Guest Editors
Dr. Andreea D. ONA
Email: andreea.ona@usamvcluj.ro
Affiliation: Department of Crop Science: Plant Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Research Interests: germplasm biodiversity, ethnobotany and traditional genetic resources, conservation of genetic material, medicinal plants, old herbs, new crops, plant breeding
Prof. Dr. Rodica VÂRBAN
Email: rodica.varban@usamvcluj.ro
Affiliation: Department of Crop Science: Botany, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Research Interests: plant anatomy and morphology, aromatic and medicinal plants, crop science and technology, plant ecology and vegetation studies, novel approaches in breeding, cultivation and utilization of aromatic, medicinal plants and hop, pharmaco-botanical and morphological studies of some medicinal plants, vegetation studies of native Romanian flora
Dr. Ioana CRIȘAN
Email: ioana.crisan@usamvcluj.ro
Affiliation: Department of Crop Science: Botany, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Research Interests: botany, bioactivity of plant extracts, crops science, essential oil, ethnobotany, ex situ conservation, germplasm collections, medicinal plants, mycorrhiza, phytochemistry, phytoremediation, plant histology, plant morphology
Summary
1) For millennia, human societies have cultivated and selectively bred plants, shaping agricultural landscapes through traditional knowledge. Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship between humans and plants, especially how different cultures, ethnic groups and communities use plant resources for food, medicine, rituals, and everyday life. Rooted in indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, this field provides invaluable insights into biodiversity conservation, medicinal plants, pharmacology, indigenous breeding practices, and sustainable resource management.
In an era of climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss, ethnobotanical research plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage while contributing to modern scientific advancements. From plant-derived medicines to climate-resilient crops, the integration of traditional wisdom with contemporary research fosters innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and ecology.
2) This special issue explores the relationships between plants and people, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and its relevance for the future, bridging cultural heritage with scientific progress. By encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to unlock the full potential of plants toward a more sustainable and culturally rich world. Join us in exploring how ethnobotany can shape the future of agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
3) This issue will focus on, but is not limited to:
· History of Ethnobotany
· Representation of Plants in Historical Sources, Literature, Arts, Culture and Religion
· Methodology in Historical Ethnobotany
· Diachronic Comparison
· Old Herbals
· Symbolism of Plants
· Biocultural Heritage of Genetic Resources
· Tinctorial Plants
· Melliferous Plants
· Integration of Plants in Traditional Households
· Botanical Traces in Archaeological Sites
Keywords
Biocultural diversity; Community-based biodiversity conservation; Ethnobotanical research; Ethnopharmacology; Indigenous knowledge; Medicinal plants; Ritual and sacred plants
Published Papers
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