Plant Tissue Culture Technology : An Innovative Tool for the Propagation, Management and Conservation of Himalayan Biodiversity

As home to over 10,000 species of plants, the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot is renowned throughout the world as being a treasure trove of medicinal herbs. These Himalayan medicinal plants, however, are threatened by the rising demand for herbal medicines, as well as by overexploitation. This new volume discusses plant tissue culture or the preservation and conservation of Himalayan endangered plants that are important for medicinal purposes, as well as for maintaining the rich biodiversity of the region.

Rajesh Kumar, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Biosciences at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla,
India. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and research, he is also an expert lecturer at
beekeeping training/extension activities. Dr. Kumar has completed two major research projects and two
startup projects sponsored by government agencies and has published many research articles, book
chapters, abstracts, and conference papers, as well as several books and monographs. He has attended
seminars and conferences and delivered invited talks and extension lectures. He is a life member of the
Indian Science Congress, National Bee Board, Applied Zoologists Research Association, and Society for
Science & Environmental Excellence, as well as a fellow of Himalayan Science and Technology.

Neha Salaria, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Biotechnology in the Department of Life Sciences at Arni
University, Himachal Pradesh, India. She has authored research papers and book chapters. A globetrotting
scholar, Dr. Salaria has been an active participant in over 40 national and international
conferences, seminars, and workshops. She has played a pivotal role in organizing national and
international faculty development programs and webinars, contributing to the professional development
of her peers.

Indu Kumari, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Zoology at Minerva College of Arts, Sciences and
Commerce, Indora, India. She was formerly Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at
Arni University, India. She has been involved in a major research project sanctioned by the Himachal
Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment. She has authored research and conference
papers, book chapters, and one book. She has participated in and presented her research at national and
international conferences, seminars, and workshops and has organized webinars and faculty
development programs as well.

Younis Ahmad Hajam, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Life Sciences and Allied Health Sciences at Sant
Baba Bhag Singh University, Punjab, India. He is currently handling several research projects. His current
research focus is on therapeutic management for diabetes, polycystic ovarian cancer, melatonin
physiology, and antioxidants and natural therapies for other metabolic and endocrine disorders. He is the
author of many research articles and book chapters, and he has published several books with
international publishers. Dr. Hajam has organized, presented, and participated in numerous state,
national, and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposiums.