Digital Image Analysis of Spices and Condiments for Plant Taxonomic Studies
Abstract To address the contemporary demand of the world in the 21st century with the development of virtual technology, and to make the smart way of action with more efficiency, the department of Crop Botany, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) have taken a step to launch a web-based computerized version of Digital Herbarium and Herbarium Museum of crop plants. This digital herbarium holds a large body of collections of images of special crops such as spices and condiments for improving academic and research capability which can be accessed anytime from anywhere in the world. Images can easily mirror and elucidate the characters that can be described theoretically. Photographic specimens can provide an important complement to herbarium collections by providing teaching and identify resources that are easily accessible to the community with digital herbarium. Digital image also guarantees instant access and increased user interaction as multiple people can work on a single model simultaneously and easily access information on descriptive details, published work, microscopic preparations, and nomenclature. The launched Digital Herbarium intends to make maximum use of primary research material to connect the research community and general public, including school children, and take care of public interest and enthusiasm for teaching spices and condiments.