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Documenting floristic diversity, its natural history traits and habitat affiliation offers crucial insights for developing conservation strategies and management plans for regional biodiversity. In this study, we employed random sampling technique to investigate the floristic composition, natural history trait diversity and habitat distribution among 12 major forest types spread across an elevational gradient of 350–3450 m a.s.l. in the western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir. We recorded 451 species belonging to 90 families in the study region, with herbaceous growth form, perennial life span and therophyte categories dominant. We observed a steady increase in species richness from 800 to 2000 m a.s.l., with highest at 1750 m a.s.l. in the Himalayan dry temperate forest type and then a decreasing trend with elevation. In terms of species turnover, the lowest dissimilarity of 36.8% was found between the Himalayan dry temperate and Fir forests. Whereas, considering species replacement (βsne), the highest similarity of 17.3% was found between the lower western Himalayan and Himalayan dry temperate forests. This shows that beta‐diversity patterns between different forest types are mostly driven by species replacement. Multivariate analysis revealed three major groups in the entire forest species pool. Habitat‐wise, 34% species were recorded in the natural habitats, while the remaining 66% were found in human‐modified habitats (roadsides, piospheres). Our findings will improve scientific understanding of the forest vegetation of this Himalayan region and help in guiding forest policy and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In remote Himalayan regions, ethnic communities living near protected areas are dependent on medicinal plants for their healthcare. Although several studies related to ethnomedicine are available from Kashmir Himalaya, however studies focusing on protected areas in this region are largely overlooked. In this study, we aimed to document the ethnomedicinal plant species of the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Kashmir Himalaya. We conducted systematic field surveys in the study area to collect primary data from 60 participants through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire approach. We recorded 56 medicinal plant species used against different human diseases. The most frequent plant species were used for the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders. Asteraceae followed by Lamiaceae and Polygonaceae were the most dominant families. The most commonly used plant parts were the leaves, and the main method of preparation was decoction. The present study provides an empirical documentation of valuable ethnic knowledge of medicinal plant species and their respective uses to treat various diseases that will be useful to the pharmaceutical industries for various drug formulations through bioprospection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the vegetation and soil ecology of natural habitats harbouring threatened species is critical in conservation planning and restoration. The present study investigated the vegetation composition and soil physico‐chemical properties of natural habitats of Trillium govanianum – a threatened Himalayan endemic species. We laid 120 quadrats across eight randomly selected sites where the species was growing in the Kashmir Himalaya. We collected the soil samples from these sites and determined soil physico‐chemical properties using standard methods. Across all the sites, we found a total of 57 plant species with dominance of Rosaceae and Ranunculaceae. The importance value index (IVI) results revealed that Fragaria nubicola, Corydalis diphylla, Galium aparine, and Leucanthemum vulgare, were the dominant species in T. govanianum habitats. The density, abundance and IVI of three‐leaf vegetative plants was higher than one‐leaf vegetative and three‐leaf reproductive plants across all the study sites. We found that T. govanianum alone forms 23.5% positive, 0 negative, 76.4% random co‐occurrences with other associated species in its habitats. Our results reveal that the variations in vegetation composition among the sites was influenced by differences in soil properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that several soil properties such as organic carbon (OC), nitrogen, potassium, and sulphur were concentrated in five sites, namely Dara, Drung, Bangus, Gulmarg and Doodhpathri, which also showed the highest density, frequency, and abundance of T. govanianum. Overall, our study contributes quantitative information on the vegetation and soil ecology of T. govanianum‐habitats, which in turn can help in developing conservation strategies for this threatened species, and its sustainable management and habitat restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturalisation is the most crucial stage along the ecological process of introduction-naturalisation-invasion continuum. Therefore, reporting the transition of alien plant species at the naturalised stage along the continuum can be crucial for the early warning and rapid response in invasion management. Here we report Ranunculus repens as a new distribution record from Kashmir Himalaya. We provide a floristic account of this newly naturalised species and photographic illustrations of the distinguishing characters from an allied species, R. bulbosus, with which it is misidentified in the region. We also investigated the ecological aspects of this naturalised species by undertaking quadrat sampling in the R. repens-dominated community. Our results revealed that R. repens show positive association with those native species in the community which possess similar traits, but show interestingly negative association with other alien species found within the same community, thus hinting towards habitat filtering among the alien species pool in the region. Hopefully, the present study will validate report of R. repens from this Himalayan region, facilitate its field identification, guide control strategies at this early stage of naturalisation when chances of management success are maximum and prompt further studies on its potential invasion risk. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2022.2036847. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical study of the protologue, herbarium and live specimens of Ephedra yangthangensis Prabha Sharma & Rita Singh revealed that this species actually corresponds to E. intermedia. The description of E. yangthangensis as a new species is based on phenotypically plastic characters such as nature of microsporagiophore, size of male strobili and colour of stem, fruit and leaf, which actually fall within the circumscription of E. intermedia. Therefore, here we report E. yangthangensis as a new synonym of E. intermedia. We identify the taxonomic discrepancies in the diagnosis of E. yangthangensis and provide taxonomic keys, description with photographic illustrations of vegetative (habit, stems and leaves), reproductive (cone arrangement and nature) and anatomical characters and enlist the representative herbarium specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed examination of the protologue, herbarium, and live specimens of Ephedra kardangensis revealed that this species actually corresponds to E. gerardiana. Therefore, we report here E. kardangensis as a new synonym of E. gerardiana. Discrepancies in the description, diagnosis, and type specimen of E. kardangensis are discussed. Morphometric and molecular analyses also supported synonymy of the species. We provide a detailed description, photographic illustrations of vegetative (habit, stem, and leaves), and reproductive characters (male and female strobili, seed bearing strobili, seed, and pollen) of E. gerardiana for the ease of proper identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species (IAS) are currently considered as one of the major causes of global environmental change. To manage the IAS, it is crucial to identify the different environmental and associated anthropogenic drivers that contribute to invasion of alien species in non-native regions. Although multiple drivers of invasion have been identified at a global scale, the relative roles of these are known to vary considerably at regional scales. Here, we investigate the role of key environmental and anthropogenic drivers in determining the diversity and distribution of selected invasive alien plant species in Kashmir Himalaya. We generated an extensive distribution dataset of these species through field sampling across the region and supplemented it with novel herbarium records. We also extracted data on the relevant environmental (climatic, soil and topographic) and anthropogenic drivers for the study region. The random forest model was employed to quantify the relative contribution of these drivers to determine the two common diversity metrics (species richness and abundance) of selected invasive alien plants. We found that soil water content followed by distance to city, the maximum air temperature, soil pH, soil temperature and human population density exerted the greatest influence on species richness of the invasive plants. Species abundance was significantly influenced by the maximum air temperature followed by soil temperature, distance to city, slope, soil pH and human population density. Overall, our findings help in disentangling the individual and interactive roles of multiple drivers of plant invasions, with wide-ranging implications for management in this Himalayan region and similar landscapes elsewhere. • Invasive alien species are one of major causes of global environmental change. • Environmental and anthropogenic drivers of invasive plants in the Himalaya studied. • Soil water content and distance to city had greatest influence on species richness. • Maximum air temperature had greatest influence on invasive species abundance. • Our study disentangles individual and interactive roles of multiple drivers in plant invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Amaryllidaceae displays striking diversity in floral morphology, and as such its members have been grown as ornamentals since long in the Kashmir valley to enhance its picturesque natural landscape. In the absence of a taxonomic account of the ornamental species of Amaryllidaceae available for Kashmir valley, the present study report 19 species belonging to 13 genera of the family. For each ornamental species, the currently accepted name, brief taxonomic description, flowering phenology and plant images are provided for their easy identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant portion of global terrestrial biodiversity harboured in the mountains is under increasing threat from various anthropogenic impacts. Protecting fragile mountain ecosystems requires understanding how these human disturbances affect biodiversity. As roads and railways are extended further into mountain ecosystems, understanding the long‐term impacts of this infrastructure on community composition and diversity gains urgency.We used railway corridors constructed across the mountainous landscapes of the Kashmir Himalaya from 1994 to 2013 to study the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on species distributions and community dynamics. In 2014 and 2017, we collected vegetation data along 31 T‐shaped transects laid perpendicular to the railway line, adopting the MIREN (Mountain Invasion Research Network) road survey methodology.Plant communities shifted significantly from 2014 to 2017, potentially because of an ongoing species redistribution after railway construction, driven mainly by declines in both native and non‐native species richness, and an increasing abundance of a few non‐native species, especially in areas away from the railway track.These patterns indicate an advancing succession, where initially—rare—pioneer species are replaced by increasingly dominant and often non‐native competitors, and potentially suggest a trend towards delayed local extinctions after the disturbance event. Native and non‐native species richness was negatively correlated with elevation, but that relationship diminished over time, with the abundance of non‐natives significantly increasing at higher elevations.Synthesis and applications. Transport corridors seem to facilitate the spread of non‐native species to higher elevations, which has serious implications considering the warming mountain tops. Our results indicate that the plant communities next to railways do not reach equilibrium quickly after a disturbance. More than 10 years after railway establishment within Kashmir Himalaya, succession continued, and signs pointed towards a landscape increasingly dominated by non‐native species. Our study indicates that the single disturbance event associated with constructing railway in this Himalayan region had large and long‐lasting effects on plant communities at and around this transport corridor and suggests the need for a long‐term region‐wide coordinated monitoring and management program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An alternative sustainable source of diosgenin other than rhizome in Trillium govanianum was investigated. • Higher diosgenin content in the leaf than in rhizome samples was observed. • Leaf samples exhibit relatively higher expression of targeted genes of the diosgenin biosynthesis pathway. • Expression level of the targeted genes was positively correlated with diosgenin content. In recent times, to meet the surging demand of the herbal industry, overharvesting of medicinal herbs from their natural habitats has accelerated. This has posed severe extinction risks to plant species worldwide and therefore requires urgent conservation efforts and long-term sustainable solutions. By employing a molecular ecology approach, here we showcase a sustainable solution model for an endemic Himalayan medicinal herb, Trillium govanianum. The herb, being a rich source of diosgenin, is currently overharvested for its rhizome by extraction of the whole plant from the wild, leading to a drastic decline in its natural populations, and now declared Endangered. In the present study, we investigated whether there is an alternative sustainable source of diosgenin (i.e. leaves) other than rhizome in T. govanianum. We studied the spatial dynamics of diosgenin biosynthesis and accumulation using qRT-PCR-based targeted gene expression and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-based diosgenin quantification in the leaf and rhizome samples of T. govanianum collected along the elevation gradients in Kashmir Himalaya. Our results revealed a higher diosgenin content in the leaf than in rhizome samples of T. govanianum. Expression analysis showed that, compared to the rhizome, the leaf samples exhibit relatively higher expression of all the seven genes of the diosgenin biosynthesis pathway. We also found a strong positive correlation between the expression of the targeted genes and diosgenin content in the leaf and rhizome samples. Overall, our findings offer a nature-based solution for the conservation and sustainable utilization of this imperiled endemic Himalayan herb, with lessons for elsewhere in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the fundamental questions in invasion biology is why an alien species successfully invades one region but fails to do so in another region. In this regard, the recently emerging molecular ecology tools have made it possible to understand the genetic basis of invasion success and/or failure of alien species in different regions. Here we report the results of studies of the population genetic structure and diversity of Parthenium hysterophorus L. – a global plant invader – from two climatically distinct Himalayan regions: Jammu and Kashmir. While P. hysterophorus has successfully invaded across the subtropical Jammu region, it failed to invade the neighbouring temperate Kashmir region. The results, based on the ISSR data, revealed that the populations from Jammu were genetically more diverse than those from Kashmir. This conclusion was further supported by cluster analysis which grouped all the five populations of P. hysterophorus from Jammu region, but clearly separated out the Kashmir population. It is plausible that this low genetic diversity of P. hysterophorus in the latter region, along with the environmental barrier (i.e. temperate climate), has so far prevented the naturalisation and wide spread of this invasive plant species in Kashmir. The research insights from the present study, therefore, have potential implications for understanding the genetic basis of plant invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the contemporary climate change, the Himalaya is reported to be warming at a much higher rate than the global average. However, little is known about the alpine vegetation responses to recent climate change in the rapidly warming Himalaya. Here we studied vegetation dynamics on alpine summits in Kashmir Himalaya in relation to in situ measured microclimate. The summits, representing an elevation gradient from treeline to nival zone (3530–3740 m), were first surveyed in 2014 and then re-surveyed in 2018. The initial survey showed that the species richness, vegetation cover and soil temperature decreased with increasing elevation. Species richness and soil temperature differed significantly among slopes, with east and south slopes showing higher values than north and west slopes. The re-survey showed that species richness increased on the lower three summits but decreased on the highest summit (nival zone) and also revealed a substantial increase in the cover of dominant shrubs, graminoids, and forbs. The nestedness-resultant dissimilarity, rather than species turnover, contributed more to the magnitude of β-diversity among the summits. High temporal species turnover was found on south and east aspects, while high nestedness was recorded along north and west aspects. Thermophilization was more pronounced on the lower two summits and along the northern aspects. Our study provides crucial scientific data on climate change impacts on the alpine vegetation of Kashmir Himalaya. This information will fill global knowledge gaps from the developing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carbon stock in 12 major forest types along an elevational gradient (350–3450 masl) in the Indian Himalaya quantified. • A significant effect (p < 0.008) of elevation was observed on the forest structural variables, biomass and carbon stock. • Highest tree biomass and carbon stock values were found in the high-elevation forest types. • Climate-smart tree species suitable to the elevational belts in the region identified. • Our findings have immediate implications for climate change mitigation policy and practice. In an era of climate change, quantifying forest biomass and carbon stock along elevational gradients in mountainous areas assumes immediate relevance for carbon budgeting and forest management. Here, we carried out extensive field studies to quantify the tree biomass and carbon stock of major forest types along a wide elevational gradient (350–3450 m) in Jammu and Kashmir, a region located in the northwestern Himalaya. We adopted a stratified random cluster sampling approach to generate ground-based data on structural variables (diameter at breast height-DBH, stem height, basal area, stem density, species richness), and quantified biomass and carbon stock volume using allometric equations in 12 major forest types in the region. We found a significant difference in all the tree structural variables among the forest types. Our results show a significantly positive correlation between DBH and height, but a significantly negative correlation of stem density with DBH and height. We observed a higher basal area in the forest types between 1750 and 3350 m elevation, with the highest value (104.4 ± 29.0) found in Fir forest. We also found higher stem density values at mid- and high-elevations in comparison to low-elevation, but the trend was inconsistent. To evaluate the influence of elevation on the structural attributes, we fitted a Linear Regression Model (LM) for each variable, followed by F-test. We observed a significant effect (p < 0.008) of elevation on all the forest tree structural variables, species richness, biomass and carbon stock. All these variables, except species richness, showed a positive relationship with elevation. We found the highest aboveground-, belowground-, total biomass, and carbon stock in the forest types at high elevation above 1750 m. The most significant tree species in terms of biomass and carbon stock contribution was Abies pindrow , followed by Cedrus deodara and Pinus roxburghii , thus making them suitable tree species for forest conservation and restoration in this Himalayan region. Principal component analysis of anthropogenic disturbances revealed the fire mostly associated with the forest types dominated by P. roxburghii , stem cutting with those dominated by C. deodara, P. wallichiana and A. pindrow , and grazing with the high-elevation forest types. Overall, our study unravels the patterns of forest carbon stock along a wide elevational gradient in this Himalayan region, with immediate implications for climate change mitigation policy and practice in mountainous landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Twelve Forest types along an elevational gradient (350–3450 masl) in Indian Himalaya studied. • Forest types harbour 36 tree species, showing a decreasing trend in species richness with increase in elevation. • Four distinct communities recognised based on distribution patterns of forest tree species. • Shiwalik chir pine and Abies pindrow showed highest regeneration among the forest types and tree species, respectively. • Our findings can guide ecosystem restoration of the degraded forests in the Himalaya. Elevation plays a pivotal role in determining the diversity and distribution of biodiversity in mountainous landscapes, and therefore macroecological assessment of forest tree vegetation is crucial for developing scientifically-informed forest policy and management. In this study, we investigated the diversity, distribution pattern and regeneration status of tree species growing in major forest types in Jammu and Kashmir – a region located in Indian Himalaya. We carried out stratified random sampling of tree vegetation in the 12 major forest types selected along an extensive elevational gradient (350–3450 masl) in the study area. We recorded 36 forest tree species taxonomically distributed among 33 genera and 21 families, with Pinaceae as the most dominant family. Along the elevational gradient, tree species richness was greater in the low-altitude forest types dominated by broad-leaved trees and showed a declining trend with few or a single species in the forest types at high-altitudes. Based on the distribution pattern of tree species within the forest types, four distinct forest communities were recognised in the study area. In terms of elevational range size, Pinus roxburghii showed widest distribution occurring from 450 to 1650 masl, almost reaching to the Quercus incana distribution limit in Jammu. The tree regeneration status, based on seedling/tree ratio, revealed higher values for the Shiwalik Chir-Pine (650–1150 masl), Lower Western Himalayan-Banj oak (1200–1850 masl), and Fir forest types (2150–3150 masl). Across the forest types, we recorded an average sapling/tree ratio of 3.5 ± 0.89, tree density of 238 Nha−1, and basal area of 29.11 m2 ha−1. Among all the tree species, Abies pindrow showed highest regeneration performance and co-occurring well with other tree species at higher elevations (2150–3150 masl). We observed a significant positive correlation between adult tree density with those of seedling and sapling density. By making available an empirical assessment of diversity and distribution of forest tree species, and more importantly their current regeneration status, our findings will facilitate better monitoring and management of the forest ecosystems in this Himalayan region. Our study can help in developing sustainable management strategies for the existing ecologically-healthy forest areas in the region. Also, the findings will guide the ecosystem restoration of the degraded forest landscapes in the study area and provide useful insights for forest management in similar mountainous landscapes elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Impacts of global plant invader Ox-eye Daisy on plant communities were studied. • Ox-eye Daisy reduced species richness and diversity at all spatial scales and sites. • Decreased species abundance distribution, density and intraspecific association. • Intensity of impact was greater in summer season and at the larger spatial scale. • Scale and season matter in standard measurement of magnitude of invasion impacts. Global synthesis of studies on impacts of invasions on plant communities is often inhibited by inconsistent results owing to plethora of methodological pitfalls. In this regard, the selection of suitable spatial scale, season of sampling and choice of diversity metrics are crucial considerations. Here we report the impacts of a global invader, Leucanthemum vulgare Lam., on plant communities selected along an altitudinal gradient (landscape scale) in Kashmir Himalaya. The environmentally similar but spatially isolated invaded and uninvaded plots were selected and then sampled at multiple spatial (quadrat and plot) and temporal (spring, summer and autumn seasons) scales during years 2016-2017. Invasion by L. vulgare had a significantly negative impact on structure and composition of the invaded communities. Invasion decreased species richness at all the spatial scales due to its effects on species abundance (density), species abundance distribution and intraspecific association. However, the magnitude of the effect was dependent on the spatial scale, being more severe at the larger scale. Renyi diversity profiles indicated that L. vulgare invasion decreased species diversity during all the three seasons, but the intensity of the invasion impact was dependent on the season, with summer being the highest. Non-multidimensional scaling analysis showed that L. vulgare significantly altered species composition of the invaded communities with higher compositional dissimilarity during the summer season. Our study suggests that the selection of suitable spatial scale and season of sampling matter in the standard measurement of magnitude of plant invasion impacts. We propose a way forward to improve methodological and analytic tools for undertaking studies on impacts of invasions on plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Genetic diversity and population structure of endangered Trillium govanianum was investigated. • Based on SSR and SCoT markers, a very low genetic diversity was observed. • A high genetic differentiation and low gene flow was observed among populations. • One polymorphic locus identified for each marker with high discriminatory power. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of pharmaceutically important endangered plant species is crucial for their conservation and sustainable use. Despite the continuous population decline in Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don , a highly prized medicinal plant endemic to the Himalaya, information regarding its conservation genetics has been lacking. Here, we employed a conservation genetics approach to investigate how drastically declining populations in natural habitats impact population genetic diversity and structure of this endangered species across the Kashmir Himalaya. We used Start codon targeted (SCoT) and Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to assess the intra- and inter-population genetic variation in seven sites across the study region. Based on these markers, we found a very low genetic diversity in T. govanianum populations. Very low levels of observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.000) and that expected (He = 0.064) in the populations indicate high heterozygote deficiency and high levels of inbreeding depression (F IS = 1.000). A high genetic differentiation was observed among the populations for both SCoT (Gst = 0.719) and SSR (Fst = 0.707) markers. Both the markers showed low gene flow, SCoT (Nm = 0.195) and SSR (Nm = 0.119), depicting high among-population variation than within-population variation. Analysis of molecular variance also indicated a higher genetic variation between the populations than within populations. We also observed a significant positive correlation between genetic divergence and geographical distance, indicating that genetic differentiation in T. govanianum follows a pattern of isolation by distance. Bayesian structure and cluster analysis grouped the populations according to their geographical proximity. Further, redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed the presence of one polymorphic locus for each marker with high discriminatory power. Overall, our findings reveal a very low genetic diversity, high levels of inbreeding, and high genetic differentiation among the populations; likely resulting from habitat fragmentation, population isolation, bottleneck effect, low gene flow, and predominantly asexual reproduction currently operative in the species. Finally, based on the insights gained, we discuss the potential implications of our findings in guiding species recovery and habitat rehabilitation of T. govanianum in the Himalaya with conservation lessons for elsewhere in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Belowground developmental phenology and its relation with annual aboveground phenology studied in a temperate Himalayan herb Trillium govanianum. • Advanced floral morphogenesis during belowground preformation, including completion of male meiosis and formation of ovules reported in the species. • Belowground floral preformation prior to winter closely linked to aboveground reproductive phenology in ensuing growing season. • Highly advanced belowground preformation minimizes the requirement of prefloration period, thereby ensuring the species' reproductive success. In temperate mountains, the belowground organ preformation prior to winter is a well-known adaptation strategy in perennial plants, however its detailed phenology is still poorly understood, particularly with reference to belowground floral morphogenesis. Here we investigate, in detail, the developmental stages occuring belowground and its relation with annual aboveground phenology in a temperate Himalayan herb Trillium govanianum. We studied the species at three selected sites along an altitudinal gradient in Kashmir Himalaya. At each site, we recorded the aboveground phenological stages and also studied periodically the overwintering belowground buds to characterize the various developmental stages. We measured the size of leaf and floral organs in the belowground preformed bud and also at anthesis aboveground to investigate the differences at these two stages. The results reveal that the leaves and flower in T. govanianum are preformed belowground one season prior to aboveground development. The species shows an advanced stage of floral morphogenesis and development during the belowground preformation, including completion of male meiosis and formation of functional ovules. We found no significant difference in the floral organs like anther and ovary length in the belowground bud and aboveground anthesis stages, thereby clearly indicating that these essential floral organs are fully developed in the preformed bud much before the species enters into winter dormancy. Our study suggests that the highly developed floral preformation hidden from the harsh winter conditions plays a pivotal role in the life history strategy of this temperate herb. Overall, our findings advance the current understanding of the belowground phenology, particularly the process of preformation in temperate herbaceous plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microclimate modulates edaphic and vegetation patterns at the Himalayan treelines. • High thermal heterogeneity found at downslope and upslope of the treelines. • Growing season mean soil temperatures of 7.31–8.15 °C recorded at the treelines. • Our findings predict treeline potential in several areas beyond the current position. • The study has implications in understanding treeline dynamics under climate change. In an era of global environmental change, the treeline shift triggered by recent climate warming has been reported worldwide. However, it is still unknown how site - specific microclimatic conditions regulate the soil - vegetation relationship at treelines, which constrains our capacity to down-scale broad global trends in the treeline shift at regional scale. In this study, we aimed to unravel fine-scale edaphic and vegetation patterns at two treeline sites in Kashmir Himalaya with in situ - measured microclimate using mini-loggers. At each site, we conducted sampling at the treeline leading edge, 100 and 300 m downslope and upslope. We employed boosted regression trees to find best predictors of the treeline vegetation among the microclimate and edaphic factors. We found intermediate microclimatic conditions at the leading edge but contrasting microclimates at the downslope and upslope. Our results demonstrate that the heterogeneity in microclimate driven by elevation strongly modulates the microsite edaphic conditions at the treelines, which in turn determines the fine-scale vegetation patterns. The soil temperature, moisture, pH, Cu, Zn, electrical conductivity and N were the best predictors of vegetation patterns at the treelines. The length of growing season measured at the treelines matched with the predicted values for the Himalaya, but growing season mean soil temperature of 7.31 – 8.15 °C recorded at the treelines is slightly higher than the postulated 6.4 °C global treeline isotherm. Our findings reveal that the soil microclimate strongly modulates edaphic and vegetation patterns at the treelines, thereby implying that even minor change in microclimate, like ongoing climate warming, can shift the current treeline position. However, this may be partially offset by the higher temperature isotherm in Kashmir Himalaya, thereby suggesting a slow - paced future treeline shift. Overall, the study advances our understanding about the crucial role of microclimate in determining soil-vegetation relationships at treelines with wide implications under ongoing and projected climate change. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era of global environmental change, conservation of threatened biodiversity and ecosystem restoration are formidable ecological challenges. The forest understory strata and the belowground soil environment including rhizospheric microbial communities, which are crucial for ecosystem functioning and overall forest biodiversity maintenance, have remained understudied. Here, we investigate the soil microbiome of Trillium govanianum – an endangered Himalayan Forest herb, to unravel the underground diversity, drivers, and potential indicators of the microbial community. We collected rhizospheric and bulk soil samples for microbiome and physicochemical analysis at three sites along an elevation gradient (2500–3300 m) in Kashmir Himalaya. Amplicon sequencing of 16 S rRNA and ITS was used to identify the bacterial and fungal soil microorganisms. We found significant differences in the structure and diversity of microbial community (bacterial and fungal) between the rhizosphere and bulk soil along the altitudinal gradient, and noticeable shifts in the nutrient level in dominant microbial phyla associated with T. govanianum. A significant difference between soil physicochemical parameters and increasing altitude suggests that microbial community structure is determined by altitude and soil type. Similarly, the microbial communities showed a significant (P < 0.05) correlation with soil physicochemical variables along the altitudinal gradient. The moisture content in bacterial and total organic carbon in fungal communities showed the most substantial impact on the physiochemical drivers. We also identify potential bacterial and fungal plant growth promoter indicator species in the soil microbiome of T. govanianum. Overall, our findings provide novel research insights that can be pivotal in designing integrated species recovery programs and long-term restoration plans for T. govanianum, with learnings for biodiversity conservation elsewhere. • Soil microbiome of Trillium govanianum studied to unravel its diversity, drivers and indicator species. • Soil microbial communities showed significant differences in the abundance and diversity. • Physicochemical drivers of soil microbiome differ with increase in altitude. • Significant correlation observed between soil microbial communities and physicochemical drivers. • Bacterial and fungal plant growth promoter indicator species identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of sufficient studies on seed ecology of endemic species poses practical hurdles in their habitat restoration programs. Here, we studied the seed ecology traits and regeneration potential of Actaea kashmiriana – an endemic plant species to Kashmir Himalaya. We conducted population sampling of the species at four different sites in Kashmir Himalaya. The seeds showed profuse covering with brownish membranous wings, indicating wind dispersal in the species. The percentage of seed set varied from 67(±0.7) to 72(±0.6) and seed viability from 76(±2.4) to 86(±2.4), with highest being at low-altitude site. We observed a gradual reduction in viability of the seeds over time, and 4 °C temperature optimum for maintaining long-term viability. Gibberellic acid (GA 3) treatment (3 mM) showed highest percentage of seed germination and seedling survival. The treatments involving GA 3 (2 mM), GA 3 (2.5 mM), and GA 3 (3 mM) showed highest number of seeds germinated per day as well as seedling vigour index. Mean germination time was significantly reduced to 45 ± 0.92 days under GA 3 (3 mM) as compared to the other treatments. For breaking the epicotyl dormancy, 24–25 °C temperature was effective for the emergence of cotyledon. Faster seed germination initiated within 38 and40 days under treatments with GA 3 (3 mM) and GA 3 in combination with Thiourea respectively. Our results indicate non-deep morpho-physiological dormancy in the species and GA 3 likely serves as a substitute for cold stratification. Based on our findings, we outline a protocol for production of quality seedlings in A. kashmiriana , which can steer restoration of the species in this Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and enlighten the restoration of endemic biodiversity elsewhere. • Seed ecology of Actaea kashmiriana , an endemic species to the Himalaya, is studied. • We report the presence of non-deep morpho-physiological dormancy in the species. • For long term viability of the seeds, optimum temperature of 4 °C proved effective. • The temperature of 24–25 °C was found effective for breaking the seed dormancy. • Protocol for production of quality seedlings developed for the species restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The structure and function of a plant-pollinator meta-network of Kashmir Himalaya is reported where 230 plant and 80 pollinator species formed 1958 interactions. • Moderately high number of realized interactions with largest in Malus domestica and Apis and eight well-defined modules were revealed. • Alien species integrated well in the network reflecting 40% interactions. • Network extinction was more expected by removal of connected pollinators than plants. • Such natural history observations allow us to understand plant-pollinator networks in understudied regions of the world. Plant-pollinator studies are increasingly using network analysis to investigate the structure and function of such communities. However, many areas of high biodiversity largely remain unexplored in this way. Our study describes a plant-pollinator meta-network from an understudied biodiversity hotspot, the Kashmir Himalaya, where we specifically investigate plant-pollinator network nestedness and modularity, as well as the influence of alien species and the impacts of simulating species extinctions on network structure. Natural history observations were used to document the meta-network between 230 plant and 80 pollinator species forming 1958 (11% of the possible) interactions. Among the plants Malus domestica and among the pollinators Apis mellifera and A. cerana formed the largest number of interactions with significant influence over the whole network. Network cumulative degree distribution depicted a higher number of degree levels in pollinators than plants. A moderately high number of realized interactions were revealed, thereby indicating potential structural and functional stability in the network. Eight strongly defined modules were observed in the network which varied in their composition. For example, the Ephedra module exclusively comprised of native species whereas the Apis module comprised of all the four different types of interacting species (i.e. native and alien plants and pollinators) and also integrated the highest number of alien species. In the network overall, 40% of interactions were by alien species, reflecting how well these were integrated. Extinction simulations suggested that the network would collapse more quickly when the most connected pollinators are removed, rather than the most connected plant species. Our study is the first assessment of a plant-pollinator network from this Himalayan biodiversity hotspot; and will help to inform the ecological and economic implications of plant-pollinator interactions in an era of global biodiversity crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a wide range of nutritional and nutraceutical diversity existing within the wild germplasm of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) that can be utilized to develop genetically superior cultivars, little research efforts have been focused on the characterization of this neglected and underutilized crop in the Himalaya. To fill this research gap, the present study carried out in the remote mountainous region of Pir Panjal Himalaya aimed to characterize the morphological variability, assess the genetic variability and relationship among and between the different populations of wild pomegranate, and identify the elite genotype for future plant propagation. We observed significant differences among all the 18 morphological descriptors analyzed; fruit traits showed the highest power of discrimination among the wild pomegranate accessions. Based on ANOVA results, most of the morphological variables showed significant differences among the studied populations (p ˂0.001). Further, redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that only two fruit traits, the number of arils and aril weight showed a significant relationship within all the populations. Molecular characterization, based on ISSR marker analysis, showed substantial genetic diversity within and between the populations of wild pomegranate in this Himalayan region. In this regard, RDA identified one potentially adaptive locus that strongly affects the different populations of wild pomegranate. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 58% variation among populations and 42% variation within populations. Our research findings, based on detailed morphological and molecular characterization, provide precious information on the genetic diversity of wild pomegranate. We have identified elite genotypes that can guide climate-smart agriculture based on local genetic resources in this remote Himalayan region. • Germplasm of wild pomegranate in Pir Panjal Himalaya studied. • Fruit traits showed highest power of discrimination. • Number of arils and its weight showed a significant relationship within the populations. • Populations showed significant genetic diversity in the region. • One locus identified that strongly affects different populations of pomegranate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era of climate change, identifying suitable habitats for ecosystem restoration is critical for conservation of globally threatened biodiversity. Here, we integrate the insights gained from ensemble modelling with the community ecology data on threatened Himalayan Trillium (Trillium govanianum) to identify the suitable sites for its habitat restoration. We used ensemble modelling to map the current potential distribution and predict the future suitable habitats for the species under future climate change scenarios. The predictive accuracy of the ensemble model was fairly good; and the most influential variables governing the distribution of Himalayan Trillium were precipitation of the driest month followed by mean diurnal range. The current potential suitable habitats for this species are mostly located in western parts of the Himalaya; however, a range shift from western to eastern Himalaya is predicted under future climate change scenarios. Further, the results of community data revealed that Himalayan Trillium is positively associated with two tree species (Abies pindrow and Taxus wallichiana) forming forest top-story, four understory shrubs (Viburnum grandiflorum, Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, Skimmia laureola and Rhododendron campanulatum) and one herbaceous species (Podophyllum hexandrum). In particular, the shrubs serve as natural micro-refuges by facilitating the suitable growth and protect the species from unsustainable extraction and livestock grazing. Our findings highlight a two-pronged strategy for habitat restoration of Himalayan Trillium: (i) identification of suitable habitats using ensemble modelling at the pan-Himalayan scale, (ii) and its integration with the community information at local scale. Such an integrated approach offers a nature-based solution in guiding the climate change-integrated restoration programs in the Himalaya, and elsewhere in the world. • Ensemble modelling is integrated with community ecology data on threatened Himalayan Trillium. • Suitable sites for the species' habitat restoration are identified. • Range shift from western to eastern Himalaya is predicted under future climate change. • The associated shrubs provide nature-based solution in the species' habitat restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]