The present study addresses species composition, biomass production, the contribution of agroforestry (AF) to meeting annual fodder and fuel wood demands at the village level and the socio-cultural value of agroforestry species in the Kosi watershed. Vegetation analysis revealed that agrisilviculture, agrisilvipastoral and agrihortisilviculture systems were prevalent AF systems in the watershed. The highest number of tree species (16) were found under the AF system of Kantli followed by Dhaniyakot (14 species) and Sauraal (13 species). The total biomass of agricultural crops and trees in the AF systems varied between 159.26 and 164.35 MT ha–1 at the study sites. The traditional AF system is the prime source of fodder production. Approximately 45–50% fuelwood requirements fulfilled from agroforestry. The remaining fodder requirements of the study sites were met from natural forests and purchased fodder. Agroforestry systems contributed between 7.53 and 10.56% of the total annual fuel wood consumption at these study sites. 17 species were documented for medicinal purposes and used for curing different ailments. The introduction of agroclimatically suitable high-yielding varieties of horticultural and cultivation of medicinal, wild edible, fibre and lac-yielding tree species under agroforestry systems has been recommended for the cash income of farmers.
Bryophytes serve as cost-effective, reliable biomonitors and bioindicators for assessing pollution and ecosystem health in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Their sensitivity to contaminants makes them valuable for environmental monitoring; future research is needed to understand their underlying mechanism. This paper communicates the potential of bryophytes as bioindicators of environmental pollution, monitoring methods of bryophytes as bioindicators and future prospects.
The population of Phyllanthus indofischeri Bennet (Phyllanthaceae) has declined significantly due to habitat loss caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including poor regeneration potential, low seed viability, and human disturbances. To enable large-scale propagation, the authors developed and standardized an effective seed germination protocol. The highest germination response was obtained when mature seeds were pre-soaked in water before sowing. Among the tested growth media, a 1:1:1:1 mixture of red soil, cocopeat, sand, and vermicompost proved most suitable, recording a germination rate of 68%. The findings indicate that seed germination is an ideal approach for the mass multiplication of this species. This low-cost and efficient propagation technique can play an important role in the restoration and conservation of the species in its natural habitats.
Cynanchum tunicatum (Retz.) Alston (Apocynaceae) collected from Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), Andaman group of Islands, is reported here as an addition to the flora of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Detailed plant description, photo plate, ecological significance and other important notes of the same are provided.
The liverwort Lejeunea kodamae is newly discovered from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. A detailed description of the species is provided here with figures for an easy identification in future.
Rungia anamalayana (Chandrab. & V.Chandras.) Nazarudeen & G.Rajkumar collected from the Kanthalloor and Marayoor localities of Idukki district is reported here as an addition to the Flora of Kerala. Further, the herbarium specimens from Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu housed at Madras Herbarium is an evidence for the extended occurrence of R. anamalayana beyond the Anamalai hill ranges of Tamil Nadu. A brief taxonomic description, photoplates and distribution map were provided for easy identification in the field.
Festuca parvigluma is newly recorded from another region of Himalaya, marking its first distributional report for the North-West Himalaya, India. A taxonomic description along with a comparison with allied taxa, supplemented with illustrations, colour photograph and distribution map have been provided to validate this species distribution record for the region, and facilitate its field identification.
This paper presents the first report of Salvadora alii Rajput & Syeda, from Uttar Pradesh, marking its fourth record in India after documentation from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharasthra. The paper provides detailed taxonomic description, photographs, and relevant information to facilitate easy identification.
Smilax odoratissima Blume of the family Smilacaceae is being reported for the first time from Peninsular India. Detailed description, photographs and illustration are provided for easy identification of the species.
India's rich floral diversity includes unique insectivorous plants from the families Droseraceae, Lentibulariaceae and Nepenthaceae. The genus Drosera, known as sundews, stands out for its medicinal properties and role as an insect predator. This study focuses on Drosera peltata Thunb in the Western Ghats and explores the relationship between the plant's morphological features and its ability to attract and capture insects. The research involved observing 320 Drosera peltata specimens to assess plant height, tentacle number, and the corresponding insect capture rate and found a positive correlation between plant height, tentacle number, and insect attraction, with the number of tentacles having a more significant influence. Regression analysis confirmed that both factors significantly contribute to the plant's ability to attract prey. The study also reveals that small flies like Keroplatidae, Mycetophilidae, and Sciaridae positively affect plant health, while larger insects like Dolichopodidae and Tipulidae show no significant impact. Anthomyiidae and Tachinidae exhibited strong positive correlations with plant growth, suggesting their vulnerability to Drosera's trapping mechanisms. These findings underscore the importance of species-specific ecological interactions, the adaptive strategies of carnivorous plants in nutrient-poor environments, and the ecological role of D. peltata Thunb in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecosystem balance.
Ruellia ciliatiflora, belongs to the family Acanthaceae was collected from Chaudhary Charan Singh University campus, urban area of Meerut city and from road side in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. It has naturalized as an invasive alien species in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. The present communication reports R. cilatiflora as a recently introduced invasive alien species in Western Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ramgarh Impact Crater (Geo-heritage site) has rich biodiversity and also some historical and cultural value. Crater has two artificially dammed lakes, known as Pushkar Talab Complex. The vegetation of this site emphasize that the area is rich in aquatic macrophytes. During the study of Pushkar Talab Complex, more than 54 macrophyte species were observed and identified which belong to 47 genera and 31 families. Mainly Algae- Nitella, Chara, Bryophyte- Riccia, Pteridophytes- Marsilea, Azolla and Angiosperms- Spirodela, Nechamandra and Oxystelma are found.
Asystasia intrusa (Forssk.) Blume (Acanthaceae) is reported here as a new distributional record for the Eastern Ghats of India, based on collections from Balasore district of Odisha. A detailed morphological description, notes on phenology, ecology, distribution, and photographic evidence are provided to facilitate field identification of the taxon.
Oreorchis micrantha Lindl. is being reported here for the first time from Dzükou valley in Nagaland, India. Taxonomic description along with habit photograph, details of habitat, phenology and distribution have been provided here for easy identification of the species.
Forest tree species play a crucial role in climate change mitigation, with biomass serving as a key parameter for estimating carbon storage in individual trees. Among various influencing factors, tree age significantly affects biomass and carbon accumulation. The present study assessed the growth of Albizia procera trees across nine girth classes (G1 to G9) to determine girth-wise volume, biomass, and carbon storage. Biometric parameters varied significantly among classes, with trees in the smallest girth class (G1:10–25 cm) storing 18 kg biomass and 7.48 kg carbon, while those in the largest class (G9:150–175 cm) stored 1226 kg biomass and 509 kg carbon per tree. The generated data will aid foresters, farmers, wood merchants, and stakeholders in estimating carbon stocks of A. procera across diverse land-use systems.
Teak drupes were collected from seven geographical locations representing four forest types in India—dry deciduous, moist deciduous, very moist deciduous, and semi-deciduous—to evaluate provenance variation in field emergence, seedling growth, and stump quality. Seed filling percentage was assessed through a cutting test. Pre-conditioned drupes were sown in nursery beds (5 m²) containing red earth, sand, and farmyard manure (2:1:1) under a randomized block design with five replications. Seedling emergence was recorded up to 28 days and at monthly intervals up to six months after sowing. Growth and quality parameters were measured at six months. Results indicated significant provenance variation, with drupes from the Telangana (Jannaram) provenance producing the highest seedling emergence per m² and the greatest number of plantable stumps compared to other provenances.
Terrestrial ferns are a diverse group of vascular plants that emerged millions of years ago and tropics have played a crucial role in the evolution and diversification of ferns. Terrestrial fern richness and diversity in Ranni Forest Division (RFD) of South Western Ghats, was assessed using qualitative and quantitative diversity indexing methods. The study area showed the presence of 59 terrestrial fern species, belonging to 15 families, spread in three forest ranges, viz., Vadasserikkara (VFR), Ranni (RFR) and Goodrical (GFR). Fern Family Pteridaceae and Genus Pteris were well represented in the study area. The phytosociological studies were carried out to understand the relative frequency, density and abundance of terrestrial ferns by transect-walk method. A total of 200 belt transects were laid covering various forest vegetation types, altitudes and geo-coordinates. Based on the primary ecological data, various indices such as Importance Value Index (IVI), Diversity Index, Dominance Index, Similarity Index, Species Richness and Evenness were computed. The IVI of the Ranni Forest Division revealed that Adiantum latifolium Lam. in RFR and Bolbitis semicordata (Bak.) Ching in VFR and GFR possessed highest values. The occurrence of vulnerable, near threatened, endemic, exotic species and invasive species remind the need for formulating better conservation strategies.
Populations of rare, endangered, and endemic plant species are declining under changing climatic conditions, largely due to poor germination and lack of effective propagation techniques. The present study focuses on Piliostigma foveolatum, a rare and endemic species of the Western Ghats, India, with a restricted distribution and meagre population. The species is dioecious, and field surveys revealed a marked gender imbalance, with fewer female plants, indicating potential reproductive constraints. A stiff seed coat was identified as a major barrier to germination, prompting detailed seed coat and germination studies using different pre-treatments. Among the treatments, mechanical scarification resulted in the highest germination percentage, followed by acid scarification. Successfully raised seedlings were restored to their natural habitat, along with public awareness initiatives. This work contributes to the conservation and restoration of P. foveolatum through enhanced propagation and population reinforcement.
This study reports the occurrence of eight species of lichens in the Family Brigantiaeaceae from the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR), the southern tip of Indian subcontinent. Letrouitia spiralis Hafellner and L. subvulpina (Nyl.) Hafellner are reported for the first time from India. Brigantiaea tricolor (Mont.) Trevis., Letrouitia flavocrocea (Nyl.) Hafellner & Bellem., L. leprolyta (Nyl.) Hafellner, L. muralis Hafellner and L. transgressa (Malme) Hafellner & Bellem. are the additions to the lichen flora of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Southern Western Ghats. A brief description of the newly reported species with illustrations and a key to the species for the family Brigantiaeaceae from the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve are provided.
