The Department of Botany of this University came into existence with the establishment of the Faculty of Science in 1958. The founder member and the first Head of the Department, Dr. Rajendra Sahai has been a renowned ecologist. Later, the first Professor and Head of the Department Prof. K.S. Bhargava, was the first student of Prof. F.C. Bowden. He was an able administrator and meticulous performer. Under his able headship the course structure and syllabi were designed. Prof.Bhargav initiated research in Mycology and Plant Pathology in the Department which attracted the best talent and meritorious students to opt for M.Sc.degree in Botany. He also inspired other teachers of his time to start research work in their respected fields. He was succeeded by an array of renowned professors as HOD; Prof S N Mathur -initiated research in Plant Physiology , Prof. S.N. Dixit-initiated the work in Plant embryology but in light of the rich flora ofthe area he later switched on to taxonomy of the Angiosperm, established a strong group of workers in the field of antimicrobial principles from higher plants; Prof. P.C. Misra- started Industrial Microbiology as a vocational course; Prof. Rajendra Singh -virologist, Prof. Kamal-renowned Mycologist, Prof. S.K. Singh-taxonomist and field botanist par excellence; Prof. (Mrs.) Kalawati Shukla a virologist ; Prof S C tripathi- worked on botanical pesticides; Prof Nisha Misra- Mycologist, Prof. P.P. Upadhyay, a virologist; Prof. R.P. Shukla, an ecologist and Prof V N Pandey- works on biofunctional foods, Nutraceuticals etc.

The Department has a sanctioned strength of 19 teachers currently. 11 teachers are working. Main Area of Research: Environmental Pollution, Forest Ecology, molecular plant Taxonomy, Stree Physiology, Neutraceuticals, Phycology, Plant Virology, Herbal Pesticides, Plant Physiology, Phytoplasma. Many project sponsored by ICAR,CSIR, UGC, CST, DST, DBT, have been awarded to the department.

Infrastructure: The department comprises of two premises, Pant Block (First floor), which houses administrative block, offices UG/PG classrooms and practical labs, library , herbarium and research labs of few faculty members. there is a separate Botany Research building which houses chambers/ labs of faculty members and a seminar room.

Department has a big botanical garden, Spread in approximately 4hectare consisting several plant species, with rich bamboosetum, glass house, green house and a pond for aquatic plants.

Currently department has procured Centre of Excellence Scheme (Govt of UP), 2020