PhytoTalks (online ISSN: 3049-0677) is a quarterly, peer-reviewed, open-access botanical journal with the goal of disseminating research in the field of botanical sciences. The journal will publish research from throughout the world in the areas of plant sciences, agricultural sciences, horticulture, microbiology, plant biotechnology, phytochemistry, aquatic botany, plant-based biofuels, algology, phycology, lichenology, bryology, gymnosperms, pteridophytes, paleobotany, etc. The journal will also include recent topics such as algae-based biofuels, phytodegradation, phytoremediation, transgenic plants, climate change, stress physiology, molecular biology, organic farming of food and medicinal plants, ethnobotany, etc. Indexing and Abstracting Dimensions|OpenAlex| Google Scholar|WorldCat (OCLC)|J-Gate|Research4life| |BASE|EZB| PlumX (Elsevier)| Cite Factor|EuroPub|SJIF|Index Copernicus|ABCD|R Discovery| LiveDNA| Semantic Scholar| ACSE| ResearchBib|Scilit|ROAD|Scholar9| Cosmos| ASCI| Journal Checker Tool|ORCID| Library Hub Discover|Harverd Library|Crossref DOI|BroZine Library|Reviewer Credits| ResearchGate| Aim and Scope A changing global environment poses dangers to humanity, including declining natural biodiversity, sudden temperature shifts, rising sterility, continued devastation of forest ecosystems, and depletion of natural water supplies. The environment, ecology, water, and food for our future generation will be severely stressed if the scientific community and the political world do not take the necessary steps. The journal's goal is sustainability in the maintenance of soil health and all other natural resources, including air, water, flora, and plants. Through the journal, the stakeholders will become sufficiently aware of each other. Overall, the journal's scope is wide, and PhytoTalks publishes original research articles in the form of full-length research papers, review articles, case reports, editorials, short communications, etc. Manuscripts may be submitted to the following sections: Agriculture Anatomy Bioinformatics Conservation Botany Cryptogamic Botany Ecology Economic Botany Environmental Biology Ethnobotany Genetics Gymnosperms Horticulture Molecular and Cellular Biology Morphology Pharmacology Physiology Phytochemistry Plant Biotechnology Plant Systematics Frequency: Every year, the PhytoTalks Journal will release one volume. Each volume will include four issues, which will be released in January, April, July, and October. All new articles will be added to the "Early Access" issue when an issue is published, and then they will be added to the next issue when it is published.
Copyright and License Terms Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: Authors retain the copyright to their work and grant the journal the right of first publication. The work is simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License permitting others to share it with proper acknowledgement of the authorship and its original publication in this journal. Authors may enter into additional, non-exclusive agreements for distributing the published version of their work (e.g., depositing it in an institutional repository or including it in a book), provided they acknowledge that the work was first published in this journal. Open Access Policy License PhytoTalks is an open-access journal, allowing readers to access all published articles without registration. All articles are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC Attribution 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are properly credited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). License summary: This license allows others to: Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially Under the following terms: Attribution — appropriate credit must be given, a link to the license provided, and indication if changes were made. Author Warranties By submitting a manuscript to PhytoTalks, authors confirm that: The work is original and does not infringe any copyright, trademark, patent, or other rights of third parties. The work has not been published elsewhere (except as a preprint) and is not under consideration by another publication. All necessary permissions for any third-party materials used in the manuscript have been obtained. Citation Policy When using or citing articles from PhytoTalks, proper attribution must be given to the original authors and the source, including a DOI link where available.
Wild Edible Fruits: Nature’s Forgotten Feast
It is easy to forget that India's forests still serve a far richer, wilder feast in an era when supermarket shelves are stocked to overflowing with hybrid fruits in glitzy packaging. Fruits that have fed generations of people are hidden away in these verdant cathedrals; they are inexpensive, tasty, and nutrient-dense. The unsung heroes of our natural and cultural heritage are these wild edible fruits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Praveen Kumar Verma (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Role of Nickel in Plants Growth and Regulation: Essential in Trace and Toxic in Excess
Nickel (Ni) is essential heavy metal (HMs), it is required for plant growth and metabolism in trace amount, but it becomes toxic threat for plants in higher concentration. Ni is indeed a transition element that mainly exists in +2 oxidation state (Ni²⁺) and occurs in various salt forms such as NiSO₄, NiCl₂, and Ni(II)-EDTA, which exhibiting different levels of toxicity. Nickel contamination in the environment originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources; however, industrial activities such as mining, smelting, and alloy production are the primary contributors. These processes have led to widespread nickel pollution, posing a significant global environmental threat due to the extensive use of nickel in industrial and consumer products. Ni is a part of metabolically important enzyme urease, but in excess leads to its toxicity. Excess Ni shows some visible symptoms like chlorosis, wilting and bleaching (after long exposure of excess Ni) and it checked plant growth, decreased photosynthesis, and altered enzyme activity, initially due to its competition with other elements (such as Fe) for uptake. In some research it is found that Ni initially accumulates in plant roots, also found in low concentration in plant stems and leaves. Understanding the impact of Ni on plant physiological and biochemical processes—especially its role in nutrient imbalance and oxidative stress—is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its detrimental effects on plants, the environment, and agricultural productivity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nilu Singh, Divya Dubey, Rajiv Dwivedi, Girish Chandra Pathak (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Algal Symbiosis to the Ecological Success of Angiosperms
The success of angiosperms (flowering plants) is heavily reliant on their partnerships with algae, a crucial, yet often underestimated, form of symbiotic interaction. This review delves into the complex relationships between angiosperms and algae, highlighting the various types, processes, and ecological significance of these symbiotic bonds. It first examines the different forms of algal symbiosis—including endosymbiosis, epiphytic symbiosis, cyanobacterial symbiosis, and photo symbiosis—each playing a unique role in the plant's physiological and ecological processes. The discussion then moves to the molecular and cellular mechanics that underpin these partnerships, emphasizing the critical interdependencies and nutrient exchanges that sustain them. Furthermore, we analyzed the genetic control of these symbioses, showcasing the precise genes and pathways involved in their initiation and maintenance. This detailed analysis underscores the vital role algal symbiosis plays in enhancing angiosperms' adaptation, particularly in challenging environments, and offers broader insights into the connections within ecology and evolution.
Copyright (c) 2025 NIKITA GUPTA, Deepshikha Gupta, Rajveer Singh Chauhan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Mechanisms of Auxin Signalling Pathways in Plants: A Comprehensive Review
Auxin is considered the first phytohormone identified for its ability to induce apical growth in plants. Auxin is essential for initiating complex growth and developmental processes in nearly every plant species. Auxin is formed through metabolic processes and then transported to elongation zones, where it induces cell expansion. Auxin biosynthesis occurs primarily in the apical meristems of shoots, young leaves, and developing seeds, and is derived from the amino acid tryptophan. Auxin regulates numerous growth responses in plants, such as phototropism, geotropism, cell maintenance, and organ formation. To mediate these responses and their diverse functions, the nuclear auxin signalling pathway involves several key components. This modular structure allows this pathway to elicit diverse transcriptional responses depending on cellular and environmental conditions. This molecular process facilitates rapid transitions between gene repression and activation. This study outlines the contemporary paradigm of TIR1/AFB-dependent auxin signalling and highlights recent research breakthroughs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bilal Akhtar, Rajneesh Kumar Prajapati, Amit Kumar Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Cultivating the Future: Next-Generation Agriculture Biotechnology
Agricultural sector is facing many new challenges such as climate change, rapidly increasing world population and the scarcity of resources due to ever increasing population. With climate change, population growth and resource depletion pose an unprecedented threat to global food security. While with the technological advances with time, new techniques have emerged which helped researchers to analyze and develop new cultivars in crops. The future of agriculture biotech is swift to transform the farm industry, offering new-age solutions for world issues. The present chapter deals with recent advancements in Agricultural biotechnology (specifically cutting-edge genome editing techniques and their role in crop improvement) by giving detail about the up-to-date gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, ZFN and TALEN regarding its mechanisms, advantages of disadvantages of each type with respect to recently developed prime-editing technique which is considered as generation-next advancement. These new techniques provide unprecedented accuracy during genetic modifications. Various aspects of synthetic biology including 'omics' approaches are also discussed here. The present techniques may be useful to improve crop traits such as disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance and nutritional content in different crop genotypes. The pros and cons of using these technologies to speed up breeding programs, develop new traits or to solve important agricultural issues are also discussed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Swapnil Srivastava, Manoj Kumar Yadav, Pooja Saklani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Amomum subulatum Roxb. (Angiosperms; Zingiberaceae): A species that can change the livelihood of mountain inhabitants of Uttarakhand, Himalaya
Amomum subulatum, commonly known as black or large cardamom (Badi Elaichi), is cultivated in many regions of the state of Uttarakhand. In Uttarakhand, most of the farmers grow this species for self-use and not for commercial purposes. However, the species has the potential to change the socio-economic conditions of the farmers of the region. The present study was designed to analyze the profit of different traditional cash crops of the region and compare it to the profit earned by cultivating large cardamom. Frequent surveys and field visits carried out together provided information on rates per kg of the species studied. Data on yield per hectare was obtained from the department of Horticulture, Uttarakhand, while yield per hectare of large cardamom was obtained from the Herbal Research and Development Institute. It is observed that cultivating large cardamoms is much more profitable than other spice crops such as onion, tomato, garlic, chilli and coriander. Per hectare production of different species was 10 MT (onion), 11 MT (tomato), 6.7 MT (garlic), 3.6 MT (chilli) and 4.8 MT (coriander), while the yield of large cardamom is 0.25 MT per hectare. The rates per kg for different species are Rs. 10.00 (onion), Rs. 15.00 (tomato), Rs. 45 (garlic), Rs. 55 (chilli) and Rs. 60 (coriander), while the rate of large cardamom is Rs. 1500 per kg. Thus, net profit per hectare per year was 1.00 Lakh for onion, 1.65 Lakh for tomato, 3.01 lakh for garlic, 1.98 for chilli, 2.88 Lakh for coriander, while for large cardamom the net profit is 2.70 lakh per hectare. Comparing the net profit of large cardamom with other spices studied indicated that, cultivation of large cardamom is 5.02 times profitable than onion, 2.18 times profitable than tomato, 1.38 times profitable than garlic, 1.96 times profitable than chilli and 1.20 times more profitable than coriander. Findings of present study clearly indicate that cultivating large cardamom is more profitable and hence considering the economic benefit and presence of preferable habitat in mountain regions of Uttarakhand, large scale cultivation should be promoted so that the livelihood of the farmer can be improved.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abhishek Tripathi, Arvind Kumar Bhandari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Diatom-Based Multifunctional Biogenic Nanostructures in Water Purification: From Mechanistic Understanding to Innovative Applications
The intensifying global water crisis, driven by industrial expansion, population pressures, and climate variability, necessitates transformative and sustainable purification technologies. Diatoms—unicellular microalgae encased in intricately nano- and micro-structured silica frustules—and their fossilized derivative, diatomaceous earth (DE), have emerged as multifunctional platforms for water treatment. Their hierarchical porosity, exceptional surface-to-volume ratio, and chemical tunability underpin the removal of a wide spectrum of contaminants, including heavy metals, synthetic dyes, pathogenic microorganisms, and emerging pollutants such as microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This review consolidates current advances in understanding the physicochemical and biological pathways of diatom-mediated remediation, encompassing adsorption, ion exchange, photocatalysis, and biofilm-driven processes. Recent progress in surface functionalization, nanocomposite integration, and photocatalytic coupling is critically evaluated, along with innovations that link diatom systems to constructed wetlands, phytoremediation frameworks, and circular bioeconomy models. Case studies across global regions, with emphasis on Indian contexts, highlight techno-economic feasibility and socio-environmental relevance. Emerging frontiers, including nanotechnology-enabled hybrids, machine learning-assisted predictive modeling, and life cycle sustainability assessment, are identified as accelerators of translational deployment. Persistent challenges, notably regeneration efficiency, safe disposal of contaminant-loaded DE, and competition with membrane technologies, are also examined. Collectively, this synthesis positions diatoms as both biological sentinels and material platforms, charting strategic pathways for next-generation, climate-resilient water purification systems. This review provides a critical assessment of the physicochemical processes governing contaminant removal, highlights recent innovations in diatom functionalization that enhance reactivity, and explores the incorporation of diatom-derived biosilica into nanocomposite materials and advanced filtration platforms. Additionally, it assesses the scalability, economic viability, and ecological implications of implementing diatom-based technologies in real-world water treatment applications. By pinpointing existing research gaps and technological constraints, the article proposes strategic pathways for interdisciplinary investigations aimed at fully leveraging the potential of diatoms in shaping next-generation water purification solutions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Simoni Singhal, Prateek Srivastava, Jyoti Verma (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Differential Ion Partitioning and Salinity Tolerance in Willow (Salix spp.) Clones under Semi-Arid Conditions
Salinity is a major abiotic stress that disrupts ion balance, reduces nutrient uptake, and limits plant growth. This study investigated differential ion partitioning and salinity tolerance in ten willow (Salix spp.) clones under semi-arid conditions. Seedlings were irrigated with four saline water regimes (4, 8, 12, and 16 dS/m) for up to 105 days, and sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and Na⁺: K⁺ ratios were quantified in leaves, stems, and roots. Sodium content increased progressively with salinity, with roots (0.60%) retaining more than stems (0.56%) and leaves (0.30%). In contrast, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ declined, while Na⁺: K⁺ ratios rose sharply, reflecting ionic imbalance. Genotypic differences were evident: clone 131/25 maintained higher K⁺ and lower Na⁺: K⁺ ratios across tissues, indicating superior ionic regulation, whereas PN731 was more sensitive. The results suggest that salinity tolerance in willow is closely linked to the capacity for differential ion partitioning, particularly the restriction of Na⁺ accumulation in metabolically active tissues. These findings highlight the potential of salt-tolerant willow clones for afforestation, biomass production, and rehabilitation of semi-arid saline lands, and provide physiological markers for breeding and selection.
Copyright (c) 2025 T N Manohara, Neha Saini (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Formulation and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Herbal Tea Blended from Three Indigenous Medicinal Herbs
In recent years, herbal teas have gained popularity among consumers and are prepared from plants other than the Camellia genus. It is widely consumed around the world because it is believed to have health benefits and possess antioxidant potential. Therefore, the present study aimed to formulate an herbal tea blend using three indigenous medicinal plants [Ocimum gratissimum L, Ocimum tenuiflorum L, and Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis] by sustainably processing them through solar drying, and to evaluate their quantitative phytochemical characterization and sensory acceptability. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the 15-minute boiled sample exhibited the highest levels of TPC (147.98± 0.000 mg GAE/g), TFC (8.26±0.000 mg QE/g), and TTC (191.9± 0.0005 mg TAE/g), while the 2-minute sample also retained appreciable levels (TPC: 120.37±0.002 mg GAE/g; TFC: 0.013±0.000 mg QE/g; TTC: 35.5±0.0005 mg TAE/g), highlighting its suitability for instant formulations such as sachets. Additionally, the formulated blend consistently outperformed a commercial herbal tea (Organic India) across all parameters. Sensory evaluation showed favourable consumer responses regarding colour, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. These findings suggest that both extended and short-duration boiling can yield health-beneficial infusions, supporting the broader application of indigenous herbs in functional beverage development
Copyright (c) 2025 Shivam Talekar, Murali Kondeboina, L.R. Lakshmikanta Panda, Yogita Yadav (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Mistletoe (Viscum nepalense Spreng.) Infestation in Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.): Ecological Implications and Conservation Concerns in Protected Forests of Southern India
Extensive field surveys in Karnataka’s Bhadra Tiger Reserve and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary documented a severe infestation of Dalbergia latifolia (Indian rosewood) by the hemiparasitic mistletoe Viscum nepalense. D. latifolia, a slow-growing and high-value timber species, exhibited reduced flowering, fruiting, and regeneration under parasitic pressure, with severe infestations causing branch dieback and host mortality. Since birds serve as the main agents of seed dispersal, there is growing concern that the mistletoe could spread more rapidly under shifting climatic conditions. Considering the ecological significance and commercial value of rosewood, unchecked infestations pose a serious threat to biodiversity, forest composition, and the long-term availability of high-quality timber. These observations emphasise the pressing need for regular monitoring, stakeholder awareness, and coordinated management interventions to curb the impact of Viscum nepalense on tropical forest ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 TN Manohara, S.M. Balakrishna, Akshatha Madabhavi, G. Srinivasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Machine Learning-Based Evaluation of Nutrient Distribution in Grafted Cucumber Plants
This study investigated the effects of different grafting combinations on nutrient (Mg, S, Fe, B) accumulation and transport in cucumber plants, combining conventional analyses with machine learning. Greenhouse experiments compared non-grafted, self-grafted, and rootstock-grafted (TZ148, Cremna, Maximus) plants. Self-grafted plants accumulated the highest root Mg (0.095 µg/g), while non-grafted plants retained excessive Fe in roots (15.80 µg/g). In contrast, Maximus rootstock reduced root Fe (7.68 µg/g) and enhanced fruit Mg (0.414 µg/g), Fe (22.91 µg/g), and B (3.63 µg/g), while Cremna promoted higher S in fruit (0.640 µg/g). Random Forest models classified grafting combinations based on tissue nutrient profiles, identifying S, B, and Mg as the most discriminative features, supported by SHAP and PCA analyses. Overall, results show that grafting—especially with Maximus and Cremna rootstocks—optimizes nutrient allocation and fruit mineral quality. Integrating machine learning with physiological data provides a robust approach for improving rootstock-scion selection in sustainable cucumber production.
Copyright (c) 2025 Seher Toprak, Ömer Faruk Coşkun (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Willow (Salix spp.) Clones to Salinity Stress in Semi-Arid Conditions: Identifying Salt-Tolerant Genotypes for Sustainable Land Use
Salinity stress presents a significant challenge to plant productivity, especially in semi-arid regions where soil degradation intensifies due to climate change and unsustainable irrigation practices. This study evaluated ten willow (Salix spp.) clones exposed to increasing irrigation salinity levels (4–16 dS/m) to investigate their physiological and biochemical responses over a 105-day period. Key stress indicators—including relative water content (RWC), water potential (Ψw), osmotic potential (Ψs), relative stress injury (RSI), proline accumulation, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD)—were measured to assess clone performance. Clone 131/25 consistently outperformed the others, showing higher RWC, less negative Ψw and Ψs, lower RSI and MDA levels, and increased proline, SOD, and POD activities. Clones J799 and SI-64-017 also displayed strong adaptive traits. These genotypes demonstrated superior osmotic adjustment, reduced oxidative stress, and maintained chlorophyll content under salinity, indicating the presence of effective tolerance mechanisms. Correlation analysis confirmed strong positive relationships between survival, growth, proline, and antioxidant activity, as well as negative correlations with RSI and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. The results identify 131/25, J799, and SI-64-017 as promising candidates for cultivation on salt-affected lands and for use in agroforestry, bioenergy, and ecological restoration programmes. These findings support their deployment in climate-resilient, sustainable land management in saline-prone semi-arid regions
Copyright (c) 2025 Neha Saini, Dr. T.N. Manohara (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
In vitro minimal growth and pollen cryostorage as an approach to restoration of threatened forest tree species, Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. ex Kurz
Planting tree species is a sustainable approach to achieve landscape restoration but maintaining the diverse native flora of the region being restored is also very crucial to guarantee balanced representation by all species. Many tree species are facing threat to existence in their natural habitats owing to land degradation, competition and anthropological activities. Oroxylum indicum (Bignoniaceae), is one of those species which is categorized as threatened due to overexploitation combined with poor seed set, rare pollinators and low seed viability. Hence the plant needs to be conserved through appropriate strategies and in vitro conservation of germplasm in the form of plant cultures and pollen grains offers a suitable alternative. The research presented here describes the effect of culture medium modifications on medium term storage of cultures in O. indicum as well as methods for cryostorage of pollens from the species. For minimal growth, modifications in the form of decreased macronutrients (1/2 and 1/4), increased sucrose (5%) and use of mannitol (1%) in the medium were done. The shoot length and leaf number decreased during minimal growth treatments with respect to control and could be proliferated again in regrowth medium comprising of Murashige and Skoog’s growth medium along with kinetin and glutamine in 0.5 mg L-1and 25 mg L-1 concentration, respectively. For pollen conservation, initial moisture of the collected pollens was determined as 28% and viability was almost 100% when germinated on in vitro medium containing boric acid, chlorides of calcium and potassium, magnesium sulfate, and sucrose. The pollens could be stored for 3-6 months in -196oC temperature and remain 55% and 20% viable after three and six months, respectively. The findings will help devise methods to proper management of germplasm resources in this species through ex situ conservation so that the conserved plants can be reintroduced into degraded natural habitat of the species. Since the species has wide uses and has been utilized by traditional Indian communities, conserving its population would ultimately also benefit livelihoods of people associated with it.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shambhavi Yadav, Kumari Priya, Priyanka Kandari, Ajay Thakur (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Comparative Histochemical and Anatomical Studies of three Bambusa taxa
India's rich diversity of bamboo species plays a key role in the global bamboo industry. Bamboo is ecologically and economically important to the nation's development and has been used in construction and as a raw material for various industries. The present study investigates the anatomical, histochemical, and fiber properties beneficial for pulp and paper industries of three taxa, viz., Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. var. striata (Lodd. ex Lindl.) Gamble, B. wamin E.G. Camus, and B. vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl. The three taxa exhibited anatomical (viz., vascular bundle) and histochemical (viz., starch deposition) differences. The presence of thick-walled spindle-like parenchymatous fibers in B. wamin was responsible for the belly-like swellings of the culms. B. vulgaris had the longest mean fiber length (3364.68 ± 275.86 μm) and the thinnest wall (6.63 ± 1.8 μm), while B. vulgaris var. striata had the highest fiber width (23.07 ± 0.91 μm). B. vulgaris exhibited greater fiber length variation and more favorable fiber indices, including Runkel ratio, flexibility coefficient, and slenderness ratio, compared to B. vulgaris var. striata and B. wamin. B. vulgaris var. striata showed high fiber resistance to beating, poor digestibility, and low strength-related indices, while B. wamin displayed intermediate fiber qualities with higher sheet density potential. Overall, B. vulgaris proved most suitable for pulp and paper production owing to superior fiber characteristics that enhance pulp yield and paper strength properties.
Copyright (c) 2025 ASHUTOSH PATHAK, Praveen K. Verma, Himani Prabhakar, Ankur Prajapati, Vijay Sharma, Dheeraj Kumar, Harshita Mishra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Forest Flora of Haryana: An Annotated Checklist
Floristic composition across diverse geographic regions naturally changes over time naturally at a slower pace. However, the ongoing anthropogenic activities significantly impact these changes, usually towards negative side. This makes systematic monitoring crucial for effective protection of diversity and sustainable management. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) underlines the significance of periodic biodiversity assessments. Prevailing Forest Floras provide vital information on regional woody plant species, but due to enduring ecological shifts, updated documentation is obligatory for adaptive strategies. In Haryana, floristic studies date back to the 19th century, with contributions from several botanists and institutions over the years. In spite of various scattered studies on the region’s plant diversity, all-inclusive data on the forest flora of Haryana has been lacking. The current checklist treatises this gap by documenting 512 species of angiosperms and gymnosperms found in Haryana's forests, including 227 tree species, 203 shrubs, and 82 climbers. This work forms a strong baseline for future floristic research, conservation efforts, and sustainable utilization of the state’s forest biodiversity.
Copyright (c) 2025 PhytoTalks https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Dwindling Field Botanists at the Cost of Wet Lab Fundings in India: A Threat to Botanical Science and Biodiversity Conservation
India, known for its vast biodiversity and rich plant heritage, has traditionally depended on field botanists for the exploration, documentation, and preservation of its flora. Yet, in recent years, there has been a troubling decline in field botany research in India has far-reaching consequences for biodiversity conservation and ecological understanding. As funding shifts towards molecular biology and biotechnology, the critical work of documenting and preserving plant species in their natural habitats is being neglected. This trend not only hampers the discovery of new species but also limits our ability to monitor and protect existing ones. The loss of traditional botanical knowledge, passed down through generations of field botanists, further exacerbates the problem, potentially leading to gaps in our understanding of plant ecology, distribution, and interactions within ecosystems. The implications of this shift extend beyond academic circles, affecting various sectors including agriculture, medicine, and environmental management. Without comprehensive field studies, our ability to identify and utilize beneficial plant properties for pharmaceutical development or crop improvement is severely limited. Moreover, the lack of up-to-date botanical data hinders effective conservation strategies and ecosystem management plans. To address these issues, it is crucial to implement policy changes that promote a balanced approach between field and laboratory sciences. This may include allocating dedicated funding for field botany research, integrating traditional botanical methods with modern technologies, and fostering collaboration between field botanists and molecular biologists to create a more holistic understanding of plant biodiversity in India.
Ethnobotanical Comparison of Ocimum sanctum L. and Croton bonplandianus Baill.: Insights into their Traditional and Medicinal Uses
Ocimum sanctum L. also referred to as Tulsi, and Croton bonplandianus Baill., commonly referred to as Ban Tulsi or Jungle Tulsi, are two powerful medicinal herbs deeply rooted in traditional medicine, especially within the Indian subcontinent. This comprehensive review delves into the ethnobotanical properties and pharmacological activities of these remarkable plants. Tulsi, often hailed as the "Queen of Herbs," has long been revered for its versatile therapeutic characteristics. It is traditionally utilized to address a wide array of health issues, including chronic fever, dysentery, haemorrhage, vomiting, eye disorders, respiratory infections, diabetes, and gastric and hepatic disorders. Furthermore, Tulsi exhibits antifertility, anti-inflammatory, radiation protection, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, as well as antifungal characteristics, making it a truly multifaceted medicinal herb. On the other hand, Jungle Tulsi is sought after for its efficacy in treating skin diseases, hypertension, wounds, diabetes, cancer, constipation, abdominal dropsy, and various infectious disorders. Like Tulsi, Jungle Tulsi also showcases a broad variety of pharmacological activities, that includes antifungal, hepatoprotective, wound healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Given pressing challenge of multidrug-resistant microbial strains, the exploration of novel plant-based antimicrobial agents is more crucial than ever. Tulsi and Jungle Tulsi emerge as promising sources due to their broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. However, further research, including clinical trials and mechanistic studies, is essential to fully unravel the therapeutic potential of these herbs and to develop standardized, safe, and effective herbal formulations.
Plant epigenetics: What it is and role in herbal field
Plant epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the DNA sequence itself. These changes are often triggered by environmental conditions and can affect plant development, stress responses, and adaptation. Epigenetics plays a crucial role in how plants regulate gene activity over time and across generations. Unlike animals, plants can pass on epigenetic information more frequently through both mitosis and meiosis. Epigenetics plays a vital role in plant biology by regulating gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This allows plants to respond flexibly and efficiently to both internal developmental signals and external environmental conditions. In this article, the significance of plant epigenetics is explained in the fields of herbals, drug discovery and applications in crop improvement.
Impacts of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent on the Germination and Growth of Gram Seeds
Different types of agro-based industrial effluents are generated from various sectors and discharged into the different water bodies as well as in soil, and these are seriously harming the biota of those areas. Nowadays, to reduce water consumption for irrigation, treated industrial waste is now commonly used. This study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of pulp and paper mill effluents on the growth of gram seeds. The Petri-plate culture technique was conducted to investigate the effects of pulp and paper mill effluents on gram seeds and the concentration of such effluents were taken in different concentrations i.e., 25.0 %, 50.0 %, 75.0 %, and 100.0 %, as well as one as control (distilled water) was used. Different physical-chemical parameters of paper mill effluent i.e., color, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, suspended solids, chemical and biological oxygen demands, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, and oil and grease were evaluated. Growth metrics like seedling growth and germination percentage of gram (Cicer arietium L. variety: Pusa 372) seeds were measured on regular basis within 24 hours of interval daily for assessment of growth responses. Results indicated that the positive effect on seeds growth and germination of gram seeds occurred at a lower level of concentration (25 %) of paper mill effluent but at higher concentration of paper mill effluents (75 and100 %) there were negative impacts on seeds growth and germination.
India's Unani System of Medicine: An Age-Old Healing Tradition
Unani medicine entrenched in Greco-Arabic civilisations and deeply rooted in Indian cultural and medical antiquity, characterizes all-inclusive and adapted method to healthcare. Familiarized to India in the 8th century and utilized during the Mughal phase, Unani has progressed into a noteworthy constituent of India's diverse medical system. This old-style system accentuates humoral balance, lifestyle alteration, and natural medications, positioning closely with modern ethics of precautionary and integrative medicine. Nowadays, Unani relishes official acknowledgement under the AYUSH scheme and offers economical healthcare solutions, particularly in underserved societies. Despite its healing significance and historical deepness, Unani faces challenges linked to consciousness, calibration, and incorporation with modern medicine. This article focuses the historical development, fundamental principles, existing applications, and forthcoming potential of Unani medicine in India, contending for its revival through general awareness, committed research, dedicated education, funding and policy support.
Optimization of Natural Colorant Extraction from the Fruit Peels of Wild Pomegranate
Punica granatum var. daru, commonly referred to as wild pomegranate, is widely distributed across Himalayan region and is characterized by its sour flavoured arils (anardana). A large quantity of fruit peels generates during the anardana production, which are traditionally used for various herbal and tanning purposes. These biowaste peels are a rich in polyphenolics and other bioactive constituents. Despite of its phytochemical richness and traditional values, limited research has focused on the valorisation of its fruit peel waste, especially for natural dye extraction. To validate its traditional claim, present study aimed at the valorisation of underutilized fruit peels of wild pomegranate through protocol optimization for extraction of natural colorant. The influence of three critical parameters including material to liquor Ratio (MLR), pH, and time on the optical density were systematically examined. Additionally, biochemical parameters such as total tannin and flavonoid content were assessed. The optimum extraction conditions were determined to be an MLR of 3 g/100 mL, pH 3, and time of 15 minutes, under which a reddish-brown dye with optical density 1.41 was obtained with the yield of 18.33%. Biochemical parameters including total tannin content (TTC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were also found 0.28%, and 0.14%, respectively. The extracted dye imparted various shades of yellowish-brown when applied to different textile substrate. This is first time report that highlights a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for the valorisation of such biowaste, with promising implications for its integration into large scale sectors such as textiles, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
Morphological Report on Gymnostomiella vernicosa (Hook. ex Harv.) M.Fleisch. (Pottiaceae) from Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan
This morphological report provides a detailed description of Gymnostomiella vernicosa (Hook. ex Harv.) M. Fleisch. (Pottiaceae), a rare moss species collected from Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan. The species is characterized by small, dioicous, light-green plants that grow in mats or tufts. The stems are reddish-brown, with leaves that are spathulate to oblong, having a broadly rounded apex and flat, plain margins. The moss exhibits distinct cell patterns, with upper lamina cells being papillose and basal cells being smooth and long-rectangular. Gymnostomiella vernicosa thrives in terrestrial habitats, particularly on moist rocks, and has a wide geographical distribution, including regions in India, East Nepal, Bhutan, China, and beyond. The species’ occurrence in Rajasthan is significant, as it represents one of the few bryophytes adapted to the state's xerothermic climate. This report adds to the knowledge of bryophyte diversity in Rajasthan, particularly in the Ranthambhore region.
Physiological Responses of Boerhavia diffusa L. to the Heavy Metal Stress: Reflections on Chlorophyll, Proline and Nitrate Reductase Activity
The present study investigates the physiological responses of Boerhavia diffusa L., a traditionally valued medicinal plant, to heavy metal stress induced by Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb). The study focuses on the accumulation of proline, alterations in chlorophyll content and the activity of nitrate reductase across different plant tissues (root, stem, and leaf) during developmental stages. Results revealed that proline content significantly increased in all tissues of B. diffusa exposed to heavy metal treatments compared to their respective controls. Notably, on the 20th day, root tissues under cadmium treatment exhibited more than a twofold increase in proline content. Similar trends were observed in mercury and chromium treatments, whereas lead induced a comparatively lower accumulation. Stem tissues showed maximal proline levels in chromium- and lead-treated plants. Leaf tissues displayed the highest proline accumulation under lead exposure over eight times that of the control followed by mercury and cadmium. Interestingly, chromium treated leaves recorded relatively lower proline levels than other metal treatments. Chlorophyll analysis indicated a marked decline in chlorophyll a and b content in cadmium, chromium and mercury treated plants, with the most significant reduction observed under chromium stress. The chlorophyll a/b ratio remained largely unaffected across treatments. Lead exposure showed only a marginal effect on chlorophyll content. Nitrate reductase activity, essential for nitrogen assimilation, was significantly reduced in all heavy metal treatments, particularly in leaf tissues. Cadmium had the most pronounced inhibitory effect, followed by mercury, chromium and lead. The activity was consistently higher in control leaves, with root and stem tissues showing notably lower levels. The findings underscore the differential tolerance and physiological adaptability of B. diffusa under heavy metal stress and highlight its potential as a bioindicator or candidate for phytoremediation in contaminated environments.
Plagiomnium succulentum (Mitt.) T. J. Kop. (Family Mniaceae): New Moss for Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu, South India
Plagiomnium succulentum (Mitt.) T. J. Kop. is a corticolous taxa, growing on the bark of higher plants. The species is characterized by glossy, yellowish green, pleurocarpous, epiphytic, creeping, leaves distantly arranged on stem, oblong-ovate, margin throughout minutely dentate with distinct border; costa single, beglieter cells present; leaf-cells rounded-hexagonal to quadrate 2-3 row of narrow elongated, thick walled cells forming a distinct border throughout the leaf. During the present study taxon has been critically investigated and identified from Nilgiri Hills. It is reported for the first time from Nilgiri Hills.
Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated transformation, initiation and multiplication of hairy roots in Spilanthes acmella Murr.
Spilanthes acmella is an important medicinal plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Traditionally, this plant has been used for years to cure toothaches, stammering, stomatitis and many other ailments. This plant is an important source of various medicinally important secondary metabolites like phenolics, coumarin, spilanthol, scopoletin, triterpenoids etc. The present study was carried out with the objective to transform this plant with Agrobacterium rhizogenes to initiate the hairy roots formation. This study demonstrated the transformation, initiation and multiplication of hairy roots from nodal segments and leaf explants taken from field grown and in vitro developed S. acmella plants. The hairy roots produced from different explants were white, slender, showed negative geotropism and lateral branching. PCR analysis of hairy root was performed that confirmed the bacterial transformation. Among the field grown and in vitro grown plants, the explants from the in vitro grown plants gave a high percentage of root induction. Nodal segments from in vitro grown plant gave 90% hairy root induction and leaf segments from in vitro grown plants with petiole gave the highest rate of root induction which was 92%. Nodal segments from field grown plants gave 85% and the leaves from field grown plants gave 80% of hairy root induction. This study offers great potential to establish the protocol for hairy root induction which can be used as an alternative source for the continuous production of this plant’s important secondary metabolites and active biocompounds.
The bones of Livingston Island—history of plant succession in Antarctica
The bones found in the beaches of Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island - Antarctica are testimonies of almost two hundred years ago when the area was full of seals and whales hunters. The remaining´s of that period are composed of complete skeletons and dispersed bones, most of them around the area called Southern Beach, which was surveyed in 2020 and 2023. The plant coverage of 33 whale bones was evaluated using a square of 20 x 20 cm, and species found were collected for identification. The soil surrounding five complete seal skeletons was studied, and its plant community evaluated. The whale bones were found colonized by 16 plant species, being Pertusaria sp. (lichen) the most frequent and Deschampsia antarctica (the Antarctic grass), Brachythecium austrosalebrosum and Ditrichum sp. (both mosses) are reported for the first time on this substrate. There were found 5 mosses, 12 lichens, and one flowering plant associated directly to seal bones and other associated with the soil in the surroundings of the skeletons. Plant succession on bones in Antarctica is also occurring and any movement of them caused by anthropic or other interferences can change the community entirely.
Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud Schaefer
Impact of Environmental Stress on the Physiology of Plants
Stress causes a plant to develop in a suboptimal or terrible state, compromising its capacity to grow, produce crops, develop, or even die if the stress level exceeds the plant's tolerance limitations. It is made up of a diverse set of variables that may be divided into two categories: environmental stress factors (abiotic stress factors) and biotic stress factors (biological stress factors). While biotic stress factors are biological threats (pathogens and pests) that a plant faces during its life, abiotic stress factors include any number of environmental issues that impede plant growth, such as light, waterlogging, temperature, salt, drought, and heavy metal toxicity. Due to continued climate change and deteriorating circumstances, human activity has caused an imbalance in the level of food security. This research looks at the broad views of the various types of plant stress, their effects, and how plants react to these different types of stress. To cope with the stresses they face, plants usually exhibit a range of defensive mechanisms in response to stress.
Importance of Indicator Plants in Mineral Investigations: An Overview
The application of indicator plants in mineral exploration is gaining traction as a sustainable and cost-efficient approach. By analyzing the distribution and biochemical properties of specific plant species, geologists can infer the presence of subsurface mineral deposits. Although promising, this technique yields optimal results when integrated with conventional exploration methods, including geochemical analysis, remote sensing, and geophysical surveys. With continuous advancements in biogeochemical and remote sensing technologies, geobotanical prospecting is poised to become a key component of environmentally responsible mineral exploration strategies.
Bioinformatics' usefulness in relation to the Bryophytes
Bryophytes, such as mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, are vital species for studying plant evolution because they serve as a bridge between aquatic algae and terrestrial vascular plants. Their haploid-dominant life cycle, basic shape, and absence of intricate vascular systems offer special insights into the evolution of plants. By making it possible to analyze massive genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets, the development of bioinformatics has significantly advanced the study of bryophytes. This study examines the use of bioinformatics techniques and tools, with a particular emphasis on transcriptome analysis, comparative genomics, genome sequencing, and molecular clock research, to comprehend the evolution of bryophytes. Important new information about the evolution of bryophytes, the dynamics of gene families, and adaptations to terrestrial life has been made possible by these methods. We also discuss the challenges in bryophyte research and outline future directions, emphasizing the need for expanding genomic datasets, integrating multi-omics approaches, and leveraging advanced computational tools.
Nano-Biofortification of Millets: A Review
The world's population faces nutritional insecurity due to a reliance on grain-heavy diets low in micronutrients. In drought-prone regions of Asia and Africa, millets are a crucial energy source, rich in proteins, vital amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Biofortifying staple crops is a cost-effective strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in impoverished areas where access to supplements is limited. While the green revolution boosted agricultural output, it often overlooked the nutritional quality of food. Biofortification using nanoparticles and nanomaterials can enhance nutrient delivery and improve crop health without significantly harming the environment. Micronutrient-enriched nano fertilizers can increase yields and nutritional quality, especially for zinc and iron. Studies indicate that nano-fertilizers improve nutrient utilization, reduce soil toxicity, and decrease application frequency, making nanotechnology a promising solution for sustainable crop production, especially in developing nations