A five-day course on botanical nomenclature organised by Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Deccan Regional Centre, Hyderabad, was inaugurated in the city on Monday. It is designed for capacity building of researchers and students in scientific naming of plants, a cornerstone of taxonomy and biodiversity studies.

C. Suvarna, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force, Telangana, emphasized on the role of nomenclature in ensuring clarity and consistency in plant names, thereby strengthening scientific communication and conservation efforts.

The course is being led by K. N. Gandhi, Senior Nomenclature Registrar at Harvard University, USA, who will conduct sessions over the next four days. A total of 83 candidates from across the country, representing various organizations or institutions, are undergoing this course.

L. Rasingam, Scientist E (Joint Director) and Head of Office, welcomed the dignitaries and participants to the course.