Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 1-12
Open Access
Authors:
Nidhi Sharma
Sana Choudhary
Nazarul Hasan
Neha Naaz
Parul Verma
This study evaluated the mutagenic effects of lead nitrate and cadmium nitrate on proline accumulation and various quantitative traits and morphological variations in M1 and M2 generations of Linum usitatissimum L. Both mutagens reduced plant height, branching, capsule number, seed weight, and yield, with cadmium nitrate resulting in stronger suppression. Proline content increased significantly in the M1 generation of linseed under both heavy metal’s treatment, indicating a strong biochemical response to heavy-metal stress. Although proline content declined in the M2 generation, but the content remained higher than the control. This increased proline in second generation revealed a partial recovery towards the induced stress. Various distinct cotyledonary and floral mutations were recorded in treated populations, some of which were persisted into the M2 generation. These findings shows heavy metal lead and cadmium nitrate although reduced the growth parameters but the mutants with high proline accumulation can serve as a better adaptor towards stress and may help in identifying mutant lines with improved stress tolerance for future breeding programmes.________________________________________
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 102-109
Open Access
Authors:
Gaurav Kumar Singh
The Cephaloboidea are a relatively distinctive group of widely distributed bacterial-feeding soil nematodes, most frequently represented by the family Cephalobidae. These nematodes, which are often striking in their labial morphology, are found in soils worldwide and are typically the most abundant microbivores in soil ecosystems. The present study has been conducted to survey the distribution and identification of soil inhabiting nematodes from the root zones of different plantations. Two species of free living nematodes belonging to suborder cephalobina have been discovered, Stegellata ophioglossa Andrassy, 1967 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Sorghum plantation in Aligarh, U.P. India while Zeldia tridentata Allen and Noffsinger, 1972 was found from the rhizosphere of Guava & Cashew-nut plantations in Odhisa, India. S. ophioglossa is characterized by small body, Cuticle with transverse and longitudinal striations, giving it a tessellated appearance. Distinct lateral fields with three incisures. Labial probolae with wide base, 4-6µm long, bifurcate. Prongs divergent and equal, mono-prodelphic reproductive system and flat tail terminus. Z. tridentata has a robust body, gradually tapering toward both the ends, cuticle with transverse annules, each annule with two rows of punctations, conoid female tail with acute terminus.
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 110-118
Open Access
Authors:
Barkha
Sanjana Rani
Arti Kumari
The aquatic ecosystems of Chukka Beach (Sharda River) and the Sharda Sagar Dam within the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), Uttar Pradesh, represent ecologically important freshwater habitats of the Terai landscape. The present study (2023–2025) investigates the diversity, abundance, and bioindicator role of aquatic insects in assessing the water quality of these two contrasting aquatic sites. A total of 18 aquatic insect species belonging to major orders such as Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Odonata, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera and Megaloptera were documented.
Standard sampling (sweep netting, kick sampling, hand picking) and physicochemical analyses were used to study the interaction between aquatic insect assemblages and water quality parameters. Diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Simpson’s Dominance, Margalef Richness) were calculated seasonally for both sites. Bioassessment indices including BMWP, ASPT, and Family Biotic Index (FBI) were applied to evaluate the ecological condition of the water bodies.
Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between insect diversity and key environmental variables such as pH, indicating that slightly alkaline conditions support healthier insect communities. In contrast, fluoride, arsenic, BOD, COD, TDS, Water temperature and copper (Cu) showed negative correlations with species richness and abundance .But in sensitive taxa like Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera showed higher representation at Chukka Beach, indicating relatively better water quality, whereas tolerant groups such as Chironomidae, Culicidae, Ceratopogonidae, Psychodidae, Tabanidae (Diptera) were more abundant near the Sharda Sagar Dam influenced by anthropogenic activities. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) further illustrated how environmental gradients shape the community structure., suggesting Higher TDS and copper levels also contributed to declining diversity, indicating overall degradation of water quality.
Correlation analysis showed that aquatic insect diversity positively correlated with pH because even slightly alkaline conditions favour healthy insect communities. On the other hand--Water temperature, pH, Nitrate, Total alkalinity, Dissolved oxygen (DO), Nitrate, TDS, BOD and COD identified correlations with the richness and abundance of species. Among them, arsenic, BOD and COD had the strongest negative effects, which implies that toxic chemicals and organic contamination reduce species richness of sensitive taxa. Higher TDS and copper content was also associated with diminished diversity and hence general deterioration of water quality. Altogether, the results provide supporting evidence for aquatic insects to be good bio-indicators of health in freshwater resource of Pilibhit area. The study is of significance as it offers an opportunity for baselines for conservation monitoring of the Sharda River system, and its conservation planning and sustainable management.
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 13-30
Open Access
Authors:
Sarika Singh
Sangram Singh
Aman Sobia Chishti
Urooj Hassan Bhat
Moin Uddin
M. Masroor A. Khan
Priyanka Singh
Some smoke-based compounds were also confirmed to influence a variety of physiological and developmental processes in plants. In this study, the influence of SSW (smoke-saturated water) using rhizome soaking and foliar spraying on growth and physiological, biochemical characteristics, glandular trichome, and final essential oil yield of Mentha arvensis L., a key economically important aromatic plant is investigated. Healthy rhizomes were immersed in SSW at 1:125 v/v, 1:250 v/v, 1:500 v/v and 1:1000 v/v for 24 h prior to planting, and at different concentrations of foliar treatments during crop growth. Both application strategies greatly improved plant height, biomass accumulation, leaf area, and leaf yield in plants treated with SSW at a dilution of 1:500 (v/v) compared with untreated controls. Increased chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, photosystem II efficiency, and levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids revealed enhanced photosynthetic performance. Moreover, SSW applied significant increases in the activities of the major metabolic enzymes namely nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase. SSW treatment induced accumulation of phenolics and flavonoids as well as marked enlargement of glandular trichomes. These physiological and biochemical benefits were characterized up to a remarkable increase in essential oil content and productivity, with higher concentrations of major molecules, i.e., menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate. In general, the results indicated that the optimal use of smoke-saturated water application of 1:500 (v/v) dilution of it (especially with optimum effectiveness) will be an eco-considerate treatment for enhancing growth performance in Mentha arvensis L. and essential oil yield and efficacy in Mentha arvensis L.
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 31-46
Open Access
Authors:
Sangram Singh
Moin Uddin
Sarika Singh
Urooj Hassan Bhat
M. Masroor A. Khan
Akshay Chauhan
Rajat Kumar Gautam
Harish
Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crucial plant in both culinary and therapeutic applications, surrounding ayurvedic and allopathic therapies for various health issues. Chili seeds have factually been allotted with physiologically or internally generated state of dorm which effects their germination potential. Problems related with insufficient seed germination rates and vigor growth may result in unfavorable growing patterns of seedlings and reduced agricultural productivity. The ultimate goal of this study endeavor was to evaluate the role of two radiation-treated natural polysaccharides, sodium alginate (ISA) and chitosan (ICH), on the germination and embryonic seedling progress of chili. Method: Seeds were immersed in water for 12 hours in containing unirradiated sodium alginate (USA) at a rate of 40 mg per L, and unirradiated chitosan (UCH) at a rate of 40 mg per L, which were employed as controls as well. Furthermore, numerous doses of ICH and ISA (40, 80, 120, and 160 mg L⁻¹) were used separately as treatments for both experiments. Result: The findings indicate that of the employed concentrations, 120 mg L⁻¹ of ISA and 80 mg L⁻¹ of ICH emerged as the most effective, leading to significant improvement of all evaluated parameters, viz., seed germination percentage, germination index, seed vigor index I, and seed vigor index II, as well as early seedling growth, in terms of shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight compared to control treatments (DDW). However, the respective treatments shortened the mean germination time compared to the control. Seed-soaking treatments with ISA and ICH also led to an increase in the activities of enzymes such as α-amylase, β-amylase, and protease, as well as the leaf content of photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, respectively, as compared to the control (water-soaking treatment). Conclusion: Conclusively, the administration of ISA and ICH at the recommended doses is an efficient and secure approach to increase the germination of seeds as well as early seedling development in chili. ________________________________________
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 47-57
Open Access
Authors:
Gaurav Kumar Singh
Soil nematodes are a part of soil food webs and are sensitive indicators of soil ecological conditions. In this study, the diversity, abundance, trophic structure and temporal distribution of soil nematode communities in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) agroecosystem were evaluated over a period of one year. We collected soil samples on 8 occasions from June 2008 to April 2009, with cover ranging from different crop growth stages, including fallow periods, in a conventionally cultivated wheat field, Aligarh district, India. Nematodes were obtained by modified Cobb’s sieving and decantation followed by Baermann funnel technique and identified to the generic level. A total of 50 nematode genera with 10 orders and 30 families were identified. Number of genera per sample varied from 13 to 23, with total nematode abundance being between 105 to 1178 individuals. The most abundant order was Rhabditida, and Dorylaimida had the highest level of generic diversity. Within trophic groups, bacteriovores were the most common organisms (58%) and were followed by fungivores (21%), herbivores (13%), omnivores (5%), and predators (3%). The most common genus throughout the course of the study was Acrobeloides. The measured trophic diversity index was from 1.03 to 1.25, suggesting moderate trophic complexity. Seasonal dynamics were well recorded with high levels of bacteriovorous nematodes in post-harvest periods, probably as a consequence of the higher organic matter content generated due to crop residues. The evidence indicates that soil nematode community structure is highly determined by crop phenology, organic amendments and the season. Soil nematode faunal analysis was used in this study and is effective for assessing soil health and ecosystem functioning in wheat-based agroecosystems.
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 58-71
Open Access
Authors:
Dr. Barkha
Arti Kumari
Sanjana Rani
The Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh, located in the fertile terai region, is rich in freshwater sources which include the Sharda River, Sharda Sagar Dam, Deoha Reservoir, as well as the origin of the Gomati River. These water bodies are integral to irrigation, drinking water supply, fisheries, and biodiversity. The district's rivers, wetlands, and reservoirs offer conducive conditions for fish farming and preserving water resources. Nevertheless, the construction of dams and irrigation systems radically changes the natural hydrological patterns, water quality, and fish population dynamics.
This study attempts to assess the analysis of water quality parameters and determinants of water dynamics of fish populations found in selected sites including the Sharda River, Sharda Sagar Dam, along with some other water resources in Pilibhit. The physicochemical properties of water -- temperature, pH, DO, BOD, TDS, COD -- were evaluated to study its suitability for aquatic life. Seasonal distributions were observed, indicating that water quality depends on temperature and rainfall patterns and hence directly affected fish richness and distribution. Some commercially vital fishes namely, the fish species Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Channa punctatus and some other catfish species were observed with different density in the survey facilities. Maximum fish abundance was recorded at post-winter level and minimum was observed under monsoon seasons where turbidity was high and oxygen saturations were low. Sustainable water and dam hydrology, controlled dam discharge, controlled release of floodwaters and wetlands conservation are vital for preserving fish population dynamics and for ensuring a healthy condition of habitat in Pilibhit, the study concludes.
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 72-79
Open Access
Authors:
Vijay Kumar
Ectoparasites infesting domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) represent a significant and pervasive threat to the health, welfare and productivity worldwide. These ectoparasites inhabit the skin, feathers, and external surfaces of the birds. They feed on blood causes direct damage, skin irritation and feather destruction. they also serve as vectors for viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens. Poultry sector in India is vast and rapidly expanding industry, encompassing both intensive commercial units and extensive backyard systems. Infestation of ectoparasite poses a substantial economic burden and a constraint to sustainable production. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the major ectoparasitic groups (lice, mites, fleas, ticks, and bugs) infesting domestic fowl globally. It covers the present status of research in taxonomy, morphology, life cycles, clinical and economic impacts, diagnostic methods, and integrated control strategies. This review paper emphasised on the need for region-specific epidemiological studies, the monitoring of acaricide resistance, and the development of sustainable, holistic management approaches tailored to diverse production systems.
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 80-93
Open Access
Authors:
Preeti Verma
India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries, hosting approximately 7–8% of all recorded species on just 2.4% of the world’s land area. With four global biodiversity hotspots (Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka and Sundaland), the country supports over 55,481 plant taxa and 105,244 animal species as of 2024 (Botanical Survey of India, 2025; Zoological Survey of India, 2025). Despite robust legal and policy frameworks, biodiversity faces severe threats from habitat fragmentation, deforestation (18,200 ha of primary humid forest lost in 2024), invasive alien species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change. This manuscript synthesizes the latest data from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Global Forest Watch, India State of Forest Report 2023 and IUCN Red List, while critically examining India’s biodiversity-related legislation: the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (as amended 2022), Biological Diversity Act 2002 (Rules 2004 & Amendment 2023), Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 (amended 2023), Environment (Protection) Act 1986, Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 and recent regulations under the Jan Vishwas Act 2023 and Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulations 2025 (Government of India). The analysis reveals implementation gaps, judicial interventions and emerging opportunities under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Strengthening enforcement, community rights, landscape-level planning and climate-resilient corridors is essential for achieving national targets of protecting 30% of land and water by 2030.
Biological & Molecular Sciences
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pp. 94-101
Open Access
Authors:
Sandhya Devi
Alok Kumar Khare
Forests contain everything a living being might possibly need: food, forage, medicine, timber, and fiber. In terms of their value to human society, fiber-producing plants have been ranked second only to food plants. The current study focuses on the natural fibers utilized by the communities residing in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve area. Field surveys and ethnobotanical data collecting using the open-ended, structured, and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) technique are the primary sources of the data. The study identified 22 plant species of 21 genera belonging to 7 different families. Most of the plants belonged to family Poaceae (36%) and stem (32%), leaves (27%) and stem bark (23%) are main source of fiber. The study area is rich in biodiversity and inhabited by many ethnic and subethnic communities with good traditional knowledge on fibres and the extraction processes. The purpose of the study is to promote awareness and explore the possible commercial application of the natural fibre yielding plants.
