BOTANY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: A REVIEW OF CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

The 21st century has witnessed remarkable advancements in botany, driven by technological innovations and interdisciplinary research. This review explores cutting-edge developments in plant sciences, focusing on areas such as genomics, biotechnology, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agriculture. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing, CRISPR-based genome editing, and artificial intelligence-driven data analysis, researchers have gained unprecedented insights into plant physiology, genetic diversity, and stress resilience. Additionally, the integration of omics technologies, such as transcriptomics and metabolomics, has revolutionized our understanding of plant responses to environmental changes. The review also highlights the role of botany in addressing global challenges, including food security, conservation of biodiversity, and biofuel production. Emerging trends, such as synthetic biology and precision agriculture, are reshaping the future of plant sciences, offering sustainable solutions to pressing ecological and economic issues. This paper underscores the importance of continued research, policy support, and public awareness in fostering a sustainable and innovative future for botanical sciences.