From Neglected Lineages to Emerging Bioresources: The Thirst for Research in Primitive Botany and Its Applications in the Era of Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Sustainable Development

D. Herin Sheeba Gracelin; P. Benjamin Jeya Rathna Kumar

doi:10.69980/redvet.v25i2.2496

D. Herin Sheeba Gracelin Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Sarah Tucker College (Autonomous), Tirunelveli - 627 007, Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
P. Benjamin Jeya Rathna Kumar Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi - 628003, Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i2.2496

Keywords: Algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Biotechnology, Ethnobotany

Abstract

Algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes and their associated microbial communities represent evolutionarily informative systems that preserve distinctive biological strategies for survival, reproduction, stress tolerance and environmental adaptation. Their apparent simplicity conceals an extraordinary diversity of biochemical compounds, genetic resources and ecological functions with considerable potential for pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, industrial and biotechnological applications. Research on primitive botanical subjects remains constrained by taxonomic neglect, insufficient field exploration, limited genomic resources, inadequate culture collections, fragmented databases, shortage of specialized expertise and weak translation of basic discoveries into commercial applications. This review examines the research potential of primitive botanical groups from an interdisciplinary perspective, emphasizing taxonomy, evolutionary biology, molecular research, phytochemistry, pharmacology, agriculture, environmental biotechnology, climate resilience, conservation and bioeconomy. The review proposes that the future of primitive botany lies not merely in documenting species diversity but in transforming unexplored biological diversity into scientifically validated, ethically sourced and sustainable bioresources. Strengthening research in these neglected groups could generate novel solutions for human health, environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of evolutionary heritage.

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