Anjana Rustagi

Gargi College, University of Delhi

Dr. Anjana Rustagi holds a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Delhi, India. She has more than twelve years of experience in teaching and research. She is currently faculty in the Department of Botany, Gargi College, University of Delhi. Her research interests include regeneration and genetic transformation of crop plants for enhanced tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Dr. Rustagi has also worked towards elucidating the role of ABA in embryogenesis. She has many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters to her credit. She is an advisor for Ph.D. projects and a permanent member of the International Society of Plant Morphologists.

1books edited

1chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Anjana Rustagi

Plant reproductive ecology has emerged as an indispensable discipline for enhancing crop productivity and conserving biodiversity. The adaptive significance of variation in traits associated with floral biology, pollination, seed dispersal, and seedling establishment is an integral component of plant reproductive ecology and evolutionary biology. This book explores the diversity of flower symmetry and the evolutionary patterns of internal structures of generative organs in angiosperms. The rapidly emerging global crisis of declining pollinators poses a major threat to food security. As such, the book also covers the diversity of plant-pollinator interactions, the impact of non-native exotic plant communities on native plants and pollinators, and strategies for the restoration of pollinator communities.

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Plant Reproductive Ecology

Edited by Anjana Rustagi

Chapters authored

Current Trends in Developmental Genetics and Phylogenetic Patterns of Flower Symmetry

By Renu Puri and Anjana Rustagi

Flower Symmetry is a key evolutionary innovation in some lineages of angiosperms. The flowers of the primitive angiosperm plants were radially symmetrical actinomorphic. Later bilaterally symmetrical zygomorphic flowers independently evolved in several clades of angiosperms. This transition of trait is associated with an adaptation to specialized methods of pollination. Zygomorphic flowers allow more specific plant insect interaction. So, the transition from radial symmetry to bilateral symmetry facilitates reproductive isolation which in turn might have led to diversification or rapid speciation of some lineages in angiosperms. Phylogenetic analyses in lineages of angiosperms revealed that few clades have shown that there have been reversals, that is, there is transition from bilateral symmetry to radial symmetry. When such studies are correlated with genetic studies, it is revealed that CYC (TCP family) transcription factors are responsible for the transition of this floral trait. Phylogenetic analyses, genetic studies and Evo-Devo analyses can answer important questions such as what other transition in floral symmetry is found in angiosperms? Is there a pattern of floral symmetry transition in different lineages? Do these transitions act as key innovation for the clades in which they have evolved?

Part of the book: Plant Reproductive Ecology

Anjana Rustagi

Latest work with IntechOpen by Anjana Rustagi

Plant Reproductive Ecology

Chapters authored

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