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@article{206485,
        author = {Aryasree and Anagha Anish},
        title = {Recent Advances in Forensic Botany: A Systematic Review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {2},
        pages = {1738-1746},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=206485},
        abstract = {Forensic botany has emerged as an indispensable branch of forensic science, employing plant-derived evidence to assist in criminal, civil, environmental, and wildlife investigations. Botanical materials such as pollen grains, spores, leaves, seeds, fruits, wood fragments, fibres, roots, and phytochemical compounds frequently establish crucial links between crime scenes, suspects, victims, and objects. Although conventional forensic botany primarily depended upon morphological examination and taxonomic identification, remarkable advances in molecular biology, genomics, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing have transformed the discipline into a highly sophisticated forensic tool. This systematic review examines recent developments in forensic botany with particular emphasis on DNA barcoding, environmental DNA (eDNA), forensic palynology, stable isotope analysis, phytochemical profiling, hyperspectral imaging, geographic information systems (GIS), and machine learning applications. The review further discusses the expanding role of botanical evidence in homicide investigations, clandestine grave detection, wildlife crime, illegal logging, narcotics trafficking, environmental offences, and disaster victim identification. In addition, the article critically evaluates current challenges, including methodological standardisation, contamination control, incomplete reference databases, and legal admissibility of botanical evidence. The review concludes that integrating traditional botanical knowledge with advanced molecular and computational technologies substantially enhances the reliability and evidentiary value of forensic investigations. Future interdisciplinary collaboration among botanists, forensic scientists, molecular biologists, and data scientists is expected to establish forensic botany as one of the most reliable scientific disciplines within modern forensic investigations.},
        keywords = {Forensic Botany, Forensic Palynology, DNA Barcoding, Environmental DNA.},
        month = {July},
        }