This study was carried out in Kathmandu valley, Nepal to document the fungal pathogens associated with the worst invasive species Ageratina adenophora and Parthenium hysterophorus . Pathogen infected leaves were collected in the fields and were cultured in the PDA media. The pathogenic fungi were isolated and identified. Eleven fungal pathogens, namely Alternaria sp., Fusarium sp., Cercospora partheniicola , Colletotrichum capsici , Curvularia sp., Passalora ageratinae , Chaetomium anguipilium , Cladosporium cladosporoides, and Puccinia abrupta var. partheniicola were found on Parthenium hysterophorus . In contrast, Passalora ageretinae and Cladosporium cladosporoides were found on Ageratina adenophora . Curvularia lunata was seen on both the invasive plant species.
Soil contamination can be addressed through phytoremediation technique which is one of the most important environmental problem. A pot study was conducted to examine the phytoremediation of anthracene and pyrene contaminated soil by Lolium perenne plant species for 45 days. The ability of Lolium perenne to remediate anthracene and pyrene spiked soil with initial concentration of 81.6 and 71.3 mg/kg was accessed. The anthracene and pyrene concentration in unplanted control soil on day 20 was 62.1 and 59.2 mg/kg respectively, whereas the respective concentration of unplanted control soil on day 45 was 21.7 and 22.4 mg/kg respectively. Lolium perenne was more effective in anthracene and pyrene removal from contaminated spiked soil during 45 days experiment. The results demonstrate the enhancement in disappearance of anthracene and pyrene by Lolium perenne on day 20 was 42.4 and 45.9 mg/kg, respectively, while there is complete removal of anthracene and pyrene by Lolium perenne was observed on day 45. The results
An attempt was made to examine the effect of varied concentrations and combinations of phytohormones on morphogenic response of four citrus cultivars viz., Rough lemon (C. Jambhiri), Kinnow (C. reticulata), Feutrell‘s early (C. reticulate × C. sinensis) and Musambi (C. sinensis) from shoot tip explants. To achieve in vitro shoot regeneration, in vitro maintained healthy shoot tips of four cultivars were excised and positioned on modified MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1969) medium fortifying the following benzylaminopurine (BAP)/Indole acetic acid (IAA) concentrations: 0.5/0.4, 1.0/0.4, 1.5/0.4, 2.0/0.4 and 2.5 mg L-1/0.4 mg L-1. Synergetic effect of BAP with IAA was best found on MS medium containing 1.0/0.4 mg L-1 concentration of BAP to IAA for shoot number/plant (2.25), shoot length (2.52cm) and leaf number/plant (10.58). The shoot multiplication rate was decreased in all four cultivars when BAP concentration was increased from 1.0-2.5 mg L-1. In order to assess the impact of different concentrations of auxins, well proliferated shoots were shifted to the rooting medium ((MS micro & macro elements, 100 mg L-1 myo-inositol, MS vitamins, 2 mg L-1 glycine, 30 g L-1 sucrose and 7.0 g L-1 agar) augmented with varied naphthalene-1-acetic acid (NAA)/ indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations i.e. 0.5/0.3, 1.0/0.3, 1.5/0.3, 2.0/0.3 and 2.5/0.3 mg L-1. Regenerated shoots started to rooting within 22.25 days, had more number of roots/plant (4.25) and root length (3.35cm) on medium containing 1.0 mg L-1 NAA and 0.3 mg L-1 IBA. Sub or supra optimal concentrations of phytohormones resulted in low plant regeneration in all the four cultivars assessed. It was also found that the morphogenic response was genotype dependent in citrus cultivars
Seeds of four wheat BARI Gom varieties were irradiated with four different doses of Gamma rays (150Gy, 200Gy, 250Gy, 300Gy). Both M 1 and M 2 population were exposed to wheat blast under natural field condition. In the present study, M 3 seeds harvested off M 2 population were grown under both confined inoculated and natural field condition. In BINA campus, M 3 plants were inoculated with spore load (CFU 1×10 7 spores/ml) of Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT) at pre-heading stage (53 days age). Inoculation was repeated thrice to cover pre-heading stage of some late mutants. In Madnadanga Meherpur Sadar, M 3 population was exposed to blast infection under natural field condition in the farmer’s field. Among the radiation doses, 200Gy produced significant reduction in MoT infection. Inoculated M 3 plants showed differential reaction to Magnaporthe infection. Only one entry (BWM 5) was completely free of blast infection. Another one entry (BWM 6) carried only 0.13 % blast severity. Eight entries (BWM 2, 3, 7, 9, 20, 21, 22, 23) had <5% blast severity while other four entries had< 10% blast severity. Here blast severity means percent spike surface area bleached. Molecular analysis in PCR done with MoT3 marker produced typical bands of MoT (361 bp) in all the entries except for the entry BWM 5. In Madnadanga farmer’s field, blast disease pressure was very low; most of the entries did not catch infection. Entry BWM 5 and entry BWM 6 and some other 12 entries which showed 0-10% blast severity indicated the inheritance of blast resistance which needs advancing through further checking under inoculated epiphytotic condition.
Mycotoxin s are secondary metabolites produced by fungi, which are harmful to humans and animals. Phoma is a common fungal plant pathogen that can produce mycotoxins in sugarcane. Phoma sorgina belonging to phoma species that cause devastating fungal disease twisted leaf on sugarcane, The present study helps to carry out research on potential metabolites of fungal strain belongs to the phoma sorghina species such as P. sorghina (BS2-1), P. sorghina (BS11-1), P. sorghina (BSQP) isolated from sugarcane. These metabolites may influence the functioning of the fungus and are thus important indirectly for its growth and survival. Mass spectrometry (MS) is commonly used for the detection, characterization and quantitation of mycotoxins in agricultural crops. Phoma species were assessed to provide a risk assessment of their secondary metabolites in sugarcane by describing their global metabolome data obtained from the LC-MS instrument. Another study examined through using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation – time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to identify phoma species rapidly and accurately. Different protein mass spectra obtained with MALDI-TOF MS were able to separate the phoma species reported in sugarcane. Therefore, the discovery of new conjugated mycotoxins and secondary metabolites produced phoma species was made possible by combining high mass accuracy data with analytic approaches.
This article deals with fake awards that can be purchased by paying money. The University Grants Commission (UGC) should think of blacklisting such fake awards and preparing a list of quality awards under the Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE), which can be considered as true recognition for researchers/ faculty members.
Four Mulberry ( Morus alba L . ) cultivars, My-01, BP-01, PP-01, and G4, were studied for their physiological, biochemical, and bio-assay responses to a 10-days severe water stress conditions. The morphological parameters of shoot weight, leaf weight, root length, root weight, biochemical parameters such as carbohydrates, total chlorophylls, carotenoids, proline content, and bio-assay studies of larval weights from the third to the fifth instar, post cocoon parameters of cocoon fresh and dry weight, cocoon shell percentage, filament length, and filament denier were studied in leaves on sixty days drought induction (well water and water stress). The results showed that total morphological parameters, bio-molecules of carbo- hydrates, protein content, total chlorophylls 30% decreased significantly as the level of all Water stress induced leaves decreased four cultivars, proline, and carotenoids increased 50%. Based on the results of the above study, the G4 cultivar has significantly higher tolerant characteristics observed in all parameters studied.
: Investigation was carried out at Nagpur for a year to understand the aero algal flora and its distribution pattern by exposing slides daily using stationary Lakhanpal and Nair sampler. Slides were exposed at a height of 35’11”. After every fortnight, two slide were exposed and strip from second slide is used for culturing. From 365 slides obtained, total 943 algal forms were encountered. From the exposed slides 253 aero-algal forms were identified upto generic level and from the cultures 50 aero-algal forms were identified upto generic level. Cyanophyta (905) was found to be the most dominant group, followed by Bacillariophyta (22), Chlorophyta(14) & Euglenophyta(2) respectively. Out of various genera recorded, Lyngbya, Phormidium, Chroococcus, Gleocapsa, Merismopedia, Euglena & Chlorella were found to be dominant. Maximum total number of algal forms (297) were recorded in the autumn season of October while minimum total number of algal forms (17) were recorded in the rainy season of July. The aero-algal calendar prepared during investigation period indicates the presence of aero-algal forms throughout the year. Filamentous cyanophycean forms were found to be dominant during December-February while the coccoid cyanophycean forms were dominant during October-November. During rest of the months both the forms are more or less in equal proportion. The metrological parameter like humidity, temperature, rainfall and wind velocity influences the abundance or otherwise for the presence of algal components in the air. It is further observed that ,it is not only the climatic conditions which play a vital role in the distribution of aero-algal forms but seasonal variation has a more clear impact on the distribution and occurrence percentage of algal aerosols
Water pollution is the significant pollution of rural areas and even in the cities pollution of water occurs when pollutants or contaminants are inducted into the natural surroundings intentionally or unintentionally. Water pollution is the discharge of impurities into water bodies like chemicals, microorganisms, radioactive energy, and heat. These substances are called water pollutants and obstruct the essential water utilization or the natural working of the ecosystem. The contaminated or polluted water causes many human diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, jaundice, polio (infantile paralysis), and trachoma (eye infection). Himachal Pradesh is a hilly state which is full of forests with characteristic medicinal wealth and floristic diversity. Mostly the peoples of Himachal Pradesh live in the rural areas and the vicinity of the forest. They are having a great reservoir of traditional knowledge regarding the use of local plants from the forest to treat various health problems. This study emphasizes the conventional use of some plants from the forest of Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh, the North-Western Himalayan region, for the cure of diseases that occurs because of water pollution.
In the present study evaluation of Memecylon lushingtoni fruit pulp (M.l.Fr.) Aqueous extract has been quantified for antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) was evaluated and tested for its antiradical scavenging activity by DPPH and ABTS assays using standard photometric methods. M.l.Fr. exhibited prominent values for TPC, TFC and in-vitro radical scavenging activity. Our findings concluded that ripe fruits of Memecylon lushingtoni contain an appreciable amount of high valued therapeutic compounds and could act as a potential source of natural antioxidants
Selected freshwater microalgae (Scenedesmus quadricauda, Chlorella vulgaris, Eudorina elegans, Closterium sp., Chlorococcum sp., Cocconeis placentula, Gonium sp., Anabaena sp., Chlamydomonas sp., Stephanosphaera sp., Characium sp., Tetraspora sp., and Pleodorina sp.), were artificially established axenically in illuminated culture cabinet using the gelose and dilution methods by varying culture media, antibiotics, enrichment, photoperiods, and water treatment. Most algae were selective against different antibiotics, hypochloride and U.V treatments. Volvox sp. defied all culture methods. Highest Chlorella vulgaris cell density of 244 x 106 cells/ml was obtained with penicillin, treatment in filtered-unautoclaved-water (FUW) followed by 154 x 106 cells/ml using unfilteredunautoclaved-water (UfUW) at 0.005%-0.01% hypochlorite solution at 15:09h L:D. Model 1 ANOVA for filtered-autoclaved-water (FAW), FUW and UfUW, with S. quadricuada was significant (p 24h Light >12:12h L:D while that of C. vulgaris was UfUW>FUW>FAW. Thus, photoperiods and water treatments impacted significantly on algae production. The various isolated axenic phytoplankton monospecies cultures were thereafter mass produced in very high stocking densities in semicontrolled outdoor tanks of 0.6 m3 to 10 m3 capacities.
Biophytum is an important medicinal herb used both in traditional systems of medicine as well as in Ayurvedha. The present investigation is concerned with the pharmacognostic standardization and phytochemical screening of a very common species of Biophytum, B. reinwardtii. A morphological study of the plant was conducted. The whole plant was shade dried and ground to fine powder and subjected to organoleptic, fluorescent and physicochemical analysis. The plant powder was subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol. Phytochemical screening (Qualitative, Quantitative, Thin layer chromatography) of the methanol extract of the plant sample was done according to the standard biochemical procedures. Antiinflammatory activity of the plant extract was tested using inhibition of albumin denaturation assay. The organoleptic analysis revealed the characteristic colour, taste, odour and nature of powder of B. reinwardtii. In fluorescence analysis, on treatment with different solvents, colour changes could be noticed in the plant powder. The results of the physicochemical analysis provide an important parameter in detecting adulteration or improper handling of drugs. Qualitative and quantitative analysis confirmed the presence of many important phytochemicals in the plant. The presence of steroids was detected by thin layer chromatography. Bioactivity study indicated the anti-inflammatory potential of the plant comparable to that of the standard aspirin
A taxonomic revision of the genus Phoebe Nees is presented for the Indo-Burmese region including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Eight species are recognized, keyed out and treated with references, type citations, synonymy, flowering and fruiting periods, local names and uses, habitat, distribution and the specimens examined. Eight taxa, namely Ocotea paniculata var. minor Nees, Phoebe baishyae M.Gangop., P. cooperiana P.C.Kanjilal & Das, P. lummaoensis M.Gangop., P. palghatensis M.Gangop., P. pallida subsp. borii M.Gangop., P. prazeri M.Gangop. and P. wightii Meisn. are reduced to synonymy. Lectotypes of 14 names are also designated.
Piper nigrum L. is a historic spice yielding plant. Its fruit forms an integral part of the human diet. The plant is medicinally known to human beings since not much about its phytochemicals were known. It comprises versatile molecules with prime pharmacological actions and therapeutic use. Piperine, pellitorine, and piperidine are promising antitumor molecules present in the plant that are ideal for inclusion in the battery of approaches in cancer therapy.
Recent addition of several taxa of liverworts in Indian flora and a few taxa being synonymized has resulted in a total of 953 taxa of liverworts and hornworts in India.
A humid-loving herb Samolus valerandi L. is collected for the first time from the union territory Jammu and Kashmir. The reported taxa is found in a wetland near rice fields at Phalni 1411m above mean sea level . The specimen are thoroughly analysed morphologically live in the field, followed by collection of specimen for herbarium and deposition of standerized herbarium sheets at herbarium of Department of Botany, KLDAV PG College Roorkee Haridwar 247667 Uttarakhand India. The detailed taxonomic description and photographs are provided in the manuscript.
The diversity and phylogenetic relationships within Solanaceae are interesting. Withania, despite being an important genus of the family, has not found proper attention for such studies and even species delimitation within the genus is debatable. Different authors at different points of times classified Withania somnifera into different morphological forms and split it into two different species. Similarly, there are various uncertainties about phylogenetic relationships below the family level in Solanaceae and Withania . In the present study, morphological and molecular data have been used to overview the diversity and phylogeny of Withania, particularly W. somnifera . The morphological studies, RAPD, ISSR, cytochrome P450 sequence, derived primers, SSR analogues, and ITS sequence data support that the species has a lot of polymorphism bifurcated into two well-demarcated varieties. However, there is no conclusive support for dividing the species into more than two forms or splitting the species into two different species, rbc L gene sequence data supports a close relationship of the genus with Physalis and associated genera.
One of the main concerns of agricultural production is heavy metal pollutants. The industrialization has resulted in the heavy metal contamination of agricultural soil and ecosystems. Metals are a natural component of the earth, it is when their concentration increases from natural levels, ecological deterioration occurs. In the present study, transplant experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of chromium-contaminated soil in Pennisetum glaucum L. The seeds growing in petridishes were exposed to chromium, in increasing concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500 ppm. Each treatment was replicated in a randomized design and observed over a period of 7 days. The seedlings were studied for their response based on germination rate, seed vigour index, length of the radicle, length of plumule, and fresh weight against seeds germinated using distilled water as a control. Five different chromium concentrations i.e., 5, 10, 50, 100 & 200 ppm, were applied to the plants. Each treatment was replicated in a randomized design and observed for 45 days. The plants were studied for the length of root, length of shoot, fresh weight, total chlorophyll content, protein content, and heavy metal analysis compared to a set irrigated using distilled water as a control. The root and shoot lengths decreased with an increase in Cr concentrations in the transplants. A gradual decrease was observed in the selected parameters, with an increase in Cr levels. The values related well with increased Phyto-accumulation of chromium within the tissues of both roots and shoots. It was observed that chromium's harmful effects on all the parameters were directly proportional to the concentration of solution employed, with the inhibition of growth being more pronounced from 50 ppm onwards. As Pennisetum glaucum L. an edible crop despite showing a good potential for application in phytoremediation techniques, it can’t be used to hyper accumulate chromium to remove it from the soil.
The viral pandemic caused by the COVID-19 due to its spread across the globe has been the greatest worry for mankind. It has shattered our day-to-day life activities through the imposition of lock- or shutdown and consequently affected the physical, mental, psychological, and socio-economic status of the human beings. On the contrary, it has also acted as a brake on environmental degradation activity by reducing all pollution load levels on the environment. The reduction of harmful pollutants either from air or water is a good indication for plants' growth and development. The present paper highlights such possible outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic issue on the environment focussing health perspective of plant kingdom particular.
The morphological diversity within Dendrobium Sw., comprising 29 species of Nepal Himalaya, is presented. The paper provides detailed information about the range of diversity in vegetative and reproductive characteristics. An artificial key to the species is provided for their identification. According to the updated classification of Orchidaceae, genera like Epigeneium and Flickingeria of subtribe Dendrobiinae are merged into genus Dendrobium sensu lato. In the present investigation, the morphological diversity within 29 species of Dendrobium viz. D. amoenum, D. amplum, D. anceps, D. aphyllum, D. bicameratum, D. chrysanthum , D. crepidatum, D. darjeelingense, D. denneanum, D. densiflorum, D. denudans, D. eriiflorum, D. fimbriatum var. oculatum, D. formosum, D. fugax, D. fuscescens, D. gibsonii, D. heterocarpum, D. longicornu, D. moniliforme, D. monticola, D. moschatum, D. nobile, D. plicatile, D. polyanthum, D. porphyrochilum, D. rotundatum and D. transparens of Nepal Himalaya were studied.
