Of the world's seven continents, Asia is the largest. Its physical landscapes, political units, and ethnic groups are both wide-ranging and many. Southwest, South and Middle Asia are highly populated regions which, as a whole, cover an extremely large area of varied geography. In total, this domain is unique in its plant diversity and large vegetation zones with different communities and biomes. It is rich in endemics, with specific and intraspecific diversity of fruit trees and medicinal plants, including a number of rare, high value, species. At the same time, much of the land in the region is too dry or too rugged, with many geographical extremes. Overgrazing, oil and mineral extraction, and poaching are the major threats in the area. This two-volume project focuses on the dynamic biodiversity of the region with in-depth analysis on phytosociology, plants, animals and agroecology. There are also chapters that explore new applications as well as approaches to overcome problems associated with climate change. Much of the research and analysis are presented here for the first time. We believe this work is a valuable resource for professionals and researchers working in the fields of plant diversity and vegetation, animal diversity and animal populations, and geo-diversity and sustainable land use, among others. The first volume guides our readers to West Asia and the Caucasus region, while volume two focuses on issues unique to South and Middle Asia.

Medicinal plants a gift of nature are being used against various infections and diseases throughout the World. Plants biodiversity provide food, wood, fruits, shade and oxygen for humane and fodder for their livestock. Similarly, numbers of trees have also been traditionally regarded as natural remedies for common ailments of human population. Present study was conducted to analyze the medicinal trees of lesser Himalayan region. Seventy-nine species of medicinal trees were studied at different localities in the area. Among them, 12 tree species are used each as astringent and anti-dysenteric each while, 9 each are used as tonic and anti-diarrheal. Moreover various number of these tree species are used as laxative, anthelmintic, in gonorrhea, ulcer, asthma and cough. Other species are used for kidney stone, rheumatism, Wound healing, urticaria, as anodyne, febrifuge and in skin and various other diseases. It is expected that raw material obtained from plants will establish base for the manufacture of synthetic drugs. Furthermore it was observed during study that 59 of these species have multiple uses. Few of the species are under risk and need quick conservation measures.

The Hindu Kush, some 800 km long mountain range forms the geopolitical boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan. An extensive survey was carried out during summer 2009 to document the traditional knowledge about the medicinal use of plants by the dwellers of one of the remote valley in Hindu Kush Mountains. The study showed that local inhabitants not only use medicinal plants for curing various diseases but also earn a substantial part of their livelihood by selling some of them in the markets. One hundred and fourteen of the medicinal plants were recognized to use as diuretic, laxative, antiseptic, anthelmintic, carminative, expectorant, astringent and purgative agents. Thirty species of them are also collected for trade purposes. According to the interviewed population, the availability of medicinal plants is decreasing day by day due to increasing human population, extensive grazing, increase in market demand and unwise collection. Therefore, study recommended that governmental and non-governmental organizations should play their possible role to aware the local people about threats to the plants and their sustainable future.

Screening of the genotypes through plasmid assisted technology provides an efficient and handy tool for elaborating genetic relationships among the genotypes. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes (populations) obtained from different sources were analyzed through RAPD, DNA markers for evaluation of intraspecific DNA variations. The results revealed that significant variations were present in minor bands. Major bands also showed significant diversity. Variations were also recorded in the density of some common bands. Maximum and minimum Genetic Diversity i.e., 80% and 20% was found among 08 and 23 comparisons respectively in banding profile. These variations can be used for enhancing variability, a prerequisite for crop breeding. Phylogenetic clustering of the genotypes revealed that genetic diversity is independent of origin or source of the genotypes. Forty eight genotypes of pea clustered in three main groups A, B and C comprising 23, 5 and 20 genotypes, respectively. A1 and C1 included the most distantly related genotypes and hence can be recommended for breeding to obtain genetically diverse populations.