Leaf functional traits and resource use strategies facilitate the spread of invasive plant Parthenium hysterophorus across an elevational gradient in western Himalayas.

Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) is a highly prevalent invasive species in subtropical regions across the world. It has recently been seen to shift from low (subtropical) to high (sub-temperate) elevations.

Enhanced plasticity and reproductive fitness of floral and seed traits facilitate non-native species spread in mountain ecosystems.

Floral and seed traits, their relationships, and responses to abiotic constraints are considered the key determinants of the invasion success of non-native plant species. However, studies evaluating the pattern of floral and seed traits of non-native species in mountain ecosystems are lacking. In this study, we determined (a) whether the floral and seed traits of native and non-native species show similarity or dissimilarity across elevations in mountains, and (b) whether the non-native species follow different allometric patterns compared with native species.

Invasive Cirsium arvense displays different resource-use strategies along local habitat heterogeneity in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh.

Climate change and anthropogenic pressures have resulted in a significant shift in the invasion susceptibility and frequency of non-native species in mountain ecosystems. Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.

Comparison of synthetic and organic biodegradable chelants in augmenting cadmium phytoextraction in .

This study focused to enhance the cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction efficiency in by applying four biodegradable chelants (10 mM)-ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and citric acid (CA), when grown in Cd-spiked soil (12 and 48 mg kg). Plant height, dry biomass, photosynthetic traits, and metal accumulation varied significantly with Cd and chelant treatments. Cadmium-toxicity resulted in reduction of plant growth and photosynthetic physiology, whereas chelant supplementation alleviated the toxic effect of Cd and increased its accumulation.

Biodegradable chelant-metal complexes enhance cadmium phytoextraction efficiency of Solanum americanum.

Toxic contaminants (metals and metal-containing compounds) are accumulating in the environment at an astonishing rate and jeopardize human health. Remarkable industrial revolution and the spectacular economic growth are the prime causes for the release of such toxic contaminants in the environment. Cadmium (Cd) is ranked the 7th most toxic compound by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (USA), owing to its high carcinogenicity and non-biodegradability even at miniscule concentration.

β-Pinene alleviates arsenic (As)-induced oxidative stress by modulating enzymatic antioxidant activities in roots of Oryza sativa.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a highly consumed staple crop worldwide, but abiotic/heavy metal stresses acting on the plant cause reduction in yield and quality, thereby impacting global food security. In the present study, we examined the effect of β-pinene against Arsenic (As)-induced oxidative damage vis-à-vis regulation of activities of enzymatic antioxidants in roots of O.

Bridging the gap: linking morpho-functional traits' plasticity with hyperaccumulation.

Plant species exhibiting heavy metal tolerance are instrumental in phytoremediation of metalliferous sites. Most of the time, variations in plant functional traits (PFTs) are overlooked while identifying hyperaccumulators. However, investigating morphological, physiological, and phenological variations can contribute to our knowledge about stress tolerance, and aid in identifying potential hyperaccumulators.

Amelioration potential of β-pinene on Cr(VI)-induced toxicity on morphology, physiology and ultrastructure of maize.

Heavy metals' amassment in the soil environment is a threat to crop and agricultural sustainability and consequentially the global food security. For achieving enhancement of crop productivity in parallel to reducing chromium (Cr) load onto food chain demands continuous investigation and efforts to develop cost-effective strategies for maximizing crop yield and quality. In this context, we investigated the amelioration of Cr(VI) toxicity through β-pinene in experimental dome simulating natural field conditions.

Salicylic acid pre-treatment modulates Pb-induced DNA damage vis-à-vis oxidative stress in Allium cepa roots.

The current study investigated the putative role of salicylic acid (SA) in modulating Pb-induced DNA and oxidative damage in Allium cepa roots. Pb exposure enhanced free radical generation and reduced DNA integrity and antioxidant machinery after 24 h; however, SA pre-treatment (for 24 h) ameliorated Pb toxicity. Pb exposure led to an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) accumulation and enhanced superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical levels.

Isolation and characterization of a novel hydrocarbonoclastic and biosurfactant producing bacterial strain: RP3.

In this study, an indigenous novel hydrocarbonoclastic (kerosene and diesel degrading) and biosurfactant producing strain  RP3 was identified. The characteristics of bacterial strain were ascertained through its unique morphological and biochemical attributes, 16S RNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. The degradation of hydrocarbons by  RP3 was observed at Day 7, Day 10 and Day 14 of the experimental duration.

Patterns of plant communities along vertical gradient in Dhauladhar Mountains in Lesser Himalayas in North-Western India.

Mountains are definitely the most rugged, yet frail resources and biodiversity-rich regions of the world. Environmental variables directly affect species composition, growth patterns, and the ecosystem resulting in a drastic change in the vegetation composition along ascending elevations. The present study investigated vegetation composition, nestedness, and turnover in plant communities along a vertical gradient (2000 to 4000 m) in Dhauladhar Mountains, Lesser Himalayas, India.