Amaranthus: A Promising Crop of Future, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2016

This book serves the larger community of plant researchers working on the taxonomy, species delimitation, phylogeny, and biogeography of pseudo-cereals, with a special emphasis on amaranths. It also provides extensive information on the nutritive value of underutilized pseudo-cereals, the goal being to broaden the vegetable list.

Amaranthus is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants. Most of the species are summer annual weeds and are commonly referred to as pigweed. Only a few are cultivated as vitamin-rich vegetables and ornamentals. The protein-rich seeds of a handful of species, known as grain amaranths, are consumed as pseudo-cereals. Amaranthusmanifests considerable morphological diversity among and even within certain species, and there is no general agreement on the taxonomy  or number of species. Currently the genus Amaranthus is believed to include three recognized subgenera and 70 species. Amatanthus is considered to potentially offer an alternative crop in temperate and tropical climate.

In conclusion, the book covers all aspects of amaranths, including their food value, significance as vegetables and pseudo-cereals, taxonomy, phylogeny, germplasm variability, breeding behavior and strategies, cultivation practices, and variability in terms of their sexual systems. It offers a valuable resource for all students, researchers and experts working in the field of plant taxonomy and diversity.

Dr. Shaubhik Das is currently working as Assistant Professor of Botany in Taki Govt. College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

His publications:

1. Das, S. and Iamonico, D. (2014). Amaranthus bengalense (Amaranthaceae) a new species from India, with taxonomical notes on A. blitum aggregate. Phytotaxa 181(5): 293-300. (Magnolia Press, Auckland, New Zealand, Impact factor 1.376)

2. Das, S. (2014). Amaranthus parganensis (Amaranthaceae) a new species form West Bengal, India. Novon 23: 406-410. (Missouri Botanical Garden Press, Impact Factor 0.279)

3. Das, S. (2013). Demestication, phylogeny and taxonomic delimitation in underutilized grain amaranths – a status review. Feddes Repertorium 123 (4): 273 – 282 (Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co.)

4. Das, S. (2013). Infraspecific variability of Amaranthus tricolor (Amaranthaceae) in India with a new variety.