Agronomists make practical use of plant and soil sciences to increase the yield of field crops. Most people today have a narrower view of biotechnology as the genetic modification of living organisms to produce useful products. Plant biotechnology involves inserting desirable genes into plants and having those genes expressed. Breeding involves selecting and crossing plants with desirable traits such as disease resistance. Economic botany includes the study of botany harmful and beneficial plants and plant products.
Landscape design is also an important subdiscipline in horticulture.
Plant pathologists are concerned with both the biological aspects of disease and with disease management, or control. Includes teaching in schools, museums and botanical gardens, development of educational materials, and science writing. Bryologists study all aspects of these plants, including their identification, classification, and ecology. Fungi have a tremendous impact on our world. They are crucial in the biosphere because they help recycle dead organic material.