QR CODE-BASED DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANT DIVERSITY AT TEERTHANKER MAHAVEER UNIVERSITY, MORADABAD, UTTAR PRADESH: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SMART BOTANICAL EDUCATION

Abstract

The present study was conducted at the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden established at Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, where QR code technology was implemented for digital citation and documentation of medicinal plant species. The garden consists of more than 91 medicinal, aromatic, ethno-botanical, horticultural, sacred, and economically important plant species including Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don, Curcuma longa L., Aloe barbadensis Mill., and Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. etc. Unique QR codes were generated for each species and linked to a digital database containing botanical, ecological, medicinal, taxonomic, and ethno botanical information. The study evaluated the role of QR code technology in enhancing biodiversity conservation, educational interaction, accessibility of plant information, and sustainable campus initiatives. Results indicated significant improvement in visitor engagement, botanical awareness, and Experiential Learning Program (ELPs) among students and researchers. The QR code system provided rapid access to authenticated information through smartphones and demonstrated potential for replication in botanical gardens, universities, and biodiversity parks etc. The study highlights the importance of integrating modern information technologies with traditional medicinal plant knowledge for sustainable biodiversity conservation and digital education.