The Life of Plants in the Changing Environment | Book Review

Review of Rishikesh Upadhyay's The life of plants in the changing environment

• Title -The life of plants in the changing environment

• Author - Rishikesh Upadhyay

• Year published - 25 July 2022

• Pages - 385

• Genre - Biology / Botany / Ecology / Research papers

• Format - eBook

• Buy the book on Amazon

Plants experience stress due to environmental changes, either in biotic or abiotic form, during their life cycle. Non-heritable modifications in morphological, physiological or biochemical characteristics tend to reduce or decrease growth and productivity and sometimes lead to death.

This book presents an exhaustive overview of the specific effects and modifications that could occur in this regard and will serve to consolidate the ideas to promote standardization of plant adaptation to these changes in the environment. This book returns to the facts of both biotic and abiotic stress, detailing an essential aspect of plant life in the context of stress response.

The text is a comprehensive, current reference that effectively addresses issues and concerns related to plant stress in natural environments. Although many reference books about abiotic stress and other environmental stresses have been published, they all exist in relative isolation from one another, covering only one specific topic. This book is, rather, a comprehensive review of all aspects of the responses of plants to changes in the environment.

After a hiatus, I'm here with a review of a non-fiction work. This read is truly enlightening and has expanded my perspective!

The book stands as a compilation of invaluable resources, encompassing diverse facets of plant responses to our dynamic environment. Penned by 25 adept experts from across India, this book is segmented into 11 chapters, each probing into the manifold factors that trigger alterations in plant responses within the contemporary environmental landscape. With its comprehensive coverage, the book serves as an indispensable guide for advanced undergraduates, research scholars, educators, and professionals engaged in the domains of plant adaptation, ecology, and environmental science.

Stress isn't solely pertinent to humans; it also profoundly influences diverse facets of plant development, occasionally leading to conditions that can prove fatal for the plant itself. This book was an eye-opener to the facts on how environmental issues cause major stress on the plant's metabolism and how they in turn decrease productivity!

The chapters in this book offer a captivating blend of both intrigue and education. Particularly noteworthy is the chapter titled “The Impact of Plastics on Plant Growth, Agricultural Crops, and Possible Remedies”. In our ongoing pursuit of sustainable alternatives to plastic waste, this chapter sheds light on the profound implications of plastics in the realm of plant growth.

Prior to reading this chapter, I was ignorant of the concept of "plasticulture" and its profound influence on modern agricultural practices had escaped my awareness. The revelation that plastic products have become integral to agriculture, facilitating enhanced efficiency and productivity, was indeed eye-opening. Innovations like plastic mulching, for instance, have ushered in a range of benefits, including diminished weed proliferation, minimized soil water evaporation, and expedited higher yields in the early stages of crop growth!

As plastics continue to cast a shadow of negative consequences, this exploration serves as a compelling eye-opener to their intricate interactions with the plant kingdom.

The level of meticulous research and data analysis is strikingly evident in the way the facts have been masterfully compiled.

The reference section in each chapter is exhaustive, offering room for more research / improving our knowledge of that subject.

This book incorporates a multitude of figures and tables, strategically placed to enhance the understanding of the content being conveyed. Additionally, the book encompasses a comprehensive index, a roster of illustrations, and a compilation of acronyms employed, further amplifying the accessibility of the information imparted.

With the Botany background from Higher Secondary school, I was able to comprehend the core concepts. However, those who have specialized in botany will find this to be an invaluable point of reference.

In all, this book offers an extensive and thorough review encompassing all aspects of how plants respond to environmental changes. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the distinct impacts and alterations that may transpire in this context. It aims to unify concepts and establish a standardized approach for plants to adapt to environmental shifts. Delving into both biotic and abiotic stress factors, the book intricately examines a pivotal facet of plant existence within the realm of stress responses.

This book will prove immensely valuable to botanists and research scholars, offering a wealth of invaluable insights and contributions. 5/5 stars from my end.

Rishikesh Upadhyay PhD, also known as R K Upadhyay, is a multi-award winning Indian author, Assistant Professor and research writer. He was born and grew up in a small Nepalis’ hamlet, Bhanjang Basti via Mahadev Tilla, just a few kilometres of Haflong, the district headquarters of North Cachar Hills (now Dima Hasao district), India to Late Pitamber Upadhaya (father) and Nandakala (Bawni) Upadhaya (mother). 

His research and teaching works has focused largely on the environmental physiology, stress biology and biochemistry of plants. He has to his credit three years of post-graduate teaching experience at Assam University, India, and is the author of three books.

He is a recipient of the Research Fellowship Award, the Pencraft Literary Excellence Award, the Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, the Literary Titan Award, and the Elsevier Science Reviewer Recognition Award. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Plant Biochemistry and Stress Biology in the Department of Botany at Haflong Government College, India.