crop agriculture is not sustainable
• The mobility of the community is an adaptive strategy that allows
efficient utilization of natural grazing resources while preventing
overgrazing in a single area. Although considered less intensive than
modern livestock systems, nomadic pastoralism plays a significant
socio-economic and cultural role in many regions of the world.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Livestock Production (Animal Husbandry) LESSON
3
Poultry Farming
• Poultry farming is a specialized branch of animal husbandry focused on
the raising of domesticated birds primarily for meat and egg production.
• Major poultry species include:
- Chickens (for broiler and layer production)
- Turkeys
- Ducks
- Geese
• Commercial poultry production systems range from small-scale backyard
operations to large-scale intensive enterprises utilizing controlled
housing, formulated feeds, vaccination programs, and biosecurity
measures.
• Poultry farming is recognized for its relatively short production cycle,
high feed conversion efficiency, and significant contribution to food
security.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Livestock Production (Animal Husbandry) LESSON
3
Swine Farming
• Swine farming involves the breeding and rearing of domestic pigs for
meat production. It is an important component of the livestock industry
due to the high demand for pork and processed pork products such as
bacon, ham, and sausages.
• Modern swine production systems emphasize:
- Genetic improvement
- Balanced nutrition
- Efficient housing systems
- Disease prevention and biosecurity
- Waste management practices
• Swine are known for their rapid growth rate, high reproductive
efficiency, and efficient feed conversion, making them economically
viable livestock animals in both small-scale and commercial operations.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Crop Production (Agronomy) LESSON
3
Horticulture
• is the science and art of growing, cultivating, and managing
plants, particularly fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental
plants. The term is derived from the Latin words hortus
(garden) and colere (to cultivate).
• While horticulture broadly includes all forms of garden
management, in modern usage it commonly refers to the
intensive and commercial production of high-value crops.
• Compared to agronomy, which focuses on large-scale field
crops, horticulture emphasizes specialized crop production,
quality improvement, and aesthetic [Link] is
generally divided into three primary branches:
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Crop Production (Agronomy) LESSON
Horticulture 3
1. Pomology
• Pomology is the branch of horticulture concerned with the study and cultivation
of fruits and nuts. The term originates from the Latin word pomum (fruit) and
the Greek-derived suffix -logia (field of study).

Pomology focuses on:

- The propagation and cultivation of fruit- and nut-bearing trees and plants
- Improvement of fruit quality and yield
- Orchard establishment and management
- Harvesting, postharvest handling, and storage of fruits

• This branch supports both fresh fruit consumption and processing industries,
contributing significantly to nutrition and agricultural economies.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Crop Production (Agronomy) LESSON
Horticulture 3
2. Olericulture is the science and art of growing vegetables for human consumption.
The term comes from the Latin word oleris (pot herb or vegetable) and colere (to
cultivate).
• Olericulture deals primarily with non-woody (herbaceous) plants grown as food
crops. It encompasses:
- Selection of suitable cultivars
- Seedbed preparation and crop establishment
- Vegetable production through direct seeding or transplanting
- Nutrient and irrigation management
- Pest and disease control
- Harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing
• Due to the perishable nature of vegetables, olericulture also emphasizes
postharvest handling and supply chain management to maintain quality and
minimize losses.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Crop Production (Agronomy) LESSON
Horticulture 3
3. Floriculture refers to the cultivation and management of flowering and ornamental
plants for decorative, landscaping, and commercial floral purposes. The term is derived
from the Latin floris (flower) and colere (to cultivate).

Floriculture includes:
• Production of cut flowers and potted plants
• Propagation of ornamental species
• Greenhouse and nursery management
• Plant breeding for improved aesthetic traits
• Indoor and controlled-environment cultivation
• Pest, disease, and nutrient management
• The primary objective of floriculture is the maximum production of high-quality
ornamental plants for gardens, landscaping, and the floral industry. It plays a
significant role in urban beautification and the global ornamental plant trade.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Economics LESSON
• Agricultural Economics is the branch of agriculture that applies economic principles to the 3
allocation, distribution, and utilization of resources used in agricultural production. It examines how
land, labor, capital, and management are efficiently combined to produce food, fiber, and other
agricultural commodities.
• This discipline analyzes both the production and consumption of agricultural goods in developed
and developing countries. It also evaluates market systems, pricing mechanisms, trade policies, and
government interventions that influence agricultural performance at local, national, and global
levels.
Key areas of Agricultural Economics include:
- Farm management and decision-making
- Agricultural marketing and price analysis
- Supply and demand of agricultural commodities
- Agricultural finance and credit systems
- Risk and uncertainty in farming
- Agricultural trade and globalization
- Policy analysis and rural development
• Agricultural Economics plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, improving farmers’ income,
promoting efficient resource use, and guiding policy formulation for sustainable agricultural growth.
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Engineering LESSON
• Agricultural Engineering is the branch of engineering that applies scientific and 3
technological principles to agricultural production, processing, and resource management. It
focuses on the design, construction, improvement, and maintenance of agricultural
machinery, infrastructure, and systems.
• Agricultural engineers integrate engineering concepts with biological and environmental
sciences to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in agriculture.

Major areas of Agricultural Engineering include:

1. Farm Machinery and Equipment - Design and improvement of tractors, harvesters,
irrigation systems, and other mechanized tools to increase operational efficiency and
reduce labor demands.
2. Agricultural Structures and Infrastructure
Planning and construction of:
• Dams and water reservoirs
• Irrigation and drainage systems
• Storage facilities and warehouses
• Livestock housing and processing facilities
 BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Engineering LESSON
3
3. Soil and Water Engineering
- Development of systems for soil conservation, erosion control, water management,
and sustainable land use.

4. Environmental and Pollution Control

- Design of waste management systems and pollution control technologies for farms
to minimize environmental impact.

5. Bioenergy and Renewable Resources

- Development of alternative energy sources such as biofuels derived from
agricultural waste and non-food biomass (e.g., algae). These innovations aim to
provide sustainable energy solutions without compromising food security.
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Agricultural Crops 4
• Agricultural crops are plants that are deliberately cultivated and managed
by humans for specific economic, nutritional, industrial, or aesthetic purposes.
These crops form the foundation of agricultural production systems and
contribute significantly to food security, livelihood generation, and industrial
development.
• Crops are classified into different categories based on their primary use and
economic function. The major types of crops are as follows:
1. Food Crops
2. Feed Crops
3. Fiber Crops
4. Oil Crops
5. Ornamental Crops
6. Industrial Crops
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Descriptions of Crops According to their Categories 4
1. Food Crops
- Food crops are plants that are primarily grown, cultivated, and harvested for
direct human consumption. They serve as the principal source of nutrients
required for human survival, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins,
and minerals.
- Food crops form the backbone of food security systems and are essential to
both subsistence farming and commercial agriculture.

Food crops are generally classified into two major subcategories:

1. Field Crop
2. Root crops
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Descriptions of Crops According to their Categories 4
1. Field Crop
• Field crops are agricultural crops—other than fruits and vegetables—cultivated extensively on large
areas of land for food, feed, fiber, or industrial purposes. They are typically grown under open-field
conditions and are often mechanized due to the scale of production.
• Field crops usually account for a significant proportion of total agricultural land use and contribute
substantially to national agricultural output and farm income.
Common examples of field crops include:
- Cereal crops such as wheat, rice, and corn
- Sugar crops such as sugarcane
- Forage crops used for livestock feeding
- Leguminous crops such as soybeans and peanuts
• These crops are essential for ensuring food security, supporting livestock industries, supplying raw
materials for processing industries, and generating export revenue.
• Due to their economic importance, field crop production emphasizes efficient land preparation,
improved seed varieties, mechanization, irrigation management, and integrated pest and nutrient
management practices to maximize yield and profitability.
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Descriptions of Crops According to their Categories 4
2. Root Crop
• Root crops are plants cultivated for their edible underground parts, such as roots, tubers, or
rhizomes, which serve as important sources of carbohydrates and energy for human consumption.
These crops are typically hardy and can grow in a variety of soil types, making them crucial for food
security, especially in regions with less fertile or marginal land.
Common examples of root crops include:
- Cassava (Manihot esculenta) – a starchy tuber widely used as a staple food
- Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) – rich in carbohydrates and vitamins
- Yam (Dioscorea spp.) – a major source of energy in tropical regions
- Taro (Colocasia esculenta) – commonly used for its starchy corms
Root crops are often valued for:
- High energy content and nutritional value
- Adaptability to different climates and soils
- Storage capability, which allows consumption over extended periods
• Cultivation practices for root crops include proper land preparation, selection of healthy planting
materials, planting at appropriate spacing and depth, nutrient management, irrigation, and timely
harvesting to maintain quality and yield.
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Descriptions of Crops According to their Categories 4
2. Feed Crops
• Feed crops are plants specifically grown, cultivated, and harvested to provide
nutrition for livestock, poultry, and other farm animals. Unlike food crops for human
consumption, feed crops are intended to support the growth, reproduction, and
productivity of animals in agricultural systems.
• Feed crops can provide energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, depending on
the type of livestock and their nutritional requirements. They are essential
components of both livestock farming and integrated agricultural systems.

Common examples of feed crops include:

- Forage crops such as alfalfa, clover, and ryegrass
- Cereal crops grown for animal feed, including corn and sorghum
- Leguminous crops like soybean and field peas for protein-rich feed
- Crop residues such as straw, husks, and silage
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Descriptions of Crops According to their Categories 4
3. Fiber Crops
• Fiber crops are plants cultivated primarily for their fibers, which serve as raw
materials for textiles, ropes, mats, paper, and other industrial products. Unlike
food or feed crops, the primary purpose of fiber crops is the production of strong
and durable fibers rather than direct consumption.
• Fiber crops play a significant role in both agricultural economies and the
manufacturing sector, supporting industries such as clothing, handicrafts, and
construction materials.

Common examples of fiber crops include:

- Cotton (Gossypium spp.) – used extensively for textiles and garments
- Jute (Corchorus spp.) – used for sacks, ropes, and mats
- Hemp (Cannabis sativa) – used for textiles, ropes, and paper
- Abaca (Musa textilis) – used for ropes, specialty papers, and handicrafts
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Descriptions of Crops According to their Categories 4
4. Oil Crops
• Oil crops are plants cultivated primarily for the extraction of oils from their seeds,
fruits, or other parts. These oils serve as raw materials for edible products,
industrial applications, and increasingly for biofuel production, including
biodiesel.
• Oil crops are important for both food security and sustainable energy initiatives, as
well as for supplying raw materials for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and
manufacturing industries.
Common examples of oil crops include:
- Soybean (Glycine max) – used for cooking oil, animal feed, and biodiesel
- Coconut (Cocos nucifera) – source of edible oil, copra, and industrial products
- Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) – widely used for cooking oil and biodiesel
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – oil for food and industrial use
- Canola (Brassica napus) – oil for cooking and biofuel
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Descriptions of Crops According to their Categories 4
5. Ornamental Crops
• Ornamental crops are plants cultivated primarily for decorative and aesthetic
purposes rather than for food, fiber, or industrial use. They are widely used in
gardens, landscaping, parks, and urban green spaces, and they contribute to
environmental beautification, psychological well-being, and the floral industry.
• These crops include a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, trees, and foliage plants that
are selected for attributes such as color, shape, fragrance, and foliage texture.

Common examples of ornamental crops include:

- Flowering plants such as roses, lilies, and orchids
- Decorative shrubs and bushes used in landscaping
- Indoor potted plants for homes and offices
- Ornamental trees for parks and streetscapes
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS LESSON
Descriptions of Crops According to their Categories 4
6. Industrial crops
• Industrial crops are plants cultivated primarily for their biological materials, which are
processed into non-edible products used in various industries. Unlike food, feed, or fiber
crops, the main purpose of industrial crops is to supply raw materials for manufacturing,
chemical, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors.
• These crops play a significant role in economic development by providing raw materials,
creating employment, and supporting industrial value chains.
Common examples of industrial crops include:
- Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) – used for cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products
- Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) – source of latex for industrial products
- Cotton (Gossypium spp.) – while primarily a fiber crop, cottonseed is processed for
industrial oils
- Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) – used for sugar, ethanol, and bio-based industrial
products
- Jute (Corchorus spp.) – used in packaging, mats, and rope production
Classifications of Crops According to Growth Habits
Herbs
Herbs are succulent, non-woody plants with soft, self-supporting stems. They are usually LESSON
small and complete their life cycle within one or two growing seasons. 4
Examples: Basil, Spinach, Rice

Vines
Vines are herbaceous plants that climb or trail along surfaces. They lack strong, self-
supporting stems and rely on tendrils, twining stems, or other structures for support.
Examples: Squash, Cucumber, Sweet potato

Lianas
Lianas are woody climbing plants that depend on trees or other vertical structures for
support. Unlike vines, they develop thick, woody stems. They are common in tropical
forests.
Examples: Rattan, Bougainvillea

Shrubs
Shrubs are small to medium-sized woody plants, generally less than 5 meters tall. They
usually have multiple stems arising from the base.
Examples: Hibiscus, Rose
Classifications of Crops According to Growth Habits
Trees
Trees are tall, perennial woody plants with a single dominant trunk and continuous upright LESSON
growth. They develop extensive woody tissue and can live for many years. 4
Examples: Mango, Narra, Coconut

Evergreen Plants
Evergreen plants retain their leaves throughout the year and do not shed them seasonally
all at once.
Examples: Pine, Calamansi

Deciduous Plants
Deciduous plants shed their leaves annually, usually during dry or cold seasons, and remain
leafless for a certain period.
Examples: Acacia, Mahogany
 Descriptions of Crops According to their Life Span
Annual Crops
Annual crops are plants that complete their entire life cycle from germination, vegetative LESSON
growth, flowering, seed production, to death within one growing season (usually one year).
After producing seeds, the plant dies.
4
Examples:
• Rice, Maize, Peanut
Biennial Crops
Biennial crops require two growing seasons to complete their biological life cycle. During
the first year, they develop vegetative structures (roots, stems, and leaves). In the second
year, they flower, produce seeds, and then die.
Examples:
• Cabbage, Parsley, Carrot
Perennial Crops
Perennial crops live for more than two years. They can grow, flower, and produce seeds
repeatedly over many seasons. While trees and shrubs are technically perennials, the term
is commonly used in agriculture to refer to non-woody or semi-woody crops that persist for
several years.
Examples:
• Banana, Mango, Sugarcane
Common Commercial Food Crops in the Philippines
LESSON
5