The objective of this course is to identify thrust areas of modern taxonomy without shifting focus from the traditional ones. With biodiversity and its conservation being areas of prime concern, the identification of plants becomes all the more important.
Classification: Systems of classification- artificial systems, natural system, phylogenetic system; salient features of the system proposed by Linnaeus, Bentham and Hooker, Engler and Prantl.
Botanical Nomenclature: Historical account of nomenclature, ICBN, Principles,rules and recommendations; Principle of priority, type concept, nomenclature of taxa according to their categories, valid and effective publication, author citation, change of rank, nomenclature of hybrids and cultivated plants.
Angiosperm Taxonomy-I: Aims and fundamental components (alpha and omega taxonomy) of identification, taxonomic literature, herbaria and botanical gardens.Keys for identification. Study of the following families: Ranunculaceae, Brassicaceae, Malvaceae, Rutaceae, Papillionaceae, Ceasalpiniaceae, Mimosaceae, Apiaceae.
Angiosperm Taxonomy-II: Study of the following families:
Asteraceae, Apocyanaceae, Asclepediaceae, Solanaceae, Acanthaceae, Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Liliaceae and Poaceae.
Economic Botany: Origin, cultivation and uses of wheat, rice and maize, General account of medicinal plants: Sarpgandha, Guggal, Quinine, Ashwagandha, Spices and condiments: black pepper, cardamom, clove and cumin, Oil crops: Sunflower, Safflower, Sesame and Groundnut; Commercial crops like tea, rubber and sugarcane