**Principles of Botanical Nomenclature:**
– Botanical nomenclature is independent of zoological, bacteriological, and viral nomenclature.
– A botanical name is fixed to a taxon by a type, usually dried plant material.
– Priority is a guiding principle in botanical nomenclature.
– Each taxonomic group of plants should have only one correct name accepted worldwide.
– The value of a scientific name lies in its function as an identifier, not necessarily its descriptive value.
**History and Versions of Botanical Nomenclature:**
– The rules for botanical nomenclature have a long history dating back to 1843.
– The first international rules were the ‘Lois de la nomenclature botanique’ adopted in 1867.
– Major changes were made at the 2011 International Botanical Congress in Melbourne.
– The Shenzhen Code was adopted in 2017 at the Nineteenth International Botanical Congress.
– Chapter F of the ICNafp was approved by the 11th International Mycological Congress in 2018.
**ICNafp – International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants:**
– Formerly known as the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, the name was changed in 2011.
– The current version is the Shenzhen Code adopted in 2017.
– The ICNafp includes special provisions for algae, fungi, plants, and fossils.
– Changes to the Code can only be made at an International Botanical Congress.
– The rules of nomenclature are retroactive back to 1753 unless specified otherwise.
**Impact and Importance of ICNafp:**
– The ICNafp aims to provide rules for formal botanical names for plants, fungi, and certain other organisms.
– The Code ensures that each taxonomic group of plants has a single accepted name worldwide.
– The ICNafp is essential for standardizing naming practices in botanical science.
– The ICNafp plays a crucial role in maintaining consistency and accuracy in botanical nomenclature.
– Changes to the Code are made through the International Botanical Congress.
**Transition to Modern Practices and Role of International Botanical Congress:**
– Botanists moving away from Latin terminology.
– Adoption of digital formats over paper.
– Influence on botanical naming conventions.
– Collaboration among botanists globally.
– Standardization of nomenclature rules.
– Promoting consistency in plant taxonomy.
– Advancements in botanical research and communication.