INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT AND ENVIRONMENT

Impact of changing climate on Global Biodiversity

2025-11-02T07:42:21+00:00

Climate change has accelerated biodiversity loss by gradually altering ecosystem structures, endangering the survival and integrity of numerous species due to changes in optimal temperature ranges. Among the effects of climate change are severe droughts, water scarcity, fires, flooding, rising sea levels, melting polar ice, devastating storms, and decline in biodiversity. Biodiversity and ecosystems are at serious risk due to the long-term effects of climate change which are mostly caused by human activities. Sea level rise is endangering coastal communities, and biodiversity is under tremendous strain as ecosystems find it difficult to adjust to the quickly changing environment, leading to habitat loss and the extinction of species. As the average global temperature rises, extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, cloudbursts and droughts are becoming more severe and frequent; climate models are based on records of the kinds of weather that have occurred under comparable patterns, as well as on global patterns in the ocean and atmosphere. Recently, Dharali in Uttarakhand, Kistwar in Himachal Pradesh and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir have been severely affected through cloudburst in Himalayan range. Agriculture faces serious challenges due to temperature and precipitation variations brought on by climate change like heat stress is increased by rising temperatures, which interferes with pollination and reduces staple crop yields. Extreme heat and unpredictable rainfall deteriorate soil health by reducing organic matter and vital nutrients, while irregular monsoon patterns and decreased rainfall cause severe droughts and flash floods. Furthermore, the prevalence of heat-related illnesses and the spread of vector-borne diseases are increasing worldwide. Extreme weather events, air quality, water resources, infrastructure, energy demands, socio economic inequality, and the urban heat island effect are some of the main effects of climate change on urban climates.

Morphological and Molecular responses in plants to Salinity: An Overview

2024-08-08T13:42:03+00:00

In the soils of arid and semiarid areas, salt stress is a serious threat which constitutes nearly 40% of the earth’s land area. Salinity is the amount of dissolved mineral salts like the electrolytes of positive ions like Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ and negative ions like Cl-, SO42-, HCO3 -, CO32- and NO3- present in soil and ground. Salinity stress causes the generation of reactive oxygen species that limits the metabolism and destroys DNA, proteins, lipids and other macromolecules of the cell through oxidation. Under the influence of salinity, plants should fight against two main stresses: - (i) osmotic stress and (ii) ionic stress. In plants, balancing of ions is crucial due to high concentration of salt. Furthermore, the salt stress impacts on the inhibition of biochemical and physiological processes, whole plant growth through osmotic effects, particular ion toxicity, nutritional imbalances and disturbance in the hormonal homeostasis. To survive in saline environments, plants rely on a variety of stress-responsive proteins. These proteins include ion transporters that help maintain ionic balance. Proteins, dehydrins and proline biosynthetic enzymes support osmotic adjustment, while antioxidant enzymes protect against oxidative damage. Signal transduction proteins and transcription factors regulate stress-responsive genes, while aquaporins and heat shock proteins maintain water flow and protein stability. Traditional breeding methods have limited success in developing salt-tolerant crops due to the complex genetic basis of stress responses. In recent years, genome editing tools have emerged as a powerful alternative for precise genetic improvements in plants. Among these tools, the CRISPR-Cas system has gained prominence due to its simplicity, accuracy and versatility.

A Critical Review on Management Approaches for Brown Spot (Bipolaris oryzae) Disease in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

2025-07-24T07:26:23+00:00

In India and around the world, rice is the most major food crop. In India a Very large Area of rice is grown during the Kharif season. A limited portion of rice is produced with assured irrigation in rabi summer. Only 59% of the rice acres is shielded by irrigation, hence the production of rice is primarily dependent on monsoon rainfall. There is major enemy of the rice crop or its production are various pest and diseases, among these brown leaf spot disease (Helminthosporium spp.) causes major reduction in rice production. Losses due to brown spot affect both quantity and quality. In Southeast and South Asia, the disease decreases yield over the whole lowland rice production by an average of 5%. A badly infected field may see a 45% yield loss. Heavy contamination in the seeds causes seedling blight, which kills 10–58% of the seedlings. Additionally, it influences the kernel weight, grain quality, and the quantity of grains produced per panicle. The Brown Spot epidemic of 1943 was largely responsible for the Great Bengal Famine. But it causes large yield reductions of up to 6 to 90%. The need to develop improved management techniques considering the changing climatic circumstances has been of utmost importance for rice-growing regions. Farmers in various field locations across the world employ a variety of management techniques (Resistance, induce resistance, nutrition management, biological, natural by-products, resistant cultivars, Cultural and chemical). The simplest, most successful, practical, and economical method to manage diseases and increase production in a short amount of time is to employ resistant sources. Fungicides should be used sparingly as an alternative substantial approach for rapid and effective disease management and increasing rice production as the environment is changing circumstances and the emergence of the disease outbreak. The usage of phytoextracts and antagonists, on the other hand, is thought to be secure, environmentally beneficial, economically advantageous, and biodegradable. Utilizing plant activators is another innovative tactic that boosts plants' natural defences and lowers disease. In contrast to nutrient deficient plants, sparse nutrient plants are more susceptible to disease. A particular nutrient makes up for the pathogen damage by tolerating less of the sickness. Good management strategies are those that incorporate all conceivable mixtures of resistant cultivars, nutrition management, natural by-products, induce resistance, cultural, biological, and chemical factors. The most efficient strategy to battle the illness under the current climatic circumstances is to use a number of integrated management measures to address the disease's rising threat to future food security.

Progress or Persistence? A Comparative Analysis of Delhi’s Air Quality during Diwali over the Years

2025-12-14T05:45:55+00:00

The deteriorating air quality in Delhi is a serious cause of concern as it is posing a grave danger to health. The poor air quality is attributed to many factors such as vehicular pollution, thermal power plants, construction dust and stubble burning. For the last few years stubble burning has been implicated for the particulate matter surge and smog during the onset of winters. Diwali, the festival of light and sound, is also celebrated during October-November every year. Bursting of crackers during Diwali and celebration of marriages and other festivals during this particular time aggravates the pollution level. The present study analyzed the data available on the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) portal of different sites, from east, west, north and south Delhi. The surge in PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels was observed in most of the stations. The stubble burning incidents and the weather parameters were also studied from the available data sources. West Delhi stations (Ashok Vihar and Punjabi Bagh) showed high PM 2.5 but PM 10 was found the highest in East Delhi station (Anand Vihar). Though the stubble burning was contained in Haryana, the wind direction and the speed seems to be the major cause for the surge. The present strategies adopted by the government agencies did not work as the water spraying did not improve the air quality at any of the places where it was tested and cloud seeding could not be executed.

Therefore, public transport usage, microclimatic studies, plantations at selected sites, and technological advancements are very important. Interdisciplinary research to understand the pollution-climate dynamics using mathematical models will help in planning better strategies in future.

Harnessing the Role of Scientoon (Scientific Cartoon) in promoting Hydroponics: Empowering Farmers for Sustainable Agricultural Practices

2025-11-13T14:49:43+00:00

This study investigates the role of scientific cartoon (Scientoon) along with underlying factors in promoting awareness and willingness to adopt hydroponics among rural people. A series of Scientoon was developed focusing on the benefits of hydroponics and presented to rural people. To assess the change in level of awareness, a sample of 390 respondents were gathered through pre- and post-session surveys and interviews. To analyze the data of the study descriptive statistics, limited dependent variable model, and McNemar test were utilized. The results revealed a significant and positive impact of Scientoon intervention on awareness and willingness to adopt hydroponics. Factors like gender, education, and occupation were found to positively influence awareness, whereas the age had a negative but insignificant effect. The McNemar test ( also confirms a meaningful positive change in awareness after Scientoon intervention. The study demonstrates the potential of Scientoon as a cost-effective tool for science communication and agriculture extension in low-literacy, rural areas. It also offers insights for future interdisciplinary research in rural development. This is one of the pioneer studies to evaluate the impact of the scientific cartoon (Scientoon) in promoting sustainable agriculture practices like hydroponics, demonstrating their implication in rural extension efforts.

Response of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on growth, flowering and yield of strawberry Fragaria x ananassa Duch cv. Winter Dawn

2026-01-30T11:13:16+00:00

The present study was carried out during 2024–25 at the Horticultural Research Farm of the Narayan Institute of Agricultural Sciences (NIAS) to assess the influence of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on growth, flowering and yield of strawberry. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design comprising ten treatments with three replications. Treatments included control, 100% recommended NPK, farmyard manure (FYM @ 20 t ha⁻¹), vermicompost (10 t ha⁻¹) and their combinations with different levels of NPK. Results indicated that the integrated application of vermicompost (10 t ha⁻¹) + 100% NPK significantly improved vegetative growth parameters such as plant height, plant spread, number of leaves and leaf area, along with earliness of flowering, number of flowers per plant, fruit set per plant and duration of harvesting over other treatments. The same treatment also produced superior fruit characteristics, including maximum fruit length, width, volume, weight, number of fruits per plant and overall yield, followed by FYM (20 t ha⁻¹) + 100% NPK. In contrast, the lowest values for all growth, flowering and yield attributes were recorded under the control treatment. The findings clearly demonstrate that integrated use of organic manures, particularly vermicompost, in combination with recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers is an effective strategy for enhancing productivity of strawberry.

Bioconcentration and Translocation Dynamics of Cadmium and Copper in Wetland Associated Plant Species: Implications for Phytostabilization and Phytoextractionz

2025-10-01T08:05:31+00:00

Heavy metal contamination of soils and aquatic ecosystems poses ecological and health risks, with cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) among the most critical pollutants. Conventional remediation is often costly and disruptive, whereas phytoremediation offers a sustainable alternative. Yet, species-specific strategies in metal uptake remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the phytoremediation potential of four aquatic macrophytes viz. Alternanthera philoxeroides, Juncellus alopecuroides, Physalis minima, and Portulaca oleracea in pot experiments with graded Cd and Cu concentrations (50-400 mg kg⁻¹). Plants were cultivated for 60 days, harvested, and analysed for tissue accumulation using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Uptake efficiency was assessed through bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and regression analyses.

Results showed a consistent tissue distribution of root > shoot > leaf for both metals, confirming root dominance in sequestration. A. philoxeroides and J. alopecuroides recorded root BCF > 3 with TF < 1, validating their role as Cd phytostabilizers. In contrast, J. alopecuroides displayed strong Cu phytoextraction, with shoot BCF > 2, steep regression slopes, and moderately higher TF values. A. philoxeroides showed moderate Cu accumulation, while P. minima and P. oleracea consistently exhibited low uptake, restricting their role to weak stabilization. Two-way ANOVA confirmed significant effects of species and concentration (p < 0.05), while regression models (R² > 0.95) demonstrated predictable dose–response relationships.

The study highlights distinct species-specific strategies: Cd phytostabilization and Cu phytoextraction. J. alopecuroides is identified as a strong Cu extractor and A. philoxeroides as a Cd stabilizer, offering practical applications for sustainable remediation.

Suitability of Mentha arvensis L. for Phyto-stabilization and Remediation of Heavy Metals/Metalloid Rich Fly-ash Contaminated Soil

2026-04-07T17:46:44+00:00

Agricultural fields nearby thermal power plant receives air blown fly ash in huge amount. The fly ash contains heavy metals/metalloids along with essential elements for plant growth and productivity. The conventional crops growing in the fly ash contaminated agrifields accumulate toxic metals in different tissues. Thus, there is need to explore the crop plant of economic importance for phyto-stabilization of fly ash contaminated agrifields and slowdown the rate of metals/metalloid entering in food chain. In the present study, Mentha arvensis (var. Kosi) was used to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses in six concentrations (w/w) of fly ash (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 100%). The morphometric traits, growth and photosynthetic pigments were analysed in M. arvensis and found maximum shoot & root length, biomass, no. of leaves and primary branches at 15% fly ash mixed soil. Chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids were elevated with 15% fly ash exposure while reduced at 100% fly ash. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde & hydrogen peroxide) were also significantly (Tukey-HSD post-hoc, p < 0.05) upregulated with rising level of fly ash. Further, the level of Cellular antioxidants (cysteine, TPC, NP-SH) was increased up to 60% fly ash. The study also documented the differential accumulation of Iron, Copper, Manganese, Chromium and Mercury in leaves and stems of M. arvensis at different fly ash concentrations while reduced level of Potassium was observed with increasing fly ash levels. The antioxidative responses and potential of test plant to accumulate metal/metalloids make it suitable for eco-stabilization in fly ash contaminated agrifields.

Traditional Rice Farming in Wayanad, Kerala: Insights into Varieties and Farmer Perspectives

2025-11-19T06:12:26+00:00

The Indian subcontinent hosts a rich diversity of rice landraces. Because of their superior adaptation to the local climate, disease resistance, and other traits, several traditional paddy varieties have been maintained and cultivated over the years. The rising adoption of hybrid rice varieties due to the growing demand for food, on the other hand, places traditional varieties' existence under threat and could eventually lead to their extinction. The present study intends to document the traditional rice varieties utilized in the Wayanad region in Kerala and the reasons why farmers prefer them to hybrid varieties through field trips and interviews. During the research, we interviewed fifteen traditional rice farmers. Through literature reviews and interactions with farmers, we were able to compile information about the traditional rice varieties grown in the Wayanad district. These include the varieties Aayiram kana, Thondi, Gandhakashala, Chennellu, Njavara, Mullankaima, and Jeerakashala. Natural disasters, lack of available labor, and lack of proper policy from the government were the most significant challenges that farmers faced. The findings showed that farmers in Wayanad continue to grow traditional rice types for several reasons, including self-consumption, adherence to tradition, and protection of genetic diversity. In a world where lifestyle disorders are common, and the need for food is continuously increasing, efforts must be hastened to document, conserve, and promote indigenous rice varieties with therapeutic benefits and resilience to diseases and stress. Moreover, traditional rice farming may pave the path for sustainable agriculture due to its lower cost and maintenance requirements. The present study serves as a repository for the Wayanad indigenous varieties that are being cultivated and the rationale behind this practice.

Vegetation Types and Floristic Composition of the Buffer Zone of Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad, Kerala.

2025-09-10T07:09:50+00:00

Silent Valley National Park, located in Palakkad district in the Southern Western Ghats, which is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot in India. To ensure the conservation of the National Park an additional 148 km² of forest land has been designated as a buffer zone. The study carried out during 2019 to 2024 for identifying and assessing plant species diversity within the buffer zone of Silent Valley National Park. The natural forest within the buffer zone comprises of various vegetation types, including West Coast Tropical evergreen forests, West Coast Semi-evergreen forests, South Indian moist deciduous forests, Southern montane wet temperate forests, Grasslands and Riparian vegetation. This buffer zone is drained by two significant rivers namely, Bhavani and Kunthipuzha. The present work reports 1,077 plant species including two subspecies and two varieties from 671 genera, classified within 141 families, along with two gymnosperms. The enumeration has led to identify 121 edible plant species, 276 species with potential ornamental values, 168 endemic species, and 84 threatened species as per IUCN. The recorded plant species are grouped into 277 trees, 186 shrubs, 83 climbers, 20 climbing shrubs, 44 woody climbers, and 467 herbaceous species.

Exploring weather dynamics of Fusarium wilt incidence caused by Fusarium oxysporum in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

2025-11-14T14:44:22+00:00

A field experiment was conducted using the Bullet Lanka variety of chilli to evaluate the influence of meteorological variables and different transplanting dates on the incidence of Fusarium wilt of chilli caused by Fusarium oxysporum during the rabi season of 2021-22 at Sriniketan, West Bengal, India. The study employed weather parameters such as the Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC), apparent infection rate (r), and multiple regression analysis to characterize disease dynamics. A high incidence of the disease was observed at temperatures of 30.72 and 21.58°C, with evening and morning relative humidity (RH) of 68.26 and 72.43%, respectively, and in the absence of rainfall. The AUDPC and apparent infection rate (r) were lowest in the crop transplanted on 15th November 2021, whereas the highest values were recorded in the crop transplanted on 5th November 2021. Correlation analysis revealed that both maximum and minimum temperatures had a positive relationship with percent disease incidence (PDI), while evening and morning RH, as well as rainfall, showed a negative relationship with PDI. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R²) obtained from multiple regression analysis indicated that the combined effect of meteorological variables explained 81 to 90% of the variation in disease development across all transplanting dates. The findings highlight the significant role of climatic factors in disease development and provide a basis for developing weather-based prediction models for effective management of Fusarium wilt in chilli.

Zinc-induced Changes in Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Pigment Profile and Antioxidant Machinery in Cowpea under Controlled Conditions

2026-03-17T11:23:51+00:00

A sand culture experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc (Zn) deficiency on oxidative status and antioxidant defense mechanisms in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp., cv. Pusa Komal). Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions with varying Zn concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 µM. Optimal growth and dry matter accumulation were observed at 1 µM Zn supply, indicating adequate Zn nutrition. In contrast, Zn deficiency significantly suppressed plant growth, reduced root development, and led to the formation of thin lateral roots. Zn-deficient plants exhibited pronounced oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content, a marker of lipid peroxidation. The lowest lipid peroxide levels were recorded in the leaves of Zn-sufficient plants, highlighting the protective role of Zn against oxidative damage. Suboptimal Zn supply resulted in reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, along with decreased activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), while malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation increased. These findings highlight the crucial role of adequate Zn nutrition in maintaining an efficient antioxidant defense system. Zinc deficiency downregulation of the antioxidant defense system, making plants more vulnerable to oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species. These findings emphasize the critical role of Zn in maintaining cellular redox balance and ensuring efficient antioxidant defense. Adequate Zn nutrition is therefore essential for sustaining normal growth, physiological functioning, and protection against oxidative stress in cowpea plants.

Eco-friendly: Millet Crops Cultivation in India

2026-01-20T09:53:20+00:00

India is an agricultural country, and agriculture is central to its culture and civilization. It contributed 18% to the country’s GDP in 2025-26. Moreover, agriculture supports 46% of the country’s population. The geographical circumstances here are perfect for growing coarse grains. As a result, coarse grains are grown in around 21 different states across the country. Given the importance of coarse grains for human health, the government of India has launched the Shri Anna Yojana to promote them. The year 2018 had been designated as the National Year of Millets. The United Nations had proclaimed 2023 the International Year of Millets, recognizing the significance of millets worldwide. Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Kangni, China, Kodo, Sawna, Kutki, Amarnath and Brown top, sometimes known as Shri Anna, are examples of coarse grains. Coarse grains used to be the main component of our food and produce before the Green Revolution. The cultivation of wheat and rice increased dramatically, but the coarse grains vanished from our plates and fields over time. In the current world, we still have food security even if a lot of people lack nutritional security. Malnutrition claims the lives of lakhs of Indian youngsters each year. In India, malnutrition affects 194.4 million individuals, or 14.5% of the total population, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization. In terms of hunger, India is placed 102 out of 123 countries in the Global Hunger Index (2025) which is concerning. Therefore, coarse grains are seen to be a very healthy choice in this scenario. Furthermore, millets also have high nutritional content. These small, seeded cereals are power packed with vitamins (Niacin, Thiamine, Riboflavin and others), minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols and dietary fiber. Thus, these grains are considered superfood due to their intrinsic nutritional value.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Novel Investigation of Method and Applications in Selective Detection of Cu+2 ions

2026-02-26T12:06:10+00:00

Azadirachta indica (Neem) is a tree having dietary and pharmacological properties, and concoctions made from practically all parts of the plant, particularly the leaves. In the present study, chemical interaction between biogenic silver nanoparticles and a metal ion have been discussed as a Plasmon resonance sensing method for the recognition of divalent Cu⁺² in aqueous solutions. The study shows that green synthesized AgNPs using Azadirechta Indica (neem) leave extract as a reducing agent, was characterized by using UV-Vis Spectroscopy and TEM. The colour of the Ag-NPs colloidal solutions obtained was reddish-brown between 12 and 18 nm. The TEM analyses of these AgNPs shows spherical, triangular, and hexagonal shapes. Due to their divergent morphologies, these AgNPs can be used as Plasmon resonance sensors for detection of divalent Cu²⁺, primarily in aqueous solutions. Sensibility studies based on molar concentrations was also performed for the metal ion. The aim of the present investigation was to gain insight into the colloidal sensing characteristics for Cu+2 of crude aquatic extracts of neem plant leaves and synthetic AgNPs. This bio composite resulted to be good adsorbent material for Copper (II) ions.

Integrating Human Empathy with Plantation Practices for Raising Domesticated Vegetation in the Plains of West Bengal, India

2026-03-12T11:17:03+00:00

The basics of nature is for stabilizing the conservation of biodiversity, which also acts to maintain equilibrium in ecosystems, being the prerequisite for the survival of organisms on earth. The article is about focusing on an innovative plantation modality where ‘emotion to motherhood’ is an ‘add-on’ factor. Conservation of plants is generally accomplished through rigorous planting of saplings/seedlings, especially those of trees. The conservation process can be consolidated for achieving the desired output when the process itself is edged with humane empathy. In this article, the intervening framework of plantation practices, if materialized, will definitely result in unique viability for plant propagations by raising domesticated vegetation. Domesticated vegetation is especially considered a way ahead for the protection and perpetuation of endangered plant species facing the threat of extinction. Moreover, domesticated vegetation can also act as a shield to providing safe abode even to the plants growing wild. Forests and plants are intimately associated with human civilization, and the survival of humankind requires nature to live in health. Conservation is the only procedural option for assuring a definitive protocol for future generations to stay safe on the planet.

Community-Driven River Conservation: A Case Study of the Ganga Cleanliness and Awareness Drive at Brijghat, Uttar Pradesh, India

2025-11-07T09:36:02+00:00

The Ganga River is central to India’s ecological, cultural, and socio-economic systems, yet it faces severe threats from pollution, urbanization, and unsustainable practices. This paper presents a case study of the “Ganga Cleanliness and Awareness Drive” organized at Brijghat, Uttar Pradesh, on 10^th October 2024, under the leadership of Teerthanker Mahaveer University’s Ganga Champions Club and the National Service Scheme (NSS). The initiative involved 57 participants, including students and faculty, divided into three operational teams that conducted plantation, cleanliness, and awareness activities. The methodology emphasized participatory approaches, environmental education, and skill enhancement. Key outcomes included plantation of 15 saplings tagged with QR codes, extensive cleaning of the Ghat and fountain areas and public awareness campaigns through street plays, poetry, and rallies. The active involvement of local vendors and residents highlighted the effectiveness of community engagement in fostering environmental stewardship. Comparative discussion with other river conservation efforts across India indicates that educational institutions can play a catalytic role in implementing the goals of the National Mission for Clean Ganga. The study concludes with recommendations for sustaining such initiatives through continuous monitoring, local community partnerships, and integration into institutional frameworks for environmental action.