Research Featured on the Cover Page of an International Journal
Lucknow: In a proud achievement for Lucknow University, senior research fellow Ms Nikita Verma from the Department of Botany has earned global recognition for her pioneering study on cottonwood (poplar) trees. Her research has been featured on the cover of the international journal “Journal of Plant Growth Regulation”(Springer Nature) — a first in the botany department’s history.
This research was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Rajesh Kumar Tewari, Dept. of Botany, LU, and funded by CSIR–HRDG, New Delhi. The study explores how certain oxygen molecules found inside plants — known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) — influence tree growth and wood formation.
Verma’s team examined seven cottonwood (Poplar) varieties grown in open fields, observing their growth and oxygen activity. To study them more closely, two poplar clones were cultivated in a hydroponic setup, allowing researchers to control the growing conditions precisely.
The study revealed that different forms of oxygen naturally produced inside plants — called reactive oxygen species (ROS) — play a key role in controlling how trees grow and how strong their wood becomes.
It was found that superoxide molecules help trees grow faster and develop thicker stems, while higher levels of hydrogen peroxide slow down growth and make the wood denser. Among the studied varieties, the Wimco-109 clone showed rapid growth with lighter, flexible wood — ideal for the paper and pulp industry.
These findings are important because they can help scientists and tree growers develop better-performing tree varieties suited for specific industries — whether for fast-growing timber or high-quality hardwood.
On a broader scale, the research offers new insights for sustainable forestry, eco-friendly plantation programs, and improved biomass utilization, contributing to greener industry practices and environmental conservation.
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