Elevated tropospheric ozone (EO3) is a major abiotic stressor that adversely affects plant growth, metabolism, and crop quality. In the present study, the effects of EO3 on diploid (Abelmoschus esculentus) and triploid (A. caillei) cytotypes were investigated with particular emphasis on pod nutritional quality, secondary metabolite composition, antioxidant capacity, and bioactive potential. Plants were grown for 6 months in open-top chambers under ambient (AO3) and elevated ozone (EO3) conditions to simulate realistic field exposure. EO3 exposure resulted in pronounced cytotype-specific nutritional and secondary metabolic responses. The triploid cytotype exhibited a substantial decline in nutritional attributes, indicating greater susceptibility to ozone-induced oxidative stress. In contrast, the diploid cytotype showed a comparatively stable nutritional profile and a significant enhancement in antioxidant potential, accompanied by increased accumulation of secondary metabolites. Notably, pods of the diploid cytotype under EO3 displayed higher in vitro inhibitory activities against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase, suggesting possible improvement in the bioactive functionality under oxidative stress conditions. These differential responses indicate that cytotype influences ozone sensitivity; however, the triploid cytotype did not exhibit a clear advantage in ozone tolerance over the diploid cytotype in Abelmoschus. The findings underscore the complexity of physiological and metabolic regulation under ozone stress and highlight the need for further studies integrating molecular, biochemical, and genetic approaches to elucidate the mechanisms governing cytotype-specific ozone responses and their implications for crop resilience and nutritional quality under future climate scenarios.
Symplocos paniculata (Thunb.) Miq. is a widely distributed Asian ethnomedicinal species valued in Ayurveda, Chinese Traditional Medicine, and regional folk systems for its broad therapeutic applications. Despite its extensive traditional use, a chemically focused, structure-centric synthesis of its natural product diversity and bioactivity-linked metabolite classes remains limited in the literature, particularly from a drug-discovery perspective. This review consolidates current knowledge on its taxonomy, ecology, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential, with a particular emphasis on isolated and structurally characterized secondary metabolites. S. paniculata is a deciduous shrub or small tree distributed across the Indian Himalayan Region, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, thriving between 600 and 2,400 m. Traditionally, its bark is employed for gynecological disorders, gastrointestinal ailments, inflammatory conditions, ocular complaints, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases, while leaves, roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds are used for fever, swelling, ulcers, skin diseases, and detoxification. Phytochemical investigations have revealed a chemically diverse profile dominated by triterpenoids (including lupeol, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid), sterols (stigmasterol and γ-sitosterol), iridoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids, and structurally unique glycosides such as symplocososides and salirepin. These compounds underpin the plant’s reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, gastroprotective, and lipid-lowering activities. Particular attention has been given to triterpenoid-rich fractions, which exhibit strong free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as potential anticancer and metabolic regulatory effects, suggesting promising scaffolds for drug discovery. Importantly, this review identifies and provides a comprehensive synthesis of a consolidated natural product framework for S. paniculata, linking major metabolite classes to their reported bioactivities and highlighting chemotaxonomic relevance within Symplocos spp. Beyond medicinal importance, S. paniculata provides ecological and economic benefits, offering natural dyes, edible and industrial-grade seed oil, fodder, fuelwood, and potential for biodiesel production. The species also contributes to the biodiversity of montane forests by functioning as an associate species in broad-leaved temperate forests, where its persistence depends on habitat quality, regeneration success, and community composition. Conserving natural populations will support both biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of this economically important medicinal tree. However, habitat disturbance, overharvesting, and poor natural regeneration pose conservation concerns. This review identifies critical research gaps in compound isolation, structure–activity relationships, molecular pharmacology, and sustainable biosynthetic or propagation strategies. Strengthening phytochemical and natural product–oriented investigations is essential to fully harness the therapeutic and economic potential of this chemically rich Himalayan species.
In social insects the antennal sensilla form the primary interface for perceiving the chemical, thermal and hygric cues that mediate nestmate recognition, foraging, orientation and communication. The number, morphology, spatial arrangement and distribution of these cuticular structures are closely tuned to the sensory demands of the environment a species occupies, and therefore provide a reliable morphological proxy for its ecology. Despite the ecological diversity of ants, sensillar profiles have been characterised for only a handful of epigeic, generalist taxa, and virtually nothing is known for the strictly subterranean, eyeless lineages in which chemoreception is expected to be under especially strong selection. Here we provide the first description of the antennal sensillar profile of Centromyrmex feae (Emery, 1889), a blind, hypogeic and termitophagous ponerine ant. Using field-emission scanning electron microscopy we characterise eleven morphologically distinct sensillar types—Böhm bristles, three variants of sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla ampullacea, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla coelocapitular, three types of sensilla basiconica and two types of sensilla trichodea curvata—detailing their fine structure, dimensions, porosity, socket attachment, orientation and distribution across the antenna. Several attributes appear unusual for the family: sensilla basiconica I are reported for the first time in Formicidae and, unlike the typical basiconic–trichoid pairing, occur singly, lack a cuticular socket and are directed towards the antennal base; sensilla basiconica II show a dorsoventral socket dimorphism (single- versus double-ringed) indicative of differential mobility; and the chemoreceptive sensilla are concentrated on the dorsal surface and increase in diversity and number towards the apical segment. The predominance and apical concentration of chemo-, thermo- and hygroreceptive sensilla, together with the loss of visual structures, are consistent with the sensory economy of a cryptic, subterranean predator that relies on contact and near-field chemical cues to navigate its nest and locate termite prey. These findings provide baseline data for comparative studies of sensory adaptation in cryptobiotic ants.
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve part of the Indian Himalayan Region contains unique high altitude plant diversity and ecosystem. The unexplored study of plant communities with their habitat characteristics, diversity status, distribution pattern, community composition, population, soil properties, and climate change was conducted in Lahaul Valley a Cold desert in India. A total of 34 plant communities (29.41
This study investigates tree species diversity on a low tropical hill, Teramuo Hill, in Bau District, Sarawak. Although conservation efforts have maintained the vegetation, elevational patterns and soil ecological functions remain underexplored. The study aimed to (1) quantify tree species diversity along the elevational gradient, (2) determine soil property variation along the gradient, and (3) assess the relationship between elevation, soil properties, and tree species diversity. Twenty-eight sampling plots were established along six vertical transects spanning 45–105 m above sea level. A hump-shaped pattern of diversity was observed, with peak diversity at mid-elevation (61–75 m). Soil texture varied systematically, with clay-rich soils dominating lower elevations and sandier soils occurring at higher elevations. Soil moisture content generally declined with increasing elevation. Generalized Linear Model results showed that elevation and soil moisture content had significant negative effects on tree species diversity, while sandy clay loam soils were associated with significantly higher diversity. These findings demonstrate that even modest elevational gradients (< 100 m) can structure tree species diversity through interacting topographic and edaphic factors. The study provides important insights for conservation planning and sustainable forest management in low-elevation tropical landscapes.
In recent years, India has witnessed tremendous increases in both population size and urbanization levels, resulting in widespread environmental degradation and ecological harm. Trees in urban and peri-urban areas play a crucial role in atmospheric carbon regulation, affecting carbon cycles, energy consumption, and local climate. However, comprehensive national assessment of carbon storage in urban vegetation remains limited due to insufficient data availability. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately quantify the carbon stored within urban tree cover to enhance the monitoring and management of regional carbon levels. In this study, biomass was assessed through a non-destructive method by employing a standardized protocol. A random sampling approach was employed to gather data across three locations in Raipur through intensive fieldwork. A total of 55 trees belonging to eight families were recorded, with a mean DBH and height of 27.84 cm and 9.22 m, respectively. Total biomass accumulation ranged between 199.82 t ha−1 in Vivekananda Vidyapeeth to 1658.45 t ha−1 in the plantation behind the Ayurvedic College (PAC), with an average total biomass of 744 t ha−1 and corresponding CO2 sequestration of 1284 t ha−1. Carbon storage varied between 93.92 and 779.47 t ha−1 across the study sites. The highest biomass, carbon storage, and CO2 sequestration were observed at the PAC site due to the presence of larger DBH classes and mature trees. A positive relationship between DBH and biomass accumulation was also observed, indicating the importance of large trees in urban carbon sequestration. Species such as Eucalyptus and Dalbergia sissoo showed high energy storage potential across all the studied urban tree species. These findings contribute to the limited literature on urban carbon stocks in central India and suggest that planting trees in urban areas possesses significant potential to directly sequester anthropogenic carbon emissions at their source and retain them within their biomass for prolonged periods.
Forests provide ecosystem services (ESs) and ecosystem disservices (EDs) to the local community living in and around the forest. The current study examined the trade-offs between forest ESs and EDs at different distances from the forest edge in southeast Ethiopia. The study employed a household survey, focus group discussions and field observations along six transects, laid down in a pair-wise design in six study villages. The study findings revealed that forests provide diverse services to the local community such as water sources (93.9
Agroforestry, the deliberate integration of trees with crops and/or livestock within agricultural landscapes, has emerged as an important climate-smart and multifunctional land-use approach addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges. By enhancing ecosystem resilience, improving livelihood security, restoring degraded lands, and supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, agroforestry offers significant potential for advancing sustainable development. Although numerous studies have examined the ecological and socioeconomic benefits of agroforestry, a comprehensive synthesis linking agroforestry systems with livelihood security and multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain limited. Therefore, the present review provides a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-inspired narrative synthesis and bibliometric assessment of agroforestry contributions toward multiple SDGs. Major agroforestry systems, such as agri-silviculture, silvopastoral, agri-silvopastoral, plantation-based multistrata systems, and homegarden systems, were evaluated across diverse geographical regions. Globally, agroforestry is practised by nearly 1.2 billion people across approximately 1023 million ha, representing about 10
Elevation is known to influence arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal diversity and community composition, yet its effect on AM symbiosis in a single tree species remains poorly understood. Chamaecyparis formosensis is the AM tree and is an endangered and endemic cypress in Taiwan across mid-elevation regions. To elucidate the influence of elevation on their fungal partners, we characterized AM fungal communities associated with the roots and rhizosphere soils of C. formosensis across three regions along elevation gradients from 1500 to 2500 m. Seven AM fungal genera, Glomus, Acaulospora, Scutellospora, Archaeospora, Claroideoglomus, Diversispora and Gigaspora, were obtained and identified from roots or rhizosphere soils. Glomus was the dominant genus associated with the roots and rhizosphere soils. Notably, only a subset of the soil AM fungal species colonized the roots, suggesting host selectivity. Both alpha and beta diversity of AM fungal virtual taxa (VT) declined with increasing elevation, and fungal communities associated roots exhibited significant differences across elevation zones, whereas rhizosphere soil communities showed less variation. These shifts in AM fungal communities along elevation gradients might correlate with the complex interactions between the physiological state of host plants and environmental factors. Analysis of life history strategies revealed that most VT within Acaulospora, Archaeospora, Diversispora and Scutellospora function as competitors, while Glomus VT displayed ruderal, competitive and stress-tolerant strategies. Our findings underscore the importance of environmental factors on AM fungal preference in C. formosensis, contributing to our understanding of symbiotic interactions across ecological gradients and to the development of effective conservation strategies for this endangered tree.
Conservation measures are essential for forest health, preservation of its ecological integrity and sustainable management. Through conservation, the forest is maintained and protected to preserve biodiversity and cultural values, promote sustainable use and equitable distribution of goods and services such that its capacity to renew itself and be sustainable is not compromised.Various conservation methods, including protected areas, forest reservation, sacred groves, among others, have been adopted to minimise losses and make forests more productive. We assessed the effects of three forest types on the biodiversity conservation status in tropical rainforest zone of in southern Nigeria. Data on overstory, sapling and seedling trees were collected from 72 temporary plots laid across three forest types: primary forests, secondary forests and sacred groves. Various biodiversity indices were computed and compared. Generally, biodiversity indices were lower in secondary forest sites than in primary forest and sacred grove sites. Tree density followed the order: seedling > overstory trees > saplings, which indicates fair regeneration. Irrespective of forest type, Shannon–Wiener diversity index (3.14—3.74) was high in all sites. Pooling understory and overstory data together revealed high species richness (65 to 116) in each forest type. Density of pooled data ranged from 959 to 2,545 trees ha−1 and was dissimilar across sites. The pooled data of each forest type revealed that species richness and species diversity index were not dependent on forest type as indicated by the non-significance of these indices among the three forest types. However, tree density was significantly affected by forest type. Primary and secondary forests are conventional conservation methods while sacred groves grove is a traditional method. Since the biodiversity indices of sacred grove were generally similar with those of primary forest and better than those of secondary forest, the poorer biodiversity conservation status in secondary forests is attributed to anthropogenic and other forest degradation activities, rather than conservation method.
The present study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of seven selected mangrove systems along the Kerala Coast (Southwest coast of India) on a seasonal basis. The data matrix was presented with different multivariate statistical analysis such as two-way ANOVA, cluster analysis, canonical discriminant factor analysis, and also elucidates the spatiotemporal variations and their disseminations. The study discovered that the hydrographic parameters and nutrient concentrations were influenced by seasonal changes. Cluster Analysis results determined the unique features of the area. Discriminant factor analysis showed that the distributions of variables were significantly affected regionally and not seasonally. The results of Two-way ANOVA reported significant differences (p < 0.05) with stations and seasons in parameters like pH, salinity, EC, TDS, temperature, hardness, ORP, nitrate, phosphate and silicate. This study presents the usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques for analyzing spatial and temporal variations of the hydrographic physico-chemical parameters and successfully managing the water quality in the selected mangrove forests.
We studied the feeding ecology of Nilgiri Langurs from May 2019 to May 2021 in the shola forests of the Eravikulam National Park, Kerala, India. Nilgiri Langurs (Semnopithecus johnii) were examined for two years for their feeding ecology in the shola forests of Eravikulam National Park. We observed that Nilgiri Langurs interacted with 39 species of plants belonging to 23 families. A total of 169 fecal samples containing intact seeds were analyzed, and the results of which shows the role of langurs as potential seed dispersers in shola forest ecosystem. The proximate analysis of the eleven fruit species consumed by the langurs revealed higher levels of carbohydrates, moisture, and fat. These findings highlight the importance of preserving diverse habitats to meet their nutritional needs and support their conservation, especially in seasonal and disturbed environments.
Cullenia exarillata A. Robyns, an important tree species, is specifically distributed in the evergreen rainforest region of the southern Western Ghats of India. The plant is a perennial flowering species classified as a member of the Malvaceae family. The tree species exhibit a notable presence in mid-elevation tropical wet evergreen rainforests. The lion-tailed macaque, a native primate species, heavily relies on this food source for sustenance, highlighting its ecological importance. The tree’s characteristics classify it as a keystone species within its respective ecosystem. The species has an ecological role as a crucial source of sustenance in the Western Ghats region, particularly due to restricted food availability. When other edible fruits are not available, the animals consume large quantities of fruits. When other fruits are abundant, animals are less dependent on this fruit. Cullenia is a plant species that exhibits a high level of desirability among lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) and plays a crucial role as a substantial dietary component for the entire population of these primates. The review consolidates current knowledge on its taxonomy, ecological interactions, conservation status. The tree depends on animal mediated pollination and seed dispersal, limits its natural regeneration. The review aims to provide a summary for future ecological research, restoration efforts while emphasizing the need for more studies to support the conservation of this threatened species.
Himalaya, the youngest mountain ecosystem, is globally recognized as ‘Biodiversity Hotspot’ and exhibits a wide range of topographic and climatic conditions. Apart from the general climate, locality factors play an important role in shaping the vegetation and species heterogeneity across the Himalayan mountain ecosystem. We investigated the species richness patterns of different growth-forms, life-forms and floristic spectra along the elevation gradient, to understand the elevation-species richness relationship in one of the highest ecosystems of the world, the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve (KBR), Sikkim, India. We classified the entire elevation range into six elevation classes (EC), viz. EC1 (up to 1000 m AMSL), EC2 (1000–2000 m), EC3 (2000–3000 m), EC4 (3000–4000 m), EC5 (4000–5000 m) and EC6 (> 5000 m) to assess the species richness patterns. The salient findings of our present study are: (1) the nearby elevation classes showed more similarity (EC2-EC3, EC4-EC5) in plant species composition than those of the distant classes (EC1-EC6, EC2-EC6); (2) overall, species richness along elevation showed a hump-shaped pattern (EC3 > EC4 > EC2 > EC5 > EC1 > EC6); (3) individual subgroups, viz. shrubs, herbs, phanerophytes, cryptophytes, therophytes and hemicryptophytes also followed hump-shaped pattern; (4) tree (r = − 0.54) and climber (r = − 0.70) richness curves skewed towards lower elevations while chamaephyte (r = 0.87) towards higher elevation; (5) based on the first two preponderance life-forms within each elevation class, the phytoclimate of the area can be classified as ‘phanero-cryptophytic’ (EC1–EC3), ‘crypto-hemicryptophytic’ (EC4–EC5) and ‘chamae-hemicryptophytic’ (EC6); (6) at higher elevations, the onset of flowering and fruiting in majority of the plant species recorded in rainy season (June–September). The present study has filled the knowledge gap on the elevation-species richness relationships in KBR. It will be helpful to understand vegetation dynamics and to frame effective management strategies.
Tropical second-growth forests of the Amazon sequester large amounts of carbon and are important carbon sinks, contributing substantially to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and providing crucial ecosystem services. Deforestation due to selective logging and shifting cultivation is expanding second-growth forest areas in tropical forest regions, which if well managed, regenerate rapidly over time. Maximum forest canopy height is an important metric of biomass and carbon accumulation in second-growth forests and is strongly influenced by water availability. The water limitation hypothesis explains the positive influence of water availability on maximum tree heights and has been examined and demonstrated at a small-scale using field data, and at a global scale, with limited accuracy, using remote sensing data in tropical ecosystems. However, this hypothesis concerning maximum canopy height has not been much studied at regional and national scales for tropical second-growth forests. In this study, we leveraged NASA GEDI spaceborne lidar data across the Brazilian Amazon and derived second-growth forest relative height metrics for delineating the influence of water availability, second-growth forest age, and topographic elevation on maximum canopy height. Water availability was found to significantly influence the maximum canopy height of second-growth forest trees, of age range from 30 to 35 years, at elevations less than 500 m and maximum precipitation thresholds of 1500 mm. Our results indicate that changing precipitation patterns or increased drought conditions under different climate change regimes could impact forest structure, plant communities, ecosystem functioning, and carbon sequestration capabilities of tropical second-growth forests in the Amazon.
This research investigates the impact of water-based extracts on allelopathic interactions involving the invasive weed Xanthium strumarium L. on the germination, seedling development and the biomass of Glycine max L. (Soyabean), Pisum sativum L. (Pea), and Oryza sativa L. (Rice). The study involved preparing extracts from both the aerial and underground parts of the weed at varying concentrations, viz., 1 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, and 75 mg/mL. The experimental design included soaking seeds in these extracts and measuring subsequent germination rates, seedling lengths, and biomass accumulation over 27 days. The results showed that extracts from both the aerial and underground parts of the weed significantly inhibited germination and growth. Specifically, increasing extract concentrations led to decreased mean shoot and root lengths across all tested crops. The aerial extracts generally showed greater inhibitory effects than the underground extracts. These findings underscore the significant allelopathic potential of the invasive weed, that adversely affects plant progression and crop yield. The study highlights the critical need for targeted strategies for weed management to mitigate the impact of invasive species on agricultural systems, and to enhance crop productivity.
Forests play a substantial role in sequestering carbon and regulating the global carbon balance. Himalayan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa D. Don) from an ecological and economic stand point is a least explored evergreen conifer of Central Himalaya that often forms either pure stands or sometimes association with other tree species. However, very little information is known about the carbon sequestration potential of these Cypress stands. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to quantify carbon stocks and carbon sequestration potential of six Cypress stands distributed along the altitudinal gradients of 1600–2500 m asl in Kumaon Central Himalaya. A total of 120 circular plots of 5.65 m radius were laid systematically in six Cypress stands with 20 sample plots in each. Soil physical and chemical properties were also assessed. Results revealed that total tree density and basal area in cypress stand ranged from 440 to 1050 individuals ha−1 and 30.84–60.79 m2 ha−1, respectively. The total carbon stock ranged between 151 and 285 Mg C ha−1, respectively. Carbon sequestration rate across stands fluctuated between 2.42 and 4.87 Mg C ha−1 yr−1. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and available potassium (K) levels were higher in high altitude stands. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (for soil depth 0–60 cm) ranged from 15.558 to 39.880 Mg ha−1. Altitude and soil physico-chemical factors showed no significant (p > 0.05) impact on carbon stocks of Cypress stands. These estimates indicate that the value of cypress forests lies not only in their ability to sequester biomass carbon but primarily in their extensive soil carbon reserves. This study provides useful background for future research to assess the trend of carbon sequestration in Cypress stands.
The present study was performed to assess variations in morphological and functional traits of seed and ramet derived plants of invasive perennial herb Ageratina adenophora, to determine whether differences existed between plant derivations and how these attributes contribute to the species’ persistence in a moist temperate forest habitat. Data were collected from A. adenophora invaded Cypress forest (Cupressus torulosa D.Don) in the Manora Range of Nainital Forest Division, Uttarakhand. Populations of A. adenophora were sampled for their density, morpho-physiological, and reproductive traits. Seed derived plants were identified as individuals emerging singly from soil without any visible connection to other plants, while ramet derived plants were recognized as those connected to parent plants through stolons or exhibiting clonal clustering. The result showed that the density of A. adenophora was greater for seed derived plants; however, capitula numbers were greater for ramet derived plants. In seed borne plants, biomass allocation to different plant organs was in the order: stem (61.7
