Research
- Seed biology and physiology of reproduction in threatened/endangered species and wild edibles.
- Biomass production potential in mountain plant species.
- Physiology and biochemistry of adaptation in high altitude plants.
Training and Teaching
- Ph.D. programme in the proposed fields of research.
- Environmental Plant Biology course at M.Phil. level.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Biotechniques of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Certificate Course on Biotechniques of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Short term orientation course in nursery practices, plant form and functions, conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and environmental management.
Developmental Activities
- To develop package of practices for the cultivation of endangered MAPs and mountain tree species.
- Establishment of nursery and demonstration units.
- Demonstration unit on revegetation of wasteland in mountains.
- Publication and consultation in relevant fields.
- Seed biology and physiology of reproduction in threatened/endangered species and wild edibles.
- Biomass production potential in mountain plant species.
- Physiology and biochemistry of adaptation in high altitude plants.
Training and Teaching
- Ph.D. programme in the proposed fields of research.
- Environmental Plant Biology course at M.Phil. level.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Biotechniques of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Certificate Course on Biotechniques of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Short term orientation course in nursery practices, plant form and functions, conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and environmental management.
Developmental Activities
- To develop package of practices for the cultivation of endangered MAPs and mountain tree species.
- Establishment of nursery and demonstration units.
- Demonstration unit on revegetation of wasteland in mountains.
- Publication and consultation in relevant fields.
Research program (D. Phil.)
Major thrust areas in the research at the Centre are:
1. Population biology, genetic variability and productivity of alpine plants.
It includes improvement and multiplication of selected superior types by using biotechnology and tissue culture method.
2. Seed biology, vegetative propagation and nursery technology of temperate and sub-alpine tree species.
3. Biophysical and biochemical adaptation in mountain plants.
4. Environmental physiology of nitrogen fixing mountain species.
5. Responses of plants to climate change.
The candidates willing to join the D. Phil. Degree program at the Centre should be fellowship holders (either direct fellowship on in some research projects/programs undertaken by the Centre).
Major thrust areas in the research at the Centre are:
1. Population biology, genetic variability and productivity of alpine plants.
It includes improvement and multiplication of selected superior types by using biotechnology and tissue culture method.
2. Seed biology, vegetative propagation and nursery technology of temperate and sub-alpine tree species.
3. Biophysical and biochemical adaptation in mountain plants.
4. Environmental physiology of nitrogen fixing mountain species.
5. Responses of plants to climate change.
The candidates willing to join the D. Phil. Degree program at the Centre should be fellowship holders (either direct fellowship on in some research projects/programs undertaken by the Centre).
Activities
Field programs
The Centre has a Field Research Station at Tungnath (3600 m a.s.l.) and a sub-station at and Pothibasa (2200 m) for medicinal plants. The extension and demonstration activities of the Centre are undertaken in collaboration with other institutions/groups/individuals. First commercial cultivation of one of the high altitude species Picrorhiza kurrooa has been taken up in Ghese village of Chamoli district with the help of 32 farmers. Buy back arrangement for this cultivation has been made with Dhawan International, a Delhi based company.
Field programs
The Centre has a Field Research Station at Tungnath (3600 m a.s.l.) and a sub-station at and Pothibasa (2200 m) for medicinal plants. The extension and demonstration activities of the Centre are undertaken in collaboration with other institutions/groups/individuals. First commercial cultivation of one of the high altitude species Picrorhiza kurrooa has been taken up in Ghese village of Chamoli district with the help of 32 farmers. Buy back arrangement for this cultivation has been made with Dhawan International, a Delhi based company.
Future plans
- Eco-system Physiology
- Plant Biophysics and Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Reproductive Biology and Seed Physiology
- Photosynthesis and Productivity
- Resource Assessment
- Training and Extension
Research work
Major Research Achievements
Working as a unit for All India Co-ordinated project on Seed Biology Centre took-up extensive R & D activities on 6 high altitude medicinal plant species in 1985 and so far detailed studies on status in nature, seed viability, multiplication and cultivation trials of important high altitude species have been conducted. Package of practices for Podophyllum hexandrum, Aconitum balfourii, A. heterophyllum, Nadorstachys jatamansi, Rheum emodi, R. moorcroftianum, Carum carvi, Saussurea lappa, Allium stracheyi, Meconopsis aculeate and Picrorhiza kurrooa have been worked out and popularized among the selected farmers through short courses. Superior planting material of these species in the form of seeds and seedlings is being distributed to willing growers.
Country’s first Alpine Garden for the medicinal plants was established at Tungnath, where at present 50 species are being multiplied and are being tested for their productivity.
The temperature and irradiance dependence of net photosynthesis is an intrinsic characteristic of alpine species which do not change with the temperature regime under which these plants are grown. Majority of these species are able to grow vigorously even under relatively high temperatures. The high temperature tolerance in these species seems to be associated with high PEP carboxylase activity induced under high temperature. In these species, the seed germination is generally favoured by relatively higher temperatures and longer light period.
Under a Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India sponsored project on “Application of Biotechnology in Conservation, Multiplication and Improvement of Himalayan Threatened Plant Species” the Centre has identified about 13 morphological variants in Podophyllum, showing leaf polymorphism. Characterization of these variants in their active principle composition is in progress.
The Centre was identified as Biomass Research Centre for Western Himalayan region by the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources, Govt. of India to generate information on suitable species for energy plantation in hills. Screening of mountain tree species for their biomass productivity was undertaken and potential species identified. A germplasm bank has been established at Srinagar Garhwal with 75 sub-tropical and temperate tree species.
Based on physiological parameters, the Centre has worked out the superiority index for the selection of tree species for plantation in mountains. Two groups of tree species namely under and over-temperature have been identified. It has been found that under-temperature tree species have higher survival potential on highly exposed subtropical mountain slopes. The Centre has identified Ougeinia oojeinensis and Albizia chinensis as suitable tree species for plantations at lower altitudes and Alnus nepalensis and Betula alnoides for relatively higher altitudes.
- Eco-system Physiology
- Plant Biophysics and Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Reproductive Biology and Seed Physiology
- Photosynthesis and Productivity
- Resource Assessment
- Training and Extension
Research work
Major Research Achievements
Working as a unit for All India Co-ordinated project on Seed Biology Centre took-up extensive R & D activities on 6 high altitude medicinal plant species in 1985 and so far detailed studies on status in nature, seed viability, multiplication and cultivation trials of important high altitude species have been conducted. Package of practices for Podophyllum hexandrum, Aconitum balfourii, A. heterophyllum, Nadorstachys jatamansi, Rheum emodi, R. moorcroftianum, Carum carvi, Saussurea lappa, Allium stracheyi, Meconopsis aculeate and Picrorhiza kurrooa have been worked out and popularized among the selected farmers through short courses. Superior planting material of these species in the form of seeds and seedlings is being distributed to willing growers.
Country’s first Alpine Garden for the medicinal plants was established at Tungnath, where at present 50 species are being multiplied and are being tested for their productivity.
The temperature and irradiance dependence of net photosynthesis is an intrinsic characteristic of alpine species which do not change with the temperature regime under which these plants are grown. Majority of these species are able to grow vigorously even under relatively high temperatures. The high temperature tolerance in these species seems to be associated with high PEP carboxylase activity induced under high temperature. In these species, the seed germination is generally favoured by relatively higher temperatures and longer light period.
Under a Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India sponsored project on “Application of Biotechnology in Conservation, Multiplication and Improvement of Himalayan Threatened Plant Species” the Centre has identified about 13 morphological variants in Podophyllum, showing leaf polymorphism. Characterization of these variants in their active principle composition is in progress.
The Centre was identified as Biomass Research Centre for Western Himalayan region by the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources, Govt. of India to generate information on suitable species for energy plantation in hills. Screening of mountain tree species for their biomass productivity was undertaken and potential species identified. A germplasm bank has been established at Srinagar Garhwal with 75 sub-tropical and temperate tree species.
Based on physiological parameters, the Centre has worked out the superiority index for the selection of tree species for plantation in mountains. Two groups of tree species namely under and over-temperature have been identified. It has been found that under-temperature tree species have higher survival potential on highly exposed subtropical mountain slopes. The Centre has identified Ougeinia oojeinensis and Albizia chinensis as suitable tree species for plantations at lower altitudes and Alnus nepalensis and Betula alnoides for relatively higher altitudes.
On Going Research Programmes
At present, research projects financed by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Environment and Forest and National Medicinal Plants Board are being run by the Centre.
At present, research projects financed by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Environment and Forest and National Medicinal Plants Board are being run by the Centre.
1. Production and demonstration of quality planting material of Jatropha curcas for hilly region of Uttaranchal
Sponsoring Agency : Dept. of Biotechnology, GOI, New Delhi
Duration : 2004-2009
2. Micro propagation and conservation of some medicinally important endangered orchids of Uttarakhand Garhwal Hills
Sponsoring Agency : Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology, Govt. of Uttarakhand
Duration : 2007-2010
3. Vulnerability Assessment, Nutrient Pool and Vegetation Response of Alpine Ecosystem to Climate Change in Himalaya, India
Sponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environment and Forest, GOI New, Delhi
Duration : 2007-2010
4. Status multiplication and conservation of some high altitude medicinal herbs used in Asthaverga
Sponsoring Agency : IERP,GBPIHED, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand
Duration : 2008-2011
5. Genetic variability and chemical & molecular determinants of Aconitum balfourii Stapf. including ecoprofiling under micro/macro environment of root growth and development of transgenic roots for higher aconite content
Sponsoring Agency : National Medicinal Plant Board, GOI, New Delhi
Duration : 2008-2011
6. Population assessment and identification of superior genetic tock of Picrorhiza kurrooa & Valeriana jatamansi by screening different populations from N-W Himalayas (H.P. and Uttarakhand)
Sponsoring Agency : National Medicinal Plant Board, GOI, New Delhi
Duration : 2008-2011
7. Improvement of infrastructure facilities in alpine garden at Tungnath
Sponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environment and Forest, GOI New, Delhi
Duration : 2008-2011
Sponsoring Agency : Dept. of Biotechnology, GOI, New Delhi
Duration : 2004-2009
2. Micro propagation and conservation of some medicinally important endangered orchids of Uttarakhand Garhwal Hills
Sponsoring Agency : Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology, Govt. of Uttarakhand
Duration : 2007-2010
3. Vulnerability Assessment, Nutrient Pool and Vegetation Response of Alpine Ecosystem to Climate Change in Himalaya, India
Sponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environment and Forest, GOI New, Delhi
Duration : 2007-2010
4. Status multiplication and conservation of some high altitude medicinal herbs used in Asthaverga
Sponsoring Agency : IERP,GBPIHED, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand
Duration : 2008-2011
5. Genetic variability and chemical & molecular determinants of Aconitum balfourii Stapf. including ecoprofiling under micro/macro environment of root growth and development of transgenic roots for higher aconite content
Sponsoring Agency : National Medicinal Plant Board, GOI, New Delhi
Duration : 2008-2011
6. Population assessment and identification of superior genetic tock of Picrorhiza kurrooa & Valeriana jatamansi by screening different populations from N-W Himalayas (H.P. and Uttarakhand)
Sponsoring Agency : National Medicinal Plant Board, GOI, New Delhi
Duration : 2008-2011
7. Improvement of infrastructure facilities in alpine garden at Tungnath
Sponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environment and Forest, GOI New, Delhi
Duration : 2008-2011
Fellowships
Junior Research Fellowship, by Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology, Govt. of Uttarakhand to Ms. Chetna Bisht on project entitled “Micro propagation and conservation of some medicinally important endangered orchids of Uttarakhand Garhwal Hills ”. 2007-2010.
Junior Research Fellowship, by Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology, Govt. of Uttarakhand to Ms. Chetna Bisht on project entitled “Micro propagation and conservation of some medicinally important endangered orchids of Uttarakhand Garhwal Hills ”. 2007-2010.