Administration - Research Publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://kr.cup.edu.in/handle/32116/2

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 49

Economics and Politics of Farm Subsidies in India
(Elsevier Inc., 2013) Johl, S.S.
[No abstract available]
Climate change and biodiversity: Analysis of the policy framework
(IOS Press, 2014) Gupta, H.; Kohli, R.K.; Ahluwalia, A.S.; Pal, P.
ASEAN countries are highly vulnerable to climate change and loss of biodiversity as a large proportion of their population is concentrated along coastlines, and heavily reliant on agriculture, natural resources and forestry for livelihoods. Seven of the ten countries have ratied both the UNFCCC and CBD, but they have been slow in taking up individual stands at CoP meetings. Three ASEAN countries are megabiodiverse. ASEAN countries were quick in framing and implementing domestic policies on conservation and climate change. One reason for this is that they preferred to go along with the G-77/China group during the negotiations. However, they have been more willing to take collective positions in CBD than in UNFCCC. ASEAN is pursuing a broad-based approach in taking voluntary mitigation and adaptation measures
Biochemical Adaptations in Zea mays Roots to Short-Term Pb2+ Exposure: ROS Generation and Metabolism
(Springer, 2015) Kaur, Gurpreet; Kaur, Shubhpreet; Singh,Harminder Pal; Batish, Daizy Rani; Kohli, R.K.; Rishi, Valbha
The present study investigated the effect of lead (0, 16, 40 and 80 mg L?1 Pb2+) exposure for 3, 12 and 24 h on root biochemistry in hydroponically grown Zea mays (maize). Pb2+ exposure (80 mg L?1) enhanced malondialdehyde content (239 %�427 %), reactive carbonyl groups (425 %�512 %) and H2O2 (129 %�294 %) accumulation during 3�24 h of treatment, thereby indicating cellular peroxidation and oxidative damage. The quantitative estimations were in accordance with in situ detection of ROS generation (using 2?,7?-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate dye) and H2O2 accumulation. Pb2+ treatment significantly reduced ascorbate and glutathione content during 3�24 h of exposure. On the contrary, levels of non-protein thiols were enhanced by 3�11.8 time over control in response to 16�80 mg L?1 Pb2+ treatment, after 24 h. A dose-dependent induction in ascorbate peroxidase and lipoxygenase enzyme activity was observed in Z. mays roots. The activities of ascorbate-recycling enzymes (dehydroascorbate reductase and monodehydroascorbate reductase) were significantly increased in relation to concentration and duration of Pb2+ treatment. The study concludes that Pb2+-exposure induces ROS-mediated oxidative damage during early period of exposure despite the upregulation of enzymes of ascorbate�glutathione cycle.
Exogenous Nitric Oxide (NO) interferes with lead (Pb)-induced toxicity by detoxifying reactive oxygen species in hydroponically grown wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots
(Public Library of Science, 2015) Kaur, Gurpreet; Singh, Harminder Pal; Daizy R. Batish; Mahajan, Priyanka; Kohli, R.K.; Valbha, Rishi
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a bioactive signaling molecule that mediates a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. The present study investigated the role of NO (as SNP [sodium nitroprusside]) in ameliorating lead (Pb)-toxicity in Triticum aestivum (wheat) roots. Pb (50 and 250 ?M) alone and in combination with SNP (100 ?M) was given to hydroponically grown wheat roots for a period of 0-8 h. NO supplementation reduced the accumulation of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, hydroxyl ions and superoxide anion) and decreased the antioxidant enzyme activity in wheat roots particularly up to 6 h, thereby suggesting its role as an antioxidant. NO ameliorated Pb-induced membrane damage in wheat roots as evidenced by decreased ion-leakage and in situ histochemical localization. Pb-exposure significantly decreased in vivo NO level. The study concludes that exogenous NO partially ameliorates Pb-toxicity, but could not restore the plant growth on prolonged Pb-exposure. ? 2015 Kaur et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Exogenous nitric oxide (NO) interferes with lead (pb)-induced toxicity by detoxifying reactive oxygen species in hydroponically grown wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots,
(PLOS ONE, 2015) Kaur, Gurpreet; Singh, Harminder Pal; Batish, Daizy R.; Kohli, R.K.; Rishi, Valbha
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a bioactive signaling molecule that mediates a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. The present study investigated the role of NO (as SNP [sodium nitroprusside]) in ameliorating lead (Pb)-toxicity in Triticum aestivum (wheat) roots. Pb (50 and 250 ?M) alone and in combination with SNP (100 ?M) was given to hydroponically grown wheat roots for a period of 0�8 h. NO supplementation reduced the accumulation of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, hydroxyl ions and superoxide anion) and decreased the antioxidant enzyme activity in wheat roots particularly up to 6 h, thereby suggesting its role as an antioxidant. NO ameliorated Pb-induced membrane damage in wheat roots as evidenced by decreased ion-leakage and in situ histochemical localization. Pb-exposure significantly decreased in vivo NO level. The study concludes that exogenous NO partially ameliorates Pb-toxicity, but could not restore the plant growth on prolonged Pb-exposure.
Tunnel Vision In Climate Policy: A Case Study Of CDM Forestry Projects In India
(Indian Academy of Social Sciences, 2015) Gupta, Himangana; Ahluwalia, Amrik Singh; Kohli, R.K.
This paper attempts to find out the social, economic andenvironmental impacts of the forestry projects under theClean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the KyotoProtocol. It is a case study of two -reforestation projects-undertaken by the private sector in the forest-richChhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states of India.Some of the most fertile and forested regions ofChhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have beendeclared as-severely degraded - on the basis of satellitedata for the purpose of CDM reforestation projects. Theprojects are on the lands owned by poor tribal people whohave been weaned away from subsistence farming. Theeconomic benefits of the project go to private companiesthat manufacture paper and fibre boards while the poorfarmers wait for the next harvest for succor. The project hasalso taken away much of the grazing lands from the villagers.Apart from leading to loss of biodiversity, eucalyptusplantations are known to be bad for total ecologicaleconomics. This is an example of how the market basedmechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol add to the pressure onbiodiversity.
Allelopathic potential of essential oil of wild marigold (Tagetes minuta L) against some invasive weeds
(Open Academic Journals Index, 2015) Arora,Komal; Batish, Daizy R.; Singh,Harminder Pal; Kohli, R.K.
Tagetes minuta is an aromatic plant native to Tropical America. It exhibits wide range of biological activity against insects, nematodes, microbes including medicinal properties. It also creates nuisance for agricultural land. This may be attributed to its allelopathic properties. Therefore, the present study investigated the allelopathic potential of volatile oil of T. minuta on other invasive weeds - Chenopodium murale L., Phalaris minor Retz. and Amaranthus viridis L. It was observed that the volatile oil of T. minuta significantly reduced the germination, growth, chlorophyll content and respiratory ability of recipient weeds in a dose dependent manner. Mitotic studies revealed a complete arrest of mitotic activity in cells of treated root tips of Allium cepa with various aberrations like distorted, trinucleolated and binucleated cells. Thus, it can be concluded that the volatile oil of T. minuta shows allelopathic potential on other plants and this property could be further explored for weed management.
Mapping ‘consistency’ in India’s climate change position: Dynamics and dilemmas of science diplomacy
(Springer, 2015) Gupta, Himangana; Kohli, R.K.; Ahluwalia, Amrik Singh
India’s position on climate change negotiations is likely to have far reaching implications for the success of global climate cooperation. Since the beginning of negotiations, the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) remained the centerpiece of India’s stand. The stand started to evolve at the 15th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Copenhagen in 2009, when India accepted voluntary commitments to reduce emission intensity. Though India still swears by CBDR, status of the principle in the negotiations has become doubtful after the Durban Climate Conference in 2011 committed all parties to take emission targets. This paper traces major transition points in India’s negotiating position over the years and provides a descriptive context of its climate-related concerns. It analyzes the interview responses of 15 top scientists, experts, and negotiators to build upon core areas of climate change issues in India, its future role, and position in negotiations. Interviewees, in general, were in favor of protecting the carbon space for the poor who had very low emissions.
Eugenol-inhibited root growth in Avena fatuainvolves ROS-mediated oxidative damage
(Elsevier, 2015) Ahuja, Nitin; Singh, Harminder Pal; Batish, Daizy. R.; Kohli, R.K.,
Plant essential oils and their constituent monoterpenes are widely known plant growth retardants but their mechanism of action is not well understood. We explored the mechanism of phytotoxicity of eugenol, a monoterpenoid alcohol, proposed as a natural herbicide. Eugenol (100–1000 µM) retarded the germination of Avena fatua and strongly inhibited its root growth compared to the coleoptile growth. We further investigated the underlying physiological and biochemical alterations leading to the root growth inhibition. Eugenol induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative stress and membrane damage in the root tissue. ROS generation measured in terms of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical content increased significantly in the range of 24 to 144, 21 to 91, 46 to 173% over the control at 100 to 1000 µM eugenol, respectively. The disruption in membrane integrity was indicated by 25 to 125% increase in malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation byproduct), and decreased conjugated diene content (~10 to 41%). The electrolyte leakage suggesting membrane damage increased both under light as well as dark conditions measured over a period from 0 to 30 h. In defense to the oxidative damage due to eugenol, a significant upregulation in the ROS-scavenging antioxidant enzyme machinery was observed. The activities of superoxide dismutases, catalases, ascorbate peroxidases, guaiacol peroxidases and glutathione reductases were elevated by ~1.5 to 2.8, 2 to 4.3, 1.9 to 5.0, 1.4 to 3.9, 2.5 to 5.5 times, respectively, in response to 100 to 1000 µM eugenol. The study concludes that eugenol inhibits early root growth through ROS-mediated oxidative damage, despite an activation of the antioxidant enzyme machinery.
Allelopathic Potential of the Essential Oil of Wild Marigold (Tagetes minuta L.) Against Some Invasive Weeds
(The Science Publisher, 2015) Arora, Komal; Batish, Daizy R.; Singh, Harminder Pal; Kohli, R.K.
Tagetes minuta is an aromatic plant native to Tropical America. It exhibits wide range of biological activity against insects, nematodes, microbes including medicinal properties. It also creates nuisance for agricultural land. This may be attributed to its allelopathic properties. Therefore, the present study investigated the allelopathic potential of volatile oil of T. minuta on other invasive weeds - Chenopodium murale L., Phalaris minor Retz. and Amaranthus viridis L. It was observed that the volatile oil of T. minuta significantly reduced the germination, growth, chlorophyll content and respiratory ability of recipient weeds in a dose dependent manner. Mitotic studies revealed a complete arrest of mitotic activity in cells of treated root tips of Allium cepa with various aberrations like distorted, trinucleolated and binucleated cells. Thus, it can be concluded that the volatile oil of T. minuta shows allelopathic potential on other plants and this property could be further explored for weed management.
Allelopathic potential of needle litter extracts of Pinus roxburghii on germination and early growth of Zea mays and Echinochloa crus-galli
(Indian Journal of Applied Research (IJAR), 2016) Sharma, Neel Kanta; Batish, Daizy R.; Singh, Harminder Pal; Kohli, R.K.
The needle litter of Pinus roxburghii, a common conifer of Himalayan region was investigated for allelopathic potential against crop plant Zea mays and weed Echinochloa crus-galli. The aqueous extracts from litter enhanced the growth of Z. mays slightly at lower concentrations but showed inhibitory effect at higher concentrations. However, the effect on E. crus- galli was inhibitory at all the concentrations. Overall, the effect on the weed species was more pronounced as compared to the crop species. The findings suggest that the litter of P. roxburghii possesses allelopathic potential and can serve as an important bioresource for management of weeds by utilizing the principles of allelopathy. However, further detailed field studies are needed.
EMF radiations (1800 MHz)-inhibited early seedling growth of maize (Zea mays) involves alterations in starch and sucrose metabolism
(Springer, 2016) Kumar, Arvind; Singh, Harminder Pal; Batish, Daizy R.; Kaur, Shalinder; Kohli, R.K.
The present study investigated the impact of 1800-MHz electromagnetic field radiations (EMF-r), widely used in mobile communication, on the growth and activity of starch-, sucrose-, and phosphate-hydrolyzing enzymes in Zea mays seedlings. We exposed Z. mays to modulated continuous wave homogenous EMF-r at specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.69±0.0 × 10−1 W kg−1 for ½, 1, 2, and 4 h. The analysis of seedlings after 7 days revealed that short-term exposure did not induce any significant change, while longer exposure of 4 h caused significant growth and biochemical alterations. There was a reduction in the root and coleoptile length with more pronounced effect on coleoptile growth (23 % reduction on 4-h exposure). The contents of photosynthetic pigments and total carbohydrates declined by 13 and 18 %, respectively, in 4-h exposure treatments compared to unexposed control. The activity of starch-hydrolyzing enzymes—α- and β-amylases—increased by ∼92 and 94 %, respectively, at an exposure duration of 4 h, over that in the control. In response to 4-h exposure treatment, the activity of sucrolytic enzymes—acid invertases and alkaline invertases—was increased by 88 and 266 %, whereas the specific activities of phosphohydrolytic enzymes (acid phosphatases and alkaline phosphatases) showed initial increase up to ≤2 h duration and then declined at >2 h exposure duration. The study concludes that EMF-r-inhibited seedling growth of Z. mays involves interference with starch and sucrose metabolism.
Allelopathic effect of Pinus roxburghii on an understorey plant, Bidens pilosa
(AdhyaBiosciences, 2016) Sharma, Neel Kanta; Batish, Daizy R.; Singh, Harminder Pal; Kohli, R.K.
Allelopathic effect of Pinus roxburghii was studied on Bidens pilosa through laboratory and greenhouse experiments. The aqueous extracts of green needles, needle litter and bark were found to inhibit germination and initial growth of B. pilosa in laboratory bioassays. The inhibitory effect on germination root length, shoot length and biomass was also observed on amendment of powdered needle litter in soil in greenhouse pots. The inhibitory effect increased with increase in conc. of extracts or amount of litter amended. The amended soil was found to be rich in phenolics, the known potent allelochemics. The study indicates that such interactions may also be operational in forests of P. roxburghii.
Effect of lead on oxidative status, antioxidative response and metal accumulation in Coronopus didymus
(Elsevier Masson SAS, 2016) Sidhu, Gagan Preet Singh; Singh, Harminder Pal; Batish, Daizy R.; Kohli, R.K.
A screenhouse experiment was conducted to assay the effect of Lead (Pb) on oxidative status, antioxidative response and metal accumulation in Coronopus didymus after 6 weeks. Results revealed a good Pb tolerance and accumulation potential of C. didymus towards the increasing Pb concentrations (500, 900, 1800, 2900 mg kg-1) in soil. The content of Pb in roots and shoots elevated with higher Pb levels and reached a maximum of 3684.3 mg kg-1 and 862.8 mg kg-1 Pb dry weight, respectively, at 2900 mg kg-1 treatment. Pb exposure stimulated electrolyte leakage, H2O2 level, MDA content and the activities of antioxidant machinery (SOD, CAT, APX, GPX and GR). However, at the highest Pb concentration, the activities of SOD and CAT declined. The H2O2 level and MDA content in roots increased significantly up to ~500% and 213%, respectively, over the control, at 2900 mg kg-1 Pb treatment. Likewise, concurrent findings were noticed in shoots of C. didymus, with the increasing Pb concentration. The present work suggests that C. didymus exhibited a good accumulation potential for Pb and can tolerate Pb-induced oxidative stress by an effective antioxidant defense mechanism. ? 2016.
Allelopathic Effect of Leaves of Invasive tree Broussonetia papyrifera against some crop plants
(AdhyaBiosciences, 2016) Negi, Anjana; Batish, Daizy R.; Singh, Harminder Pal; Kohli, R.K.
Allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of leaves of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. was studied on germination and seedling growth of Triticum aestivum L. and Oryza sativa L. under laboratory conditions. The seed germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight and total chlorophyll content were reduced with the increasing treatment of concentration (0.5, 1, 2 and 4%) of B. papyrifera leaf extract as compared to the control. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced on the root length than on coleoptile length. The extracts were rich in phenolic compounds, which are the ubiquitous allelochemicals and often implicated in allelopathy. The study concludes that B. papyrifera exhibits allelopathy through the release of phenolics from its leaves.
Comparative account of allelopathic potential of essential oil of Tagetes minuta L. and its major component cis-β-Ocimene
(AdhyaBiosciences, 2016) Arora, Komal; Batish, Daizy R.; Singh, Harminder Pal; Kohli, R.K.
The study aims to explore the chemical composition of volatile essential oil of Tagetes minuta and comparison of its allelopathic potential with cis-β-ocimene, a major component of oil. T. minuta L. is an exotic aromatic plant found growing in northern plains and western Himalayas in India. The water distilled essential oil from aerial parts of T. minuta (at flowering stage) was analyzed by GC-MS. The analysis revealed 27 compounds representing 95.73% of the oil. cis-b-Ocimene (44.56%), dihydrotagetone (28.52%), limonene (3.99%) and tagetone (7.42%) were its major compounds. A comparison of allelopathic effect of cis-b-ocimene was made with T. minuta oil using Cassia occidentalis L., a common wasteland weed, as test plant. Laboratory study included growth studies in the form of germination, seedling length and dry weight of test plant under both treatments i.e. T. minuta oil and cis-b-ocimene. The inhibitory effect of ocimene was more significant as compared to oil. However, highest concentration (20µg/cc) of both treatments was found to be inhibitory with
Alterations in photosynthetic pigments, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism in a wild plant Coronopus didymus L. (Brassicaceae) under lead stress
(Polish Academy of Sciences, 2017) Sidhu, G.P.S.; Singh, H.P.; Batish, Daizy R.; Kohli, R.K.
Coronopus didymus has been emerged as a promising wild, unpalatable plant species to alleviate lead (Pb) from the contaminated soils. This work investigated the hypothesis regarding various metabolic adaptations of C. didymus under lead (Pb) stress. In pot experiments, we assessed the effect of Pb at varied concentrations (500?2900?mg?kg?1) on growth, photosynthetic pigments, alteration of macromolecular (protein and carbohydrate) content, and activities of enzymes like protease, ?-and ?-amylase, peroxidase (POX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in C. didymus for 6?weeks. Results revealed that Pb exposure enhanced the growth, protein, and carbohydrate level, but decreased the leaf pigment concentration and activities of hydrolytic enzymes. The activities of POX and PPO in roots increased progressively by ~337 and 675%, respectively, over the control, at 2900?mg?kg?1 Pb treatment. Likewise, contemporaneous findings were noticed in shoots of C. didymus, strongly indicating its inherent potential to cope Pb-induced stress. Furthermore, the altered plant biochemical status and upregulated metabolic activities of POX and PPO indulged in polyphenol peroxidation elucidate their role in allocating protection and conferring resistance against Pb instigated stress. The current work suggests that stress induced by Pb in C. didymus stimulated the POX and PPO activities which impart a decisive role in detoxification of peaked Pb levels, perhaps, by forming physical barrier or lignifications. ? 2017, Franciszek G?rski Institute of Plant Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krak
Tolerance and hyperaccumulation of cadmium by a wild, unpalatable herb Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. (Brassicaceae)
(Academic Press, 2017) Sidhu, G.P.S.; Singh, H.P.; Batish, Daizy R.; Kohli, R.K.
The potential of a wild, unpalatable plant Coronopus didymus was investigated for the first time in terms of its capability to tolerate and accumulate cadmium (Cd) for phytoremediation purposes. A screenhouse experiment for 6 weeks was conducted to evaluate the effect of Cd from 100 to 400?mg?kg?1 on growth, biomass, photosynthetic apparatus, Cd uptake and accumulation in C. didymus plants. Application of Cd facilitates the growth of the plants whereas at higher levels a slight reduction was noticed. The concentration of Cd in roots and shoots reached a maximum of 867.2 and 864.5?mg?kg?1 DW respectively, at 400?mg?kg?1?Cd treatment. Cd exposure increased the generation of superoxide anion (O2??), H2O2 content, MDA level and antioxidative response (SOD, CAT and POD) in roots and shoots of C. didymus. However, a slight decline in SOD and CAT activities were noticed in roots at highest Cd treatment (400?mg?kg?1). The bioconcentration (BCF) values for all the concentrations were ?1 and the translocation factor (TF) values were ? 1 at lower level but reached 1 at highest Cd concentration. Thus, C. didymus satisfies the conditions required for hyperaccumulator plants and may be practically employed to alleviate Cd from contaminated soils. ? 2016 Elsevier Inc.
The impact of invasive Hyptis suaveolens on the floristic composition of the periurban ecosystems of Chandigarh, northwestern India
(Elsevier GmbH, 2017) Sharma, A.; Batish, Daizy R.; Singh, H.P.; Jaryan, V.; Kohli, R.K.
We investigated the impact of invasive Hyptis suaveolens on the natural vegetation and soil of the periurban ecosystems of Chandigarh (Northwestern India), in terms of declines in species number, importance value index (IVI), richness, diversity, evenness, and changes in soil pH, conductivity and organic matter. The number of species declined by 46?52% in the areas massively invaded by H. suaveolens. The richness, diversity, dominance and evenness of species were severely reduced in the invaded areas compared to uninvaded areas. The reasons for this strong impact may be attributed to the vigorous growth of the weed in the invaded areas. Invaded areas were characterized by high cover of the exotic species. Several economically important species like Justicia adhatoda, Anisomeles indica, Carissa carandas, Dioscorea deltoidea, Murraya koenigii and Paspalidium flavidum were conspicuously absent in the invaded areas, though present in the uninvaded areas. Absence of these species in the areas invaded by H. suaveolens may pose socio-economic problems for the local people. Further, alterations were also noticed in the pH, conductivity, organic carbon and organic matter of the soil of invaded areas. Based on these observations, it was concluded that invasion of H. suaveolens has a marked influence on the vegetation of periurban ecosystems, and causes depletion of several economically important species. The present study calls for an immediate action for the management of this noxious alien weed. ? 2017 Elsevier GmbH
Phenological behaviour of Parthenium hysterophorus in response to climatic variations according to the extended BBCH scale
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2017) Kaur, A.; Batish, Daizy R.; Kaur, S.; Singh, H.P.; Kohli, R.K.
Considering the importance of ecological and biological traits in imparting invasive success to the alien species, the phenological behaviour of an alien invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus was documented according to the extended BBCH scale in four different seasons. A phenological calendar was prepared using both two- and three- digit coding system, precisely describing the developmental stages of the weed. The phenological documentation is further supplemented with the dates corresponding to a particular growth stage, pictures of the representative growth stages and meteorological data of all the four seasons. Results revealed that the phenology of the weed altered in response to the changing temperature and humidity conditions but no apparent climatic condition could inhibit its germination or flowering. However, the emergence of inflorescence was highly sensitive to the temperature/photoperiodic conditions. Variations in the phenological traits of P. hysterophorus with changing environmental conditions explain the acclimatisation potential of the weed permitting its vast spread in the non-native regions. Since the given phenological illustrations are accurate, unambiguous and coded as per an internationally recognised scale, they could be exploited for agronomic practices, weed management programmes, and research purposes. ? 2017 Association of Applied Biologists