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Glossary B

Bacteria

A single celled organism, usually no bigger than a few micrometers. Bacteria are present in every environment on the planet. They are vital in horticulture as they break down and recycle dead organic matter to acquire their nutrients.  Some bacteria can be pathogenic, causing disease, but most are harmless or beneficial, often living symbiotically with plants and animals.

Berry

A small, pulpy, frequently edible fruit, produced from the ovary of a single flower. They are commonly brightly coloured, juicy and flavoured, containing pips or seeds. Their job is to aid seed dispersal. Examples include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes and grapes.

Biennial

Biennials complete their life cycle over two growing season. They germinate in the spring/summer of the first season, producing stem and leaf growth. Flowering then follows in the second growing season, with the plants setting seed and dying. They will not re-appear the following year unless they set seed that germinates and grows in its place.

Biological pest control

A method of controlling pests using other naturally occurring living organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or disease. It is safer than the use of chemicals as there is a minimal health and environmental hazard posed.

Blight

Describes the symptoms of a number of fast acting plant pathogens, which causes brown patches to appear on plant tissue, leading to death.

Boron

(B) A micronutrient. Aids the use of nutrients and the production of carbohydrates.  Vital for seed and fruit growth.  Sources of boron are organic matter and borax.

Botrytis

A fungal infection, usually beginning on dead or dying plant material, which spreads quickly onto healthy plant material in still, damp conditions.

 

The best preventative measures are good plant hygiene, removing any dead or damaged plant material, and adequate ventilation.

Bud

An undeveloped embryonic shoot, sometimes protected by scales, which consists of an immature leaf, flower or shoot. Usually found either at the tip of a shoot or in the leaf axis.

Bulb

A bulb is a dormant, underground, food storage organ. It consists of a shortened stem with fleshy, modified leaf bases, where food is stored. E.g. Alliums, Tulips and Narcissus.