Prof.Arvind Bhatt, PhD

Career summary

A conservation scientist with over 18 years of international experience in biodiversity conservation, desert restoration, and seed biology. Specializing in plant adaptation, seed propagation and seedling establishment, I have contributed to multiple restoration and conservation projects worldwide. My expertise spans seed bank development, mass-scale native plant production, and eco-physiological research in extreme environments.

Career and achievements to date

Academic employments

August 2023 – to till date: Seed/Cuttings Collection Manager, Tree Global, Saudi Arabia, with major responsibilities (i) involve in collection planning, (ii) fieldwork and collection (iii) documentation and data management (iv), Preservation and storage, (v) research support, (vi) quality control and (vii) training and capacity building. Additionally, contributing to the Green Riyadh Initiative by supporting the selection, collection, and propagation of native and climate-resilient species to enhance urban afforestation efforts and promote sustainable green spaces in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

March 2022 – August 2023: Research Scientist, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research with major responsibilities to handling projects related to desert restoration and mass scale production of native plant species.

January 2020 – March 2022: Principal Investigator/Group head (Research group: plant germplasm collection, evaluation and genetic improvement), Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, China with major responsibilities (i) to establish seed bank and (ii) develop appropriate method for conservation of threatened plant species.

December 2016 –October 2019: Consultant, Native Desert Plants, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait with major responsibilities to development of techniques for mass production of seeds and native desert plants.  

December 2015 – November 2016: Native Plant Researcher, Nakheel Landscapes, Doha, Qatar with major responsibilities (i) to oversee the day-to-day management, staffing, organization and smooth running of the Nursery (ii) To be a member of the management team and to contribute to the strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation and development of the Nursery (iii) Identify and promote native plants in landscaping.

January 2013 – November 2015: Post Doc Research Fellow, Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GOR&D), Doha, Qatar, with major responsibilities to use innovative approaches to reduce the demand for freshwater resources in urban landscapes in Qatar and other GCC countries using native species.

March 2012 – December 2012: Post Doc Research Fellow, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, with major responsibilities (i) how the heat stress affect the seed germination of selected tree species of South Africa (ii) eco-physiological study of selected species of South Africa (iii) supervise Master and Ph.D student.

January 2009- January 2012: Post Doc Research Fellow, Universiti Sains Malaysia, with major responsibilities (i) scale up production of bioactive compounds from various medicinal plants using cell suspension culture technique (ii) Supervise Master and Ph. D student.

September 2008- December 2008: Consultant, in Agriculture Finance Co-operation, New Delhi, with major responsibility of monitoring and evaluation of projects funded by National Medicinal Plant Board, New Delhi

March 2007 – August 2008: Post Doc Research Fellow, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa for the research topics (1) Investigation of changes in selected desiccation tolerant plants and (2) Investigation of foliar trichomes of selected medical plants of South Africa

April 2006 – February 2007: Project Manager, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, India in the project “Operational Strategy for Sustainable Forestry Development with Community Participation in India” with major responsibilities of (i) Preparation of research design, (ii) Field implementation, (iii) Assure involvement of local community in sustainable forest management and (iv) Provide technical assistance to the project team and implementation of project activities.

April 2004-March 2006: Senior Research Fellow, GB Pant Institute for Himalayan Research & Development Kosi – Katarmal, Alomra, India in NMPB sponsored project entitled “Assessment of existing stock and scaling up productivity of high value medicinal plants through biological and Biotechnological tools”. The major responsibility were (i) Quantification of existing stock and level of disturbance of selected Himalayan medicinal plants (ii) Development of propagation protocols and cultivation packages for rural inhabitants (iii) Promote biodiversity conservation education through people’s participation and (iv) Prepare technical documents

February 2002- March 2004: Junior Research Fellow, GB Pant Institute for Himalayan Research & Development Kosi – Katarmal, Alomra, India in NMPB sponsored project entitled “Assessment of existing stock and scaling up productivity of high value medicinal plants through biological & Biotechnological tools”. My responsibility were (i) Quantification of existing stock and level of disturbance of selected Himalayan medicinal plants (ii) Development of propagation protocols and cultivation packages for rural inhabitants (iii) Promote biodiversity conservation education through people’s participation and (iv) Prepare technical documents

March 2001 – January 2002: Junior Research Fellow, GB Pant Institute for Himalayan Research & Development Kosi – Katarmal, Alomra, India in DBT Sponsored project entitled “Evaluation and propagation of selected endemic medicinal plants of the Himalaya”, with major responsibilities (i) Quantification of existing stock and level of disturbance of selected Himalayan medicinal plants, (ii) Development of propagation protocols and cultivation packages for rural inhabitants, (iii) Promoting biodiversity conservation education through people’s participation and  (iv) Prepare technical documents

Educational Qualification

Ph.D. 2006: in Plant Physiology on the topic of “Viability and variability in genus Swertia with particular reference to Swertia chirayita and Swertia angustifolia in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya”.

M.Sc. 2000: Forestry, First Class, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarkhand, India.

B.Sc. 1998: Biological Sciences, First Class, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarkhand, India.

Teaching/ demonstration experience

Plant Biotechnology and Plant Physiology (2009- 2011, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia)- 3 Year

Plant trichomes and their importance (2012, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa)- 1 Year

Angiosperm Diversification and Evolution and Population Ecology (2007-2008, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa)- 2 Year

Reviewer of the Journals

Flora, Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal of Arid Environment, Current Science, Plant and Soil, Plant Biosystems, Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Botany, South African Journal of Botany, Ecological Indicator, Plant Ecology, Arid Land Research and Management, Plant Diversity, Journal of Arid Land, Seed Science and Technology, Industrial Crops and Products, Austrian Journal of Forest Science, Nordic Journal of Botany, Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plant,  Plant growth regulation, Trees, Forest and People, Plants, Horticulturae,  Sustainability, Brazilian Journal of Botany, Frontiers in Plant Science, Seeds and Global Ecology and Conservation.

Research collaborators

1. Prof. Kris Verheyen, Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Belgium
2. Prof. Chan Lai Keng, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
3. Dr. Syd Ramdhani, School of Life Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
4. Dr. Andrea Santo, Centro Conservazione Biodiversità, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy
5. Prof. Y. Naidoo, School of Life Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
6. Dr. María Mercedes Carón, Laboratorio de Investigaciones Botánicas (LABIBO), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta-CONICET, Salta, Argentina
7. Prof. David Gallacher, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia
8. Dr. Paulo Roberto de Moura Souza-Filho, Centro Multidisciplinar de Barra, Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Centro Multidisciplinar da Barra, Brazil

 Country visited for research and collaborative work

South Africa, Malaysia, Belgium, Botswana, Thailand, Srilanka, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and China

Instrument handling experience

JEOL Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopes, Electrophoresis unit, Seed germinator, Spectrophotometer, Nitrogen Analyzer, Laminar Flow, Centrifuge etc.

Grants

Name of Funding Organization: De’an Forest Public Security Bureau, Jiangxi, China

Amount Awarded: Yuan (¥) 250000.00
Period of Grant Award: 2 year (Completed)
Title of Project: Species selection for afforestation/ reforestation: ecological and economical suitability

Role: Principal Investigator

Name of Funding Organization: High Level Talents for Innovation and entrepreneurship Program, China (jxsg2020104003)

Amount Awarded: Yuan (¥) 25000000.00
Period of Grant Award: 3 year (ongoing)
Title of Project: Conservation of Threatened Plants of China

Role: Principal Investigator

Visiting Professor

College of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Jiujiang University, China

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS (International Peer Reviewed Papers)

1. Bhatt A, Chen X, Souza-Filho PRM, Chauhan, HK and Yu D (2025). Effects of the phylogeny and seed traits on germination of Polygonaceae species from Subtropical Forest, Southeast China. Botany 103: 1-10. doi.org/10.1139/cjb-2024-0059.
2. Dadach M, Abideen Z and Bhatt A (2025). In‑vitro evaluation of resistance to trace metals in the early development stage of the Mediterranean endemic Ballota hirsuta Benth. A step toward large-scale cultivation and environmental safety. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration. DOI: 10.1007/s41207-025-00824-z.
3. Dadach M, Bhatt A, Gairola S, Elnaggar, A and El-Keblawy, A. (2024). Germination responses of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) seeds to salinity and water stresses: Implications for the restoration of Mediterranean marginal lands. Botany DOI: 10.1139/cjb-2024-0070.
4. Bhatt A, Daibes LF, Chen X and Gallacher DJ (2023). Germination patterns of six herbs invading the Chinese subtropics. Global Ecology and Conservation, e02469.
5. Suleiman MK, Bhatt A, Jacob S, Thomas RR and Sivadasan MT (2023). Seed Longevity in Desert Species and the Possibility of Forming a Persistent Soil Seed Bank. Sustainability 15: 15904
6. Dadach M, Ahmed MZ, Bhatt A, Radicetti E and Mancinelli R (2023). Effects of Chloride and Sulfate Salts on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Ballota hirsuta Benth. and Myrtus communis L. Plants 12: 3906
7. Bhatt A, Chen X, Gallacher DJ, Phartyal SS, Rodriguez-Paez LA., Pineda-Rodriguez YY, Pompelli MF, Jamal A, Mancinelli R and Radicetti E (2023). Storage on Maternal Plants Affects Temperature Requirements during Germination in Rumex obtusifolius. Plants 12: 2403. https://doi.org/10.3390/ plants12132403.
8. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Suleiman MK and Al-Mansour H (2023). Prioritization of Potential Native Plants from Arabian Peninsula Based on Economic and Ecological Values: Implication for Restoration. Sustainability 15: 6139.
9. Suleiman MK, Bhatt A, Madouh TA, Islam MA, Jacob S, Thomas RR and Sivadasan MT (2023). Effects of Salt Stress on Growth, Proline and Mineral Content in Native Desert Species. Sustainability 15: 6232.
10. Bhatt A, Phartyal SS, Daibes LF and Chen X (2023). Interpopulation variation in seed traits of five Polygonaceae. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11: 238.
11. Bhatt A, Daibes LF, Chen X and Gallacher DJ (2023). Germination of shrub species from Chinese subtropical forests: implications for restoration. Plant Biology DOI: 10.1111/plb.13506.
12. Bhatt A, Chen X, Pompelli MF, Jamal A, Mancinelli R and Radicetti E (2023). Characterization of Invasiveness, Thermotolerance and Light Requirement of Nine Invasive Species in China. Plants 12: 1192.
13. Chauhan HK, Gallacher D, Bhatt A and Bisht, AK (2023). The Himalayas: A climate change laboratory. Environmental Development 100814.
14. Bhatt A, Daibes LF, Chen X and Gallacher DJ (2022). Liana and vine germination requirements in a subtropical forest zone. Flora 152184.
15. Bhatt A, Gallacher DJ, Jarma-Orozco A and Pompelli MF (2022). Seed mass, dormancy and germinability variation among maternal plants of four Arabian halophytes. Seed Science Research 32: 53-61.
16. Bhatt A, Daibes LF, Chen X, Yu D, Niu Y and Gallacher D (2022). Mucilage affects seed water imbibition and germination time of subtropical monsoonal forbs. Botany 100: 8803- 8812.
17. Yu D, Fan R, Zhang L, Xue P, Liao L, Hu M, Cheng Y, Li J, Qi T, Jing S, Wang Q, Bhatt A and Shen Q-H (2022). HvWRKY2 acts as an immunity suppressor and targets HvCEBiP to regulate powdery mildew resistance in barley. The Crop Journal doi.org/10.1016/j.cj.2022.05.010.
18. Bhatt A, Carón MM, Chen X, Yu D and Niu Y (2022). Effect of temperature, light and storage on seed germination of Salvia plebeia R.Br., Leonurus japonicus Houtt., Mosla scabra (Thunb.) C.Y.Wu & H.W.Li and Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmap.2022.100402.
19. Bhatt A, Daibes LF, Gallacher DJ, Jarma-Orozco A and Pompelli MF (2022). Water stress inhibits germination while maintaining embryo viability of subtropical wetland seeds: A functional approach with phylogenetic contrasts. Frontier in Plant Science doi: 10.3389/fpls.2022.906771.
20. Hussain S, Nisar F, Bhatt A Nielsen BL, Gul B and Hameed A (2022). Redox priming alleviates dormancy and improves salinity tolerance of seeds and seedlings of medicinal halophyte Zygophyllum simplex L. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 100384.
21. Luo B, Hu Q, Lai K, Bhatt A and Hu R (2022). Ethnoveterinary Survey Conducted in Baiku Yao Communities in Southwest China. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 1709.
22. Luo B and Bhatt A (2022). The importance of using plant resources during COVID-19 pandemics to mitigate daily needs and some diseases. Frontiers in Public Health 608.
23. Bhatt A, Gallacher DJ, Jarma-Orozco A, Fernandes D and Pompelli MF (2022). Seed provenance selection of wild halophyte seeds improves coastal rehabilitation efficiency. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 265, 107657.
24. Zeyu X, Bhatt A, Zhongbin T, Yansong P, Weifeng W, Jiaxin Z, Jingxuan W, Gallacher D and Saixia Z (2021). Disturbance of plateau zokor-made mound stimulates plant community regeneration in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Journal of Arid Land. DOI:  10.1007/s40333-021-0020-6.
25. Bhatt A, Gairola, S, Govender Y and Souza-Filho PRM (2021).  The invasive Melia azedarach in Durban (South Africa): impacts on tree community structure. Folia Geobotanica DOI. 10.1007/s12224-021-09397-5.
26. Pompelli MF, Ferreira PPB, Chaves ARM, Figueiredo RCQQ, Martins AO, Jarma-Orozco A, Bhatt A, Silva WB, Endres L and Araújo WL (2021). Physiological, metabolic, and stomatal adjustments in response to salt stress in Jatropha curcas.  Plant Physiology and Biochemistry DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.09.039.
27. Chauhan H, Gallacher D, Bisht AK, Bhatt ID, Bhatt A, Dhyani P and Kewlani P (2021). Variation of phytochemistry, morphology and population structure in Trillium govanianum (Melanthiaceae). Botany DOI: 10.1139/cjb-2020-0140.
28. Bhatt A, Carón MM, Souza-Filho PRM and Gallacher D (2021). Maternal Source affects seed germination of a rare Arabian desert species (Astragalus sieberi). Botany 99: 293-301.
29. Bhatt A, Souza-Filho PRM and Gallacher D (2021). Intraspecific variation of Haloxylon salicornicum (Amaranthaceae) seed germination under salinity and simulated drought. Arid Land Research and Management 35: 330-345.
30. Bhatt A, Gallacher D and Souza-Filho PRM (2021). Germination strategies of annual and short-lived perennial species in the Arabian Desert. Journal of Arid Land 12: 1071-1082
31. Bhatt A, Carón MM, Gallacher D and Souza-Filho PRM (2021). Storage duration, light, temperature and salinity exposure influence germination of the glycophyte Rhanterium epapposum. Botany 99: 261-267.
32. Bhatt A, Souza-Filho PRM and Gallacher D (2020). Germination response of four Arabian desert grasses to low water potential. Nordic Journal of Botany 38: 1-9
33. Niu Y, Bhatt A, Peng Y, Chen W, Gao Y, Zhan X, Zhang Z, Hu W, Song M and Yu Z (2020). Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of Emmenopterys henryi Oliv., an endangered relic species endemic to China. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-020-01054-8
34. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Phartyal SS and Gallacher D (2020). Dry-storage and light exposure reduce dormancy of Arabian desert legumes more than temperature. Seed Science and Technology 48: 247-255.
35. Bhatt A, Silva W, Gallacher D, and Pompelli MF (2020). Germination of Cenchrus ciliaris, Pennisetum divisum, and Panicum turgidum is seasonally dependent. Botany 98: 449-458.
36. Bhatt A, Bhat NR and Gallacher D (2020). Intra-plant Inflorescence and Seed Heterogeneity of Deverra triradiata (Apiaceae). National Academy Science Letters DOI: 10.1007/s40009-020-00881-8.
37. Bhatt A, Gairola S, Carón MM, Santo A, Murru V, El-Keblawy A and Mahmoud T (2020). Effect of light, temperature, salinity and maternal habitat on seed germination of Aeluropus lagopoides (Poaceae): an economically important halophyte of arid Arabian deserts. Botany 98: 117-125.
38. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Al-Nasser A, Caron MM and Santo A. (2020). Inter-population variabilities in seed mass and germination of Panicum turgidum and Pennisetum divisum on the desert of Kuwait. Journal of Arid Land 12: 144-153.
39. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Lozano-Isla F, Gallacher D. Santo A, Silva W, Fernandes D and Pompelli MF (2019). Germination asynchrony is increased by dual seed bank presence in two desert perennial halophytes. Botany 97: 639-649.
40. Chauhan H, Bisht AK, Bhatt ID, Bhatt A and Gallacher D (2019). Trillium -toward sustainable utilization of a biologically distinct genus valued for traditional medicine. The Botanical Review DOI: 10.1007/s12229-019-09211-0.
41. Bhatt A, Caron MM, Gallacher D and Bhat NR (2019). Germination response of Arabian desert species to gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate seed treatment. Plant Biosystems 154: 737- 745.  
42. Bhatt A, Bhat NR and Thomas MT (2019). Germination behavior of Seidlitzia rosmarinus Boiss., a perennial halophyte of Arabian deserts. Agriculture and Natural Resources 53: 348-354.
43. Chauhan H, Bisht AK, Bhatt ID and Bhatt A (2019). Protocol for vegetative propagation of Trillium govanianum Wall ex D. Don. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants DOI:  100233. 10.1016/j.jarmap.2019.100233.
44. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Santo A and Phartyal SS (2019). Influence of temperature, light and salt on the germination of Deverra triradiata. Seed Science and Technology 47: 25-31. 
45. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Caron MM and Gallacher D (2019). Dimorphic fruit colour is associated with differences in germination of Calligonum comosum. Botany 97: 263-268.
46. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Murru V and Santo A (2019). Eco-physiological studies on desert plants: germination of Halothamnus iraqensis Botsch. seeds under different conditions. Journal of Arid Land 11: 75-85.
47. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Suleiman MK and Santo A (2019). Effects of storage, mucilage presence, photoperiod, thermoperiod and salinity on germination of Farsetia aegyptia Turra (Brassicaceae) seeds: implications for restoration and seed banks in Arabian Desert. Plant Biosystems 153: 280-287.
48. Phondani PC, Bhatt ID, Maikhuri RK, Kothyari BP, Bhatt A, Purohit VK and Joshi P (2019). Exploring floriculture potential for sustainable livelihood of subsistence communities in Indian Himalaya. National Academy Science Letters 42: 39-44.
49. Bhatt A and Santo A (2018). Different ecological strategies during the seed germination phase of nine grasses inhabiting the hyper-arid Arabian desert. Plant Species Biology 33: 305-311.
50. Bhatt A and Pérez-García F (2018). Germination patterns of dimorphic Achenes in Launaea nudicaulis (Asteraceae) growing in desert environments. National Academy Science Letters 41: 177-180.
51. Chauhan H, Bisht AK, Bhatt ID, Bhatt A, Gallacher D and Santo A (2018). Population changes of Trillium govanianum (Melanthiaceae) amid altered indigenous harvesting practices in the Indian Himalayas. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 213: 302-310.
52. Bhatt A, Phondani PC and Pompelli MF (2018). Seed maturation time influences the germination requirements of perennial grasses in desert climate of Arabian Gulf. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 25: 1562-1567.
53. Keong CC, Nordin FA, Bhatt A and Keng CL (2018). Culture medium and varietal selection for establishment of callus culture of Artemisia annua. Educatum Jsmt 5: 47-56.
54. Bhatt A and Santo A (2017). Effects of photoperiod, thermoperiod, and salt stress on Gymnocarpos decandrus seeds: potential implications in restoration ecology activities. Botany 95: 1093-1098.
55. Phondani PC, Maikhuri RK, Rawat LS, Jugran A, Bhatt A and Bisht NS (2017). Policy implications of utilizing indigenous tree species as agroforestry systems in Himalayan states of India: Case study of Uttarakhand. Energy Policy 110: 202–209.
56. Bhatt A and Santo A (2017). Does perianth colour affect the seed germination of two desert shrubs under different storage periods and conditions? Nordic Journal of Botany. doi:10.1111/njb.01593.
57. El-Keblawy A, Gairola S, Bhatt A and Mahmoud T (2017). Effects of maternal salinity on salt tolerance during germination of Suaeda aegyptiaca, a facultative halophyte in the Arab Gulf desert. Plant Species Biology 32: 45-53.
58. Bhatt A, Phartyal SS, Phondani PC, and Gallacher D (2017). Perianth colour dimorphism is related to germination properties and salinity tolerance in Salsola vermiculata in the Arabian deserts. Nordic Journal of Botany 35: 609-617.
59. Bhatt A, Phartyal SS and Nicholas A (2017). Ecological role of distinct fruit-wing perianth color in synchronization of seed germination in Haloxylon salicornicum. Plant Species Biology 32: 121-133.
60. Bhatt A, Phondani PC, Phartyal SS, Santo A and Gallacher D (2016). Influence of aerial seed banks on germination response in three desert plant species. Journal of Plant Ecology 10: 994-1000.
61. El-Keblawy A, Gairola S and Bhatt A (2016). Maternal salinity environment affects salt tolerance during germination in Anabasis setifera: A facultative desert halophyte. Journal of Arid Land 8: 254-263.
62. Bhatt A and Santo A (2016). Germination and recovery of heteromorphic seeds of Atriplex canescens (Amaranthaceae) under increasing salinity. Plant ecology 217: 1069-1079.
63. Phondani PC, Bhatt A, Elsarrag E, Horr YA and El-Keblawy A (2016). Criteria and indicator approach of global sustainability assessment system for sustainable landscaping using native plants in Qatar. Ecological Indicators 69: 381-389.
64. Bhatt A, Pérez-García F, Mercedes Carón M and Gallacher D (2016). Germination response of Salsola schweinfurthii (Chenopodiaceae) to salinity and winged perianth removal. Seed Science & Technology 44: 428-434.
65. Bhatt A, Gairola S and El-Keblawy A (2016). Seed colour affects light and temperature requirements during germination in two Lotus species (Fabaceae) of the Arabian subtropical deserts. Revista de Biología Tropical 64: 483-492.
66. Bhatt A, Caron, MM, Verheyen K, Elsarrag E and Alhorr Y (2016). Germination and seedling performance of five native legumes of the Arabian Desert. Flora 220: 125-133.
67. El-Keblawy A., Gairola S and Bhatt A (2016). Maternal habitat affects germination requirements of Anabasis setifera, a succulent shrub of the Arabian deserts. Acta Botanica Brasilica 30: 35-40.
68. Bhatt A and Pérez-García F (2016). Seed dormancy of Ochradenus baccatus (Resedaceae), a shrubby species from Arabian Desert regions. Revista de Biología Tropical 64: 965-974.  
69. Bhatt A, Santo A and Gallacher D (2016). Seed mucilage effect on water uptake and germination in five species from the hyper-arid Arabian desert. Journal of Arid Environments 128: 73-79.
70. Bhatt A, Pérez-García F and Phondani PC (2016). Foliage colour influence on seed germination of Bienertia cycloptera in Arabian deserts. Nordic Journal of Botany 34: 428-434.
71. Phondani PC, Bhatt A, Elsarrag E and Horr YA (2016). Ethnobotanical magnitude towards sustainable utilization of wild foliage in Arabian Desert. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine 6: 209-218.
72. Phondani PC, Bhatt ID, Negi VS, Kothyari BP, Bhatt A and Maikhuri RK (2015). Promoting medicinal plant cultivation for livelihood enhancement and biodiversity conservation in the Indian Himalayan region. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 9: 39-46.
73. Kalicharan B, Naidoo Y, Heneidak S and Bhatt A (2015). Distribution, morphological and histochemical characteristics of foliar trichomes of Plectranthus zuluensis (Lamiaceae). Brazilian Journal of Botany 38: 961-971
74. El-Keblawy A, Bhatt A and Gairola S (2015). Storage on maternal plants affects light and temperature requirements during germination in two small seeded halophytes in the Arabian deserts. Pakistan Journal of Botany 47: 1701- 1708.
75. Phondani PC, Bhatt A, Elsarrag E and Horr YA (2015). Seed germination and growth performance of Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss ex Schult. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 2: 195-199.
76. El-Keblawy A, Bhatt A and Gairola S (2015). Developing sea-watered landscapes: a potential way to reduce stress on freshwater resources. Current Science 108: 1773-1774.
77. El-Keblawy A and Bhatt A (2015). Aerial seed bank affects germination in two small-seeded halophytes in Arab Gulf desert. Journal of Arid Environments 117: 10-17.
78. Bisht AK, Bhatt A and Dhar U (2015). Note on somatic embryogenesis and synthetic seed production in Angelica glauca: A valuable medicinal plant of Himalaya.Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 9:  419-425.
79. Bhatt A, Gairola S Govender Y, Baijnath H and Ramdhani S (2015). Epiphyte diversity on host trees in an urban environment, eThekwini Municipal Area, South Africa. New Zealand Journal of Botany 53: 24-37.
80. Gairola S, Bhatt A and El-Keblawy A (2015). A perspective on potential use of halophytes for reclamation of salt-affected lands. Wulfenia Journal 22: 88-97.
81. Ramlall C, Varghese B, Ramdhani S, Pammenter NW, Bhatt A, Berjak P and Naidoo S (2015). Effects of simulated acid rain on germination, seedling growth and oxidative metabolism of recalcitrant-seeded Trichilia dregeana grown in its natural seed bank. PhysiologiaPlantarum153: 149-160.
82. Naidoo Y, Heneidak S, Bhatt A, Kasim N and Naidoo G (2014).  Morphology, histochemistry and ultrastructure of foliar mucilage-producing trichomes of Harpagophytum procumbens (Pedaliaceae). Turkish Journal of Botany 38: 60-67.
83. Jelodar NB, Bhatt A, Mohamed K and Chan LK (2014). New cultivation approaches of Artemisia annua L. for a sustainable production of the antimalarial drug artemisinin. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 8: 441-447.
84. Gairola S, Rawal RS, Todaria NP and Bhatt A (2014). Population structure and regeneration patterns of tree species in climate-sensitive subalpine forests of Indian western Himalaya. Journal of Forestry Research 25: 343- 349.
85. Koay SS, Bhatt A, Shuping N and Chan LK (2014): Medium optimization for cell biomass yield and anthocyanin production in cell suspension culture of Melastoma malabathricum. Plant Biosystems 148: 675-682.
86. Kusumastuti MY, Bhatt A, Indrayanto G and Chan LK (2014). Effect of sucrose, benzylaminopurine and culture condition on in vitro propagation of curcuma xanthorrhiza roxb. And Zingiber aromaticum val.
    Pakistan Journal of Botany 46: 279-288.
87. El-Keblawy A, Bhatt A and Gairola S (2013). Perienth colour affects germination behavior in the wind pollinated Salsola rubescens in the Arabian Deserts. Botany 92: 69-75.
88. Gairola S, Mahmoud T, Bhatt A and El-Keblawy A (2013).Importance of seed banking and herbarium collections in biodiversity conservation and research: a new initiative in the United Arab Emirates. Current Science 105: 1048-1050.
89. Gairola S, Bhatt A, Govender Y, Baijnath H, Procheş Ş and S Ramdhani (2013). Incidence and intensity of tree infestation by the mistletoe Erianthemum dregei (Eckl. &Zeyh.) V. Tieghem in Durban, South Africa. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 12: 315-322.
90. Lo KY, Ch’ng SJ, Suganthi A, Nornadia K, Bhatt A and Chan LK (2013). Effect of Basal Medium on In Vitro Leaf Morphology, Growth and Artemisinin Production of Artemisia annua. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare 3: 36-50.
91. Bhatt A, Christine S and Chan LK (2013). In vitro propagation of five Alocasias pecies. HorticulturaBrasileira 31: 210-215.
92. Au Vun Hui, Bhatt A and Chan LK (2013). Establishment of a shoot proliferation protocol for banana (abb group) cv. ‘pisangawak’ via temporary immersion system. Journal of Plant Nutrition 36: 529- 538.
93. Hasmah SN, Bhatt A and Chan LK (2013). Micropropagation of Asam Karanda (Carissa carandas Linn). Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agriculture Science 36: 89- 98.
94. Appalasamy S, Ping NS, Bhatt A, Othman AS, Jeloder NB and Chan LK (2012). Optimization of total RNA isolation method from the aromatic medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. International Journal of Plant Biology 3:e7: 34-37.
95. Bordbar L, Bhatt A, Subramaniam S and Chan LK (2012). Necessity of medium nutrient modification for production of cell biomass yield and rosmarinic acid in the cell suspension cultures of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. International Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 2: 638-647.
96. Chong YH, Khalafalla MM, Bhatt A and Chan LK (2012). The Effects of Culture Systems and Explant Incision on In vitro Propagation of Curcuma zedoaria Roscoe.  Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agriculture Science 35: 863-874.
97. Kah Hong ML, Bhatt A, Ping NS and Chan LK (2012).Detection of elicitation effect on Hyoscyamus niger L. root cultures for the root growth and production of tropane alkaloids. Romanian Biotechnological Letters17: 7340-7351.
98. Bhatt A, Ong BK and Chan LK (2012). Sucrose, benzylaminopurine and photoperiod effects on in vitro culture of Kaempferia galanga Linn. Plant Biosystems146: 900-905.
99. Andola HC, Gairola, S and Bhatt A (2012). Popularization of Himalayan Berberis species as a source of nutraceuticals. Current Science 102: 1622.
100. Christine S, Bhatt A, Sulaiman B and Chan LK (2012). Micropropagation of Homalomena pineodora Sulaiman & Boyce (Araceae): a new species from Malaysia. Horticultura Brasileira 30: 39-43.
101. Au Vun Hui, Bhatt A and Chan L K (2012). Micropropagation of Musa acuminate x M. balbisiana cv. PisangAwak (ABB Genome) and three other cultivars. Pakistan Journal of Botany 44: 777-780.
102. Christine S, Dafaalla Mhd Hag Ali, Chan LK, Boey PL and Bhatt A (2011). Comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of selected lichen species from Malaysia. Journal of Pharmacy Research 4: 2824-2827.
103. Abraham F, Bhatt A, Chan LK, Indrayanto G and Sulaiman S. F (2011). Effect of yeast extract and chitosan on shoot proliferation, morphology and antioxidation activity of Curcuma mangga in vitro plantlets. African Journal of Biotechnology 10: 7787-7795.
104. Christine S, Bhatt A, Hag MDA, Chan LK, and Boey PL (2011). Evaluation of free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content in the petiole-derived callus cultures of Zingiber zerumbet Smith. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research 5: 2210-2217.
105. Koay SS, Bhatt A and Chan LK (2011). Effect of sucrose and methyl jasmonate on biomass and anthocyanin production in cell suspension culture of Melastoma malabathricum (Melastomaceae). Revista de Biología Tropical 59: 597-606.
106. Christine S, Bhatt A and Chan LK (2011). An efficient in vitro plantlet regeneration of Cryptocoryne wendtii and Cryptocoryne becketti. Acta Physiologia Plantarum 33: 619-624
107. Bhatt A, Naidoo Y and Nicholas A (2010). The foliar trichomes of Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Sol. ex Roem. & Schult (Acanthaceae) a widespread medicinal plant species in tropical sub-Saharan Africa: with comments on their possible phylogenetic significance. Biological Research 43: 403-409.
108. Hong MLK, Bhatt A, Ning S and Chan LK (2010). Optimization of root proliferation medium for Hyoscyamus niger L. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research 4: 2710-2718.
109. Bhatt A, Naidoo Y and Nicholash A (2010). The foliar trichomes of Orthosiphon labiatus N. E. Br. [Lamiaceae]. New Zealand Journal of Botany 48: 153-161.
110. Lo KY, Ku N, Ch’ng SJ, Nur I, Bhatt A, Ning S and Chan LK (2010). Effect of perforations of culture vessel cap on growth and leaf microstructure of in vitro plantlets of Artemisia annua L. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research 4: 2273-2282.
111. Gairola S, Shariff NM, Bhatt A and Kala CP (2010). Influence of climate change on production of secondary chemicals in high altitude medicinal plants:  issues needs immediate attention. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 4: 1825-1829.
112. Chan LK, Ang SW and Bhatt A (2010). Elicitation effect on cell biomass and production of alkaloids in cell suspension culture of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Cuadernos de Investigación UNED 2: 123-128.
113. Christine S, Bhatt A and Chan LK (2010). A comparative study of plantlet production of Curcuma zedoaria and Zingiber zerumbet using different micropropagation systems. African Journal of Biotechnology 9: 4326-4333.
114. Chan LK, Koay SS, Boey PL and Bhatt A (2010). Enhancement of cell biomass yield and anthocyanin production in cell culture of Melastoma malabathricum L. via abiotic stress. Biological Research 43: 127-135.
115. Bhatt A, Naidoo Y and Nicholash A (2010). The foliar trichomes of Plectranthus laxiflorus Benth (Lamiaceae): an important medicinal plant.  New Zealand Journal of Botany 48: 55-61.
116. Rawat B, Gairola, S and Bhatt A (2010). Habitat characteristics and ecological status of Paeonia emodi Wallich ex Royle: a high value medicinal plant of west Himalaya. Medicinal Plants – International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries 2: 121-125.
117. Chan LK, Nhawal, AS, Bhatt A (2009). Somatic embryogenesis and root regeneration in Hyoscyamus niger for the production of hyoscyamine. African Journal of Biotechnology 8: 6952-6960.
118. Bhatt A, Naidoo Y, Gairola S and Nicholash A (2009). Ultrastructural responses of the desiccation tolerant plants Xerophyta viscosa and X. retinervis during dehydration and rehydration. Biologia Plantarum 53: 373-377.
119. Bhatt A, Bhatt ID, Gaira K, Tripathi K and Dhar U (2009). Effect of pre-sowing treatment on the germination of Pleurospermum angelicoides (DC.) Cl.  Seed Technology 31: 89-95.
120. Gairola S, Naidoo Y, Bhatt A and Nicholash A (2009). An investigation of the foliar trichomes of Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd [Lamiaceae]: an important medicinal plant of southern Africa. Flora 214: 325-330.
121. Airi S, Bhatt ID, Bhatt A, Rawal RS and Dhar U (2009). Variations in seed germination of Hippophae salicifolia with different pre-soaking treatments. Journal of Forestry Research 20: 27−30.
122. Bisht AK, Bhatt A, Rawal RS and Dhar U. (2008). Assessment of reproductive potential of different populations of Angelica glauca Edgew., a critically endangered Himalayan medicinal herb. Journal of Mountain Science 5: 84-90.
123. Bhatt ID, Bhatt A, Parsad K, Gairola S, Rawal RS and Dhar U (2008). Preliminary Investigation on nutritional properties of Artemesia maritime Linn. Ethnobotanical Leaflet 12: 614- 619.
124. Naidoo Y, Steinke TD, Mann FD, Bhatt A and Gairola S (2008). Epiphytic organisms on the pneumatophores of the mangrove Avicennia marina: occurrence and possible function. African Journal of Plant Science 2: 012-015.  
125. Bhatt A, Rawal RS and Dhar U (2007). Effect of seedpre– treatments on germination of Swertia chirayita– a rare medicinal plant. Seed Research 35: 66-69.
126. Bhatt A, Bisht AK and Dhar U (2007). Assessment of status and biomass of Swertia angustifolia: a high value Himalayan medicinal plant. African Journal of Plant Sciences 1: 1-6.
127. Airi S, Bhatt A and Dhar U (2006). Characterization of Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Fleming) Karesten and S. angustifolia Ham ex. D. Don through SDS-PAGE. Plant Genetic Resource Newsletter147: 72-77.
128. Bisht AK, Bhatt A and Dhar U (2006). Assessment, extraction pattern and restoration through propagation of Angelica glauca, a critically endangered Himalayan medicinal herb. The International Journal of Biodiversity Science and Management 2: 105-113.
129. Bhatt A, Rawal RS and Dhar U (2006). Ecological features of a critically rare medicinal plant, Swertia chirayita, in Himalaya. Plant Species Biology 21: 49-52.  
130. Bisht AK, Bhatt A and Dhar U (2006). Prioritization and conservation of Himalayan medicinal plants: Angelica glauca as a case study. Ethnobotanical Research and Application4: 011-023.
131. Bhatt A, Rawal RS and Dhar U (2005). Germination improvement in Swertia angustifolia: a high value medicinal plant of Himalaya. Current Science 89:1008-1012.  
132. Bhatt A, Joshi SK and Gairola S (2005). Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo- a West Himalayan orchid in peril. Current Science 89:610-612.  
133. Bhatt A, Sharma CM and Khanduri VP (2002). Growing stock variations in different Cedrus deodara forests of Garhwal Himalaya. Indian Forester 218: 903-916.
134. Dhar U, Manjkhola S, Joshi M, Bhatt A, Bisht AK and Joshi M (2002). Current status and future strategy for development of medicinal plants sector in Uttaranchal, India. Current Science 83: 956- 964.

Paper/ abstract published in conference

1. Bhatt A, Bhat NR, Sulaiman MK, Thomas TM and Mathew S (2017). Understanding the seed germination and adaptation strategy of selected Arabian desert plant and its implications for vegetation restoration (Proceedings of an International Symposium and Workshop on Native Seeds in Restoration of Dryland Ecosystems (November 20 – 23, 2017), Kuwait.
2. Al-Saeed O, Al-Roomi A, Bhat NR and Bhatt A. (2017). Effect of Storage on Germination of Kuwait’s Native Seeds ((Proceedings of an International Symposium and Workshop on Native Seeds in Restoration of Dryland Ecosystems (November 20 – 23, 2017), Kuwait.
3. Richer R, Bhatt A, Abdul Majid S, Skelhorn C, Al Marri M, Al Wawi H and Chatziefthimiou A (2016). Native plant landscaping and species selection to promote sustainability and biodiversity in Qatar. Q-Science Proceedings: Vol. 2016, Qatar Green Building Conference 2016 – The Action, 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qgbc.41.
4. Abdul Majid S, Richer R, Bhatt A, Amato A and Chatziefthimiou A (2016).Guidelines for terrestrial ecological surveys in Qatar. QScience Proceedings: Vol. 2016, Qatar Green Building Conference 2016 – The Action, 43. http://dx.doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qgbc.43.
5. Bhatt A and El-Keblawy A (2013). Propagation of potential native plants for urban landscape in Gulf countries.Qatar foundation Annual Research Forum Proceeding: EEP 06. DOI: 10.5339/qfarf.2013.EEP-06.
6. Bhatt A and Keng CL (2010) Trichome investigation from Artemisia annua: an important antimalarial plant. 7th IMT-GT UNINET and the 3rd Joint International PSU-UNS Conferences “BioScience for the Future 2010”, at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand (7-8 October, 2010).
7. Bhatt A,Naidoo Y, Hiralal T and Nicholas A (2008). An investigation of desiccation tolerance mechanism in the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscose. Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, Botswana (23-25 July, 2008).
8. Naidoo Y, Bhatt A and Gairola S (2007). An investigation of desiccation tolerance mechanism in a medicinally important resurrection plant Xerophyta retinervis (Baker). Medicinal plant summit, Thailand (23-25 November, 2007).
9. Omprakash MD, Kandari LS, Gairola S and BhattA (2006). Developing indicators for measuring sustainability at Forest Management Unit level: need of collaborative research approach. Paper presented in International seminar on Forests, Forest products and Services: research, development and challenges ahead. Department of Forestry, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, India (1-3 November 2006).

Chapter in book

Bhatt A (2024). Native Vegetation and Flora of Kuwait (pp 265-310). In: Terrestrial Environment and Ecosystems of Kuwait (eds: Suleiman MK, Shahid SA). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-46262-7_11.

Bhatt A and Bisht AK (2011). Morphological markers for characterization of two important endangered Himalayan medicinal plants: Swertiachirayita and S. angustifolia (pp-161-166). In: Medicinal plants and sustainable developments (ed: Kala CP). Nova Publishers, New York.

Book Published

Bhat NR, Bhatt A and Suleiman MK (2024). Physiology of Growth and Development in Horticultural Plants (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/b23316.

Kotwal PC, Dugaya D and Bhatt A (2007). Fostering Sustainable Forest Management in India through Criteria and Indicators. Country Report. ISBN: 81-7969-052-0. pp. 124.

Airi S, Mahar G, Gaira KS and Bhatt A. (2005). Himalaya Ki Jaib Vividhata (Sangrakshan shiksha protsahan me Rastriya harit core ki Bhagidhari (in Hindi). Kansal Printers, Nainital.pp. 48.

Dhar U, Rawal RS, Manjkhola S, Bisht AK, Joshi M, Joshi M., Bhatt A and Bisht G. (2002). Conservation, Propagation and utilization of High Value Medicinal Plants of Himalaya. Shiva Offset Press, Dehradun. pp. 48.

Attended conferences, workshops and Seminars

• Presented in International Symposium and Workshop on Native Seeds in Restoration of Dryland Ecosystems (November 20 – 23, 2017), Kuwait.

• Presented in conference organized by Kuwait university on Green Infrastructure Qatar,  topic-  using native plants in hot and arid Gulf countries on 20 April 2015)

• Presented in conference organized by Gulf Organization for Research and Development, Doha, Qatar, topic- Native And Productive Plants For Sustainable Vegetation And Landscapes In Hot Arid Climates (23 May 2015)

• Participated in 7th IMT-GT UNINET and the 3rd Joint International PSU-UNS Conferences “BioScience for the Future 2010”, at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand (7-8 October, 2010)

• Participated in “The 2 nd USM Kansai Universities Collaborative Colloquium (June 26-27, 2009), Penang Malaysia. Organized by Universiti Sains Malaysia.

• Participated in workshop in Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, Botswana (23-25 July, 2008).

• Participated in State level Workshop on: Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management (June 20-21, 2006) Angul, Orissa. Organized by Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal and State Forest Department Orissa, India.

• Participated in National level Workshop on: Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management (April 24-28, 2006) IIFM, Bhopal. Organized by Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal and International Tropical Timber Organization, Japan.

• Participated in District level Workshop on: Mainstreaming of Medicinal Plants (March, 17-18, 2005)  Lohaghat, Champawat, organized by G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi – Katarmal, Almora, India.

• Participated in Training programme on Medicinal Plants (February, 25, 2005) organized by INHERE, Masi- Almora, India.

• Participated in State level Workshop on: Mainstreaming of Medicinal Plants for Development of the region Sector –Uttaranchal as Case in point (January 28-29, 2005) INHERE, Masi- Almora, organized by G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi – Katarmal, Almora and Institute of Himalayan Environmental Research and Education Masi, Almora, India.

• Participated in GEF, First National Stakeholders Consultation Workshop for project on “Conservation and Management of Pollinators for Sustainable Agriculture, Through an Ecosystem Approach” (8-9 October, 2004) organized by G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi – Katarmal, Almora.

• Participated in Patent Awareness Workshop (21 May, 2004) organized by G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi – Katarmal, Almora.

• Participated in workshop entitled “Developing medicinal plant sector in Uttaranchal-prospects and constraints in cultivation and marketing” (March 26-27, 2004) organized by G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi – Katarmal, Almora, India.

• Participated as a resource person in FIVE training workshops “People participation in biodiversity conservation” organized by Conservation of Biological Diversity Core Division of G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development Kosi – KatarmalAlmora, at Dwarahat (3-4, March, 2001), Syalde (2-3, February, 2002), Kanda (18-19 February, 2003), Wajula (27 November-3 December 2003) and Ramgarh (20-26 November, 2004), India.

• Participated in Training programme entitled “Environmental Economics for practicing Scientists and ecologists” (October 16-20, 2001) organized by G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi – Katarmal, Almora, India.

• Two months summer training on Joint Forest Management under the forest Department of Pauri Garhwal, India

Computer skill

Proficient with MS Word, MS Power Point, MS Excel etc

PERSONAL DETAILS

Date of Birth : January 25, 1979

Nationality : Indian

Language known: English, Hindi, Urdu

Hobbies: Traveling and swimming