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Rheum australe D. Don [syn. Rheum emodi wall. ex Meissn] is an herbaceous medicinal plant used in traditional and modern systems of medicine. Due to increasing demand, the species is overexploited in their natural habitats, resulting in the loss of diversity. Therefore, conservation and sustainable utilization of this valuable species are needed. The present study assessed the morphological and genetic diversity of 120 individuals belonging to 13 distant populations of R. australe collected from west Himalaya. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were recorded in plant height, leaf width, stem diameter, and root diameter of the studied morphological parameters of the populations. A total of 120 genotypes from 13 natural populations of R. australe were investigated for genetic diversity and population structure using 20 inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) primers. All primers generated 70 clear and reproducible fragments with 91.87 % polymorphism. Maximum genetic diversity (He = 0.462; Pp = 100 %) was found in the Maiktoli population, whereas it was minimum (He = 0.294; Pp = 78.57 %) in the Kuari Pass population. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) exhibited high intrapopulation genetic variations (90 %) as compared to interpopulation (10 %) variations. The habitat-wise comparative assessment showed higher genetic diversity (He = 0.39; Pp = 93.81 %) in open, rocky, and grassy slope habitats. The population STRUCTURE analysis displayed that the best possible value of K was 3 for R. australe populations, as assessed by the ∆K statistics. The findings of the present study can be useful for developing conservation protocols, evolutionary genetics, genetic improvement, and management of this important medicinal species in the region. [Display omitted] • This is the first report that assesses the morphological and genetic diversity of Rheum austral collected from diverse habitat of Uttarakhand Himalaya. • Rheum austral root are rich in anthraquinone derivatives such as physcion, emodin, chrysophanol, aloe emodin, and rhein. • The AMOVA analysis revealed higher genetic variation (90 %) within the population than among the population (10 %). • STRUCTURE analysis grouped the R. australe into 3 genetic cluster (K = 3) with less admixture. • The study is suitable to detect elite genotypes of the species for future breeding and devising conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are known for their traditional and modern medicinal values to treat health disorders. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (known as Hattajari and Salampanja) is one of these medicinal plants, which is highly praised and valued medicinal plant in alpine regions. The plant has been widely used by the local inhabitants for treating various ailments due to which its demand has increased in the herbal industries. The present study evaluates the distribution and threat status using extensive field surveys and MaxEnt computer package. The distribution was assessed using environmental variables derived from WorldClim data set and slope, aspect, elevation, drainage, soil, geomorphology, land use/land cover (derived from IRS Landsat-8), and 53 well-dispersed field and literature survey species occurrence points. Phyto-sociological information collected using Rapid Mapping Exercise (RME) (50 transects of 500 m in length, each transect having four plots of 1 × 1 m in size at every 50 m distance in east, west, north, and south direction, with a total of 40 plots in one transect) were laid in 26 population sites. The results reveal that the highly suitable habitat of D. hatagirea is only ~177.13 km2 where the species ranges between 0.1 and 2.2 individual/m2 in the alpine regions of Uttarakhand Himalaya. However, about 740 km2 area was found less suitable. Mean diurnal range, aspect, and slope were the most predictor variables for the species occurrence. The collection for domestic use, trade, and habitat loss due to excessive grazing by the heavy-bodied animal was recorded as the major reasons behind the population decline of this medicinally important plant. These findings assist in the identification of new populating and suitable areas for monitoring and in-situ conservation using field survey and range of environment factors that determine the distribution of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides the first comprehensive account of the glaciation of the Yankti Kuti valley of the upper Kali Ganga catchment of the Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Employing multi-year satellite images from 1990 to 2021, the study investigated the loss of glacial area, ice volume, snout recession, and the changes in the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) in the Yankti Kuti Valley. The investigation showed an overall reduction of ~ 21 km2 (~ 21%) of the total glacier area of the basin. The basin witnesses an ice volume loss of ~ 23% and ~ 41 m upward shifting of the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) between 1990 and 2021. The retreat rate of the four studied glaciers shows ranges from ~ 18 to 41 m/year. The glaciers in the valley are melting at a significant rate due to global warming, giving rise to the increasing number of pro-glacial lakes in the study area from 04 in 1990 to 10 in 2021 and making them vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the future. The study, therefore, calls for continued glacier monitoring in the upper Kali Ganga catchment in order to assess the future response of the Himalayan cryosphere and to make robust quantitative assessments about the sustainable mitigation and adaptation strategies in the lower valleys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the tree crop interaction under agri-horticulture systems in mid-hill region of the Himalayas. For the study two Allium sativum L. (Garlic) varieties i.e. "UUHF G 12-1" and "Agrifound Parvati" were grown under three fruit trees i.e. Prunus persica L. (Peach), Prunus domestica L. (Plum) and Prunus armeniaca L. (Apricot) and open farming system to examine the growth, yield and economic parameters of two Allium sativum (Garlic) varieties. The experiment consists of eight treatments [T1–UUHF G 12-1 in open field (Control), T2–Agrifound Parvati in the open field (Control), T3–UUHF G 12-1 + Peach (Prunus persica), T4–Agrifound Parvati + Peach (Prunus persica), T5–UUHF G 12-1 + Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), T6–Agrifound Parvati + Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), T7–UUHF G 12-1 + Plum (Prunus domestica), T8–Agrifound Parvati + Plum (Prunus domestica)] comprising two varieties of garlic; three fruit trees and control (conventional agriculture field). Among the varieties, UUHF G 12-1 was found superior in terms of growth and yield parameters. Among studied farming systems peach based agri-horticulture system performed better as compared to the apricot and plum based agri-horticulture system as well as open farming system. Overall soil properties were observed higher under agri-horticulture systems as compared to sole (garlic) cropping system. The gross return (17,804 $ ha−1), net return (13,276 $ ha−1) and benefit cost (B:C) ratio (3.93) were found maximum for UUHF G 12-1 grown under the peach. The finding of the present study suggested that garlic can be grown more profitably under the agri-horticulture system as an intercrop in comparison to monocropping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, 50 groundwater samples were collected from Udham Singh Nagar District of Kumaun Himalaya in the pre-monsoon season and 15 physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard procedures. Here, we represent the chemistry of major cations and anions to know the overall water quality and hydrogeochemical characteristics controlling the solute acquisition processes and sources of elements in the study area. The analytical results revealed that in the groundwater samples, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were the dominant cations and HCO 3 − was the most dominant anion in the study area. In all the groundwater samples, the content of alkaline earth metals (Ca2++ Mg2+) exceeded the mean content of alkalis (Na+ +K+). In 62% of groundwater samples, the value of weak acid ( HCO 3 − ) exceeded the content of strong acid (Cl− + SO 4 2 − ). Piper diagram, molar ratios and statistical techniques indicated that weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals mostly managed the solute acquisition process with very less involvement of human activities. Most of the groundwater samples were found suitable for potable and domestic purposes except for a few locations nearby SIKDKUL or other industries (the eastern and western part of the study area). Correlation analysis revealed the dependency of WQI values on Fe and Mn content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alnus nepalensis is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that occurs in the Indian sub-continent, South America, Hawaii, and China. It is a prolific pioneer species in freshly exposed soil in landslide areas of the western Himalayas and has the potential of fixing nitrogen. A study was conducted to assess the reproductive phenology, pollen production, pollen release, and pollen-mediated gene flow of Alnus nepalensis by considering a patch of trees as a pollen source in the temperate forest of Garhwal Himalaya to develop sustainable management strategies relating to the plantation geometry in seed orchards. Staminate flowers of A. nepalensis are composed of "cymules". The presence of bifid stigma and protandry condition were the unique features of the species. Flowering in the male phase was initiated in the last week of September and continued till November. Peak shedding of pollen generally proceeds peak receptivity by 1–2 weeks. The time between onset and peak flowering was 2 weeks 4 days and the total average duration of the flowering period was about 24.8 days. Temperature and relative humidity played a major role in pollen release and the maximum pollen release occurred at 29.2 °C at 13.00 hrs of the day. Pollen production per catkin varied significantly among trees. The average pollen grains per tree were 2.20 × 1010. The pollen-ovule ratio suggests that the breeding system of A. nepalensis falls under the class xenogamy. Pollen mediated gene flow revealed that the significant pollen which can cause pollination of A. nepalensis can travel up to 40 m uphill and 80 m in downhill directions. Thus, an isolation strip of 80 m is sufficient to manage the seed orchard of A. nepalensis in the western Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mahonia jaunsarensis Ahrendt is a narrow endemic wild edible fruit-bearing species found in Uttarakhand Himalaya and has the potential of breeding compatibility with economically important Mahonia and Berberis species. Berry fruits of the species were explored for nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant potential among three sampling locations. Fresh berries appeared a good source of diverse nutrients (carbohydrate 1.07–1.25 g/100 g, protein 0.97–1.13 g/100 g, non-reducing sugar 3.38–3.92 mg/g, and total sugar 9.86–12.87 mg/g); minerals (e.g. sodium 0.56–0.65 mg/100 g and potassium 0.99–1.14 mg/g); and vitamins (ascorbic acid 3.87–4.49 mg/g, thiamine 9.97–11.57 µg/g and carotenoids 1.67–1.94 mg/g). Similarly, phytochemicals (total anthocyanin 18.93–22.12 mg/g, phenolics 1.56–1.80 mg GAE/g, flavonoids 1.49–1.73 mg QE/g, flavonols 4.88–5.66 mg CE/g, and tannins 6.53–7.58 mg TAE/g) and in vitro antioxidant capacity (measured by ABTS assay, DPPH assay, OH· radical scavenging activity and FRAP assays) varied significantly (p <.05) among localities. Various phenolic compounds (particularly, chlorogenic acid 9.93–13.77 mg/g; caffeic acid 0.32–0.65 mg/g; syringic acid 0.30–0.47 mg/g fw) present in the methanolic extract also varied significantly among the localities. Thus, this phytonutrient- and antioxidant-rich genetic resource can be utilized for health-promoting functional foods. Also, the results of the present study indicated that the variation in nutritional, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activity among the locations can be utilized for elite selection, quality control, and breeding programs in the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain size analysis is an essential tool for classifying sedimentary environments. The main aim of the current research is to use granulometric analysis of the Bhikiysain palaeolake sequence along the Ramganga river to describe changes in the depositional environment within the lake during the late Quaternary. The granulometric analysis was conducted using a laser particle size analyser on 32 samples, collected at 10 cm intervals in a vertical palaeolake profile, at Bhikiyasain (Ramganga Basin). The results of the grain-size analysis indicate that the size distribution of the sediment is unimodal. The unimodal size distribution of the sediment suggests that the sediment was supplied via fluvial action. The Bhikiyasain Basin (29°43.106' N; 79°15.682' E) underwent tectonic activity around 44 ka, resulting in the ponding of the Ramganga river and the formation of palaeolake deposit. Based on grain size analysis, variation in the colour and lithofacies, the entire profile has been divided into 6 different zones (zones 1 to 6). The silt has the highest concentration in all the zones except for zones 1 and 3. Zones with high silt concentration are inferred to represent low energy depositional environments during the time of deposition. The higher amount of sand concentration in zones 1 and 3 represent higher energy depositional environment. For the whole profile, the sorting of the samples varies between 1.1 and 2.0, indicating poor sorting of the samples. The poorly sorted sediment in all six zones represents limited transportation of sediment from the catchment and also suggests that the sediment was deposited in a low energy environment. The ternary plots also signify the dominance of silt followed by sand and clay. The skewness values range from 0.1 to 0.5 which indicates that the samples are symmetrical to very finely skewed. Variability in the skewness values may be due to changes in the intensity of wind and hydrodynamic conditions of the lake. The kurtosis value ranges from 0.9-1.4, indicating the samples are platykurtic, leptokurtic and mesokurtic in nature. Variability in the kurtosis may be due to changes in the flow characteristics of the depositional medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For identification and adoption of improved and environmental friendly agricultural practices with minimum emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), observations were recorded for 3 years (2015–17) in a 22-year-old soybean-wheat based long-term fertilizer experiment that was started in 1995–96. The study involved seven treatments: control (CK), organic manure (M), inorganic fertilizers (NPK), integrated (MNPK), only nitrogen (N), mineral fertilizers in both season (NPK+NPK) and nitrogen with organic manure (MN). MNPK significantly enhanced the system productivity (9.72 Mg ha−1) with higher net return (3128 US$ha−1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.64). Due to better energy output to inputs relation, total energy productivity and energy use efficiency were reported higher in MNPK (0.38 kg MJ−1 and 4.76, respectively) followed by MN (0.34 kg MJ−1 and 4.26, respectively) and M (0.32 kg MJ−1 and 4.16, respectively). In contrast to C efficiency, C sustainability index and yield scaled carbon footprint (CFy), the spatial CO2-e emission (CFs) was found highest under MNPK (~5035 kg CO2-e ha−1) followed by MN and NPK+NPK and lowest was recorded under control. In sum, long-term organic and inorganic fertilization simultaneously in soybean-wheat system may be a preferred strategy for improving soil productivity, profitability, energy use and environmental sustainability of Indian-mid-Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern agriculture, reducing the carbon footprint and emission of greenhouse gases with greater energy efficiency are major issues for achieving the sustainability of agricultural production systems. To address this issue, a long-term field experiment was established from 2001 through 2016 with two contrasting tillage practices (ZT: zero tillage; CT: conventional tillage) and four irrigation schedules {I-1: pre-sowing (PS), I-2: PS + crown root initiation (CRI), I-3: PS + CRI + panicle initiation (PI)/flowering (FL), and I-4: PS + CRI + PI/FL + grain filling (GF)}. The grain yield of rice, wheat and the rice–wheat system was increased significantly by 23.6, 39.5 and 32.8%, respectively, with irrigation at four stages (I-4) compared to a single stage (I-1). Energy appraisal results exhibited that 17.2% higher energy was consumed under CT as compared to ZT (25,894 MJ ha−1). Fertilizer application consumed the highest energy (46.5–54.5%), followed by irrigation (8.83–19.5%), and the lowest energy consumption was associated with winnowing, packing and transport (2.07–2.43%) operations. The total energy output of the rice–wheat system did not change significantly among contrast tillage, but higher energy was obtained under CT (214,603 MJ ha−1) as compared to ZT (209,728 MJ ha−1). ZT practice improved the energy use efficiency (EUE), energy productivity (Ep) and energy profitability (Eprof) by 16.6, 21.0 and 16.6%, respectively, over CT. The EUE, SE (specific energy), Ep, net energy return (NER) and Eprof were enhanced by 17.1, 16.6, 21.0, 36.5 and 20.6%, respectively, with irrigation at four stages (I-4) compared to a single stage (I-1). Zero tillage plots reflected a 8.24% higher carbon use efficiency (CUE) and a 9.0% lower carbon footprint than CT plots. Among irrigation schedules, application of I-4 showed a 8.13% higher CUE and a 9.0% lower carbon footprint over single irrigation (I-1). This investigation indicated that ZT with irrigation at four stages (I-4) was the most sustainable option for improving the EUE and CUE with minimal GHGs emissions from the rice–wheat cropping system of Indian mid-Himalayan regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the variability in the content, composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the volatile oil constituents of aerial parts of Ocimum americanum Linn. collected at two stages from two sites of north Himalayas. The essential oils of O. americanum at vegetative and full blooming stages were isolated by using hydrodistillation technique and analysed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID), GC-with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antioxidant potential was evaluated using 2,2ʹ-diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, Fe2+ ferrozine test for iron-chelating and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity methods while anti-inflammatory activity was assayed by measuring the protein denaturation capacity of oil samples. The oil content was recorded highest during the full blooming stage from Ct-2 collection. Out of 28-31 identified constituents, β-bisabolene (14.46-29.74%), (E)-α-bisabolene (11.42-22.17%), methyl chavicol (11.28-17.83%), (E)-β-ocimene (7.48-11.54%), 1,8-cineole (3.29-17.40%), eugenol (1.27-10.42%) and germacrene D (1.92-8.39%) were the major constituents. The oil composition during full blooming stages was characterized by the abundant presence of sesquiterpenes (34.34-70.81%) while phenyl propanoids became the dominant class at vegetative stages (12.55-25.42%). EO's revealed good results of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity at both stages while more potent at full blooming stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genesis, dynamics, and impacts of a severe dust storm over the central Himalaya during June 13–17, 2018 have been investigated using in situ measurements, satellite data, and model reanalysis. A low‐pressure system over northern India and prevalence of strong winds (∼20 ms−1) triggered the dust storm leading to poor visibility conditions and five‐fold enhancement in the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over the central Himalaya. Enhancements in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) were observed to be stronger over the Himalayan foothills site (Lumbini) than that over the Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) site‐Gandhi College. The sharp reductions in Angstrom exponent (α) from about 1.2 to 0.3 indicated the dominance of coarse‐mode aerosols during the dust episode. Model results show an enhancement in the dust from 1.5 to 2.5 Tg (∼70%) over the northern Indian subcontinent, with about half of the contribution from the regional source (Thar Desert). Interestingly, dust storm also had significant impacts on turbulent kinetic energy (2.9–9.6 m2 s−2), vertical momentum flux (0.9–3.3 Nm−2), and sensible heat flux (34.8 to −33.9 Wm−2), suggesting turbulent mixing of aerosols and cooling near the surface over the Himalayas. Our study highlights that the large‐scale dust storms exposed to additional dust and pollution from regional sources can profoundly impact the air quality, heat fluxes, and radiative balance over the northern Indian subcontinent. The study would also help in evaluating the results of climate models and to assess the impacts of dust on the hydrological processes and melting Himalayan glaciers. Key Points: A detailed investigation on the genesis, dynamics, and impacts of a severe dust storm over northern Indian subcontinent has been conductedAnalysis on the relative effects of long‐range transport and regional dust emissions affecting northern Indian subcontinent regionThe impacts of dust storm on characteristics of aerosols and the surface layer have been analyzed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The commercial demand for Nardostachysjatamansi in the global market has raised concern about its long-term sustainability. The genus Nardostachys is represented by the single species (Nardostachys jatamansi) endemic to the Himalayas. This study reviews biology, uses, threats, knowledge gaps, and conservation concerns, and offers suggestions for its sustainable utilization. Findings indicate that only limited data are available on the biology of the species, principally on population distribution and size, reproductive biology, and ecological niche models. The uses of the species are well documented in traditional as well as modern medicine systems. Overharvesting from the wild to meet global demand is a major threat to existing populations. Several other characteristics, such as the species' slow growing nature, preference for specific habitat, low population density, and poorly developed ex situ propagation protocols, pose threats to its survival in the foreseeable future. Sustainable utilization and effective conservation measures are urgently needed for both the species' survival and to ensure it continues to provide community income in the Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-restoration initiative work in the high altitude Dayara pastureland (3501 m) from the Indian Himalayan Region has been considered to be one of the successful field demonstration against both natural and anthropogenic degradation. The present study therefore attempts to assess the implications of entire eco-restoration model as practiced by Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand in 2019. Its assessment was done by calculating restoration success index by way of considering three categories, viz., direct management measure (M), environmental desirability (E) and socio-economic feasibility (SE) considering 22 individual variables. 'M' comprised both biotic and abiotic pressures. Grazing and tourism were biotic, while abiotic pressure was considered mainly soil erosion in alpine area due to topographic fragility. Above ground vegetation profile and below ground soil nutrient profile (N, P, K, pH and water holding capacity) were analyzed in 'E' component. In the last but not least, 'SE' was analyzed to assess the social acceptability of the local communities and stakeholders who are supposed to be ultimate beneficiary of alike interventions. Direct management measure was found with the variable index score of 0.8 indicating the higher score as compared to environmental desirability (0.56). Under direct management measure, grazing and tourists' carrying capacity of the area was analyzed with high management needs to call the region sustainable in terms of availability of bio-resources. The ecosystem index score was evaluated for the reference (81.94), treated (64.5) and untreated zones (52.03), wherein increasing profile of these values were found. The outcomes like improved vegetation profile in terms of total herb density, soil nutrient profile of the restored area along with soil pH (4.96) and water holding capacity (49.85%) were found to be restored significantly along with controlling 169.64 tonne year-1 soil erosion from draining. The assessment of grazing pattern of 118 migratory Cow Unit (CU) (76 horse/mule and 18 sheep/goat, already controlled), 318 local CU (30 horse/mule and 187 sheep/goat) were calculated and recommended to be controlled. Tourists' carrying capacity of 274 tourists per day and manual removal of Rumex nepalensis at the shepherd camping site were found to be worth to apply in the area. Use of biodegradable but locally sourced material and engaging local villagers in this endeavor were also found to be in harmony with SDG Goal 1 (no poverty). Therefore, the restoration and its evaluation model could have its future prospects to prove as a successful restoration practice. This restoration practice could not only be worth in high altitude degraded alpine pastures of the Indian Himalayan Region but also to other mountain alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ainsliaea aptera DC, a medicinally important aromatic plant of the family Asteraceae grows wild in high altitude regions of Uttarakhand state (India). The essential oil samples obtained by steam distillation of its whole aerial parts collected from two different geographical regions were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Total forty-five compounds from Tungnath sample and thirty-four compounds from Lohajung sample were identified constituting 95 % and 85.6 %, respectively of total oil composition. The terpenoid profile showed both qualitative as well as quantitative variation with respect to major constituents; E-β-farnesene (9.5 % and nil), germacrene D (14.6 % and 3.2 %), bicyclogermacrene (10.2 % and 3.3 %), δ-cadinene (4.2 % and 6.9 %), germacrene D-4-ol (nil and 4.9 %), spathulenol (11.6 % and 3.0 %), epi-α-muurolol (7.6 % and 10.8 %), α-cadinol (13.8 % and 19.5 %) and hexadecanoic acid (nil and 4.8 %). Antimicrobial activity of oil samples assayed against seven animal pathogens, three plant pathogenic bacteria, and three pathogenic fungi using the agar disc diffusion method. Both the oil samples showed moderate to very good antibacterial and antifungal potential. The oil sample from Tungnath was found to have the best activity against E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica which was comparable to the activity shown by standard antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total Column Ozone (TCO) is a critical factor affecting the earth's atmosphere, especially in the Himalayan region. A comprehensive study of TCO trend analysis and corresponding consequences in the Himalayan atmosphere needs to be analyzed. We statistically examine TCO variability by analyzing the daily TCO dataset of the last 15 years (2005-2019) over the crucial region of the Himalayan environment i.e. Uttarakhand, India. Obtained results indicate that TCO values are at peak during the spring season whereas it shows the least value during the winter season. The highest and lowest value of Coefficient of Relative Variance (CRV) is estimated as 3.14 and 1.09 during winter and monsoon season, respectively. Air mass trajectories have been estimated using Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT), which shows the existence of strong seasonal variability of Ozone corresponding to continental and maritime transportation towards Uttarakhand. Moreover, Least Square Method (LSM) and the Mann-Kendall test estimate a high correlation (86%) for the seasonal and annual trend of TCO with a negative rate. The obtained decreasing rate is very low which indicates recovery of TCO during the study period. Further results imply that the inter-annual oscillation pattern of TCO is similar to Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) significantly. In addition, a comparative study has been performed for the data measured by two TCO measuring instruments i.e. Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite (OMPS). TCO values measured from both instruments are highly correlated (96%) with an average relative difference of around 3%. The outcomes of this study are expected to be beneficial for future study of TCO over other crucial regions of Himalayan territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study highlights augmentation of livelihood and natural resource management in the Central Himalayan region by promoting community-specific strategies, adoption of appropriate technologies, diversification of on-farm and off-farm activities, cash-crop production, and supporting ecological restoration and natural resource management. A cluster of eight villages having 470 households was targeted and actions related to community mobilization, micro-planning, technology demonstration and dissemination, the establishment of market linkages, capacity-building and formation of self-help groups were undertaken. Farmers adopted nine technology packages that diversified agriculture in waste/abandoned lands. Management of forests and use of Chir-pine needles for making by-products not only provided an additional source of livelihood but also helped in controlling forest fire. Facilitating linkages with line departments helped to acquire benefits of government schemes. It is recommended that region-specific approach, collective action, targeting weaker sections and women, efficient natural resource management, livelihood enhancement, and capacity-building and community empowerment will lead to a sustainable approach for community development in the Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study elucidates velocity of the Indian plate from 2013 to 2016 with the help of six continuously operating permanent Global Positioning System (GPS) stations and tracks the crustal motion and direction directly by means of space-based geodetic measurements. The GPS derived velocity estimates were computed with respect to 2008 International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF 08) and carried out almost all along the arc in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The velocity vectors indicate that the Indian plate is moving towards the NE direction (average velocity of 46.95 ± 0.23 mm/yr) with higher movement towards the eastward direction (36.11 ± 0.17 mm/yr) compared to the northward direction (29.02 ± 0.16 mm/yr). Variations in the plate motion between IISC and permanent GPS stations suggest that presently, the convergence rate is about 8.06 ± 0.28 mm/yr and 5.71 ± 0.17 mm/yr for Higher Himalaya and Lesser Himalaya respectively. In addition, the deformation rate was also calculated on the basis of baseline shortening between IGS stations (IISC and LHAZ) and permanent GPS stations. The results suggest that the deformation is about 11.68 ± 1.32 mm/yr above the Main Central Thrust (MCT) and 6.74 ± 1.20 mm/yr above the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) with respect to the Indian plate (IISC), while it is 20.60 ± 1.76 mm/yr above the MCT and 11.42 ± 1.21 mm/yr above the MBT with respect to Eurasian plate (LHAZ). The strain rate through GPS measurement reveals that the maximum strain is accumulated in the central part of the Himalaya between the MBT and MCT, indicating vulnerability of the central Indian Himalaya for future earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,10ß-epoxy-6-oxo-furanoeremophilane 1 (21.8%) along with furanoligularenone 2, germacrene D 3, selin-11-en-4a-ol 4 and caryophyllene oxide 5 have been identified in Senecio chrysanthemoides DC. of the Garhwal region of Himalaya at an altitude of 3600 m. 1,10ß-epoxy-6-oxofuranoeremophilane 1 has not been reported in Senecio chrysanthemoides DC. but reported in the other species of the genus Senecio. Presence of compounds 1-5 and absence of previously reported ß-thujone and 6-hydroxy-p-menth-4(5)-en-3-one makes it a new chemotype within the genus Senecio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the sub-synoptic scale circulation aspects associated with the extreme rainfall event occurred over the North Indian state of Uttarakhand located in the western Himalayas (WH) during the 15–18 June 2013 period. A diagnosis based on hourly ERA5 reanalyzed circulation products archived on finer grids reveals that sustenance of heavy rains during the event period is supported by a propensity of cyclonic vorticity sources channeled toward the WH region through a narrow quasi-steady conduit in the lower troposphere from the ISM circulation. The equatorward segregating mesoscale potential vorticity (PV) structures from the quasi-stationary upper level PV anomaly (trough) during the event administered two pathways for vorticity sources. The first pathway is from the base of the trough culminating into longer horizontal conduit path from the western Arabian Sea, lending perpetual cyclonic vorticity support to the ISM environment. The second pathway is from the right flank of the trough, which promotes sustained environment of deeper mesoscale convergence zone, potentially unstable atmosphere and strong ascent over the Uttarakhand region. The convergence zone is potentially viewed as a region for strong monsoon and extratropical circulation interactions to occur on finer horizontal scales of motion, where significant vertical synchronization of positive PV advection is realized during the 16–17 June 2013 period. In addition to orographic precipitation enhancements, deeper advective synchronization noticed at sub-synoptic time periods is accredited to the nearly doubling 24-h rainfall amounts in the foothill region of Uttarakhand during the event period. The ERA5 diagnosed diabatic heating additionally indicates that precipitating systems at higher (foothill) elevations contribute to upper (lower) tropospheric heat sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable usage and accurate assessment of water resources in North West Himalaya (NWH) is very important for respective policy makers. NWH receives precipitation from both southwest and northeast monsoon system. The detailed assessment of current and future water resources and hydrological cycle component for NWH river basins using earth observation (EO) satellites and hydrological models is very critical for attaining United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) namely, climate action, affordable and clean energy, clean water and sanitation and building resilient infrastructure. Present work highlights the role of various EO sensors and hydrological models and ground based instruments for improved assessment of water resources of NWH river basins. The complete inventory of NWH surface water (including glacier lakes of UK, HP), snow cover, delta SWE and glaciers database was accomplished with Remote Sensing (RS) datasets. Similarly, glacier velocity was estimated for all major glaciers of NWH using feature tracking and differential interferometry (DInSAR) methods. Fully distributed grid based hydrological model was setup for entire NWH and model calibration/validation was done for Beas, Satluj, Upper Ganga and Jhelum river basins. Quantification of relative contribution of snowmelt, glacier melt and rainfall-runoff was estimated for Bhagirathi basin upto Uttarkashi. An extensive network of automatic weather stations (AWS), 27 nos, 10 snow depth sensors, 04 digital water level recorders, two snow pack analysers and 06 long wave solar radiation sensors were installed in various sites of HP and UK for hydro-meteorological data collection, model simulation and validation. A future climate change simulations were done for Beas and Jhelum basins using CORDEX 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios from 2006–2100. Number of flood peaks were found to be increasing in number as well as decrease in total snow fall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of crop diversification with suitable vegetable-based cropping system is a major constraint in limiting the productivity and sustainability of north-western Indian sub-Himalayas. To find out a sustainable vegetable-based cropping system in this region, a three year colocasia-based vegetable intensive experiment was conducted at Hawalbagh, Almora, India in a sandy clay loam soil under sub-temperate climatic conditions. Seven colocasia-based vegetable cropping systems along with rice–wheat system were compared under recommended package and practices. The system productivity in terms of colocasia equivalent yield was highest under colocasia–onion–frenchbean (52.38 Mg ha−1) system. Sustainable yield index was highest with colocasia–gardenpea–frenchbean system (0.86). After 3 years, total soil organic carbon (0–5%), available N (2–22%), P (–7% to 14%) and K (3–15%) concentrations were increased in all cropping systems except rice–wheat system, where negative balance of available P (7%) was observed over that of initial soil. Significantly higher soil microbial activity, soil carbohydrate, dehydrogenase, protease, acid and alkaline phosphatases activity were observed under colocasia–onion system. The results suggest that colocasia–onion–frenchbean system with higher productivity improves soil fertility and enhances enzymatic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A continuous 3.6 m thick core from the water logged Dewar Lake at Chamoli (Uttarakhand) was retrieved to study its depositional history. The base of the sediment core is dated as ca. 30 ka BP. Based on the variation in the grain-size percentage, the core is dominated by silt over clay and sand. With a mean grain size of 5.38φ, the sediment shows very poor sorting, finely to symmetrically skewed and mesokurtic to leptokurtic kurtosis. Variation in the textural parameters throughout the core suggests climatically influenced deposition, hence five major litho-facies are reflected in the sediment core. During the phase 1, the lake water column was perhaps decreased gradually incorporating more silt to the lake through the presence of finer silt laminations indicating required energy conditions. The phase 2 is represented by somewhat raised water level compared to the phase 1. The minimum depth achieved by the lake is exposed in facies 1. The phase 3 shows fluctuating energy conditions, whereas, phase 4 reveals stable and high energy conditions. The litho-facies 5 shows the change in climatic conditions from humid to arid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C. ambrosioides var. ambrosioides essential oil has been commercialized to control greenhouse insects and mites and the aerial parts of this plant have been used as condiment; traditional purgative for intestinal worms and acesodyne and in the Chinese traditional medicine, this herb can expel wind and treat rheumatism. Further the essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides showed the antimicrobial activity against several microbial species. Our investigations therefore, reveal presence of another chemotype in this region with α-terpinene and p-cymene as chemical markers of this chemotypes and its antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the extreme precipitation event of 15th–17th June 2013 in Garhwal Himalaya, glacial lake outburst flooding accompanied by numerous landslides and flash flood events caused widespread death and destruction. Many hill slopes and steep river banks had developed fractures and fissures indicative of landslides and one such scarp was observed at Kunjethi (Kalimath) village on satellite images during routine analysis. Rainfall threshold analysis for years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 has confirmed that it was the main triggering factor which happened due to extreme precipitation in June 2013 leading to scarp development and initiation of landslide. In order to characterize the landslide and get subsurface information, two highly cost-effective and fast non-invasive geophysical techniques, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground penetrating radar (GPR), were used. Four ERT profiles and one GPR radargram profile were used to determine the approximate depth to slip surface, which is inferred around 15–19 m. Integration of satellite remote sensing, geophysical studies and field observations have been used to demarcate the maximum possible slide zone. This study reiterates that earth observation tools in integration with faster, non-invasive and cost-effective geophysical techniques can establish the slip surface, which is an essential information required for landslide hazard mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of agroforestry is paramount as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy. The assessment of plant biomass is crucial for understanding the vulnerability of biological systems to climate change. In the present study, agroforestry systems viz., agrisilviculture (AS), agrihorticulture (AH), agrihortisilviculture (AHS) and agrisilvihorticulture (ASH) were investigated for biomass production and carbon stock in vegetation as well as in soil in the Indian central Himalaya along the elevation i.e. E1 (<1100 m), E2 (1100–1400 m), E3 (1400–1700 m), E4 (1700–2000 m) and E5 (>2000 m). Mean aboveground and belowground biomass were 73.9% and 26.1%, respectively, of total biomass (64.4 t ha−1) in agroforestry systems. Fodder and/or timber trees accounted for 31% (in AHS) to 74% (in AS) of total biomass, while fruit trees accounted for 18% (in ASH) to 73% (in AH) of total biomass. The contribution of agriculture crops to total biomass fluctuated between 19% (in ASH) and 26% (in AH). Total vegetation biomass, soil carbon and total carbon density in agroforestry systems increased significantly along the elevation, with maximum biomass at elevation E5 (32.0 t ha−1, 64.7 t C ha−1 and 96.7 t C ha−1). Total biomass of vegetation among agroforestry systems differed significantly. Soil carbon stock was highest in AHS (59.5 t C ha−1) and total carbon density (vegetation + soil) was highest in ASH (93.0 t C ha−1). Thus, in Indian Himalayas, vegetation biomass, carbon stock, soil and total carbon (vegetation + soil) stock increased along the elevation. Abbrviations: AG: aboveground; BG: belowground; WD: wood density; VOB: volume over bark; BEF: biomass expansion factor; AS: agrisilviculture; AH: agrihorticulture; ASH: agrisilvihorticulture; AHS: agrihortisilviculture; E: elevation; C: carbon; CO2: carbon-di-oxide; IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; DBH: diameter at breast height; AGBD: aboveground biomass density; BGBD: belowground biomass density; GSVD: growing stock volume density [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Himalayan ecosystems are complex, with fragile environment, rugged terrain, unique topography and sensitive to regional and global changes. This region harbours a variety of agricultural practices out of which traditional agroforestry systems are of paramount importance with regard to sustainability and livelihood. In the central Himalayan region, four major traditional agroforestry systems were observed; agrisilviculture (AS), agrihorticulture (AH), agrihortisilviculture (AHS) and agrisilvihorticulture (ASH). System units in each system varied from 8 to 24 and they also differed along the elevation. Likewise, structural components varied in the systems as well as along the elevation. These systems have evolved over long periods of time as farmers have grown the trees and crop combinations for generations. These systems fulfill diverse needs for food, fodder, fruit and timber for the inhabitants of the mountains and provide a backbone to the hill economy and livelihood security for local people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) can pose severe threats to biodiversity and stability of native ecosystems, therefore, predicting the distribution of the IAPS plays a crucial role in effective planning and management of ecosystems. In the present study, we use Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modelling approach to predict the potential of distribution of eleven IAPS under future climatic conditions under RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 in part of Kailash sacred landscape region in Western Himalaya. Based on the model predictions, distribution of most of these invasive plants is expected to expand under future climatic scenarios, which might pose a serious threat to the native ecosystems through competition for resources in the study area. Native scrublands and subtropical needle-leaved forests will be the most affected ecosystems by the expansion of these IAPS. The present study is first of its kind in the Kailash Sacred Landscape in the field of invasive plants and the predictions of potential distribution under future climatic conditions from our study could help decision makers in planning and managing these forest ecosystems effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnobotanical relevance Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don (Melanthiaceae) is valued as a traditional medicinal herb in the Himalayan region. Applications include treatment of cancer, hypertension, neurasthenia, giddiness, arthritis, dysentery, inflammation, sepsis and reproductive disorders. Its range is highly specific, and limited to cold, shaded and moist habitats at 2400-3500 m a.s.l. Rhizomes are gathered from wild populations for trade, and this has recently emerged as a significant source of income among indigenous people of the Indian Himalayan region. Aim To assess the impact of changing rhizome prices on T. govanianum in the Indian Himalayan region by observing the status of existing populations and assessing the typical methods used for gathering and trade of rhizomes. Material and methods Ecological attributes were assessed in 17 sites from Tirthan Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Munsiyari and Tunghnath (Uttarakhand). Socio-economic attributes assessed through communal focus groups and interviews with 579 medicinal plants gatherers and 19 traders, using semi-structured open ended questionnaires. Results Population decline was highest in Munsiyari, followed by Tirthan Valley and Tunghnath, indicating that the species may become locally extinct in some areas. Methods used for gathering did not consider regeneration. Conclusion Gathering of T. govanianum from wild populations is unselective and unmanaged, raising the potential threat of local extinctions. Sustainable utilization and effective conservation is needed to protect the species and maintain community incomes. A status of ‘threatened’ is justified for the species in the Indian Himalayan region, due to its slow life cycle, specific habitat requirement, low population density, and commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study was conducted in Himalayan watershed to understand traditional farming and socio-economic status of the people in Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. In spite of high literacy rate in this area, their livelihood security is reliant on traditional farming practices that include agroforestry beside forest produce. More than 85% farming is rainfed and managed in a traditional way. Land holding size owned by farmers in the area extended from 0.57 to 2.57 ha but majority of farmers (51–80%) had farms of size less than 0.50 ha. The study revealed that forests provided 73–79% of required energy from fuelwood and more than 81% fodder. Agroforestry, livestock (dairy and poultry/goat rearing) and labour employment are the major sources of income to the people in the watershed. The income of people was positively correlated with livestock rearing and traditional farming. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Himalaya foothill geo-environment is highly vulnerable for flood disaster due to climate change and dynamic upstream hydrological process which reshaped its downstream foothill geomorphology. Rapid urbanization has caused high rate of land-use change and natural resource degradation, enhancing the vulnerability of flood disaster in the region. The Ramnagar Himalayan Foothill area in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India, has been selected for the case illustration. The key objective of the study was to investigate spatial dynamics of flood disaster risk due to climate change and rapid urbanization in the region. Development and integration of multiple GIS modules advocate that the extreme flood events have been increasing with the rate of four events/year due to climate change (i.e. increasing temperature and excessive rainfall events by 0.03 °C/year and two events/year, respectively). The fast urbanization and development of new colonies have caused to increase in built-up area (with 1.25% annually) and population density (with 87 persons/km2annually) under different flood hazard zones. Consequently, 29% area of very low flood disaster risk zone has been converted into moderate (6%), high (8%), and very high flood disaster risk zones (15%) at the annual rate of 0.31%, 0.40%, and 0.77%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayas are well known for high diversity and ethnobotanical uses of the region's medicinal plants. However, not all areas of the Himalayan regions are well studied. Studies on ethnobotanical uses of plants from the Eastern Himalayas are still lacking for many tribes. Past studies have primarily focused on listing plants' vernacular names and their traditional medicinal uses. However, studies on traditional ethnopharmacological practices on medicine preparation by mixing multiple plant products of different species has not yet been reported in published literature from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, Eastern Himalayas. In this study, we are reporting for the first time the ethnopharmacological uses of 24 medicines and their procedures of preparation, as well as listing 53 plant species used for these medicines by the Monpa tribe. Such documentations are done first time in Arunachal Pradesh region of India as per our knowledge. Our research emphasizes the urgent need to document traditional medicine preparation procedures from local healers before traditional knowledge of tribal people living in remote locations are forgotten in a rapidly transforming country like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis) forms an important component in the different production systems of Indian Himalaya, which provide extensive ecosystem services. In this context, biomass and carbon inventory in these production systems is essential. In this study we have estimated biomass and carbon allocation in different production systems in the mid hills of Indian Himalaya, at experimental farm Hawalbagh of Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture, Almora, India. The maximum biomass (56.5 t ha-1) and carbon stocks (25.3 t ha-1) were recorded in wheat + pecan nut system followed by (53.2 and 23.9 t ha-1) in lentil + pecan nut system while the minimum value of biomass and biomass C was recorded 2.75 and 1.17 t ha-1 in pure lentil production system. The Long lived carbon storage of pecan nut agroforestry plantation was 9.21 t C ha-1. The contribution of pecan nut in carbon stock and carbon sequestration rate were recorded 22.8 t C ha-1 and 1.67 t C ha-1 year-1, respectively. Furthermore, agroforestry systems produce timber, firewood, fruits and other products that will bring profit to peasants and reduce the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve psychrotolerant Pseudomonad strains were selected on the basis of various plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities at cold temperature (4°C). The effect of inoculation with Pseudomonad strains on cold alleviation and growth of wheat seedling at cold temperature (8°C) was investigated under greenhouse condition. Inoculation with Pseudomonad strains significantly enhanced root/shoot biomass and nutrients uptake as compared to non-bacterized control at 60 days of plant growth. Bacterization significantly improved the level of cellular metabolites like chlorophyll, anthocyanin, free proline, total phenolics, starch content, physiologically available iron, proteins, and amino acids that are sign of alleviation of cold stress in wheat plants. Increased relative water content, reduced membrane injury (electrolyte leakage), and Na/K ratio were also recorded in bacterized wheat plants. Electrolyte leakage and Na/K were found inversely proportional to plant growth at cold temperature. Statistical analysis of twenty-three measured parameters revealed that uninoculated control was under cold stress while eight bacterial strains were positively alleviating cold stress in wheat plants. Thus, the psychrotrophic Pseudomonad strains could effectively provide a promising solution to overcome cold stress, which is major factor hindering wheat productivity under cold climatic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine the socio-economic factors affecting access to antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum healthcare in the rural Western Indian Himalayas over the past 20 years. Methods Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 197 women in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand from October 2011 to May 2012. Participants who gave birth within the past 20 years were included in the final analysis (n = 158). Stratified odds ratios and analysis of variance were calculated. Results Among women who delivered in the prior 7 years, there was a nine-fold increase (95 % CI 4-20.8) in institutionalized births compared to women who delivered 8-20 years before the study. Among women who delivered 7 years prior to the study, low income increased the risk of home delivery (OR 3.07, 95 % CI 1.15-8.54). Low caste (OR 2.79, 95 % CI 1.04-7.72) and low level of education (OR 3.93 95 % CI 1.41-11.81) decreased the use of antepartum medications (vitamins and vaccines). Remote location among all participants was a risk factor for not seeking care for obstetric morbidities (OR 0.44 95 % CI 0.2-0.95). Conclusions The incidence of institutionalized delivery has increased over the past decade in rural Uttarakhand. Income, caste, education, and remote location correlated with poor access to antepartum and intrapartum healthcare. These correlations have increased in statistical significance over the past 20 years, except for location. This indicates that the Western Himalayas face similar challenges to obstetric service utilization as the north Indian plains and that several of these inequalities in healthcare access have become more pronounced in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Detailed geomorphological investigation supported by field stratigraphy and optical dating enabled us to identify three major events of glaciation in the eastern Zanskar Himalaya (Sarchu Plain). The oldest and most extensive glaciation is the Sarchu Glaciation Stage-1 (SGS-1) that pre-dates the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and is assigned to the cold and wet Marine Isotope Stage-4 (MIS-4). The second glacial advance (SGS-2) is optically dated to ∼20 ka and the youngest SGS-3 is assigned to the 8.2 ka cooling event. Evidence of deglaciation is preserved as outwash terrace gravels and is assigned to the pluvial MIS-3 and the early Holocene (∼9 ka). Increased strength of westerlies (winter precipitation) and associated temperature decline were responsible for driving the glaciation in the study area, a conclusion that accords well with modern meteorological data showing a reasonable correlation between the modern equilibrium line altitude, enhanced mid-latitude westerlies (winter precipitation) and winter temperatures. The phases of deglaciation occurred during periods of warmer climatic excursions. Overall a broad correspondence between the Sarchu Plain glaciation phases and northern latitude ice sheet dynamics is suggested, implying that the glaciers in the trajectory of the mid-latitude westerlies are likely to respond in phase with northern latitude glaciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major cold-shock protein (CspA) encoding gene cspA were detected in three Himalayan psychrotrophic Pseudomonad strains, by PCR amplification. Partial sequencing of three Pseudomonas strains cspA gene and BLAST search confirmed the high similarity with putative bacterial cspA gene and bacterial CspA protein. Bioinformatics analysis of these partial CspA amino acid sequences showed presence of putative conserved region for DNA/RNA-binding motifs RNP-1 and RNP-2. Protein homologies of all three bacterial CspA proteins belong to S1 like protein (Ribosomal protein S1-like RNA-binding domain). Presence of cspA gene and its high similarity with Bacillus cereus group demonstrating uniqueness of cspA gene in these Pseudomonas strains and suggesting strong evolutionary relationship between these two groups to survive in cold environments. Probable CspA protein expression levels were checked after cold shock (28°C to 4°C) and cold acclimation (4°C and 15°C) experiment. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed a small protein of approximate size of 7.5 kDa was expressed after cold shock (28°C to 4°C) and continuously over-expressed with the incubation time at cold temperature (4°C). Therefore it was predicted this protein would be product of c spA gene and suggesting this protein aids survival in Himalayan environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acorus calamus L. (Araceae), is a semi aquatic perennial herb extensively distributed in western Himalaya. To explore the variability in volatile constituents of rhizome essential oils of A. calamus growing wild in foot and mid hills of Uttarakhand, India; twenty one populations were collected during spring season from an altitude of 215 m to 1827 m. The essential oil yield was found to vary from 0.68% to 5.80% in the different populations of A. calamus. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of oil samples resulted in identification of forty constituents comprising 94.0-99.9% of oil compositions. Phenyl propanoids (81.9-96.9%) represented by β-asarone (69.8-95.6%), α-asarone (0.1-4.7%), (Z)-methyl isoeugenol (<0.1-4.4%), (E)-isoeugenol acetate (0.0-3.7%), (E)-methyl isoeugenol (0.1-2.9%) and ?-asarone (<0.1-1.6%) constitute the major fraction of essential oil composition. Other major constituents identified were a-selinene (0.1-7.2%), humulene epoxide II (<0.1-3.5%), p-cymene (<0.1-1.9%) and a-bisabolol (0.0-1.6%). Comparative results and subsequent statistical analysis based on euclidean multidimensional distance scaling showed considerable variations in rhizome essential oils composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out of 534 psychrotrophic bacteria, 12 bacteria were selected on the basis of plant growth promoting activities at 4 °C and identified as Pseudomonas genus. These strains showed high level of genetic polymorphisms based on RAPD and rep-PCR fingerprinting. This genetic variability revealed that isolates belonging to same species were as high as the variability among different species. Further inoculation of these Pseudomonas strains significantly improves root/shoot biomass and nutrients uptake of lentil plant as compared to non-bacterized control after 40 days of seed showing. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis of pot assay results revealed that genetically diverse strains showing the same prototype in functional parameter and representing diverse blueprint of plant growth promoting attributes. Results of present findings explain the huge beneficial microbial resources from root zone of hilly crops of Himalayan region that could be effectively exploited as bio-inoculums for cold climatic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Out of twenty seven Gram positive and spore forming Bacilli, four Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) were obtained from root nodules of six legumes. Three bipyramidal and one spherical crystal producing B. thuringiensis were isolated from root nodules of ricebean, lentil, gahat (Horsegram) and soybean plant. Double Intrinsic Antibiotic Resistance (IAR) markers were developed to detect/monitor the presence of B. thuringiensis in the natural environment. B. thuringiensis isolates were examined for their ability to enhance plant growth and ascending migration (from roots to aerial plant part) in four legumes in plant growth chamber at 28 °C. Seed bacterization with B. thuringiensis isolates positively influenced the percent germination and enhanced the plant growth of ricebean, soybean, gahat, and lentil seedlings. All B. thuringiensis isolates were recovered from rhizosphere, root endophytic region, stem lower, upper part and leaf after 45 days after sowing (DAS). Isolate VRB1 was able to colonized rhizosphere and endophytic regions (root, stem and leaf) of gahat, soybean and ricebean after 45DAS. Similarly, isolate VL4C and VLS72.1 were able to colonize rhizosphere and endophytic regions (root, stem and leaf) of lentil and soybean. While, isolate VLG15 was able to colonized rhizosphere and endophytic regions (root, stem and leaf) of lentil, soybean and gahat. Therefore, this study suggests that this approach may be utilized for the development of insect resistant crop strategy in sustainable agriculture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined the genetic diversity in 20 rice landrace populations from parts of traditional farming areas of the Indian Himalayas using 11 mapped simple sequence repeats ( SSR) loci. Twenty-four individuals sampled from each of the 20 landraces (480 individuals), which were collected from farmers from Northwest to Northeast Himalaya, showed that all landraces showed within population variation and none were homogeneous. The number of polymorphic loci in a landrace population ranged from 5 to 11. A total of 71 alleles were recorded of which 58 were common and 13 were rare. Of the 71 alleles, 46 were common to both Northwest and Northeast regions, whereas 9 were unique to the former and 16 were unique to the latter. The mean number of alleles per locus was 6.45 and for landrace populations from Northwest and Northeast regions were 5.0 and 5.64, respectively. Population differentiation, as shown by a high FST value (0.61), was greater for Northeast populations. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean ( UPGMA) dendrogram classified the populations into three major clusters: cluster I comprised seven populations from the Northwest region, cluster II comprised seven populations from the Northeast region and cluster III comprised populations from both regions. Investigating the population genetic structure can help monitor change in diversity over time and space, and also help devise a rational plan for management of crop landraces on-farm under farmer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic observations of Himalayan glaciers over the last few decades provide reliable indications of continuous shrinkage of most of the glaciers. Changes in mass, volume, area and length of glaciers are reported, but an up-to-date regional assessment of glacier changes is lacking. In the present study, satellite data, maps and ground-based measurements have been used to obtain the snout retreat and surface changes of the Tipra Glacier in the Alaknanda river basin of the Garhwal Himalaya for the period 1962–2008. The study reveals that a large part of the glacier has been detached from the main trunk and separated into the Tipra (7.5 km2) and Rataban (7.4 km2) Glaciers as it had one outlet (snout) in 1987. Between 1962 and 2002 estimated surface area reduced by ~18% and snout retreat was ~535 m with an average rate of 13.4 m a−1. Measurement of snout positions of the Tipra and Rataban Glaciers from 2002 to 2008 indicates an enhanced annual retreat of 21.3 and 21.2 m a−1, respectively. Total frontal area vacated during this period was calculated to be 0.084 km2 for Tipra Glacier and 0.028 km2 for Rataban Glacier. The estimated Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) rise was 76 m for the Tipra Glacier and 57 m for the Rataban Glacier. Accumulation Area Ratio (AAR) was calculated as 0.47 for the Tipra Glacier and 0.49 for the Rataban Glacier, during the study period. The observations compared with the other studies carried out in the region show a significant reduction in glacier areas. The increased retreat rate of glacier snouts is probably a direct consequence of global warming. The present snouts of the Tipra and Rataban Glaciers are located at altitudes of 3865 and 4120 m, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on an endemic plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family called Gentiana tetrasepala found at the Valley of Flowers National Park of Gharhwal, India and its extinction due to reasons like habitat specific, unstable habitats and a restricted geographical range. It further discusses the potential threats posed to the extinction of the species that includes invasion of timberline species, unstable snow covers, global warming and climatic change.

Genetic structure of five populations of a locally common rice (Oryza sativa L.) landrace Jaulia from parts of Uttarakhand state of India was studied using sequence tagged microsatellite site (STMS) markers. Of these, four populations were on-farm managed, assembled from different niche environments, and one population was conserved ex situ and represented static conservation. The 16 STMS primer pairs fully differentiated the inter- and intrapopulation diversity. A total of 72 alleles were recorded with a mean of 4.5 alleles per locus. Population wise, the total number of alleles ranged from 21 to 41, with maximum number of alleles for population IC 548358 and minimum number of alleles for population IC 100051 representing static conservation. A greater number of alleles specific to populations under farmer management could be recorded. Changes in yield parameters also seemed to be affected under farmer management besides other environmental adaptations for qualitative morphological characters. The marker diversity using STMS primer pairs indicates the genetic differentiation among populations resulting from joint effects of several evolutionary forces operating within the historical and biological context of the crop landrace. The variations in adaptations, on the other hand, indicate the degree to which populations are adapted to their environments and their potential for continued performance or as donors of characters in plant breeding. Both biotic and abiotic aspects of the environment are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asparagus species (family Liliaceae) are medicinal plants of temperate Himalayas. They possess a variety of biological properties, such as being antioxidants, immunostimulants, anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic, antibacterial, antioxytocic, and reproductive agents. The article briefly reviews the isolated chemical constituents and the biological activities of the plant species. The structural formula of isolated compounds and their distribution in the species studied are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The chemical composition of essential oils isolated from aerial parts of native populations of Origanum vulgare L. from northwestern Himalaya was investigated by enantioselective gas chromatography (enantio-GC), capillary-gas chromatography (capillary-GC) and GC–MS. Seventy compounds, which accounted for 84.9–97% of the oil composition, have been identified. The oils were allotted to two main groups; the first group had a high percentage of components belonging to the thymol/carvacrol biosynthetic pathway and the second was characterized by a different sesquiterpene composition and a high linalool and bornyl acetate percentage. Essential oils of O. vulgare populations from Rilkot and Dhanachuli areas in northwestern Himalaya were characterized by high monoterpenoids proportions as compared to Nainital and Bhowali populations, which were dominated by sesquiterpenoids. High proportions of thymol (29.2–82%) were found only in two populations. Composition of the samples collected from Dhanachuli area differed from Nainital and Bhowali collections by a unique presence of carvacrol. Notably, there were significant differences in the concentration of rest of the terpenes in all the collections. On enantio-GC, enantiomeric excess for (3R) (−)- and (3S) (+)-linalool, (S) (+)- and (R) (−)-terpinen-4-ol, (S) (−)- and (R) (+)-α-terpineol, (1S) (−)-bornyl acetate and (1S) (−)-borneol were established in populations from Bhowali and Dhanachuli area. Moreover, linalool type oregano may be useful in promoting wider commercial utilization of the biodiversity of this species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fourteen cold tolerant phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from high altitude representative locations of the two major mountain aspects of the Uttarakhand Himalayas (cooler north and warmer south facing slopes) were selected for this study. The tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilizing abilities of the isolates were estimated at three different incubation temperatures viz., 4, 15, and 30°C under in vitro conditions. Irrespective of their geographical origin, all the isolates recorded maximum P release values at 30°C. At 4°C, the isolates from the north facing slope were found to release significantly higher levels of P, as compared to the isolates from the south facing slopes. Alternatively at 15°C, the isolates from the south facing slope were found to release significantly higher levels of P. Initial confirmation of their genus level identity as Pseudomonads was arrived by amplification of a 990 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene using genus specific primers. Further putative species level identification was arrived by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The diversity among the isolates was determined by rep-PCR using the primers BOX, ERIC, and ERIC2. A composite dendrogram constructed using the rep-PCR profiles revealed that the isolates from the north and south mountain aspects formed separate major clusters. The extent of diversity was greater among the isolates from the south mountain aspect. This study reveals the potential of rep-PCR in determining the genetic diversity among Pseudomonads selected for a single functional trait, but varying in their geographical origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the status of aconites at subalpine and alpine regions in Garhwal Himalaya. List of regions surveyed in the study; Characteristics of the regions; Population analysis of aconites in the region.

Viola canescens Wall. ex. Roxb. is an important but threatened medicinal herb found at 1500–2400 m above mean sea level in the Himalayas. Overexploitation and habitat preference have put the plant under serious threat. Thus, the present study was undertaken to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro propagation via somatic embryogenesis. The results revealed that plant can be regenerated successfully through somatic embryogenesis using leaf derived calli. Regular subculturing of calli on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)/indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)/kinetin (Kn) and varying combinations of 2,4-D+Kn induced somatic embryogenesis. The maximum average number of somatic embryos (SE) (19.15 ± 2.66) was induced on the medium with 0.15 + 0.05 mg L−1 of 2,4-D and Kn, respectively, and this medium was used as a control. To enhance somatic embryo induction, the control MS medium was supplemented with l-glutamine (200–400 mg L−1) and casein hydrolysate (1–4%). The maximum average number of SE (27.66 ± 2.67) and average mature SE (13.16 ± 3.48) were recorded on the medium having 2 % l-glutamine and 50 mg L−1 casein hydrolysate. The induced SE were asynchronous, so, to foster their maturation, the culture medium (free from growth regulators) was supplemented with abscisic acid (ABA) and silver nitrate (AgNO3). The maximum average number (35.96 ± 3.68) of mature SE was noticed on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L−1 ABA. Mature embryos had two well-developed cotyledons and an elongated hypocotyl root axis. The development of SE into plantlets was significant for embryos matured on the medium with AgNO3 and ABA, with 86.67% and 83.33% conversion on the medium with 0.20 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The plantlets thus produced acclimatized in a growth chamber before being transferred to the field, which showed 89.89% survival. The plants were morphologically similar to the mother plant with successful flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]