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Book Review of "The Secret of Plants in the Environment", by Rishikesh Upadhyay

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The Secret of Plants in the Environment, by Rishikesh Upadhyay, is a scientific nonfiction read. The author has compiled a great deal of research concerning various stressors that impact plants in the environment. Upadhyay's work is of particular interest to environmentalists, outdoor and nature enthusiasts, and botanists; the book includes extensive references.


The author's study of plants is a scientific look at the various effects and impact of environmental stressors on crops, individual plant species, and the natural environment. He states that "the quality of our life depends on the quality of the surrounding environment."  Plants develop specific adaptations to deal with stressors that affect the plants' ability to process photosynthesis, grow, and produce fruit. The author explains different studies and gives examples of the effects of pollution from the automobile industry, as well as plant responses to electric stimuli, heavy metals, and other chemical agents.

Upadhyay points out that chemical fungicides to control plant disease may have severe effects on the health of both humans and animals. Sunlight, "the most important resource for plant photosynthesis and growth" to sustain life on earth, may have detrimental as well as beneficial effects. In a discussion of drought, the author quotes Christopher Lloyd, "One of the nice things about water plants is that they never need watering."

 

A high quality and detailed set of narratives concerning plants in various aspects with fascinating accounts on the life force of plants. The book bristles with plenty of hard facts and astounding scientific and practical lore.  After reading this book, no one can be in any doubt about the oneness of all creation.  The Secret of Plants in the Environment is not necessarily a really easy read, as it is science-based, but it's not overly difficult, either. It does reveal that plants are more aware, more fragile than we ever imagined.

To conclude, the author states that diverse species of plants react to seasonal variations as well as the discussed stressors. Stimulant agents, favorable in the environment, are discussed as well as depressing agents that cause stress and decrease growth.

Author Rishikesh Upadhyay is from India, where he is a college professor of plant environment and physiology and a researcher. His research is not confined to India. It includes references to worldwide research.  The text is augmented with charts and graphs. References include a table of abbreviations of scientific terms, an extensive list of suggested readings in research, and provide accreditation, an index of referenced authors, a scientific name index, and a subject index. Upadhyay's book, The Secret of Plants in the Environment, should be in the library of environmentalists.

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