Ms. Charu Joshi | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar, Kumaun University, India

Ms. Charu Joshi is a dedicated young ecologist currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Botany at Kumaun University, Nainital, India. With a strong academic background from the University of Delhi, she has demonstrated deep commitment to ecological research—particularly focusing on the invasion dynamics of Lantana camara in the Kumaun Himalayan forests. Her work spans floristic diversity assessments, allelopathic impacts, and biomass applications of invasive species. She has published five peer-reviewed papers and presented her work at national and international platforms, winning the first position for an oral presentation in 2024. Ms. Joshi’s passion lies in understanding how invasive species alter native ecosystems and developing strategies for their sustainable management. Her early contributions reflect not just academic rigor but also applied ecological insight. She stands out as a promising researcher shaping the future of biodiversity conservation and forest ecology in India.

Professional Profile

• Scous Profile
• Google Scholar
• Orcid

🎓 Education

Ms. Charu Joshi began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Botany from the University of Delhi in 2019, where she laid the foundation for her interest in plant science. She pursued her Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Botany from the same university and graduated in 2021 with a strong academic record and research inclination. Currently, she is a Ph.D. research scholar at the Department of Botany, DSB Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital. Her doctoral research investigates the ecological impacts and functional dynamics of Lantana camara shrublands in the Kumaun Himalaya. Her education has been marked by a consistent focus on ecological systems, invasive plant management, and biodiversity conservation. With her progression from undergraduate to doctoral levels, Ms. Joshi has developed a firm grasp of theoretical and practical aspects of environmental botany, preparing her for impactful ecological research.

💼 Experience

Ms. Charu Joshi has gathered hands-on research experience in plant invasion ecology and agro-ecological studies. Between June and December 2022, she conducted a project evaluating the effects of aqueous extracts (soaked and crushed) of Lantana camara stem on the germination and early growth of rice variety Chandan-21. This work introduced her to plant allelopathy and its implications for agricultural productivity. Currently, she is working on a doctoral project titled “Structural and functional attributes of Lantana camara shrublands in different forests of Kumaun Himalaya”, focusing on the ecological consequences of invasive species on forest biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Her work involves extensive field studies, lab-based analysis, and collaborative research with senior scientists. Through active involvement in experiments, data analysis, and manuscript writing, Ms. Joshi has developed a solid foundation in ecological methodology, contributing both to scientific knowledge and environmental management strategies.

🏅 Awards and Honors

In recognition of her scientific excellence and presentation skills, Ms. Charu Joshi was awarded First Position in the oral presentation category at the International Conference on Mountain Ecosystem Processes and Sustainable Livelihood – 2024, held from 5–7 March 2024. Organized by the Himachal Pradesh Regional Centre, GBPIHED, Kullu, the conference showcased cutting-edge ecological research across the Himalayan region. Ms. Joshi’s work on the floristic impact of Lantana camara invasion in forest ecosystems stood out for its scientific depth and practical relevance. This award highlights her capability to communicate complex ecological dynamics effectively to both experts and broader audiences. Additionally, her involvement in five published papers and five conference abstracts has earned her respect within the academic community as a promising early-career researcher. Such accolades reflect her continued commitment to research excellence and her emerging leadership in Himalayan ecology and environmental botany.

🔬 Research Focus

Ms. Charu Joshi’s research primarily revolves around invasion ecology, with a focus on the impact of Lantana camara, an aggressive alien species, on native forest ecosystems of the Kumaun Himalaya. Her studies assess the floristic changes, species diversity loss, and alteration in plant community structure due to invasive species. She also investigates the allelopathic effects of Lantana extracts on agricultural crops such as rice and wheat, providing insights into plant–plant interactions. Another dimension of her research explores the potential use of invasive plants as biomass for biochar production, linking ecological challenges to sustainable solutions. Her interdisciplinary approach combines field ecology, experimental plant biology, and agro-environmental applications. The research contributes significantly to forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the development of eco-restorative strategies. Through her scholarly work, Ms. Joshi aims to bridge the gap between ecological research and practical conservation measures in Himalayan landscapes.

📄 Publication Top Notes

1. Floristic composition and diversity in Lantana camara L. invaded forest zones of Kumaun Himalaya, India
   Authors: Joshi, C., Joshi, V., Bargali, K., Fartyal, A., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
   Journal: Vegetos, 1–16
   Summary: This paper analyzes species richness and vegetation composition in areas invaded by Lantana camara. It concludes that the invasive species significantly reduces native species diversity and alters the structural balance of forest ecosystems.

2. Effects of aqueous leachates from above ground parts of Lantana camara on seed germination, growth and yield of wheat crop
   Authors: Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Bargali, S. S., & Bargali, K. (2024)
   Journal: Ecological Frontiers, 44(6), 1241–1250
   Summary: The study evaluates how leachates from Lantana suppress wheat growth, highlighting the toxic allelopathic effects and recommending agricultural safeguards in invaded zones.
   Citations: 4 (2024)

3. Comparative impacts of soaked and crushed aqueous extracts of Lantana camara leaf and stem on germination and early seedling length of Oryza sativa
   Authors: Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Fartyal, A., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2024)
   Journal: Current Agriculture Research Journal, 12, 1345–1360
   Summary: This experimental paper examines how different preparations of Lantana extracts affect rice seedlings, offering new insights into crop-weed dynamics and control.

4. Assessing the Potential of Three Invasive Alien Plants as Possible Feedstock for the Production of Biochar and Crop Productivity
   Authors: Fartyal, A., Bhambra, G. K., Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
   Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 1–17
   Summary: The study assesses the use of Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Ageratina adenophora for biochar production, linking ecological control with resource utilization.

5. Altered composition and structure of plant communities in response to Lantana camara invasion in forest ecosystems of Kumaun Himalaya, India
   Authors: Joshi, C., Joshi, V., Fartyal, A., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
   Journal: Trees, Forests and People
   DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100947
   Summary: This study shows how Lantana disrupts community dynamics in forest plots and recommends ecological restoration practices based on the level of invasion.

Conclusion

Ms. Charu Joshi demonstrates outstanding potential and performance as a young environmental researcher. Her focused and impactful contributions to understanding Lantana camara invasion ecology, emerging citation metrics, and academic recognition make her a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued publication momentum and broader engagement (international or interdisciplinary), she is poised to make long-term contributions to ecological science.