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Major Crops of the Philippines – An Extensive
Review
This expanded review delves deeper into the classification and geographic distribution of major crops in the Philippines, providing a more comprehensive resource for exam preparation.
I. The Fundamental Importance of Crop Classification:
Effective crop classification is paramount for various reasons. It streamlines the vast diversity of plants into manageable groups, facilitating easier identification and understanding of their characteristics. This structured approach aids researchers in conducting studies, assists agricultural professionals in crop management, and simplifies learning for students. A well-defined classification system enables better communication and collaboration within the agricultural sector. The ability to group similar crops allows for the development of more efficient farming practices and the targeted application of research findings.
II. Systems of Crop Classification: A Multifaceted
Approach
Several systems exist for classifying crops, each with its own merits and
applications. The most suitable system depends on the specific needs and context. These systems are often interconnected and not mutually exclusive. For instance, a crop might be classified botanically as an angiosperm but agronomically as a cereal. A. Botanical Classification: The Foundation of Understanding Botanical classification is the cornerstone of understanding plant relationships and evolutionary history. It relies on taxonomic principles to establish a hierarchical system based on shared characteristics and evolutionary links.
1. Taxonomy and Systematics: Taxonomy focuses on the description, identification, and naming of organisms. Systematics expands upon this by analyzing evolutionary relationships among organisms, employing phylogenetic methods to reconstruct evolutionary trees. 2. The Plant Kingdom's Immense Diversity: The plant kingdom encompasses a staggering number of species ( approximately 300,000) , reflecting the vast array of plant life on Earth. Botanical classification organizes this diversity into a hierarchical structure, progressing from broad groups (Divisions) to increasingly specific categories (Classes, Orders, Families, Genera, Species). 3. Eichler's Four Divisions (1833): While older classification systems may have limitations due to evolving scientific understanding, Eichler's four
5. Family Names: Family names typically end in "-aceae" (e.g., Poaceae , formerly Gramineae, for grasses). The first letter is capitalized, and the entire name is usually written in italics or with capitalization. Older names are often replaced with newer, more accurately reflecting evolutionary relationships. B. Agronomic and Horticultural Classifications: Practical Approaches These classifications focus on practical applications and cultural practices. While botanical classification provides a framework of evolutionary relationships, agronomic and horticultural classifications offer a more functional perspective, grouping crops based on their cultivation, use, and management. 1. Traditional Classifications: Older classifications relied heavily on factors such as the size of the planted area (extensive versus intensive) and the level of management involved. 2. Current Classifications (Bautista et al., 1994): Modern systems employ more refined criteria: - Purpose of Cultivation : What is the crop primarily used for? (Food, fiber, oil, etc.) - Type of Culture: What are the methods of cultivation? (Extensive, intensive, etc.)
- Local Customs and Practices: Traditional usage and cultural significance can play a role. 3. Agronomic Crops: Typically annual herbaceous plants cultivated extensively in large fields, often requiring less intensive management. Examples include cereals , grain legumes , root crops , and industrial crops. 4. Horticultural Crops: Crops managed intensively in smaller areas, often with high inputs of labor, capital, and technology. Examples include fruits , vegetables , ornamentals , and plantation crops. The high value of the produce justifies the greater investment. 5. The Interplay Between Agronomic and Horticultural Crops: The distinction is not always clear-cut. A crop might be considered agronomic under one set of circumstances and horticultural under another. For example, some crops are grown extensively for basic food production but may also be cultivated intensively for high-value markets.
III. Detailed Classification of Crops by Purpose
This section expands on the crop classifications, providing more specific examples and detailing their characteristics. A. Agronomic Crops:
1. Cereals (GRAMINEAE/POACEAE): These are staple crops, cultivated for their edible seeds. Examples include rice , corn , and wheat. 2. Grain Legumes (PULSES, LEGUMINOSAE): These crops are important
- Fruit Crops (Pomological): Classified by various factors, such as growth habit (tree fruits, small fruits, vines), size, and climatic requirements. Examples are abundant and widely varied.
- Vegetable Crops (Olericultural): Vegetables are often categorized based on the plant part used (leaves, stems, roots, fruits, flowers), cultivation methods, and culinary uses.
- Ornamentals : Plants grown for aesthetic value. They are often further classified by form (cut flowers, potted plants, landscape plants, etc.), and requirements (indoor/outdoor, etc.).
- Plantation Crops : Perennial crops grown on a large scale, often requiring considerable investment and management. Examples include rubber , coffee , tea , and cocoa.
IV. Additional Classification Systems
Besides the purpose-based classifications above, crops can also be categorized according to other factors:
- Life Cycle : Annual, biennial, perennial.
- Growth Habit : Herb, vine, shrub, tree.
- Mode of Reproduction : Sexual (seeds), asexual (vegetative propagation).
V. Geographic Distribution in the Philippines
The geographic distribution of crops in the Philippines is influenced by factors such as climate, soil type, altitude, and rainfall. The archipelago's diverse geography allows for a wide range of crops to be cultivated in different regions.
Key takeaways:
seeds. These are important staple foods globally. Examples: Rice (the most important cereal in the Philippines), corn , wheat.
- Grain Legumes (Pulses): Plants in the Fabaceae (legume) family grown for their edible seeds, rich in protein. Examples: Mung beans , soybeans , and various types of beans.
- Root and Tuber Crops : Plants cultivated for their edible underground storage organs (roots or tubers). Examples: Sweet potatoes , cassava (a very important crop in the Philippines), and taro.
- Forage Crops : Plants grown to feed livestock. Examples: Various grasses and legumes used for animal feed.
- Fiber Crops : Plants grown for their fibers, used in textiles or other products. Example: Abacá (Manila hemp), an important historical crop of the Philippines.
- Oil Crops : Plants grown for the oil extracted from their seeds or fruits. Examples: Coconut (crucial to the Philippine economy), soybeans , and sunflowers.
- Sugar Crops : Plants grown specifically for their sugar content. Example: Sugarcane.
- Biofuel Crops : Crops used to produce biofuels like ethanol. Examples: Sugarcane , cassava , and corn.
- Annuals : Plants that complete their life cycle (germination, growth, reproduction, death) within a single growing season. Example: Most rice
varieties.
- Biennials : Plants that take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Example: Some vegetables like carrots (although often treated as annuals in intensive agriculture).
- Perennials : Plants that live for more than two years, often continuing to reproduce yearly. Examples: Mango trees , coconut palms.
- Pomological : Relating to the cultivation of fruits.
- Olericultural : Relating to the cultivation of vegetables.
II. Examples Specific to Philippine Agriculture:
The Philippines' diverse climate and geography support a wide array of crops. Let's illustrate with examples that integrate several key terms:
- Rice ( Oryza sativa ): A cereal, an annual agronomic crop, cultivated extensively across many regions of the Philippines.
- Mango ( Mangifera indica ): A fruit crop (pomological), a perennial horticultural crop grown intensively in certain areas.
- Coconut ( Cocos nucifera ): A perennial plantation crop, grown for its oil (oil crop), fiber (fiber crop), and water.
- Cassava ( Manihot esculenta ): A root and tuber crop, often grown as an agronomic crop but also used in higher-value products. It is a very important source of carbohydrates for Filipinos.
