ID: 66120
Title: Implementation of artificial intelligence for effective plant disease management
Author: Kiruthiga Natarajan and Rajkuberan Chandrasekaran
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 19-20 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Implementation of artificial intelligence for effective plant disease management
Keywords: None
Abstract: Plant diseases threaten agriculture, impacting safety, the economy and the environment. While pesticides are
common, they pose health risks. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and precision agriculture enable precise
crop management, improving disease monitoring and control. Collaboration among experts has driven progress, though integrating AI into farming remains challenging. Data-driven systems promise faster, more accurate disease identification.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Selvaraju, R. R., Cogswell, M., Das, A.,
Vedantam, R., Parikh, D. and Batra, D., In
Proceedings of the IEEE International
Conference on Computer Vision, Venice,
Italy, 2017, pp. 618–626.
He, K., Zhang, X., Ren, S. and Sun, J., In
Proceedings of the IEEE Conference on
Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition,
Las Vegas, NV, USA, 2016, pp. 770–778.
Literature cited 2: Gu, Q., Chen, C., Zhang, H., Sun, L. and
Ren, T. L., In 2018 IEEE International
Conference on Robotics and Automation
(ICRA), IEEE, Maharashtra, India, 2018,
pp. 6813–6818.
Rathna Kumari, B. M., Plant Sci. Archiv.,
2022, 8(10); doi:https://doi.org/10.5147/
PSA.2022.7.4.08
ID: 66119
Title: New horizons to the blue economy: tiny but mighty
Author: Sheena Jose, T. T. Ajith Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 10-11 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: New horizons to the blue economy: tiny but mighty
Keywords: None
Abstract: The role of marine resources in shaping
the global economy is steadily increasing.
India has a growing emphasis on exploring
the ocean’s living and nonliving resources,
from the surface to the depths, to enhance
the nation’s stake in the blue economy.
However, it is recognized that sustainable
approaches must be adopted to ensure that
these resources support economic growth,
job creation and revenue generation while
safeguarding the health of marine and coastal ecosystems. Although marine resources
contribute significantly to the economic
growth of the country, marine ornamentals
also play a vital role. India’s territorial
waters are blessed with stunning coral reefs
and many organisms, including numerous
ornamental species. These species are frequently harvested from reef systems for
the aquarium trade
, leading to a rapid decline in their natural populations. One possible solution to address this issue is the
‘promotion of marine ornamental aquaculture
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Prakash, S., Kumar, T. T. A., Raghavan,
R., Rhyne, A., Tlusty, M. F. and Subramoniam, T., Mar. Policy, 2017, 77, 120–
129.
Calado, R., Sci. Mar. 2006, 70(3), 389–398.
Literature cited 2: Calado, R., Lin, J., Rhyne, A. L., Araújo,
R. and Narciso, L., J. Crust. Biol., 2003,
23(4), 963–973.
FAO, Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics
and Information Branch, Global Production and Trade 1976–2011, Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, 2014;
www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/en.
ID: 66118
Title: Climate finance: milestones and way forward
Author: S. K. Satheesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 7-8 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Climate finance: milestones and way forward
Keywords: None
Abstract: Climate change remains one of the hot topics for discussion
at various levels; from common man to global policymakers and governments. While the extensive deliberations
over the decades have increased the global awareness of
this important issue, and a lot of research and policy
papers have been generated, concrete and consistent actions
are not forthcoming due to conflicting interests of nations
for development and sustenance. Assessment reports of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
have already stated that climate change is happening, and
the world is already facing the consequences of 1-degree
warming in the form of sea-level rise, glacier melting,
extreme weather events, etc., with regionally varying impacts to economy. Most of the research now confirms that
we have reached a stage where the climate change is inevitable and almost irreversible.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66117
Title: Emergence of Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua Walker) in greengram in long-term conservation agriculture system
Author: J. Sridhar, K. Meghalatha , B. S. Rajpoot, L. L. Kharbikar , T. K. Das , Rishi Raj, Govindasamy Prabhu, Anil Dixit and P. K. Ghosh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 210-212 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Emergence of Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua Walker) in greengram in long-term conservation agriculture system
Keywords: Conservation agriculture, greengram, incidence, Spilosoma obliqua, zero tillage
Abstract: The conservation agriculture (CA) production system
is a realistic and sustainable solution for restoring soil
health in maize–mustard–greengram-based cropping
system without compromising the production and
productivity. However, the incidence and infestation of
the few insect pests like cutworms and mealybugs in
rice are getting altered due to CA practices. Therefore
a study was carried out on incidence and infestation of
Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilosoma obliqua, in Zaid greengram crop in a 14-year-old maize–mustard–greengrambased CA system. A significant (P < 0.05%) incidence
and infestation of S. obliqua were recorded as 19.47 larvae/plant and 23.33% respectively, in the greengram
crop with maize and mustard residues at 52 days after
sowing (DAS) as compared to 6.6 larvae/plant and
13.3% respectively, in the greengram without residues.
Crop residue retention in the field possibly promoted
the continued existence and proliferation of S. obliqua
in greengram. Sustainable CA-based agricultural systems
must also examine how maize and mustard residues influence the emergence of S. obliqua. In conclusion, this
is the report on S. obliqua emergence in CA-based summer greengram
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Naresh, R. K., Gupta, R. K., Shukla, A. K. and Tomar, S. S., Enhancing carbon sequestration potential and nutrient release dynamics
under conservation agriculture in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, India: a
review. J. Pharmacogn. Phytochem., 2018, 7(2), 326–346.
Ashitha, A., Rakhimol, K. R. and Mathew, J., Fate of the conventional fertilizers in environment. In Controlled Release Fertilizers
for Sustainable Agriculture, Academic Press, Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, 2021, pp. 25–39.
Literature cited 2: Mishra, J. S. et al., Rice mealybug (Brevennia rehi): a potential
threat to rice in a long-term rice-based conservation agriculture system in the middle Indo-Gangetic Plain. Curr. Sci., 2019, 117(4),
566–568.
Munda, S. et al., Conservation agriculture for enhancing crop
productivity, energy use efficiency, carbon stock, soil health and
reducing GHG emissions. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal., 2023,
54(8), 1134–1150.
ID: 66116
Title: Melia dubia Cav.: a new folivory record of Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius Temminck)
Author: N. S. Thakur, D. C. Bhuva, Minal H. Patel and R. P. Gunaga
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 206-209 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Melia dubia Cav.: a new folivory record of Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius Temminck)
Keywords: Folivory, Indian flying fox, leaf foraging, Melia dubia, Pteropus medius
Abstract: Interestingly, we thought that some insect pest species
infested some trees of Melia dubia. Even ocular observations and laboratory analysis did not reveal any such
incidence. Later, we observed some pallets/chewed leaf
balls beneath the trees. The night survey revealed Indian
flying fox (Pteropus medius Temminck) foraging on M.
dubia leaves. The study presents a record of Indian flying fox folivory behaviour on this valuable tree species.
We observed 2.56–100% foraging of the total compound leaves of 60 trees in the block plantation.
Among 60 trees, 22 were foraged from 20% to 40%
and six each from 80–95% to 100%. The foraged leaf
percentage in block plantation was 49.78, whereas it
was 48.11% in roadside and field boundary trees. Flying fox forage M. dubia leaves in peculiar pattern, and
foraging was about 75–80%.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ashwin, C. P. and Jayakumar, S., Diet of Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus (Brunnich, 1782) in selected districts of Kerala and
Tamil Nadu, India. Sci. Transact. Environ. Technovat., 2019, 13(1),
31–36.
Kunz, T. H. and Diaz, C. A., Folivory in fruit-eating bats, with new
evidence from Artibeus jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae).
Biotropica, 1995, 27(1), 106–120.
Literature cited 2: Sinha, S. K., Chaudhari, P. A., Thakur, N. S., Jha, S. K., Patel, D.
P. and Dhaka, R. K., Melia dubia Cav. wood properties vary with
age and influence the pulp and paper quality. Int. Wood Prod. J.
2019, 10(4), 139–148; doi:10.1080/20426445.2019.1688947.
Thakur, N. S., Hegde, H. T., Chauhan, R. S., Gunaga, R. P. and
Bhuva, D. C., Root sucker technique for successful clonal multiplication of Melia dubia Cav. without sacrifice of mother tree. Curr.
Sci., 2021, 121(9), 1235–1237
ID: 66115
Title: Mathematical modelling of globothalamean foraminiferal shells: testing energy-saving morphogenetic strategies
Author: Ankit Jain and P. K. Kathal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 201-205 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Mathematical modelling of globothalamean foraminiferal shells: testing energy-saving morphogenetic strategies
Keywords: Energy-saving strategies, foraminifera, globothalamean (coiled) tests, mathematical mod
Abstract: The modification in the shell forms in calcareous (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) foraminifera (protozoan), the
unicellular organisms, reflects their adaptability in accordance with the prevailing physical and chemical
ambience. A comparison of the requirement for secreting mineral matter in the different types of chamber
arrangements in the serial and coiled tests has been attempted based on a new mathematical equation developed for this purpose. Insight into the model for
energy-saving by these organisms in efficiently engineered tests shows the degree of advantages of developing uniserial to complex serial and coiled tests.
Aspects related to the secretion of material, proportional to the energy saved by their adaptive capabilities, have been discussed. The study shows how the
saved energy is utilized to attain larger and stronger
adult tests by foraminifera, which one required under
adverse micro-environments for better survival, which
they adopted through the geological periods
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Saraswati, P. K., Foraminifera – witness of the evolving earth. In
Foraminiferal Micropaleontology for Understanding Earth’s History, Elsevier Ltd, Amsterdam, 2021, pp. 281–319.
Skinner, H. C. W. and Jahre, A. H., Biomineralization. In Treatise
on Geochemistry (eds Holland, H. D. and Turekian, K. K.), Elsevier Ltd, Amsterdam, 2007, vol. 8, pp. 1–69.
Literature cited 2: de Nooijer, L. J., Spero, H. J., Erez, J., Bijma, J. and Reichar, G. J.,
Biomineralization in perforate foraminifera. Earth Sci. Rev., 2014,
135, 48–58.
Pawlowski, J., Holzmann, M., Berney, C. and Bowser, S. S., The
evolution of early foraminifera. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2009,
100(20), 1494–1498.
ID: 66114
Title: Clinical observation of the transition from short-term intensive insulin therapy to IDegLira combined with metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Author: Tan Xiaoxia, Zhong Meiling , Yin Chenxi and Sun Zhilian
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 195-200 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Clinical observation of the transition from short-term intensive insulin therapy to IDegLira combined with metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Keywords: IDegLira, metformin, short-term intensive insulin therapy, type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Abstract: The safety and efficacy of transitioning from short-term
intensive insulin therapy to a regimen of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) combined with metformin in
type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is evaluated in the
present study. Conducted at Shenzhen Luohu Hospital
Group, the study involved 81 patients who switched
from continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion to
IDegLira and metformin after four days. Results showed
significant improvements: insulin doses decreased
from 40.28 to 14.79 IU, HbA1c levels fell from 9.94%
to 7.67%, and body weight slightly reduced. The transition also enhanced glycemic control, with reduced
mean glucose and variation, and increased time in
range
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: IDF, IDF Diabetes Atlas, International Diabetes Federation, 2021,
10th edn; https://www.diabetesatlas.org.
Chinese Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Treatment of
Clinical Guidelines Writing Group; Geriatric Endocrinology and
Metabolism Branch of Chinese Geriatric Society; Geriatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Branch of Chinese Geriatric Health Care
Society; Geriatric Professional Committee of Beijing Medical
Award Foundation; and National Clinical Medical Research Center
for Geriatric Diseases (PLA General Hospital). Chinese J. Net.
Med., 2022, 61(1), 12–50.
Literature cited 2: Stein, C. M., Kramer, C. K., Zinman, B., Choi, H., Opsteen, C. and
Retnakaran, R., Clinical predictors and time course of the
improvement in β-cell function with short-term intensive insulin
therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Med., 2015,
32(5), 645–652.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.
9. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: standards of
medical care in diabetes – 2022. Diabetes Care, 2022, 45(1), S125–
S143
ID: 66113
Title: Deciphering the chemical cues underlying the oviposition behaviour of spotted bollworm, Earias vittella Fabricius in Okra
Author: S. Krisna Kumar , P. Saravan Kumar and P. D. Kamala Jayanthi2
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 185-194 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Deciphering the chemical cues underlying the oviposition behaviour of spotted bollworm, Earias vittella Fabricius in Okra
Keywords: Ablemoschus esculentus, fruit and shoot borer, GC-EAD/GC-MS, olfactometer assays, phenological stages, volatiles.
Abstract: Insect pests that attack plants generally exhibit a
strong preference for specific phenological stages of
their host plants for feeding and oviposition. In this
study, we examined the influence of different phenological stages volatiles of okra (Ablemoschus esculentus),
namely pre-flowering, flowering and fruiting, on the
behaviour of the notorious pest, spotted bollworm
(Earias vittella Fabricius). To understand the olfactory
response of E. vittella, we utilized a Y-tube olfactometer, gas chromatography electroantennographic detection
(GC-EAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy
(GC-MS) techniques. Among the three host plant phenological stages, the volatile cues from the fruiting
stage were significantly attractive to E. vittella. The
specific chemical cues responsible for this attraction
were identified using GC-EAD/GC-MS. The electrophysiological studies revealed a total of 14 chemical
cues that elicited a clear antennal response in the gravid
female moths of E. vittella. Further, detailed olfactometer
bioassays with synthetic compounds revealed that four
compounds elicited a significant attraction in gravid
female moths and one elicited significant repulsion response. The study provides valuable insights into the
host plant preference of E. vittella and identifies the
underlying potent attractive chemicals for its future
management strategies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dicke, M. and Baldwin, I. T., The evolutionary context for herbivore-induced plant volatiles: beyond the ‘cry for help’. Trends
Plant Sci., 2010, 15(3), 167–175.
Mumm, R. and Dicke, M., Variation in natural plant products and
the attraction of bodyguards involved in indirect plant defense.
Can. J. Zool. Rev., 2010, 88(7), 628–667.
Literature cited 2: Dötterl, S., Jur̈gens, A., Wolfe, L. M. and Biere, A., Disease status
and population origin effects on floral scent: potential consequences
for oviposition and fruit predation in a complex interaction between
a plant, fungus, and noctuid moth. J. Chem. Ecol., 2009, 35, 307–
319.
Masante‐Roca, I., Anton, S., Delbac, L., Dufour, M. C. and
Gadenne, C., Attraction of the grapevine moth to host and non‐host
plant parts in the wind tunnel: effects of plant phenology, sex, and
mating status. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 2007, 122(3), 239–245; doi:10.
1111/j.1570-7458.2006.00510.x.
ID: 66112
Title: Physical properties of dehusked and debranned selected Indian millet
Author: K. Mohanraj , S. Shobana, N. G. Malleshi , B. Dayakar Rao , R. M. Anjana and V. 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. 128 (2) 178-184 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Physical properties of dehusked and debranned selected Indian millet
Keywords: Degree of milling, dimensional properties, geometrical, gravimetrical, milling.
Abstract: The impact of milling on the physical attributes of Indian
minor millets, namely foxtail, little, kodo, barnyard
and proso millets are examined in the present study.
Dehusking and debranning processes led to a reduced
1000 kernel weight and volume but increased bulk and
true density. Hardness varied significantly between all
millets in all forms. Different millets differ in properties
such as length, breadth, thickness, equivalent diameter,
geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter,
aspect ratio, surface area and sphericity in native,
dehusked and debranned forms. Understanding these
variations can aid in the design of storage, transportation and new millet processing machinery.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Verma, S., Srivastava, S. and Tiwari, N., Comparative study on nutritional and sensory quality of barnyard and foxtail millet food
products with traditional rice products. J. Food Sci. Technol., 2015,
52, 5147–5155.
Shobana, S. et al., Finger millet (ragi, Eleusine coracana L.): a review of its nutritional properties, processing, and plausible health
benefits. Adv. Food Nutr. Res., 2013, 69, 1–39.
Literature cited 2: Malavika, M. et al., Assessment of quality of minor millets available
in the south Indian market and glycaemic index of cooked unpolished little and foxtail millet. Indian J. Med. Res., 2020, 152, 401.
Misra, A. et al., Consensus dietary guidelines for healthy living and
prevention of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and related
disorders in Asian Indians. Diabetes Technol. Ther., 2011, 13, 683–
694
ID: 66111
Title: Exploring the molecular mechanism of Pandanus tectorius fruit extract in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy via the Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway
Author: JinGui Zhang , YuQing Li , XiaoLi Wang , ShiSong Wang, XianMei Xue, LiWen Dong , JingChun Yao and Chao Wang
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 169-177 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Exploring the molecular mechanism of Pandanus tectorius fruit extract in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy via the Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway
Keywords: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway, oxidative stress, Pandanus tectorius fruits, sciatic nerve.
Abstract: Diabetes is a global epidemic, and its pathogenesis involves multiple factors. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of its clinical complications, which
brings a serious burden to the lives of patients. Pandanus tectorius fruits (PTF) extract has attracted much
attention due to its rich bioactive components and is
considered to have potential effects in treating DPN.
The present study aims to deeply explore the molecular
mechanism of PTF extract in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy, focusing on the regulatory effect of the
Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway. The blood glucose
changes and behavioural changes of DPN rats before
and after PTF treatment were detected. Histological
myelin staining was performed using Luxol fast blue
(LFB) staining. TUNEL staining was used to observe
the apoptosis of sciatic nerve cells. TEM observation of
the ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglion. ELISA and
kits detect NGF, IGF-1, VEGF, SOD, GSH-Px, and
malondialdehyde (MDA). Western blot detects Nrf2,
Keap1, HO-1 and NQO1. This experiment found that
PTF extract has significant blood glucose control and
analgesic effects on DPN rats. PTF extract can also
inhibit the apoptosis of sciatic nerve cells in DPN rats
and protect the structural integrity of myelin sheaths.
The ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglia was improved after PTF treatment. The neuroactive factors
(IGF-1, VEGF) in rats with DPN under a high-fat diet
were significantly reduced, NGF was overexpression,
the oxidative stress-related factors SOD and GSH-Px
were reduced, and the levels of MDA were increased.
After treatment with PTF, the positive drug α-lipoic
acid reversed these abnormalities, enhanced levels of
neuroactive factors, and mitigated oxidative stress.
Western blot analysis showed that in DPN, the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 proteins in the sciatic
nerve was down-regulated, Keap1 was overexpression,
while PTF and α-lipoic acid treatment led to their upregulation. Adding the Nrf2 inhibitor Brusatol to the
DPN + PTF group inhibited the up-regulating effect of
PTF on these proteins. In summary, PTF extract can
effectively reduce blood glucose and pain perception in
DPN rats, promote antioxidant capacity, and protect the
sciatic nerve through the Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway, thereby achieving the purpose of treating DPN.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Galicia-Garcia, U. et al., Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2020, 21(17), 6275.
Tomic, D., Shaw, J. E. and Magliano, D. J., The burden and risks of
emerging complications of diabetes mellitus. Nat. Rev. Endocrinol.,
2022, 18(9), 525–539.
Literature cited 2: Dyck, P. J. et al., Variables influencing neuropathic endpoints: the
Rochester diabetic neuropathy study of healthy subjects. Neurology,
1995, 45(6), 1115–1121.
Dyck, P. J. et al., The prevalence by staged severity of various
types of diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy in a
population-based cohort: the Rochester diabetic neuropathy study.
Neurology, 1993, 43(4), 817–824.
ID: 66110
Title: Contingent valuation, conjoint experiment elicitation and behavioural economic valuation of Koothapar big tank wetland
Author: N. Mangaiyarkarasi, J. S. Amarnath, M. Anjugam, B. Sivasankari, R. Balaji and V. Balamurugan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 163-168 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Contingent valuation, conjoint experiment elicitation and behavioural economic valuation of Koothapar big tank wetland
Keywords: Behavioural economics, conjoint experiment, contingent valuation, non-use value, wetland
Abstract: In recent decades, wetlands have deteriorated due to biotic and abiotic threats. Hence, ecosystem service valuation is sine quo non for its conservation. This was
estimated through novel environmental impact assessment methodologies of contingent valuation, conjoint
experiment elicitation and behavioural economic valuation of Koothapar big tank wetland, Tamil Nadu, in
the Indian context. The estimated economic value of
non-use value through contingent valuation was Rs
81.95 lakhs per annum. The estimated total economic
value for biodiversity conservation through conjoint
experiment was Rs 85.50 lakhs per annum. The inclusion
of behavioural economics in the study showed that its
willingness to pay value was higher than the stated
preference approach by 30.52%.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Boxall, P. C., Adamowicz, Wiktor L., Swait, J., Williams, M. and
Louviere, J., A comparison of stated preference methods for environmental valuation. Ecol. Econ., 1996, 18(3), 243–253.
Mitchell, R. C. and Carson, R. T., Using Surveys to Value Public
Goods: The Contingent Valuation Method, Resource for the Future,
Washington, DC, 1989, pp. 254–312.
Literature cited 2: experiments with complex ecosystem changes: the effect of information formats on estimated variances and choice parameters.
J. Agric. Resourc. Econ., 2010, 35(3), 568–590.
White, P. C. L., Bennett, A. C. and Hayes, E. J. V., The use of willingness-to-pay approaches in mammal, conservation. Mammal
Rev., 2001, 31(2), 151–167
ID: 66109
Title: Forest growth modelling in agroforestry systems
Author: H. B. Roghan, M. Murugesh, I. Sekar , P. S. Devanand , S. Vennila , P. Kumar , M. Kiruba and B. Sivakumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 125-126 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Forest growth modelling in agroforestry systems
Keywords: Coffee, different age, forest models, Grevillea robusta, growth and yield prediction, volume.
Abstract: Forest modelling is a concept that has gained importance in recent years and is emerging as a vital respect of forest management. It enables us to predict the
development of stands of trees over time. Through
forest modelling, we have derived the growth and yield
prediction models for silver oak grown in coffee plantations. By using diameter at breast height and commercial bole height simultaneously, along with
estimates of commercial timber volume calculated in
coffee plantations, we have developed a new growth
model. This model will allow us to utilize these derived
values and formulas to draw conclusions in the near
future.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Johnson, L. A. S. and Briggs, B. G., Evolution in the Proteaceae.
Aust. J. Bot., 1963, 11, 21–61.
Thomas, M. B., Research on the nutrition of container grown Proteaceae plants and other nursery stock. Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc.,
1974, 24, 313–325
Literature cited 2: George, C. K., Intercropping pepper in coffee plantations problems
and prospects. J. Cocoa, Arikanut Spices, 1991, 15(2), 1–2.
Raju, T. and Srinivasan, C. S., High production technology for coffee in the Pulneys in Tamil Nadu. Ind. Coffee, 1996, 4, 12–14.
ID: 66108
Title: Discovery of Lockeia gigantus trace fossils in India
Author: V. S. Parihar, Abhimanyu Singh and V. K. Meghwal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 148-153 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Discovery of Lockeia gigantus trace fossils in India
Keywords: Fort member, Jaisalmer Basin, Jaisalmer Formation, Lockeia gigantus, Plicatounio bivalves, resting traces, western Rajasthan.
Abstract: The present study discovered the well-preserved
Lockeia gigantus traces from the Fort Member of the
Jaisalmer Formation of the Jaisalmer Basin in the
Jethwai area of Jaisalmer district, western Rajasthan,
India. Here, the L. gigantus traces have been recorded
in the yellowish medium- to fine-grained silty sandstone
in the Jethwai section. The L. gigantus trace fossils are
large-sized (ranging from 35 to 70 mm), elongated,
seeds-shaped to almond-shaped in smooth surface
traces, preserved as convex (positive) hyporeliefs with
more or less tapered at both ends. These species of the
Lockeia genus are interpreted as the resting traces
probably of Plicatounio bivalves, however, these Plicatounio bivalves have not been recognized yet from the
Fort Member of the Jaisalmer Formation. These new
L. gigantus resting traces represent the largest ever
known Lockeia specimens and are the first time reported in India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Das Gupta, S. K., Stratigraphy of western Rajasthan shelf. In Proceedings of the IV Indian Colloquim on Micropalaeontology and
Stratigraphy, Dehradun, India, 1974, pp. 219–233.
Datta, A. K., Geological evolution of hydrocarbon prospects of
Rajasthan basin. Petrol. Asia J., 1983, 1, 92–100.
Literature cited 2: Biswas, S. K., Rift basins in the western margin of India and their
hydrocarbon prospects. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol. Bull., 1982, 66,
1497–1513.
Mishra, P. C., Singh, N. P., Sharma, D. C., Kakaroo, A. K., Upadhyay, H. and Saini, M. L., Lithostratigraphy of Indian Petroliferous
Basins, Document II West Rajasthan Basins, Keshava Deva
Malaviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration, ONGC Publication,
Dehradun, 1993, p. 123.
ID: 66107
Title: Need of groundwater microplastics study: insights from India
Author: Susanta Paikaray
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 142-147 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Need of groundwater microplastics study: insights from India
Keywords: Groundwater contamination, landfill origin, microplastics, microplastic migration, soil microplastics
Abstract: Dependence on groundwater as a freshwater resource
is increasing worldwide, yet the study of microplastics
(MPs) contamination in groundwater remains limited.
Infiltration from landfills, urban runoff, seawater and
river discharge through soil pores, fractures and joints
in rocks, along with disintegration of the MPs in aquifers, significantly contributes to groundwater contamination by the MPs. The strong hydrophobicity of MPs
combined with chemical additives can lead to trace metal enrichment, which may eventually enter groundwater
systems. Despite groundwater being a major source of
freshwater across the country, research on MPs in
groundwater in India began in 2019 and to date, has
been largely confined to the state of Tamil Nadu. Existing studies indicate the presence of small-sized MPs,
primarily composed of polyethylene and polypropylene, with fibres and fragments being the dominant
shapes. Current research is focused on coastal zones
and landfill sites, where sampling has been carried out
using pumping and filtration techniques. The characterization and quantification of MPs have primarily
relied on optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy,
and electron microscopy. However, future research
should focus on comprehensive monitoring efforts,
identifying MP hotspots, understanding the subsurface
migration mechanisms and investigating behaviour and reactivity at the soil-groundwater interface.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R. and Law, K. L., Production, use, and fate
of all plastics ever made. Sci. Adv., 2017, 3, e1700782.
Chia, R. K., Lee, J. Y., Kim, H. and Jang, J., Microplastic pollution
in soil and groundwater: a review. Environ. Chem. Lett., 2021, 19,
4211–4224.
Literature cited 2: Khant, M. A. and Kim, H., Review of current issues and management strategies of microplastics in groundwater environments. Water,
2022, 14, 1020.
Chinglenthoiba, C., Pukhrambam, B., Chanu, K. T., Devi, K. S.,
Meitei, M. J., Devika, Y. and Valiyaveettil, S., A review on microplastic pollution research in India. Reg. Stud. Mar. Sci., 2023, 58,
102777.
ID: 66106
Title: India–Ladakh arc collision during Early Eocene (~ 55 Ma): evidence from the Shimla hills, India
Author: B. P. Singh Aditi Mishra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 139-141 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: India–Ladakh arc collision during Early Eocene (~ 55 Ma): evidence from the Shimla hills, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The timing of India–Ladakh arc and India–
Asia collision is enigmatic and there is no
direct evidence to decipher the age of the
collision. Also, whether India collided first
with the Ladakh–Kohistan arc or directly
collided with Asia’s mainland is unclear.
All inferences are indirect. As such, there
are four schools of thought on the age of
collision. According to first school, the
collision took place around 50 Ma in the
western Himalaya based on geology, biostratigraphy, palaeomagnetism, Cr-spinel
and zircon ages from Tibet1,2. The second
school, based on sedimentary sequences of
the Zanskar area3
, palaeomagnetism and
movement along the ninety-east ridge4
, Crspinels5
, growth fault and forebulge in the
Jammu Himalaya6
, considered that collision took place at 54+ Ma in the western
Himalaya. Third school based on the stratigraphic evidence suggested that collision
took place between 66 and 55.5 Ma (ref.
7). This interpretation got support from radiometric dating of rocks from the collision
zone which yielded 57 ± 1 Ma as the age of
collision8
. Fourth school suggested that
collision took place ~34 Ma in the western
Himalayas based on field evidence and radiometric dates from Tibet9,
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Najman, Y. et al., J. Geophys. Res., 2010,
115, B12416.
Wang, J., Hu, X., Jansa, L. and Huang, Z.,
J. Geol., 2011, 119, 293–309.
Literature cited 2: Gaetani, M. and Garzanti, E., AAPG Bull.,
1991, 75, 1427–1446.
Klootwijk, C. T., Gee, J. S., Peirce, J. W.,
Smith, G. M. and McFadden, P. L., Geology,
1992, 20, 395–398.