Dr. Axay Kumar Bhuker

Scopus Publications

Moringa oleifera—Synthetic Adsorbent Hybrid Composites Enable Synergistic Removal of Heavy Metals, Synthetic Dyes, and Emerging Contaminants via Electrostatic, Complexation and Ion-Exchange Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Review
Venus Mahant, Rajat Singh, Rahul Sadhukhan, Anurag Malik, Axay Bhuker, Meraj Ahmed, Jayanti Tokas, Shalini Singh, B. Vanlalneihi, Craig McGill, Atin Kumar, Pradeepto Pal
Chemistryselect, 2026
Increasing pressure on water resources for freshwater has heightened the urgent need for highly effective and environmentally sustainable treatment strategies. Conventional adsorbents such as activated carbon, zeolites, and MOFs, though efficient, are often expensive and environmentally burdensome to manufacture. Simultaneously, raw biological materials such as Moringa oleifera provide biodegradability and low cost at the expense of instability and organic leaching. This review gives an in‐depth assessment of the hybrid adsorbent systems combining M. oleifera with synthetic engineered adsorbents for wastewater remediation. Functional components of M. oleifera , including active proteins with amine (disamine group, NH 2 ), carboxyl (groups with a COO‐), and hydroxyl (group with a hydroxyl group, ‐OH), synergize with the high surface area and tunable porosity of synthetic matrices for multifunctional composites that remove heavy metals, synthetic dyes, and emerging organic contaminants. Key adsorption mechanisms such as electrostatic attraction, surface complexation, ion exchange, and hydrogen bonding are critically discussed. The performance of several hybrid combinations (MO–AC, MO–zeolite, MO–MOF, and MO–biochar) is compared in terms of removal efficiency, pH tolerance, regeneration stability, and operational cost. This review identifies existing research gaps and suggests future directions for the scalable, real‐world application of these sustainable composite systems in water treatment.
Geographical variability in morphology and nutritional composition of Moringa oleifera seeds: a meta-analysis
Preeti Sharma, Jayanti Tokas, Axay Bhuker, Baldev Raj Kamboj, Anurag Malik, Craig Robert McGill, Ajay Kumar Bhardwaj
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2026
The miracle tree, M. oleifera , is valued for its nutritional composition, climate adaptability, industrial and environmental usefulness. Despite well-known benefits, nutritional composition varies with the geographical location. The seeds of Moringa are rich in high-quality oil and protein and are also a source of carbohydrates, but their relative quantities vary among geographical locations. A meta-regression analysis was carried out using PRISMA guidelines, to explore the variability, and deciding factors in Moringa seeds. A systematic search of Scopus and google Scholar identified reports that mentioned morphological or nutritional or both traits was carried out. After removing duplicates and reviews, total 31 original research articles were included in the study. Two independent datasets, morphological and nutritional, were prepared by extracting numerical data of mature seeds. Statistical framework included Pearson’s correlation to quantify trait relationship and ANCOVA to assess covariate effects on nutritional components. Datasets were analyzed using R software. Random effect meta regression model was employed to assess the heterogeneity in nutrient composition across climatic zones. The crude fat, total carbohydrates and crude protein were highly variable (σ = 14.56, 14.54 and 12.08 respectively). The variabilities in ash and moisture were low (σ =1.41 and 2.48 respectively) while crude fiber showed intermediate variability (σ = 2.87). Although, there was a trend in nutritional composition of M. oleifera seeds along the latitude and climatic zones, statistical model fitting was non-significant for these variables. Pearson’s correlation among nutritional components was pronounced and significant, supported by carbon-nitrogen metabolism. This study did not find any trend in the highly variable morphological components (CV 38.52% and 43.12% for length and width respectively) of Moringa seeds with geographical location.
Cultivating resilience from the ocean to the field: Leveraging seaweed biostimulants for sustainable and efficient farming systems
Mostafa Abdelkader, Axay Bhuker, Anurag Malik, Himani Punia, Apurva Koul, Meraj Ahmed, Ayman M.S. Elshamly, Rashid Iqbal, Saltanat Aghayeva, Sajid Ullah
Plant Stress, 2026
The global agricultural sector grapples with the pressing need to enhance food production to meet the demands of a growing population, all while striving to mitigate environmental consequences. This review article explores seaweed biostimulants' possibility to substantially enhance crop productivity, particularly under diverse and challenging growth conditions. With a burgeoning global population and mounting concerns over environmental impact and resource efficiency, the demand for sustainable agricultural practices has never been more urgent. Biostimulant-based seaweeds have garnered substantial attention for their remarkable influence on seed quality, seedling establishment, and overall plant development. Seaweeds exhibit significant potential in mitigating abiotic and biotic stresses, two major impediments to crop growth and yield. These biostimulants have proven their mettle in mitigating abiotic stressors by improving the plant's ability to absorb water, activate critical enzymes, and bolster cellular repair and growth processes. Seaweeds contain hormone-like substances that organize hormonal balance, facilitating robust root and shoot development and overall plant growth. Seaweed helps boost nutrient uptake and utilization, which plays a vital role in healthy plant growth. Enhancing nutrient absorption in seeds supports stronger overall crop performance. Ongoing research, backed by regulations, has fueled advancements in biostimulant development. Important aspects such as crop-specific requirements, extraction methods, and integrating macro- and micronutrients are key to expanding their use while ensuring safety and effectiveness. As environmental challenges grow, seaweed is proving to be a sustainable and innovative option with the potential to build more resilient and eco-friendly farming systems.
Nano-enhanced storage of American cotton using metal-oxide nanoparticles for improving seed quality traits
Nirmal Singh, Axay Bhuker, Vineeta Pandey, Himani Punia, Sourabh, Bhupender Singh, Ajaz Ahmad, Anshika Tyagi, Anurag Malik
Scientific Reports, 2024
Cotton seeds have poorer germination than other crops because of their high sensitivity towards insect pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses during the germination process. In the present study, inorganic bulk and nano nutrients of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles were synthesized using the chemical reduction method and invigourated with cotton seeds. The characterization of nanoparticles was done by FESEM, HRTEM, UV/Vis analysis and FTIR. The delinted and fuzzy seeds of two American cotton varieties (H 1300 and H 1098-i) were nano-primed for 10 h with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) @ 400 ppm and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) @ 100 ppm. After nanoparticle invigouration, the seeds were analyzed for various parameters at different intervals (0 months, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months) such as germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, electrical conductivity, dehydrogenase activity, antioxidant enzyme activity. The results indicated that that different storage periods and nanopriming treatments had significant effects on all seed quality parameters except the effect of nanopriming treatments on germination percentage (excluding delinted seeds of H 1098-i). It is also revealed that the interaction effect of nanopriming treatment and storage period was non-significant on all parameters except EC. Maximum reduction in seed quality parameters was observed in control treatment and minimum was found when seeds were nanoprimed with ZnONPs @ 400 ppm. The differences in the response for both NPs can be attributed to their surface charge, and concentration used. Overall, ZnONPs and TiO 2 NPs could hold seed quality and vigour during the storage of cotton seeds of American varieties (H 1300 and H 1098-i).
Studying the Combined Impact of Salinity and Drought Stress-Simulated Conditions on Physio-Biochemical Characteristics of Lettuce Plant
Mostafa Abdelkader, Ahmad A. Suliman, Salem S. Salem, Ansabayeva Assiya, Luidmila Voronina, Mikhail Puchkov, Elena Loktionova, Axay Bhuker, Farid Shokry Ataya, Mohamed H. Mahmoud, Mohamed F. M. Abdelkader
Horticulturae, 2024
Water scarcity and increasing salinity stress are significant challenges in the farming sector as they often exacerbate each other, as limited water availability can concentrate salts in the soil, further hindering plant growth. Lettuce, a crucial leafy vegetable with high nutritional value, is susceptible to water availability and quality. This study investigates the growth and development of lettuce plants under water scarcity and varying levels of salinity stress to identify effective strategies for reducing water consumption while maintaining or improving plant productivity. Field experiments were designed to simulate three drought levels (50, 75, and 100% of class A pan evaporation) and three salinity stress levels (control, 1500, and 3000 ppm NaCl), assessing their impact on lettuce’s morphological and biochemical parameters. The combination of reduced water supply and high salinity significantly hindered growth, underscoring the detrimental effects of simultaneous water deficit and salinity stress on plant development. Non-stressed treatment enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents and progressively decreased with the reduction in water supply from 100% to 50%. Interestingly, higher salinity levels increased total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity, suggesting an adaptive stress response. Moreover, antioxidant activity, evaluated through DPPH and ABTS assays, peaked in plants irrigated with 75% ETo, whether under control or 1500 ppm salinity conditions. The Yield Stability Index was highest at 75% ETo (0.95), indicating robust stability under stress. The results indicated that lettuce could be cultivated with up to 75% of the water requirement without significantly impacting plant development or quality. Furthermore, the investigation demonstrated that lettuce could thrive when irrigated with water of moderate salinity (1500 ppm). These findings highlight the potential for reducing water quantities and saline water in lettuce production, offering practical solutions for sustainable farming in water-scarce regions.
Millet production, challenges, and opportunities in the Asia-pacific region: a comprehensive review
M. S. Harish, Axay Bhuker, Bhagirath Singh Chauhan
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2024
Global warming, water scarcity, population growth, rising food prices, urbanization, and other socio-economic factors pose significant threats to agriculture and food security in the 21st century. This situation is particularly grave for low-income individuals in the Asia-Pacific region. To tackle this challenge and eradicate hunger and poverty, it is imperative for scientists to explore alternative food sources, covering all stages from production through processing to consumption. Cereal grains serve as a crucial food source and hold substantial importance in human diets. Therefore, revamping the food system becomes crucial to achieve food and nutritional security. A pragmatic approach toward reaching this goal involves ensuring universal access to affordable, wholesome, and nourishing food through the utilization of millets—nutrient-dense grains (often referred to as Nutri-cereals) that offer a rich array of vital macronutrients, micronutrients, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, lipids, and phytochemicals. Leveraging these grains holds the potential to significantly alleviate the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition. Millet, a drought-resistant grain, constitutes a primary source of carbohydrates and proteins for populations residing in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Given its crucial contribution to national food security and potential health advantages, there is a growing focus among food scientists. Additionally, the United Nations designated 2023 as the International Year of Millet, underscoring its importance. This article delves into various methods of production and processing, highlighting opportunities to enhance the production and nutritional qualities of millet. We attribute millets to inadequate rainfall distribution, poor crop management high prices of farm inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides and low adoption of improved varieties by the farmers. It also outlines the constraints, challenges, and future prospects associated with promoting millet as a viable food source for the burgeoning population. Despite the promise that millets hold, they have not received adequate research attention. Therefore, increased research efforts on integrating genomics in genome-wide marker-trait association are imperative, encompassing germplasm collection, protection, evaluation, consumption patterns, development of high-yielding cultivars, processing techniques, and policy interventions. Such initiatives are necessary to bolster the cultivation of millets and harness their potential to address the escalating global food challenge.
Optimizing seed rate of bold seeded varieties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for enhancement in seed quality and yield
Axay Bhuker, MS Puneeth Raj, VS Mor, MS Harish
Journal of Food Legumes, 2024
The study was conducted on HC 3 variety of chickpea to optimize the seed rate for bold seeded varieties during rabi 2022-23. The results revealed that there was a decrease in plant stand establishment, days to flowering, and plant height as the seed rate is reduced from 120 kg to 72 kg/ha. However, the seed yield per plant increased when the seed rate is reduced. The highest seed yield of 2010 kg/ha was recorded in seed rate of 84 kg/ha, but it decreased to 1727 kg/ha in seed rate of 72 kg/ha. Graded seed yield was recorded as the highest with 84 kg/ha (1772 kg/ha) compared to 72 kg/ha (1541 kg/ha). In terms of economic returns, the net monetary return per hectare was highest with a seed rate of 84 kg/ha (Rs. 2,30,098/-) compared to 120 kg/ha (Rs. 1,70,010/-) with benefit-cost ratio 4.03 and 2.85, respectively. It is concluded from the study that optimal seed rate for achieving maximum seed yield and improved seed quality in bold-seeded variety of chickpea is 84 kg/ha.
Investigating Mineral Accumulation and Seed Vigor Potential in Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) through Crossbreeding Timing
Anurag Malik, Virender Singh Mor, Himani Punia, D. S. Duhan, Axay Bhuker, Jayanti Tokas, Mohamed A. El-Sheikh, Tariq Shah
Plants, 2023
Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a well-known cucurbit with an active functional ingredient. A two-year field experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Seed Science and Technology, CCS HAU, Hisar, in a randomized block design during the Kharif season (Kharif is one of the two major cropping seasons in India and other South Asian countries, heavily reliant on monsoon rains with the other being Rabi) and the summer season. Five different crossing periods (CP), viz. CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4, and CP5, were considered to illustrate the effects of agro-climatic conditions on the quality and biochemical components of two bottle gourd parental lines and one hybrid, HBGH-35. The average mean temperature for the Kharif season in 2017 was 31.7 °C, and for the summer season, it was 40.1 °C. Flowers were tagged weekly from the start of the crossing period until the end and harvested separately at different times. The fruits harvested from different crossing periods under different environmental conditions influenced the bottle gourd’s qualitative and biochemical traits and showed significant variations among the five crossing period environments. A positive significance and correlation were observed between weather variables and different biochemical characteristics. Henceforth, the CP4 crossing period at a temperature of 31.7 °C retained high-quality seed development, which may be essential in enhancing agricultural productivity and the national economy.
Impact of different storage containers on seed quality parameters of eggplant (Solanum melongena) during storage
NISHA, AXAY BHUKER, NIRMAL SINGH, GAGANDEEP SINGH, AKASH, SOURABH, MUKESH KUMAR, AJAY KUMAR
Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023
The present study was carried out at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to assess the impact of natural ageing and different storage containers on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) seed quality during the 2020–21 and 2021–22 winter (rabi) seasons. Genetically pure seeds were used and stored in cloth and polythene bags. Seed quality parameters (germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, and seed vigour) were monitored at various intervals (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 months). Freshly harvested seeds (control) exhibited superior quality, with higher germination rates, longer seedlings, greater seedling dry weight, and improved vigour indices compared to stored seeds over 18 months. Seed quality deteriorated with longer storage, reaching its lowest point at 18 months. Among storage containers, cloth bags showed a faster decline in seed quality compared to polythene bags (>700 gauge). In field experiments, one-year stored seeds from polythene bags outperformed those from cloth bags in terms of seed establishment percentage, mean emergence time, and germination speed. In conclusion, polythene bags maintained acceptable seed germination (meeting IMSCS standards) for up to 15 months, while cloth bags maintained it for up to 12 months. Therefore, polythene bags are a better choice for preserving eggplant seed quality during storage, particularly for longer durations.
Probing the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Moringa oleifera under Ideal Germination Conditions
Axay Bhuker, Anurag Malik, Himani Punia, Craig McGill, Svetla Sofkova-Bobcheva, Virender Singh Mor, Nirmal Singh, Ajaz Ahmad, Sheikh Mansoor
Plants, 2023
Moringa oleifera is a rich source of polyphenols whose contents and profile may vary according to environmental conditions, harvest season, and plant tissue. The present study aimed to characterize the profile of phenolic compounds in different tissues of M. oleifera grown under different temperatures (25, 30, and 35 °C), using HPLC/MS, as well as their constituent phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylenebenzothiozoline-6-sulfonicacid (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The polyphenolic compounds were mainly found in the leaves at 30 °C. UPLC/QTOF-MS allowed for the identification of 34 polyphenolic components in seedlings, primarily consisting of glucosides, phenols, flavonoids, and methoxy flavones. At 30 °C, the specific activities of antioxidative enzymes were the highest in leaves, followed by seedlings and then seeds. The leaf and seed extracts also exhibited a greater accumulation of proline, glycine betaine, and antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, and carotenoids, as measured by the inhibition of ROS production. We found that changes in the expression levels of the validated candidate genes Cu/Zn-SOD, APX, GPP, and TPS lead to significant differences in the germination rate and biochemical changes. These findings demonstrate that M. oleifera plants have high concentrations of phytochemicals and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for further research to determine their use as health-promoting dietary supplements.
Development and Optimization of Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics under Different Crossing Periods of Bottle Gourd
Anurag Malik, Virender Singh Mor, Himani Punia, D. S. Duhan, Jayanti Tokas, Axay Bhuker, Mohammed Nasser Alyemeni, Awais Shakoor
Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2023
Effect of pod maturity on seed quality parameters of green gram (Vigna radiata) seeds
Axay Bhuker, MS Harish, MS Puneeth Raj, VS Mor, Ritik Duhan
Journal of Food Legumes, 2023
Exploring the relationship between organic seed treatments and storage period on seed quality of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)
Rahul Kumar, Virender Singh Mor, Axay Bhuker, Hemender Tanwar, Gagandeep Singh, Nidhi
Journal of Food Legumes, 2023
Optimization of ‘on farm’ hydropriming conditions in wheat: Soaking time and water volume have interactive effects on seed performance
Hemender Tanwar, Virender Singh Mor, Sushma Sharma, Mujahid Khan, Axay Bhuker, Vikram Singh, Jitender Yadav, Sonali Sangwan, Jogender Singh, Shikha Yashveer, Kuldeep Singh
Plos One, 2023
Investigation of Nitrogen Effects on Growth and Yield of Two Potato Cultivars in Northern Plains of India
Renu Yadav, V.P.S. Panghal, D.S. Duhan, Axay Bhuker
Potato Research, 2022
Impact of High Temperature on Germination, Seedling Growth and Enzymatic Activity of Wheat
Sushma Sharma, Vikram Singh, Hemender Tanwar, Virender Singh Mor, Mukesh Kumar, Ramesh Chander Punia, Mohinder Singh Dalal, Mujahid Khan, Sonali Sangwan, Axay Bhuker, Chander Shekhar Dagar, Shikha Yashveer, Jogender Singh
Agriculture Switzerland, 2022
Moringa oleifera L.: A Potential Plant for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in Temperate Agriculture Systems
Adrian Mangar, Stefan Muetzel, Anurag Malik, Axay Bhuker, Virender Mor, Adrian Molenaar, Svetla Sofkova-Bobcheva, Sarah Pain, Craig McGill
Agriculture Switzerland, 2022
Efficacy of plant growth regulators on productivity, quality and profitability of berseem (Trifolium alexandrium)
Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2022
Synthesis and characterization of metal-based nanoparticles and their effect on seed quality parameters of American varieties of cotton
Nirmal Singh, Axay Bhuker, V.S. Mor, Anurag Malik, Kusum Kumari, D.S. Duhan, Yogender kumar, Surender S. Yadav, Sourabh, Ritu Reddu
Materials Today Proceedings, 2022
Deciphering reserve mobilization, antioxidant potential, and expression analysis of starch synthesis in sorghum seedlings under salt stress
Himani Punia, Jayanti Tokas, Virender Singh Mor, Axay Bhuker, Anurag Malik, Nirmal Singh, Satpal, Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsahli, Daniel Ingo Hefft
Plants, 2021
Discerning morpho-physiological and quality traits contributing to salinity tolerance acquisition in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Himani Punia, Jayanti Tokas, Anurag Malik, Satpal Singh, D.S. Phogat, Axay Bhuker, Virender S. Mor, Anju Rani, R.N. Sheokand
South African Journal of Botany, 2021
Effects of metal nanoparticle-mediated treatment on seed quality parameters of different crops
Nirmal Singh, Axay Bhuker, Jaison Jeevanadam
Naunyn Schmiedeberg S Archives of Pharmacology, 2021
Comparative diversity analysis of oat genotypes under multi-cut system
Range Management and Agroforestry, 2020
Identification and detection of bioactive peptides in milk and dairy products: Remarks about agro-foods
Himani Punia, Jayanti Tokas, Anurag Malik, Sonali Sangwan, Satpal Baloda, Nirmal Singh, Satpal Singh, Axay Bhuker, Pradeep Singh, Shikha Yashveer, Subodh Agarwal, Virender S. Mor
Molecules, 2020
Solar Radiation and Nitrogen Use Efficiency for Sustainable Agriculture
Himani Punia, Jayanti Tokas, Anurag Malik, Satpal, Anju Rani, Pernika Gupta, Anita Kumari, Virender S. Mor, Axay Bhuker, Sandeep Kumar
Solar Radiation and Nitrogen Use Efficiency for Sustainable Agriculture, 2020
Effect of Sowing Dates and Varieties on Yield and Quality Performance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Mohammad Yusuf, Satish Kumar, A K Dhaka, Bhagat Singh, Axay Bhuker
Agricultural Science Digest, 2019
Economics of Commercial Seed vis-à-vis Grain Production of Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss) in Haryana
Ashok Dhillon, Axay Bhuker, Neeraj Pawar, Dalip Kumar Bishnoi
Indian Journal of Economics and Development, 2019
Seed quality as influenced by seed invigouration treatments in pigeonpea [Cajanus Cajan (L.) millsp.]
Ashok Kumar, R. C. Puniya, Axay Bhuker, Rupesh Sharma, Renu Devi
Legume Research, 2017
Seed viability and vigour in naturally aged seeds of coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
VIPESH KUMAR, SHER SINGH VERMA, URMIL VERMA, AXAY KUMAR
Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2015
Seed germination and storage studies in Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.)
Range Management and Agroforestry, 2013
Grain growth rate and grain yield in relation to ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) under normal and late sown conditions
S. Sheikh, V. Sikka, R. Behl, A. Kumar
Cereal Research Communications, 2010
Effect of packaging material on storability of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) seeds
Annals of Agri Bio Research, 2010
Callus Development and Plant Regeneration from Different Explants of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Annals of Biology, 2010
Standardization of substrata and temperature for germination test in Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L. Seed)
Annals of Biology, 2010
Seed viability and vigour studies in Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.)
Annals of Agri Bio Research, 2010
Inheritance of male fertility restoration gene (s) in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Annals of Biology, 2010
Dormancy of babchi (Psoralea corylifolia L.)
S.S. Verma, P.K. Verma, A. Kumar, U. Verma
Seed Science and Technology, 2009

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