From Editor’s Desk

It is with great pleasure that we present the current volume (Volume 14) of the NBU Journal of Plant Sciences (NBUJPS), published by the Department of Botany, University of North Bengal. This issue reflects the journal’s continued commitment to advancing plant science research that is regionally grounded yet globally relevant.

The articles span diverse themes – ethnobotany, plant–microbe interactions, antimicrobial peptides, ecosystem ecology, environmental stress biology, conservation science, and sustainable bioresource utilization. Reviews on traditional fermented beverages highlight the scientific relevance of indigenous knowledge systems and ethnomicrobial diversity. Studies of the mangrove ecosystems of the Indian Sundarbans focus on climate change impacts, reproductive ecology, and coastal resilience. Contributions on plant-derived antimicrobial peptides emphasize emerging biotechnological applications in combating antimicrobial resistance. Other articles in this volume explore plant physiology under abiotic stress, biodiversity assessment, ecological monitoring, and the application of modern molecular and biochemical tools in plant research. Together, these works underscore the importance of integrating classical botany with advanced methodologies to address global challenges such as climate change, food security, disease resistance, and environmental degradation.

This collection demonstrates how regional research from North Bengal and the Eastern Himalayan landscape contributes meaningfully to national and global scientific discourse. By encouraging interdisciplinary approaches and bridging traditional knowledge with modern science, NBUJPS continues to serve as a platform for impactful scholarship.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors, reviewers, and members of the editorial board for their dedication and commitment to academic excellence. Their efforts ensure the continued growth and credibility of the journal.

We hope this volume stimulates further research, collaboration, and innovation in plant sciences and allied disciplines.

Prof. Aniruddha Saha
Head, Department of Botany, NBU