Plants Rule Blog

Thank you for visiting my blog! Two of these pieces are the first ones I ever wrote for the web and focus on how plants defend themselves—one of my primary interests in life.

I will expand my focus to cover agriculture in Santa Barbara County. In addition, I will continue writing about aspects of plants and phytochemicals that I find particularly fascinating and hope that you enjoy them!
The Fall and Rise of Industrial Hemp in the United States

The Fall and Rise of Industrial Hemp in the United States

For a plant that has been used for more than 8,000 years, the…
Plant self-protection

How Plants Use Cyanide to Protect Themselves

Since plants are fixed in place and cannot move to elude their…
Honeybee: The buzzing; the buzzing

The buzzing; the buzzing

As you well know, caterpillars are major pests of plants. What…
Chili Peppers Fight Back

Chili Peppers Fight Back

As you may know, spices have been precious commodities for millennia.…