Crop Groups and Terminologies
1. Agronomic or Field crops
 Agronomy is a term derived from the Latin word “Agros”, meaning field or farm and “Nomos” pertaining to management.
 Agronomic crops are annual herbaceous plants that are grown on the farm under a system if “extensive’ or Large-scale culture. The crops
can be further grouped based on the manner by which they are utilized.
a. Cereal or grain crops  -  belonging to the grass family,
Graminaceae, which are utilized as staples. The word “cereal” is
derived from the name of the most important grain deity, the Roman
Goddess Ceres.
The most important cereal crops grown in the Philippines are
rice and corn. Sorghum is a minor cereal crop grown in the country.
Millet (Pennesitum typboides  and Eleusine coracana) and sorghum
are important staples in India, Middle East and Africa. Wheat
(Triticum aestivum) is the principal grain crop in temperate countries, purpureum); Guinea grass (Panicum maximum);  Paragrass
notably North America, Europe, Middle East, Argentina and
Australia.
b. Grain Legumes or pulses  – it belongs to family
Leguminoseae. It is consumed in the dry seed form. The legumes
are rich sources of protein. The plants possess the ability to fix
nitrogen from the air in symbiotic association with Rhizobium
bacteria. The major legume crops in the Philippines are: mungbean,
peanut and soybean.
2. Horticultural Crops
The term “horticulture” is derived from the Latin words “Hortus”,
meaning garden and “colere”, to cultivate.
Horticultural crops are annual and perennial species which are
grown under a system if “intensive” culture which means they usually
require special care. They can be further grouped in relation to the
manner that they are utilized.
A. Olericulture or vegetable group – this consist of a broad
range of crops including leafy, fruit and root vegetables.
Leafy Vegetables  – Crops grown mainly for their leaves. Ex. pechay,
mustard
Cole Crops or Crucifers  – crops that belong to the crucifer family
specifically; cabbage, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage
Root and Bulb Crops  – crops with swollen underground stems or
roots. Ex. Sweet potato, onion, garlic, carrot, radish, potato and
ginger.
Legumes or Pulses  – Crops belonging to the legume family. Ex.
Bush sitao, cowpea, snapbean, winged bean, Lima bean.
Solanaceous Crops  – Crops belonging to the solanaceous or
nightshade family whose economically useful parts are fruits such as
tomato, eggplant and pepper.
Cucurbits – Crops belonging to the cucurbit family. Ex. Squash,
cucumber, watermelon and muskmelon.
B. Pomological or fruits which are consumed fresh or in the
processed form  – This is a diverse group and some of the major
species are mango, banana, pineapple, papaya, lanzones.
Tree Fruits  – Fruits borne on trees. Majority I the crops belong to
this category. Ex. Mango, Lanzones, Durian and Rambutan
Nut Fruits  – Fruits borne on trees but which are enclosed by a stony
structure. Ex. Cashew, Pili and Talisay
Small Fruits  – Fruits not borne on trees. Ex. Strawberry, Pineapple,
Passion fruit, and grape.
C. Floriculture  –which includes a wide variety of species
grown for the cut flower industry and decorative purposes. The major
cut flower species are the Orchids, anthurium, rose and mumps or
chrysanthemum.
Cut flowers or florist crops  – Plant grown for theist flowers. Ex.
Gladiolus, rose, daisy, calla lily, carnation, chrysanthemum,
anthurium, sampaguita, orchid, heliconia
c. Fiber crops are sources of fiber  – the commercial fiber crops
in the Philippines are; kenaf   (Hibiscus cannabinus), jute (Corchorus
olitorius),  ramie (Boehmeria nivea); cotton (Gossypium birsulum).
d. Root crops  – Modified roots that is utilized as source of
carbohydrates. The major species are; cassava (Manihot esculenta);
sweet potato (Ipomea batatas).
e. Forage legumes and grasses for animal fodder  – the
important grass scpecies are ; napier or elephant grass ( Pennisetum
(Brachiaria mutica); pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens),
  The important legume forages are : Centro ( Centrosema
pubescens);  ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala); Townssville stylo
(Stylosanthes bumilis); siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum)
f. Crops for industrial processing -  the economic species are:
sugarcane, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum); castor bean (Ricinus
communis)
Cut foliage or Florist green  – a plant whose foliage provides
background in floral arrangement. Ex. Fern, palm, asparagus.
u  Flowering pot plants- Plants grown in container for their beautiful
flowers, usually used for display purpose. Ex. Chrysnathemum,
poinsettia.
Landscape plants  – these are plants used for landscaping purpose
Almost all ornamentals fall under this category.
Foliage plants  – Plants grown for their attractive foliage. Most of
these plants can tolerate low light intensities sine they have no
demanding inflorescence to support. They are used as indoor plants
by which term they are sometimes referred to.
Turf –  Turf grasses are used for lawns or greens in the gulf courses.
D. Plantation crops  - for industrial processing
Oil crops  – these are grown for their oil content. Ex. Coconut,
African oil palm. lumbang or castor.
Fiber crops  – these are grown for their fiber which are used for
textiles and etc. Ex. Abaca, buri and kapok.
Beverage crops – Crops used for brewing non-alcoholoic drinks. Ex.
Coffee, cacao and tea
Spices, condiments and essence – these are used to provide special
flavors scents and colors to food, perfumes, soaps and body
dressing. Ex. Black pepper, vanilla, citronella, turmeric.
Latexes and resins – These are crops where products of the sap
tapped from the bark or fruit peel are obtained. Ex. Rubber and
chico.
  Intensive culture  refers to a system in which a high amount
of inputs in terms of capital, labor technology is invested per unit are
(Janick 19720. In many horticultural crops, the products are of high
value as to warrant such large investments per unit area.
Intensive and extensive cultivation based on physical area has been
used as a point of distinction but this is no longer valid. In the
Philippines, sweet potato and field beans are still considered
horticultural by virtue of their intensive nature of culture. However, in
other countries where the production of such crops is done in a
highly mechanized and extensive scale, they are classified as
agronomic crops