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Climate change, coupled with the rising human population and increased demand for food, pose significant challenges for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of zero hunger, no poverty, and good health and well-being. These intertwined challenges demand urgent action to identify and promote un-popularized, underutilized, and unexplored climate-smart crops that can ensure food and nutritional security. The present study aimed to investigate the nutraceutical potential of Glycine soja , a wild ancestor of cultivated soybean that has been used traditionally as food and medicine in Indian Himalayas. Seed samples of wild and cultivated soybeans were collected from different locations in Uttarakhand, India, and screened for their phytochemical and biochemical contents using standard methods. The results of the study revealed that wild soybean contains a significant quantity of total phenols (27.44 ± 0.836 mg/g dw), flavonoids (3.319 ± 0.305 mg QE/g dw), and antioxidant activity (3.56 ± 1.090 mg AAE/g dw). Additionally, the species is a rich source of minerals such as zinc (4.68 ± 0.101 mg/100 g dw), vitamins, and amino acids such as histidine (0.95 ± 0.071 mg/100 g dw), isoleucine (1.74 ± 0.108 mg/100 g dw), leucine (2.94 ± 0.044 mg/100 g dw), lysine (2.13 ± 0.082 mg/100 g dw), methionine (0.53 ± 0.044 mg/100 g dw), threonine (0.67 ± 0.196 mg/100 g dw) etc. than the cultivated soybean. This study is the first to comprehensively compare phytochemicals, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, anthocyanins, and mineral content of wild and cultivated soybean seed quality traits. From the results of the present study, the inclusion of wild soybean in the cultivation system and daily diets might help to achieve livelihood, food and nutritional security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a bibliometric analysis of the published literature on Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) topic from 1992 to 2023 was carried out using Web of Science (WoS) as a data source. Analysis of the data was carried out using bibliometrix tool in R software. Additionally, VOS Viewer software was used to provide visualization of the bibliometric analysis through network maps. The results of the study revealed that a total of 3, 595 scholarly documents in the English language were published on ENM from 1992-2023, originating from 564 sources. Furthermore, a significant increase in publications was observed over the years. A total of 13,122 authors have contributed to the field, with "Peterson AT" from the University of Kansas being the most prolific author. Journal of Biogeography emerges as the most relevant source with 290 documents published, while Ecography as the most cited source with 8,485 citations. Collaboration analysis revealed that only 109 documents were single-authored, with an average of 5.07 co-authors per document and an international co-authorship rate of 50.96%. Additionally, our analysis shows that the USA leads in Multiple Country Publications (MCP). The development of sophisticated software tools and algorithms coupled with remote sensing data has democratized ENM research, enabling scientists from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the field's growth. However, like any other model ENMs have some limitations and thus the entire procedure used to create an ENM must be reliable, transparent, and repeatable in order for it to be used effectively in conservation, management and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abies spectabilis (East Himalayan Fir), a dominant timber-producing species in the Himalayas, plays a dynamic role in ecological balance and sustains various habitats across temperate to subalpine altitudes. Himalayan montane forests express signs of changes in the growth, regeneration, and population density of forest tree species due to ongoing climate change, including its upper distribution limit. The research was conducted at 30°11'02˝N and 79°39′36˝E, ranging from 3,100 to 3,500 m asl elevation in the treeline ecotone of western Himalaya. The study presents a comprehensive perspective on how water availability and its intricate interactions with climatic and ecological variables shape the dynamics of treeline ecosystems. The study's phytosociological analysis of treeline sites revealed the complex interplay between species composition, adaptability, and regeneration potential. The eco-physiological aspects of water balance were thoroughly explored, underscoring how plants employ various strategies to cope with changing water availability. The soil moisture content ranged from 32.17 to 73.50%. The dynamic nature of water potential (pre-dawn (ΨPD) and mid-day (ΨMD)) across seasons and years reflects and varies between -0.13 and - 1.25 MPa, the species' ability to adjust and manage water balance according to environmental shifts. Osmotic potential at full turgor varied from -0.72 to -1.77 MPa, these adjustments are crucial for key life cycle events of vegetative and reproductive phases of species. The strong correlation of water potential (Ψ) and phenophases emphasizes the importance of water status in regulating these vital processes. Furthermore, the study delved into the maturation and germination processes, highlighting the significance of Ψ and moisture content in seed development and germination success. The maximum germination of 46.33% was observed when the seed moisture content was 30.90 ± 3.11%. The observed correlations between cone characteristics and seed parameters indicate the existence of trade-offs that impact seed size, weight, and germination capacity, contributing to the overall fitness of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary (GWLS) hosts large number of medicinal plants and is a rich repository of indigenous knowledge and practices. In present day scenario such indigenous knowledge is disappearing in new generations day by day with the advent of modernization. Therefore, an effort has been made to document the aboriginal uses and practices of plants utilized by the local inhabitants of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary (GWLS), to treat skin related problems and help in wound healing. A total of 33 plant species belonging to 31 genera and 26 families are used indigenously to cure various skin diseases/wound healing. 22 plant species are non-native and 11 species are native to the Himalayan region. Various plant parts of these species are used to cure aforesaid diseases. Further, such studies would assist in developing a comprehensive database of plant used in various traditional medicinal systems or strengthening the healthcare in the rural ecosystem and also help in conserving the traditional knowledge and practices for posterity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]