I bet your scientific reasons can't prove if the plants feel the same pain when you rip them off. Come to think of it: they are also like humans: they reproduce, they mate, they transpire and perspire, and give rise to young ones. Some of their genomes are way too big than the organisms that feel the pain. (taking on your scientific claim) If you really are so concerned bout imposing pain in animals, eat nothing. If our buddha boy can do it for six months, i am sure you can too! cheers!