Combining an ancient tradition with modern developments: Latin and open access

Abstract

In publishing names of new taxa of algae, fungi, and plants, it is argued that it is advantageous to retain the ancient tradition of Latin diagnoses in combination with the modern trend of publication in openly accessible electronic journals. Leading up to the XIX International Botanical Congress in 2017 in Shenzhen, China, we encourage that, even in the absence of a requirement, Latin continues to be used for diagnoses and consideration be given to making it a requirement that all valid publications of new taxa be freely accessible electronically. Retention of Latin diagnoses retains the discipline's link to the past and buffers against the rapid evolution modern languages are subject to, and Open access allows the discipline's results to be available to the widest possible audience.