ID: 66405
Title: Deliberations on the applicability of IMD’s medium range weather forecasts for their usability in Agromet Advisory Services for the farmers of South Interior Karnataka, India
Author: M. N. Thimmegowda, M. H. Manjunatha, Lingaraj Huggi , L. Nagesha, R. S. Pooja, R. Jayaramaiah, D. V. Soumya and V. Arpitha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 70-77 10 July (2025)
Subject: Deliberations on the applicability of IMD’s medium range weather forecasts for their usability in Agromet Advisory Services for the farmers of South Interior Karnataka, India
Keywords: Agromet Advisory, climate risk management, forecasts, South Interior Karnataka.
Abstract: Climate risk management in rainfed regions entails
forecasting, impact assessment and relief planning,
with emphasis on timely forecast dissemination and
accurate loss estimation. Under the Gramin Krishi
Mausam Sewa initiative, the India Meteorological
Department issues agro-meteorological advisories,
evaluated using qualitative, quantitative and statistical methods. In the present study on South Interior Karnataka, the forecast accuracy was higher
for temperature (75–79%) than for wind speed and
rainfall. Ramanagara showed the best rainfall forecast performance. Statistical tests (Hanssen–Kuipers,
Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Anderson–Darling) revealed
spatial variability, influenced by orography. Taylor
diagram analysis confirmed good agreement between observed and forecasted temperatures (0.7–0.8
for maximum temperature, 0.6–0.7 for minimum
temperature), indicating reliable temperature forecasts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gregory, P. J., Ingram, J. S. I. and Brklacich, M., Climate Variability
and food security. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B, Biol. Sci., 2010, 360,
2139–2148.
Gao, J., Shahid, R., Ji, X. and Li, S., Climate change resilience and
sustainable tropical agriculture: farmers’ perceptions, reactive adaptations and determinants of reactive adaptations in Hainan, China. Atmosphere, 2022, 13(6), 9
Literature cited 2: Martínez-Mena, M., Perez, M., Almagro, M., Garcia-Franco, N.
and Díaz-Pereira, E., Long-term effects of sustainable management
practices on soil properties and crop yields in rainfed Mediterranean almond agroecosystems. Eur. J. Agron., 2021, 123, 126207;
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2020.126207.
Rana, R. S., Sood, R., Aditya, A. and Shekhar, J., Validation of
medium range weather forecasts in sub-temperate and sub-humid
climate of western Himalayas. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 2013, 83,
1357–1363.
ID: 66404
Title: Machine learning-based verification of satellite weather alerts for heavy rainfall in Ladakh
Author: Nita H. Shah , Jyoti Chahal, Anupam Priamvada and Bipasha Paul Shukla
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 63-69 10 July (2025)
Subject: Machine learning-based verification of satellite weather alerts for heavy rainfall in Ladakh
Keywords: Apriori algorithm, disaster management, heavy rainfall alerts, K-means clustering.
Abstract: The present study investigates heavy rainfall patterns
and their variability in Ladakh by using K-means clustering with the Apriori algorithm, which uncovers
the co-occurrence pattern of heavy rainfall alerts obtained from the ISRO MOSDAC portal. The proposed
algorithms reveal that location (lat.: min. = 32.82,
max. = 35.71; long.: min. = 77.59, max. = 79.91)
and location (lat.: min. = 33.11, max. = 35.76; long.:
min. = 75.82, max. = 77.75) exhibit the highest confidence (79.55%) and frequency (48.61%) among all
patterns, indicating strong interdependencies. This
suggests that the alerts in one location can potentially impact the other, offering actionable guidance
for disaster preparedness. The present study highlights a significant match between predicted alerts and
actual heavy rainfall events, underscoring the utility
of machine learning in refining weather alert systems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Beniston, M., Climatic change in mountain regions: a review of possible impacts. Clim. Change 2003, 59, 5–31.
Bajracharya, S., Mool, P. and Shrestha, B., Impact of climate change
on Himalayan glaciers and glacial lakes: case studies on GLOF and
associated hazards in Nepal and Bhutan, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2007.
Literature cited 2: Erikkson, M., Xu, J., Shrestha, A. and Sandström, K., The changing
Himalayas – impact of climate change on water resources and livelihoods in the Greater Himalaya; Special Report, International Centre
for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2009.
Bhutiyani, M. R., Kale, V. S. and Pawar, N. J., Climate change and
the precipitation variations in the northwestern Himalaya: 1866–2006.
Int. J. Climatol., 2010, 30, 535–548
ID: 66403
Title: Effect of biosurfactant on degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in different agricultural soils under different environments
Author: Ashwini Yadav , Neera Singh , Arti Bhatia , Eldho Varghese , Kaushik Banerjee and Ashish Khandelwal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 54-62 10 July (2025)
Subject: Effect of biosurfactant on degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in different agricultural soils under different environments
Keywords: Carbon dioxide release, lipopeptide biosurfactant, oil dispersion, optimisation, PAHs degradation
Abstract: A lipopeptide biosurfactant isolated from Lysinibacillus
sp. MW444883 and characterised using liquid
chromatography-high resolution mass spectroscopy.
The production of the biosurfactant was optimised
under conditions of 27oC and 150 rpm (yield ∼2.65
g/l), and Oil dispersion varied from 6 to 8.5 cm.
Degradation and half-life of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in inceptisol soils (collected from Delhi and
Jharkhand agricultural field) under different environments (28oC and 37oC) varied for naphthalene
(20.8%–100%; 1.16–9.86 days), fluorene (5.8–93.8%;
5.6–14.4 days), phenanthrene (6.0%–94.1%; 5.4–22.5
days) and pyrene (5.8%–78.7%; 10.3–27.0 days) respectively. Additionally, dehydrogenase and carbon dioxide
varied from 9.6 to 45.1 µg TPF g–1 soil h–1 and 146.6
to 401.4 mg kg–1 d
–1, 1 respectively, over 0–21 days.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Miao, Y. et al., Sustainable biosurfactant production from secondary
feedstock – recent advances, process optimisation and perspectives.
Front. Chem., 2024, 12, 1327113.
Karnwal, A. et al., Microbial biosurfactant as an alternate to chemical surfactants for application in cosmetics industries in personal and
skin care products: a critical review. BioMed. Res. Int., 2023, 2023,
2375223.
Literature cited 2: Mallick, S., Chakraborty, J. and Dutta, T. K., Role of oxygenases
in guiding diverse metabolic pathways in the bacterial degradation
of low-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a review.
Crit. Rev. Microbiol., 2011, 37(1), 64–90.
Liu, X. X., Hu, X., Cao, Y., Pang, W. J., Huang, J. Y., Guo, P. and
Huang, L., Biodegradation of phenanthrene and heavy metal removal
by acid-tolerant Burkholderia fungorum FM-2. Front. microbiol.,
2019, 10, 408.
ID: 66402
Title: Gluten hydrolysing bacteria from Tilapia: a ray of hope in gluten intolerance
Author: Snehal Gagare, Radhika Shevale , Anushka Walupante and Sanjay Kharat
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 46-53 10 July (2025)
Subject: Gluten hydrolysing bacteria from Tilapia: a ray of hope in gluten intolerance
Keywords: Bacillus tequilensis, gluten intolerance, health supplements, Oreochromis niloticus, probiotic
Abstract: Gluten intolerance can be recognised as an emerging health concern. Currently, there are few, if any,
medications available to mitigate gluten intolerance
symptoms, prompting the search for effective natural
alternatives. Recent studies have demonstrated the significant potential of probiotic bacteria that hydrolyse
gluten in alleviating symptoms of gluten intolerance.
This study aims to evaluate the gluten-hydrolysing ability of five bacterial isolates from Tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus) and assess their in vitro probiotic attributes.
Biochemical and molecular characterisation identified
the isolates as Bacillus licheniformis (L1), Bacillus tequilensis (G1), Lactococcus lactis (G5), Enterococcus faecium (G7) and Weissella confusa (G9). All isolates were
capable of surviving a wide pH range (3–9) and exhibited surface hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation
properties. Furthermore, according to Clinical and
Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria, the
isolates were susceptible to most of the tested antibiotics. The study concludes that the five isolates from
Tilapia can hydrolyse gluten and possess essential probiotic properties, suggesting their potential as probiotic
supplements for individuals with gluten intolerance.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Balakireva, A. V. and Zamyatnin Jr, A. A., Properties of gluten intolerance: gluten structure, evolution, pathogenicity and detoxification
capabilities. Nutrients, 2016, 8(10), 644.
Sapone, A. et al., Spectrum of gluten-related disorders: consensus on
new nomenclature and classification. BMC Med., 2012, 10, 1–12
Literature cited 2: Ortiz, C., Valenzuela, R. and Alvarez, L. Y., Celiac disease, non-celiac
gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy: comparison of 3 different diseases
triggered by the same food. Rev. Méd. Clín. Las Condes, 2017, 28(4),
437–446.
Briani, C., Samaroo, D. and Alaedini, A., Celiac disease: from gluten
to autoimmunity. Autoimmun. Rev., 2008, 7(8), 644–650.
ID: 66401
Title: Biomimetic oscillating propulsion mechanism for a robofish using embedded control system
Author: S. B. Pranesh, V. B. N. Jyothi , E. Chandrasekaran, N. Vedachalam, S. Ramesh and G. A. Ramadass
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 39-45 10 July (2025)
Subject: Biomimetic oscillating propulsion mechanism for a robofish using embedded control system
Keywords: Biomechanism, control algorithm, hydrodynamics, oscillating propulsion, robo
Abstract: The present study depicts the tail fin design, realisation, and propulsion performance of the biomimetic
robofish prototype utilising the carangiform motion for
efficient two-dimensional (2D) propulsion. Lighthill’s
2D waving plate theory and MATLAB simulations
are used to optimise the thrust by varying link and
joint configurations. The two-link design achieves a
speed of one knot in forward and reverse using a 12 V,
7 Ah battery and servo motor with pulse-width modulation. The robofish is onboard programmed with a
timed sequence actuation for forward and downward
manoeuvring. An experimental validation in the test
tank confirms its performance, showing its potential for
advancing bio-inspired underwater propulsion systems
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Li, J., Li, W., Liu, Q., Luo, B. and Cui, W., Current status and technical challenges in the development of biomimetic robotic fish-type submersible. Ocean-Land-Atmos. Res., 2024, 3; doi: 10.34133/olar.0036.
Krieg, M., Klein, P., Hodgkinson, R. and Mohseni, K., A hybrid class
underwater vehicle: bioinspired propulsion, embedded system, and
acoustic communication and localisation system. Mar. Technol. Soc.
J., 2011, 45, 153–164
Literature cited 2: Zhang, D., Huang, Q., Xu, H., Zhu, H., Cao, Y., Cao, Y. and Pan, G.,
Development and three-dimensional modelling of a bionic robotic fish
with pectoral fins. Ocean Eng., 2025, 321, 120393.
Lighthill, J., Flagellar hydrodynamics. SIAM Rev., 1976, 18, 161–230
ID: 66400
Title: Diabetic kidney disease: epidemiology to epigenetics and beyond
Author: Dhanasekaran Bodhini , Sreedharan Sandeep , Amirthalingam Ezhilarasi , Venkatesan Radha and Viswanathan Mohan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 34-38 10 July (2025)
Subject: Diabetic kidney disease: epidemiology to epigenetics and beyond
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease, epidemiology, epigenetics, genetics
Abstract: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which is defined as
chronic kidney disease in a person with diabetes, is
one of the severe complications of diabetes, leading
to end-stage kidney disease. According to the International Diabetes Federation report on diabetes and
kidney disease, there is a 74% increase in the incidence
of chronic kidney disease due to diabetes between 1990
and 2017 worldwide, and India stands third in possessing the highest number of incident cases. To tackle
the huge burden of morbidity and mortality related
to DKD, it is important to detect it early and manage
it effectively. Albuminuria and estimated glomerular
filtration rate are conventionally used to detect DKD.
Some of the limitations associated with them in terms
of early detection can be met by the discovery of novel
biomarkers for DKD. Integration of multiomic markers
discovered through genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic,
proteomic and metabolomic studies for DKD holds
potential to identify better markers for DKD prediction and progression. The present review article aims
to emphasise the burden of DKD and the need to find
biomarkers for early detection, which will aid in targeted prevention of the onset and progression of D
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anjana, R. M. et al., Metabolic non-communicable disease health
report of India: the ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study
(ICMR-INDIAB-17). Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol., 2023, 11(7),
474–489.
Unnikrishnan, R., Anjana, R. M. and Mohan, V., Diabetes mellitus
and its complications in India. Nat. Rev. Endocrinol., 2016, 12(6),
357–370
Literature cited 2: Mohan, V. and Pradeepa, R., Epidemiology of diabetes in different regions of India. Health Administrator, 2009, 22 (1), 1-18.
Mohan, V., Deepa, M., Anjana, R. M., Lanthorn, H. and Deepa, R.,
Incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in a selected urban south Indian population (CUPS-19). J. Assoc. Physicians. India, 2008, 56,
152–157.
ID: 66399
Title: Groundwater quality in Eastern Karnataka, India – an end-use analysis
Author: Gowrisankar Ganesan , Manoj Kumar Jindal , Jean Riotte , Hemant Moger , Sambuddha Misra , Karunakara Naregundi , Kavitha Devi Ramkumar , S. A. Pandit and R. Srinivasan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 14-33 10 July (2025)
Subject: Groundwater quality in Eastern Karnataka, India – an end-use analysis
Keywords: Agriculture, drinking, end-use, geochemistry, groundwater, industry.
Abstract: Physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater in
parts of Eastern Karnataka are examined to determine whether they conform to the quality standards
of water used for drinking, agriculture and industrial end uses. Eighty eight samples from forty five
villages have been analysed for this purpose. Cation
abundances in the groundwater are in the order:
Na+ > Ca++ > Mg++ > K
+. Anion abundances
are in the order HCO−
3 > Cl− > SO2
4 > NO−
3 > F
−.
Only in one locality, SO2
4
content is very high. According to Piper’s classification, 42% of the water samples
belong to Ca–Mg–Cl type; 30% to the Ca–Mg–HCO3,
16% to Ca–Na–HCO3, 9% to NaCl and 3% to NaHCO3
types. Gibbs plot shows that water–rock interaction is
the dominant process controlling the major ion chemistry, although there is evidence of evaporation at some
places. Out of 45 villages, excess of fluoride, nitrate
and uranium are found in 23, 28 and 26 villages respectively. Phosphate is higher than 1 mg/l in all the
villages. Lithium exceeds the permissible limit in 27
out of 43 localities. Concentrations of other trace
elements Ag, Al, Ba, Tl, As, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li,
Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn and U were determined in selected samples. Arsenic exceeds the permissible limit
for drinking water in one village. Groundwater in
21 out of 45 villages is suitable for agriculture, while
groundwater of 31 villages is useful for some industries.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: CGWB (Central Ground Water Board), Groundwater Yearbook of
Karnataka, Central Ground Water Board, Bengaluru, 2018-19, 2019,
pp. 1–134.
CGWB (Central Ground Water Board), National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, Central Ground Water Board,
Bengaluru, 2023, pp. 1–460.
Literature cited 2: Radhakrishna, B. P. and Vaidyanadhan, R., Geology of Karnataka. Geological Society of India, 2011, pp. 1–298.
Manual for LED fluorimeter LF 2a, Quantalase Enterprises Private
Limited, Indore, India 2012, 28p
ID: 66398
Title: From Tropics to Himalaya: Early stage invasion of Digitaria eriantha Steud. (Poaceae) in India from Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Author: Kuntal Saha Manoj Chandran Praveen Kumar Verma Ritesh Kumar Singh Kuldip S. Dogra Nasrin Parvin Ranjana Negi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 9-10 10 July (2025)
Subject: From Tropics to Himalaya: Early stage invasion of Digitaria eriantha Steud. (Poaceae) in India from Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Keywords: None
Abstract: Mountains are critical to human wellbeing and biodiversity, supporting
rich ecological communities, including many endemic species
. To protect these ecosystems, approximately
one-third of the world’s mountainous regions have been designated
as protected areas
. The Shivalik
mountain range, also known as SubHimalaya or Outer Himalaya, runs
parallel to the Lesser Himalaya
. To
protect this landscape, especially in
its North-West part, 21 protected areas have been established across six
states and one union territory, covering nearly 2,500 sq. km (ref. 4).
Among them, Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Solan district of
Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of
1200–1800 m, was established in
1963 for in situ conservation of
wildlife3
.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kueffer, C., McDougall, K., Alexander, J., Daehler, C., Edwards, P., Haider,
S. and Seipel, T., Plant Invasions in
Protected Areas: Patterns, Problems
and Challenges, 2013, pp. 89–113;
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7750-
7_6.
Hamilton, L. S., The IUCN Bulletin, 2002,
1, IUCN, The World Conservation Union,
Gland Switzerland
Literature cited 2: Chandel, A, Phytosociological and ethnobotanical studies in Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, district-solan, Himachal Pradesh, 2020,
Doctoral dissertation, UHF, Nauni.
Sivakumar, K., Sathyakumar, S. and Rawat,
G. S., Indian For., 2010, 136(10), 1376.
ID: 66397
Title: Recharging the depleting aquifers in India: challenges and way forward
Author: Dipankar Saha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (1) 7-8 10 July (2025)
Subject: Recharging the depleting aquifers in India: challenges and way forward
Keywords: None
Abstract: India’s critical dependence on groundwater resources for
drinking and food security is globally acknowledged. It
is one of the few countries where annual groundwater
recharge (the ‘replenishable resource’) is assessed meticulously every year throughout the country. Though the replenishable resource component constitutes only 39% of the
annually utilisable water resource (surface and groundwater combined), the contribution of groundwater for drinking and irrigation is disproportionately high. The immense
potential of groundwater was unlocked in India during the
‘Green Revolution’ in the 1960s. It was realised then that
groundwater is widespread and dependable even in the
drought years. Several other factors, such as subsidised
energy offered by the Government, the arrival of cheap
drilling technology and well construction materials, and
the lack of any regulation on extraction, propelled groundwater exploitation. Rapid urbanisation and the quest for
expanding assured irrigation are likely to enhance our dependence on groundwater in the coming decades. Climate
change-induced uncertainty, impacting the rainfall distribution and rising temperatures, would impose complexity and stress on the policies and planning for sustainable
groundwater utilisation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66396
Title: Cycas species of India: A Comprehensive Review on Health Benefits and Gaps Analysis
Author: Romita Devi, Tekemeren Walling, Tongpangkokla Chang,V. R. Snehalatha, Sugimani Marndi, Sanjeet Kumar
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (5) May. Pg No. 504-507 (2025)
Subject: Cycas species of India: A Comprehensive Review on Health Benefits and Gaps Analysis
Keywords: None
Abstract: Cycads are the oldest and most primitive assemblages of living seed plants in the world. They originated before the mid-Permian and reached their greatest diversity during the Jurrasic-Cretaceous (Lindstorm and Hill, 2007, Singh, 2017; Zheng et al, (2017). However, the current survivors of cycad species are not much older than 12 million years, mainly owing to the flourishing of flowering plants 9Zheng et al., 2017).Cycads are essentially 'Living -Fossils', and are of great scientific and conservation value because of their long evolutionary history and diverse uses (Singh and Radha, 2006; Singh and Radha, 2008;Srivastava, 2014; Singh et al., 2015).In addition, cycads are thought to be the earliest gymnosperm lineage (Zheng et al, 2017), retaining features that resemble ferns, such as spermatozoa with flagella, and features that belong to spermatophytes, like naked seeds (Zheng et al., 2017.)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Afifi N., Moawad A., Hassan M., Amir D.E., Elwekeel A. and Amin E. (2021). Phytochemical content and biological activity of the genus Cycas, Family Cycadaceae: A review. Pharm Science Asia, 48(4): 300-319.
Akhtar M., Agrawal P.K., Srivastava R.C. (2018). Living Cycads in India: Preliminary Report. Indian Journal of Plant Sciences, 7(4): 2319-3824.
Literature cited 2: Bhowmik S. and Datta B.K. (2014). Phytochemical and ethnomedicinal study of Cycas pectinata buchanan – Hamilton (Cycadaceae) – a ret plant of India. Diversity and Conservation of Plants and Traditional Knowledge, 507-512.
Darade M.S. (2022). Gymnospermic medicines used in disease treatment. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, 8(8): 238-243.
ID: 66395
Title: Heteroscyphus pandei S.C. Srivast. & Abha Srivast. (Marchantiophyta, Lophocoleaceae) – An addition to the Bryoflora of Central India
Author: Sk. Rasidul Islam, Devendra Singh, Amal Kumar Mondal
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (5) May. Pg No. 501-503 (2025)
Subject: Heteroscyphus pandei S.C. Srivast. & Abha Srivast. (Marchantiophyta, Lophocoleaceae) – An addition to the Bryoflora of Central India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The family Lophocolaceae is represented by 445 species 21 under genera, of which 110 species of Heteroscyphus in worldwide (Soderstorm et al., 2016) and 30 species under 3 genera of these 14 species of Heteroscyphus are occurring in India (Singh et al., 2016). Three species are endemic to India viz. H. darjeelingensis Abha Srivast. &S.C. Srivast. and H. palniensis Abha Srivast. & S.C. Srivast.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Das S. and Sharma G.D. (2013). Inventorization of Marchantiophyta in Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India with special reference to their microhabitat. Arch. Bryol., 166: 1–27.
Das S. and Sharma G.D. (2016). Some noteworthy and new records of liverworts from Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India. Pl. Sci. Today, 3(2): 100–108.
Literature cited 2: Manju K.M., Vidya V., Manju C.N. and Prakash K.R. (2013). Systematic studies on the family Geocalycaceae (Marchantiophyta) of Kerala, India Arch. Bryol., 176: 1-15.
Singh D., Dey M. and Singh D.K. (2010). A synoptic flora of liverworts and hornworts of Manipur. Nelumbo, 52: 9–52.
ID: 66394
Title: Notes on the taxonomic identity and distribution of less known species Gardneria angustifolia Wall. (Loganiaceae)
Author: Arnab Banerjee, Samiran Panday, Debabrata Maity, Paramjit Singh
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (5) May. Pg No. 497-500 (2025)
Subject: Notes on the taxonomic identity and distribution of less known species Gardneria angustifolia Wall. (Loganiaceae)
Keywords: None
Abstract: The genus Gardneria (Loganiaceae) was established by Wallich in the second volume of Roxburgh's Flora Indica (1820). Where he published single species Gardneria ovata Wall. It is very small genus of mostly climbing or creeping glabrous shrubs (Leenshousts, 1962) represented by seven species in the world, distributed mainly in India, China, Japan and Java (Mabberly, 2017). In India, the genus is represented by only 2 species viz. G. angusifolia Wall. and G.ovata Wall. (Lakshminarsimhan,2020).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Brandis D. (1906). Indian Trees. Archibald Constable and Co. LTD, London. p. 477.
Clarke C.B. (1885). Loganiaceae. In: Hooker J.D. (ed), The Flora of British India, Vol. 4. L. Reeve and Co., London. p. 93.
Literature cited 2: Haridasan K. and Rao R.R. (1987). Forest flora of Meghalaya, Vol. 2 [Caprifoliaceae–Salicaceae]. Bishen Singh Mahandra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun. p. 626.
Kanjilal U.N., Das A., Kanjilal P.C. and De R.N. (1939). Flora of Assam, Vol. 3 [Caprifoliaceae–Plantaginaceae]. Government of Assam, Shillong. p. 320
ID: 66393
Title: White flower variant of Rhododendron arboreum subsp. nilagiricum (Ericaceae) from the Western Ghats, India
Author: Arjun Thomas, J. Jameson
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (5) May. Pg No. 493-496 (2025)
Subject: White flower variant of Rhododendron arboreum subsp. nilagiricum (Ericaceae) from the Western Ghats, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: Rhododendron L., stand out as the largest genus within the Ericaceae family, with approximately 1000 species globally and 132 taxa (80 spp., 25 subspp. and 27 var). in India (Mao et al.2017). Notably, among the diverse Indian Rhododendron species, Rhododendron arboreum holds significant distribution, spanning from the western to eastern Himalayan regions and neighboring countries. One subspecies, Rhododendron arboreum subsp. nilagricum, specifically inhabits the tropical montane cloud forests of Nilgiri, Palani, and Annamalai of the southern Western Ghats which occur at 1,400-2,400 m popularly known as shola grassland ecosystem, this high-elevation cloud forest habitat hosts a high level of endemism (Fyson, 1932; Mao et al., 2001; Robin and Nandini 2012).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhattacharyya D. and Sanjappa M. (2014). Rhododendron. In : Sanjappa, M. and Sastry A.R.K. (Eds.) Fascicles of Flora of India Fascicle 25 Ericaceae. Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. pp. 9–157, 451–452.
Fyson P.F. (1932). The Flora of the South Indian Hill Station, Madras Government Press, 1 : 697.
Literature cited 2: Gamble J.S. (1921). Ericaceae. In : Flora of the Presidency of Madras, Adlard and Son Ltd, London, 2 : 743-744.
Giriraj A., Irfan-Ullah M., Ramesh B.R., Karunakaran P.V., Jentsch A. and Murthy M. S.R. (2008). Mapping the potential distribution of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. ssp. nilagiricum (Zenker) Tagg (Ericaceae), an endemic plant using ecological niche modelling. Current Science, 94(12) : 1605-1612.
ID: 66392
Title: Saprophytic Orchids of India: Diversity and Significance
Author: K. P. Dintu, Bhagwati Prashad Sharma, Madhusmita Barik, Sanjeet Kumar, Sugimani Marndi
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (5) May. Pg No. 490-492 (2025)
Subject: Saprophytic Orchids of India: Diversity and Significance
Keywords: None
Abstract: Orchids are alluring plants and one of the largest flowering plants in the plant kingdom. They are mainly categorized into three types (epiphytes, terrestrials, and saprophytes).Saprophytic or holomycotrophic orchids have features such as lack of chlorophyll, miniature size, scent, and are mostly leafless (De L.C.2020).Saprophytes orchids do not possess root hairs; henceforth, they depend on mycorrhizal fungi present in the soil and root cells for nutrition, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus gain. (Misra, 2014; Zhang et al, 2018).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: De L.C. (2020). Morphological diversity in orchids. International Journal of Botany Studies, 5(5): 229-238.
De L.C. and Medhi R.P. (2014). Diversity and conservation of rare and endemic orchids of North East India- A review. Indian Journal of Hill Farming, 27(1): 81-89.
Literature cited 2: Deva S. and Naithani H.B. (1986). Orchid Flora of North-West Himalaya. Print & Media Associates, Delhi, India
Kumar S., Mishra S. and Mishra A.K. (2021). Diversity of orchid species of Odisha state, India. With note on the medicinal and economic uses. Richardiana, 5: 1-26.
ID: 66391
Title: Natural regeneration status of tree species in Modasa, Aravalli district, Gujarat
Author: Himanshu J. Limbodariya, Kaushik C. Patel
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (5) May. Pg No. 488-489 (2025)
Subject: Natural regeneration status of tree species in Modasa, Aravalli district, Gujarat
Keywords: None
Abstract: Natural regeneration is a method for regulating forests that restores forest stands naturally without the help of humans by using processes like coppicing, self-sown seeds, and root suckers. By enabling the establishement of seedlings from a range of parent trees, natural regeneration contributes to preserving the genetic diversity of tree species (Britannica, n.d). The process of a forest renewing itself is called natural regenarion, and is based on the recruitment of young plants that grow from seedlings or coppices, or root suckers (Sharma et al, 2018)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Akther A. and Dey A (2020). Tree Species Composition and Natural Regeneration Status in South Eastern Bangladesh. Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology, 5(1): 27–34. https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.49988
Alim M.A., Rahman M.A., Hossain M.K. and Hossain M.A. (2019). Prospect of Natural Regeneration of Tree Species in Hazarikhil. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag, 5(2): 1–12.
Literature cited 2: Chacko V. (1965). A manual of sampling techniques for forest surveys. Manager of Publications.
Rahman M.H., Khan M.A., Roy B. and Fardusi M.J. (2011). Assessment of natural regeneration status and diversity of tree species in the biodiversity conservation areas of Northeastern Bangladesh. Journal of Forestry Research, 22(4): 551–559. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-011-0198-0