A master’s thesis defense was held in the Department of Life Sciences at the College of Science, University of Kerbala, where researcher Shaimaa Mahdi Kazem presented her study on the classification of two rare Senna species in Iraq: Yellow Candelabra (Senna alata) and Brown Candelabra (Senna spectabilis). The research aimed to confirm their identification and establish a taxonomic key for these species.
The study involved collecting 40 replicated samples and conducting an anatomical analysis of different plant parts, including stems, petioles, and reproductive organs. Additionally, pollen grains were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a molecular study was performed, which led to the registration of a new species, Senna alata, in the global gene bank.
The research highlighted the significance of morphological traits and anatomical variations in species identification and demonstrated the effectiveness of SEM analysis in distinguishing between them. Furthermore, molecular analysis provided an accurate classification of the species.
The study recommended the cultivation of rare Senna species for conservation, further research on other species within the genus to better understand their characteristics, and exploration of nanoparticles and their potential pharmaceutical applications in the future.