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Kusum Payal

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, University School of Environment Management, DST Young Scientist (SYST)

G.B.Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sustainable Rural Development, Post-Doc

University of Delhi, Botany, Senior research Fellow

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Presently working as DST Young Scientist, working on Bioprospecting and GIS mapping of lesser known wild edible plants. Ph.D in Plant Physiology and JRF/SRF from G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development (formerly known as G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development). Phytosociology, plant physiology, seed biology, large scale cultivation and conservation of endangered multipurpose plant species is the major focus for two decades.
Supervisors: Dr. R. K. Maikhuri and Prof. K. S. Rao

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Papers by Kusum Payal

Effect of gibberellic acid- and water-based pre-soaking treatments under different temperatures and photoperiods on the seed germination of Allium stracheyi Baker: An endangered alpine species of Central Himalaya, India

Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2013

Distribution pattern and conservation of threatened medicinal and aromatic plants of Central Himalaya, India

Journal of Forestry Research, 2011

A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aroma... more A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aromatic plant species (MAPs) viz., Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Rheum emodi and Arnebia benthamii in different forest stands in Central Himalaya. Results show that A. glauca and P. angelicoides had a higher (50%) frequency at Chipkoan, Garpak and Phagati forest, R. emodi had a higher (60%) frequency at Rishikund, Suki and Himtoli, and A. benthamii had a higher (70%) frequency at Suki and Khambdhar The densities of A. glauca (0.6 plants•m-2) and P. angelicoides (0.5 plants•m-2) were higher at Chipkoan and Garpak sites than at other micro-sites, while densities of R. emodi (0.8 plants•m-2) and A. benthamii (1.0 plants•m-2) were higher at Suki and Khambdhar sites. A. glauca had highest total basal covers (TBC) (1.2 cm 2 •m-2) at Chipkoan, P. angelicoides had highest TBC (0.92 cm 2 •m-2) at Lati kharak site, A. benthamii had the highest TBC (6.48 cm 2 •m-2

Ethnobotanical Assessment of Endangered Allium stracheyi (Baker)

Advances in Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

Ethnobotanical and economic studies endorse Allium stracheyi Baker, of the Alliaceae family, for ... more Ethnobotanical and economic studies endorse Allium stracheyi Baker, of the Alliaceae family, for future food and health security. The species is important to the socio-cultural, spiritual, and medicinal lives of the indigenous Himalayan people and those in the surrounding urban and peri-urban areas. The species is used by the indigenous Bhotiya people as a flavoring, spice/condiment (Jambu Faran), and a remedy for colds/coughs, jaundice, stomachaches, and various other ailments. A perennial, medicinal, and aromatic plant (MAP) species, A. stracheyi is harvested two or three times annually and is categorized as an endemic and endangered species. It has a high value and represents an important cultural element in the lives of indigenous Bhotiya folk living in the mountains of Central Himalaya, India. Among medicinal and aromatic plants, A. stracheyi is an economic indicator of the plant-based economy and tradition of Bhotiya ethnic groups in the Niti and Mana Valleys of Uttarakhand, I...

Effect of gibberellic acid- and water-based pre-soaking treatments under different temperatures and photoperiods on the seed germination of Allium stracheyi Baker: An endangered alpine species of Central Himalaya, India

by Kusum Payal and Laxman Singh Kandari

Allium stracheyi Baker (Alliaceae, 2600–3000 m asl), an endangered species of Central Himalaya, I... more Allium stracheyi Baker (Alliaceae, 2600–3000 m asl), an endangered species of Central Himalaya, India, has low seed germination in its natural habitat. This study is an attempt to improve seed germination by determining the seed viability with a low mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) under optimum temperature, light, and pre-soaking treatments. The seeds were pre-soaked in hot water (80°C), cold water (10°C), and gibberellic acid (GA3 at 50 and 100 mg/l) for 24 h and subjected to light (12 h light and 12 h dark) and continuous dark (24 h) conditions with different temperature regimes (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C). The viability varied between 66.0% and 69.67% and declined rapidly after 12 months of storage. Our studies suggest that the 100 mg/l GA3 treatment was beneficial for seed germination and seedling growth. Pre-soaking in a 100 mg/l GA3 solution and incubation at 20°C under light conditions enhanced the germination significantly (p < 0.05) and resulted in the highest (97.3%) germination with the lowest MGT = 5.7 days, with GI = 8.11. The recommendations of this study support the conservation of alpine A. stracheyi via simple and cost-effective techniques for optimal seed germination.

Effect of mixed-cropping and water-stress on macro-nutrients and biochemical constituents of rhizomatous medicinal plants of Central Himalaya, India.

Plants in the alpine zone mainly depend on the reserved food materials stored in their rhizomes f... more Plants in the alpine zone mainly depend on the reserved food materials stored in their rhizomes for the next growing season. We investigated the effect of mixed cropping (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Pinto) with four rhizomatous medicinal plants, i.e., Angelica glauca, Arnebia benthamii, Rheum emodi and Pleurospermum angelicoides as well as three levels of water stress treatment under two conditions (shade net and open field) on macronutrients (NPK) and biochemicals (carbohydrates and protein). The experiment was conducted by completely randomized design (CDR). The data were analyzed with ANOVA as well as CDR. The experimental results show that in all the species shade conditions with sever water stress (SSWS) increased the level of macronutrients (NPK). However, (N) concentration was highest under shade with mixed cropping (SMIX). Under SMIX, carbohydrate content was highest than open field control conditions (CONT). This investigation results demonstrate that mixed cropping of medicinal plants with Phaseolus vulgaris could be a good livelihood option in the mountainous regions of Indian Central Himalaya. And the water-stress conditions along with mixed cropping could improve the biochemical constituents in the rhizome of these species.

Conservation of aromatic medicinal plant Rheum emodi through improved seed germination.

by Kusum Payal and Laxman Singh Kandari

Seed Sci. & Technol.,, 2012

Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn (Polygonaceae) is a plant of Garhwal Himalaya reported to be endanger... more Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn (Polygonaceae) is a plant of Garhwal Himalaya reported to be endangered due to over-exploitation for medicinal use and poor seed germination and seedling survival in nature. To determine the optimum germination conditions for this Himalayan medicinal herb, seeds were hot-water pre-treated (80°Cthen cooling overnight), cold-water pre-treated (10°C left overnight) or placed in a range of gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 μM) for 24 h. Control seeds were untreated. The seeds were subjected to two light regimes (16:8 h alternate light:dark and continuous dark) at three temperatures (15, 20, 25°C). The highest germination (83.3%) occurred following hot-water pre-treatment and incubation under 16:8 h alternate light:dark conditions at 15°C, with a reduced mean germination time (MGT) of 8 d. The second highest germination (80%) was recorded under dark conditions at 15°C with cold-water pre-treatment with MGT of 11.3 d. The present study indicates a low germination temperature (≥15°C), which is the normal temperature in the study area, and light for improved seed germination of R. emodi. Farmers can also use hot-water pre-treatment prior to sowingthe seeds.

Ethnobotanical study towards conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants in upper catchments of Dhauli Ganga in the central Himalaya

Ethnobotanical study towards conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants in upper catchments of Dhauli Ganga in the central Himalaya, Apr 2012

The present study broadly focused on medicinal plant species collected from wild by the villagers... more The present study broadly focused on medicinal plant species collected from wild by the villagers for different purposes in the upper catchment of Dhauli Ganga in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), in the central Himalaya. A schedule based survey was conducted during the years 2003–2005 in 15 villages of Chamoli district part of the NDBR. Information was collected from collectors, vaidya (medicine man) and those dealing with domestication and marketing of the medicinal plants. The aim of the study was to understand the prioritiesed medicinal plants, their mode of collection and document their ethnobotanical uses by the Bhotiya tribal communities, in this world heritage site. During the survey, 50 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families and 44 genera were documented. Out of these, 70% were harvested from the wild, 22% were cultivated and 8% were cultivated as well as wild harvested. Of the cultivated species, 8% were found growing in the kitchen gardens and 14% in the agricultural fields. However, 42% of the plants had their roots and rhizomes used followed by leaves (26%), seeds (10%), seed and leaf (8%), bark and whole plant (6%) and flower (1%). Most plants were reported to be used for rheumatism (16), followed by stomach disorder (14), cold and cough (11), and jaundice (9). Thirty three plants species were reported to have more than one therapeutic uses, while 17 species were reported to be used against single ailment. The distance of villages from road head was one of the factors contributing to the decline in the medicinal plant population in their natural habitats. The availability of medicinal plants increased with increase in distance from road head and also the peoples’ dependence on them. Documentation of the traditional knowledge will help in conservation of knowledge and also opportunity for using it for future training and use. The result of this study will help in promoting sustainable cultivation and implementation in conservation protocol of those species, which are in the verge of extinction in this region.

Effects of plant growth regulators on rooting of four rhizomatous medicinal plants of Central Himalaya.

Distribution pattern and conservation of threatened medicinal and aromatic plants of Central Himalaya, India

""Abstract: A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicin... more ""Abstract: A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aromatic plant species (MAPs) viz.,Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Rheum emodi and Arnebia benthamii in different forest stands in Central Himalaya. Results show that A. glauca and P. angelicoides had a higher (50%) frequency at Chipkoan, Garpak and Phagati forest, R. emodi had a higher (60%) frequency at Rishikund, Suki and Himtoli, and A. benthamii had a higher (70%) frequency at Suki and Khambdhar The densities of A. glauca (0.6plants•m-2) and P. angelicoides (0.5 plants•m-2) were higher at Chipkoanand Garpak sites than at other micro-sites, while densities of R. emodi (0.8 plants•m-2) and A. benthamii (1.0 plants•m-2) were higher at Suki and Khambdhar sites. A. glauca had highest total basal covers (TBC) (1.2cm2•m-2) at Chipkoan, P. angelicoides had highest TBC (0.92 cm2•m-2) at Lati kharak site, A. benthamii had the highest TBC (6.48 cm2•m-2) at Khambdhar, and R. emodi had highest TBC (4.53 cm2•m-2) at Rishikund. For the four studied species, A. glauca showed a contagious distribution, P. angelicoides and R. emodi showed the random and A. benthamii showed the regular type of distribution.

Keywords: alpine ecosystem; Himalaya; medicinal and aromatic plants;traditional knowledge; Uttarakhand""

Ethnobiology and traditional knowledge of medicinal plant in healthcare system

Conservation and Sustainable Management of Traditional Ecosystems in Garhwal Himalaya, India

""Abstract: Forest and agricultural biodiversity play an important role in sustaining livelih... more ""Abstract:

Forest and agricultural biodiversity play an important role in sustaining livelihood of local people in marginal land in Central Himalayan village ecosystems. These village communities have their own rules and regulations for conservation and management of agroecosystems as well as surrounding forest ecosystems. To assess the pattern of change in conservation and sustainable management of traditional agroecosystems, a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was conducted and information collected from farmers. In the Study area traditional food crops and multipurpose agroforestry trees were replaced by cash crops during the recent past, due to the changes in the economic and political issues. These village ecosystems have become either degraded or less fertile ecosystems.The study focuses on the issues of conservation and sustainable development.""

Effect of different presowing treatments on the seed germinations of two endangered medicinal herbs of the Himalaya Angelica glauca Edgew. and Pleurospermum angelicoides

Effect of presowing, temperature and light on Seed Germination of Arnebia benthamii

Development of marketing of medicinal plants and other forest products-can it be a pathway for effective management and conservation?

Multiplication and Conservation of Dactylorhiza hatagirea – An Endangered Medicinal Orchid of the Higher Himalaya.

Morchella esculanta: Need for scientific intervention for its cultivation in Central Himalaya

Conservation policy and social conflicts in protected Areas of the Indian Himalaya and options for conflict resolution: A case study from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

Effect of gibberellic acid- and water-based pre-soaking treatments under different temperatures and photoperiods on the seed germination of Allium stracheyi Baker: An endangered alpine species of Central Himalaya, India

Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2013

Distribution pattern and conservation of threatened medicinal and aromatic plants of Central Himalaya, India

Journal of Forestry Research, 2011

A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aroma... more A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aromatic plant species (MAPs) viz., Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Rheum emodi and Arnebia benthamii in different forest stands in Central Himalaya. Results show that A. glauca and P. angelicoides had a higher (50%) frequency at Chipkoan, Garpak and Phagati forest, R. emodi had a higher (60%) frequency at Rishikund, Suki and Himtoli, and A. benthamii had a higher (70%) frequency at Suki and Khambdhar The densities of A. glauca (0.6 plants•m-2) and P. angelicoides (0.5 plants•m-2) were higher at Chipkoan and Garpak sites than at other micro-sites, while densities of R. emodi (0.8 plants•m-2) and A. benthamii (1.0 plants•m-2) were higher at Suki and Khambdhar sites. A. glauca had highest total basal covers (TBC) (1.2 cm 2 •m-2) at Chipkoan, P. angelicoides had highest TBC (0.92 cm 2 •m-2) at Lati kharak site, A. benthamii had the highest TBC (6.48 cm 2 •m-2

Ethnobotanical Assessment of Endangered Allium stracheyi (Baker)

Advances in Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

Ethnobotanical and economic studies endorse Allium stracheyi Baker, of the Alliaceae family, for ... more Ethnobotanical and economic studies endorse Allium stracheyi Baker, of the Alliaceae family, for future food and health security. The species is important to the socio-cultural, spiritual, and medicinal lives of the indigenous Himalayan people and those in the surrounding urban and peri-urban areas. The species is used by the indigenous Bhotiya people as a flavoring, spice/condiment (Jambu Faran), and a remedy for colds/coughs, jaundice, stomachaches, and various other ailments. A perennial, medicinal, and aromatic plant (MAP) species, A. stracheyi is harvested two or three times annually and is categorized as an endemic and endangered species. It has a high value and represents an important cultural element in the lives of indigenous Bhotiya folk living in the mountains of Central Himalaya, India. Among medicinal and aromatic plants, A. stracheyi is an economic indicator of the plant-based economy and tradition of Bhotiya ethnic groups in the Niti and Mana Valleys of Uttarakhand, I...

Effect of gibberellic acid- and water-based pre-soaking treatments under different temperatures and photoperiods on the seed germination of Allium stracheyi Baker: An endangered alpine species of Central Himalaya, India

by Kusum Payal and Laxman Singh Kandari

Allium stracheyi Baker (Alliaceae, 2600–3000 m asl), an endangered species of Central Himalaya, I... more Allium stracheyi Baker (Alliaceae, 2600–3000 m asl), an endangered species of Central Himalaya, India, has low seed germination in its natural habitat. This study is an attempt to improve seed germination by determining the seed viability with a low mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) under optimum temperature, light, and pre-soaking treatments. The seeds were pre-soaked in hot water (80°C), cold water (10°C), and gibberellic acid (GA3 at 50 and 100 mg/l) for 24 h and subjected to light (12 h light and 12 h dark) and continuous dark (24 h) conditions with different temperature regimes (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C). The viability varied between 66.0% and 69.67% and declined rapidly after 12 months of storage. Our studies suggest that the 100 mg/l GA3 treatment was beneficial for seed germination and seedling growth. Pre-soaking in a 100 mg/l GA3 solution and incubation at 20°C under light conditions enhanced the germination significantly (p < 0.05) and resulted in the highest (97.3%) germination with the lowest MGT = 5.7 days, with GI = 8.11. The recommendations of this study support the conservation of alpine A. stracheyi via simple and cost-effective techniques for optimal seed germination.

Effect of mixed-cropping and water-stress on macro-nutrients and biochemical constituents of rhizomatous medicinal plants of Central Himalaya, India.

Plants in the alpine zone mainly depend on the reserved food materials stored in their rhizomes f... more Plants in the alpine zone mainly depend on the reserved food materials stored in their rhizomes for the next growing season. We investigated the effect of mixed cropping (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Pinto) with four rhizomatous medicinal plants, i.e., Angelica glauca, Arnebia benthamii, Rheum emodi and Pleurospermum angelicoides as well as three levels of water stress treatment under two conditions (shade net and open field) on macronutrients (NPK) and biochemicals (carbohydrates and protein). The experiment was conducted by completely randomized design (CDR). The data were analyzed with ANOVA as well as CDR. The experimental results show that in all the species shade conditions with sever water stress (SSWS) increased the level of macronutrients (NPK). However, (N) concentration was highest under shade with mixed cropping (SMIX). Under SMIX, carbohydrate content was highest than open field control conditions (CONT). This investigation results demonstrate that mixed cropping of medicinal plants with Phaseolus vulgaris could be a good livelihood option in the mountainous regions of Indian Central Himalaya. And the water-stress conditions along with mixed cropping could improve the biochemical constituents in the rhizome of these species.

Conservation of aromatic medicinal plant Rheum emodi through improved seed germination.

by Kusum Payal and Laxman Singh Kandari

Seed Sci. & Technol.,, 2012

Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn (Polygonaceae) is a plant of Garhwal Himalaya reported to be endanger... more Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn (Polygonaceae) is a plant of Garhwal Himalaya reported to be endangered due to over-exploitation for medicinal use and poor seed germination and seedling survival in nature. To determine the optimum germination conditions for this Himalayan medicinal herb, seeds were hot-water pre-treated (80°Cthen cooling overnight), cold-water pre-treated (10°C left overnight) or placed in a range of gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 μM) for 24 h. Control seeds were untreated. The seeds were subjected to two light regimes (16:8 h alternate light:dark and continuous dark) at three temperatures (15, 20, 25°C). The highest germination (83.3%) occurred following hot-water pre-treatment and incubation under 16:8 h alternate light:dark conditions at 15°C, with a reduced mean germination time (MGT) of 8 d. The second highest germination (80%) was recorded under dark conditions at 15°C with cold-water pre-treatment with MGT of 11.3 d. The present study indicates a low germination temperature (≥15°C), which is the normal temperature in the study area, and light for improved seed germination of R. emodi. Farmers can also use hot-water pre-treatment prior to sowingthe seeds.

Ethnobotanical study towards conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants in upper catchments of Dhauli Ganga in the central Himalaya

Ethnobotanical study towards conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants in upper catchments of Dhauli Ganga in the central Himalaya, Apr 2012

The present study broadly focused on medicinal plant species collected from wild by the villagers... more The present study broadly focused on medicinal plant species collected from wild by the villagers for different purposes in the upper catchment of Dhauli Ganga in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), in the central Himalaya. A schedule based survey was conducted during the years 2003–2005 in 15 villages of Chamoli district part of the NDBR. Information was collected from collectors, vaidya (medicine man) and those dealing with domestication and marketing of the medicinal plants. The aim of the study was to understand the prioritiesed medicinal plants, their mode of collection and document their ethnobotanical uses by the Bhotiya tribal communities, in this world heritage site. During the survey, 50 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families and 44 genera were documented. Out of these, 70% were harvested from the wild, 22% were cultivated and 8% were cultivated as well as wild harvested. Of the cultivated species, 8% were found growing in the kitchen gardens and 14% in the agricultural fields. However, 42% of the plants had their roots and rhizomes used followed by leaves (26%), seeds (10%), seed and leaf (8%), bark and whole plant (6%) and flower (1%). Most plants were reported to be used for rheumatism (16), followed by stomach disorder (14), cold and cough (11), and jaundice (9). Thirty three plants species were reported to have more than one therapeutic uses, while 17 species were reported to be used against single ailment. The distance of villages from road head was one of the factors contributing to the decline in the medicinal plant population in their natural habitats. The availability of medicinal plants increased with increase in distance from road head and also the peoples’ dependence on them. Documentation of the traditional knowledge will help in conservation of knowledge and also opportunity for using it for future training and use. The result of this study will help in promoting sustainable cultivation and implementation in conservation protocol of those species, which are in the verge of extinction in this region.

Effects of plant growth regulators on rooting of four rhizomatous medicinal plants of Central Himalaya.

Distribution pattern and conservation of threatened medicinal and aromatic plants of Central Himalaya, India

""Abstract: A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicin... more ""Abstract: A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aromatic plant species (MAPs) viz.,Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Rheum emodi and Arnebia benthamii in different forest stands in Central Himalaya. Results show that A. glauca and P. angelicoides had a higher (50%) frequency at Chipkoan, Garpak and Phagati forest, R. emodi had a higher (60%) frequency at Rishikund, Suki and Himtoli, and A. benthamii had a higher (70%) frequency at Suki and Khambdhar The densities of A. glauca (0.6plants•m-2) and P. angelicoides (0.5 plants•m-2) were higher at Chipkoanand Garpak sites than at other micro-sites, while densities of R. emodi (0.8 plants•m-2) and A. benthamii (1.0 plants•m-2) were higher at Suki and Khambdhar sites. A. glauca had highest total basal covers (TBC) (1.2cm2•m-2) at Chipkoan, P. angelicoides had highest TBC (0.92 cm2•m-2) at Lati kharak site, A. benthamii had the highest TBC (6.48 cm2•m-2) at Khambdhar, and R. emodi had highest TBC (4.53 cm2•m-2) at Rishikund. For the four studied species, A. glauca showed a contagious distribution, P. angelicoides and R. emodi showed the random and A. benthamii showed the regular type of distribution.

Keywords: alpine ecosystem; Himalaya; medicinal and aromatic plants;traditional knowledge; Uttarakhand""

Ethnobiology and traditional knowledge of medicinal plant in healthcare system

Conservation and Sustainable Management of Traditional Ecosystems in Garhwal Himalaya, India

""Abstract: Forest and agricultural biodiversity play an important role in sustaining livelih... more ""Abstract:

Forest and agricultural biodiversity play an important role in sustaining livelihood of local people in marginal land in Central Himalayan village ecosystems. These village communities have their own rules and regulations for conservation and management of agroecosystems as well as surrounding forest ecosystems. To assess the pattern of change in conservation and sustainable management of traditional agroecosystems, a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was conducted and information collected from farmers. In the Study area traditional food crops and multipurpose agroforestry trees were replaced by cash crops during the recent past, due to the changes in the economic and political issues. These village ecosystems have become either degraded or less fertile ecosystems.The study focuses on the issues of conservation and sustainable development.""

Effect of different presowing treatments on the seed germinations of two endangered medicinal herbs of the Himalaya Angelica glauca Edgew. and Pleurospermum angelicoides

Effect of presowing, temperature and light on Seed Germination of Arnebia benthamii

Development of marketing of medicinal plants and other forest products-can it be a pathway for effective management and conservation?

Multiplication and Conservation of Dactylorhiza hatagirea – An Endangered Medicinal Orchid of the Higher Himalaya.

Morchella esculanta: Need for scientific intervention for its cultivation in Central Himalaya

Conservation policy and social conflicts in protected Areas of the Indian Himalaya and options for conflict resolution: A case study from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.