Glossary

Ascorbic acid White crystalline vitamin, C6H8O6, found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables and used to prevent scurvy; also called vitamin C. Biological control Control of pests by disrupting their ecological status, e.g. through the use of organisms that are natural predators, parasites, or pathogens; also called biocontrol. Carcinogenic A descriptive term for things capable of causing cancer. Dietary fibre Bulky part of food that cannot be broken down by enzymes in the small intestine of the digestive system. Enzyme Any of numerous proteins or conjugated proteins that are produced by living organisms and act as biochemical catalysts. Essential amino acid An alpha-amino acid that is required for protein synthesis but cannot be synthesised by humans and must be obtained in the diet. Growth regulator A chemical substance used to destroy or inhibit the growth of plants, especially weeds. Herbicide A chemical substance used to destroy or inhibit the growth of plants, especially weeds. Infrastructure The basic facilities, services and installations that a community or society needs to function, such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons. Lycopene A red carotenoid pigment, C40H56, found chiefly in blood, the reproductive organs, tomatoes, and palm oils.

Mineral An inorganic element, such as calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, or zinc, that is essential to the nutrition of humans, animals, and plants. Monoculture The cultivation of a single crop on a farm or in a region or country. Pathogen An agent that causes disease, especially a living micro-organism such as a bacterium or fungus. Pesticide A chemical used to kill pests, especially insects. Polythene (PE) A polymerised ethylene resin, used especially for containers, kitchenware, plastic bags and tubing, or in the form of films and sheets for packaging. Relative humidity The ratio of the amount of water vapour in the air at a specific temperature to the maximum amount that the air could hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage. Retailing The functions and activities involved in the selling of commodities directly to consumers. Variety A taxonomic subdivision of a species consisting of naturally occurring or selectively bred populations or individuals that differ from the remainder of the species in certain minor characteristics. Vermicompost (or worm compost) Is produced by feeding kitchen scraps and shredded newspaper to worms. Vitamin Any of various fat-soluble or water-soluble organic substances essential in minute amounts for normal growth and activity of the body and obtained naturally from plant and animal foods.