Enter records

ID: 59632
Title: Isolation of predominant bacterium from gut of earthworm Lampito mauritii for effective use in soil fertility.
Author: Sreejata Biswas, Pulak Lahiri and Satadal Das.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 105-108 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Composting, gut bacteria, Lampito mauritii, organic waste, soil fertility.
Abstract: Lampito mauritii is an anecic earthworm living in the topsoil and it is geophytophagous in nature. This earthworm is an important soil macrofauna as it has the dual role of an ' ecosystem engineer ' due to the ability to build burrows as well as ' keystone species ' in soil food webs because of its function in degradation of organic wastes. The present study investigates the gut of this earthworm to find the most predominant bacterium harboured therein. Gut contents were regularly extracted and streaked on bacteriological media. The predominant type of colony was identified, isolated and streaked separately to get pure colonies. The microbe was subjected to several biochemical tests and also 16S rRNA sequencing for identification. On the basis of these tests, the bacterium was identified as Bacillus cereus. The microbe was used as a composting agent on solid wastes as a result of which good amount of plant nutrients, specially nitrogen (20.3 kg/acre), phosphate (27.4 kg/acre) and potassium (52.1 kg/acre) were found in the resultant manure. The compost thus obtained was then utilized for the production of vegetables with an attempt to protect soil environment, thus reducing the deleterious effects of chemical fertilizers.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Bot, A. and Benites, J., The importance of soil organic matter: key to drought -resistant soil and sustained food production. FAO soils Bulletin 80, FAO, Rome, 2005, pp. 1-77. Jones, C.G., Lawton, J.H. and Shachak, M., organisms as ecosystem engineers. Oikos, 1994, 69, 373-386.
Literature cited 2: Anderson, J.M., Soil organisms as engineers: microsite modulation of macroscale processes. In Linking Species and Ecosystems (eds Im Joies, C.G. and Lawton, J.H.). Chapman and Hall, London, 1995, pp. 94-106. Kale, R.D. and Karmegam, N., The role of earthworms in tropics with emphasis on Indian ecosystems. Appl. Environ.Soil Sci., 2010, 1-16; article Id 414356.

ID: 59631
Title: Soil CO? flux in the different ecosystems of North East India.
Author: A.Thokchom and P.S. Yadava.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 99-105 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Multiple regression, soil CO? flux, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, soil temperature.
Abstract: We examined monthly and seasonal changes in soil CO? flux in the grassland, bamboo and Dipterocarpus forest ecosystems of Manipur, North East India. Soil CO? flux was recorded to be highest during rainy season and lowest during cool and dry winter season. Soil CO? flux rate was recorded to be highest in forest followed by grassland and bamboo forest. Multiple regression revealed that up to 92% of variation in soil CO? flux could be explained by soil moisture, soil temperature and soil organic carbon in three different ecosystems. Annual amount of CO? flux from soil was estimated at 694.86, 671.16 and 1029.25 g c m?? y?? in grassland, bamboo and Dipterocarpus forest ecosystems respectively. Thus the results indicate that soil CO? flux rate is highly influenced by seasons, environmental factors and types of vegetation in the different ecosystems of NE India.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Han, G., Zhou, G., Xu, Z., Yang, Y., Liu, J. and Shi, K., Biotic and abiotic factors controlling the spatial and temporal variation of soil respiration in an agricultural ecosystem. Soil Biol. Biochem., 2007, 39, 418-425. Zhou, Z., Zhang, Z., Zha, T., Luo, Z., Zheng, J. and Sun, O.J., Predicting soil respiration using carbon stock in roots, litter and soil organic matter in forests of Loess Plateau in China. Soil Biol. Biochem., 2013, 57, 135-143.
Literature cited 2: Buchmann, N., Biotic and abiotic factors controlling soil respiration rates in Picea abies stands. Soil Biol. Biochem., 2000, 32, 1625-1635. Schlesinger, W.H. and Andrews, J.A., Soil respiration and the global carbon cycle. Biogeochemistry, 2000, 48, 7-20.

ID: 59630
Title: Estimation of soil carbon stocks in Pabitora Sanctuary and Manas National Park in Assam.
Author: Irom Royal and Manish Kumar Goyal.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 94-98 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Carbon sequestration, carbon stock, climate change, global warming, soil analysis.
Abstract: North East India known for its flora and fauna, is covered by the mighty Brahmaputra-Barak river systems and their tributaries and comprises hilly terrain interspersed with valleys and plains. A field study was done to layout the soil carbon stock of Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Manas National Park in Assam. Maximum average carbon stock in both was estimated in the upper layer of the soil sample, while least carbon stock was obtained at deepest layer (20-30 cm). The average carbon stock of the Manas National Park was higher than that of Pabitora Wild- life Sanctuary.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Batjes, N.H., Total carbon and nitrogen and nitrogen in the soils of the world. Eur.J. Soil Sci., 1996, 47, 151-163. Patil, B. et al., Carbon sequestration potential of the Jambudghoda wildlife sanctuary, Gujarat. IJSRP, 2012, 2, 2250-3153.
Literature cited 2: Lal, R., Soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change. Geoderma, 2004, 123, 1-22. Lal, R., Soil carbon sequestration in India. Climate Change, 2004, 65, 277-296.

ID: 59629
Title: Forecasting the distribution of heavy metals in soil and groundwater near municipal solid waste dumpsites using linear regression.
Author: Srikanth Srigiri, Hanmandlu Madasu, Balaram Vysetti and Vandana Parth.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 78-88 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Ground water, heavy metals, municipal solid waste, soil.
Abstract: The levels of heavy metals are measured at different dumpsites with different distances and directions under the jurisdiction of Greater Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad for ascertaining the soil and groundwater quality and forecasting as a part of integrated municipal solid waste (MSW) management study. The datasets indicate a steady decrease in the concentrations of ions and heavy metals in groundwater with distance from the MSW dumpsites. Similar trends are observed for the levels of heavy metals in soil at dump sites around the MSW dumpsite. In this study, we have used both linear and quadratic regression to predict water and soil constitutes. As the datasets on the components of solid waste and groundwater are limited, the desired level of forecasting accuracy could not be achieved. However, for some components the results are promising. This study suggests that improvement can be achieved by removing the outliers from the dataset. If the errors are large for a component, it would mean that we need a better way of separation of this component from the waste.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Boulding, J.R., Practical Handbook of Soil, Vadose Zone, and Groundwater Contamination: Assessment, Prevention, and Remediation, Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL, 1995. Chandrasekhar,K., Chary, N.S., Kamala, C.T., Venkateswara Rao, J., Balaram, V.and Anjaneyulu, Y., Risk assessment and pathway study of arsenic in industrially contaminated sites of Hyderabad: a case study.Environ.Int., 2003,29, 601-611.
Literature cited 2: Marina, I., Margherita, L., Angela, N. and Alfredo, P., Toxicity identification evaluation of leachates from municipal solid waste landfills: A multispecies approach. Chemosphere, 2003, 52, 85-94. Chandrasekhar, K., Kamala, C.T., Chary, N.S., Balaram, V. and Garcio, G., Potential of Hemidesmns indicus for phytoextraction of lead from industrially contaminated soils. Chemosphere, 2005, 58, 507-514.

ID: 59628
Title: Variation of black carbon concentration associated with rain events at a tropical urban location.
Author: Shamitaksha Talukdar, Soumyajyoti Jana and Animesh Maitra.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 72-78 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Black carbon concentration, diurnal variation, rain effect, temperature inversion, tropical urban location.
Abstract: Mass concentration of black carbon (BC) near the surface (within the planetary atmospheric boundary layer) was measured using a seven-channel aethalometer at Kolkata, a metropolitan city in the Indian tropical region, during the period from June 2012 to May 2013. The diurnal variation of BC concentration shows a prominent increase in the morning and evening hours, an usual feature of the BC concentration shows a prominent increase in the morning and evening hours, an usual feature seen over continents. However, an anomalous feature of the BC variation is observed subsequent to rain events. On normal days, the BC mass concentration during noon and early afternoon hours remains around 8000 ng/m? at Kolkata. However, after the occurrence of isolated thundershowers, interestingly, the BC concentration increases (rather than decreasing due to washout) and at times reaches above 20,000ng/m? during noon and early afternoon hours. This increase is found to be associated with the formation of local temperature inversion within the atmospheric boundary layer during and after the occurrence of rain, which would suppress or inhibit vertical mixing and dispersion in contrast to non-rainy days. Results are presented to indicate the above-mentioned behaviour of BC concentration.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Rosen, H., D.A., Gundel, L.and Novakov, T., Identification of the optically absorbing component in urban aerosols. Appl.opt., 1978, 17, 3859-3861. Ramanathan, V. and Carmichael, G., Global and regional climate changes due to black carbon.Nature GeoSci., 2008, 1, 221-227.
Literature cited 2: Tiwari, S., Srivastava, A.K., Bisht, D.S., Parmita, P., Srivastava, M.K. and Attri, S.D., Diurnal and seasonal variations of black carbon and PM?.? over New Delhi, India: influence of meteorology.Atmos.Res., 2013, 125-126, 50-62. Chen, L.W.A., Doddridge, B.G., Dickerson, R.R., Chow, J.C., Mueller, P.K., Quinn, J. and Butler, W.A.., Seasonal variations in elemental carbon aerosols, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide: implications for sources. Geophys.Res. Lett., 2001, 28, 1711-1714, doi: 10.1029/2000GL012354.

ID: 59627
Title: Tide-induced geometrical changes in Chilika lagoon using remote sensing.
Author: M.Gupta
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 63-67 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Chilika, lagoon, RESOURCESAT-1 A WiFS, remote sensing, tide gauge.
Abstract: This article presents hourly data from four tide gauge locations in the Chilika lagoon vis-?-vis satellite data, to study the tidal influences on the geometrical changes in the lagoon. The satellite -derived highest area and perimeter are 864.76 km? and 1512 km respectively, consistent with the field-observed occurrences of the low and high tides. The geometrical changes of 5.4% (44.36 km?) in area and 24.8% (300.83 km) in the perimeter, in one month duration, solely because of the tides are considerable changes. High radiometric resolution of the sensor provided improved delineation of land-water boundary of the lagoon shores.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Ashley, G.M. and Grizzle, R.E., Interactions between hydrodynamics, benthos and sedimentation in a tide-dominated coastal lagoon. Mar.Geol., 1988, 82, 61-81. Hill, M.B. and Webb, J.E., The ecology of Lagos lagoon.II. The topography and physical features of Lagos Harbour and Lagos lagoon. Philos.Trans.R. Soc.London, Ser.B, 1958,241, 319-333.
Literature cited 2: Pattanaik, S., Conservation of environment and protection of marginalized fishing communities of Lake Chilika in Orissa, India. J. Hum.Ecol., 2007, 22, 291-302. Rajawat,A.S., Gupta, M., Acharya, B.C. and Nayak, S., Impact of new mouth opening on morphology and water quality of the Chilika Lagoon-a study based on Resourcesat-1 LISS-III and A WiFS and IRS -1D LISS-III data.Int.J.Remote Sensing, 2007, 28, 905-923.

ID: 59626
Title: Climate change analysis in southern Telangana region, Andhra Pradesh using LARS-WG model.
Author: K.S.Reddy, M. Kumar, V. Maruthi, B. Umesha, Vijayalaxmi and C.V.K. Nageswar Rao.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 54-62 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate change, rainfall, temperature, weather-generating models.
Abstract: Weather-generating models are widely used for studying the climate change over longer periods. LARS-WG model was evaluated for southern Telangana region (Hayathnagar, Yacharam and Rajendranagar). A 30-year base weather data (1980-2010) was used to generate the long-term weather series from 2011 to 2060. The results of t and F tests at probability of 5% for comparing means and standard deviations of monthly rainfall and air temperatures indicated that the observed and predicted series for the base period are within acceptable limits. The statistics of model efficiency indicates that mean monthly rainfall and daily air temperature are close to the predicted series over the base period. The model efficiency was highest in the case of Rajendranagar (98.75%). The root mean square error and sum of square error varied from 0.4 to 1.3mm and 615 to 1745 mm respectively. The model predicted the maximum increase in average annual rainfall of 5.16% in 2030 and 9.5% in 2060 for Yacharam compared to Hayathnagar and Rajendranagar over the normal annual rainfall of the base period (1980-2010). However, the model predicted increase in average seasonal rainfall for Hyathnagar (6.2% in 2030 and 8.8% in 2060). In case of air temperature, the model predicted increase in maximum temperature in the range 1-1.53% and 2.5% for 2030 and 2060 respectively, for these locations whereas minimum temperature decreased in the range 3.7-10.2% and 6.3-11.7% respectively, for 2030 and 2060. The performance of LARS-WG model was ranked high with maximum model efficiency in all selected mandals of Ranga Reddy district in southern Telangana. This model can be replicated in other mandals of southern Telangana as climate characteristics of the present mandals are similar to other districts in the region.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Chen, H., Guo, J., Zhang, Z. and Xu, C.-Y., Prediction of temperature and precipitation in Sudan and South Sudan by using LARS-WG in future.Theor.Appl.Climatol., 2013, 113, 363-375. Helmy, M.E., EI Marsafawy, S.M. and Ouda, S.A., Assessing the Impact of Climate on Crop Water Needs in Egypt: The Crop Wat Analysis of the Three Districts in Egypt, Soil, Water & Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, 2009.
Literature cited 2: Reddy, K.S., Kumar, M., Nagarjuna Kumar, R., Umesha, B., Vijayalakshmi and Venkateswarlu, B., Long term rainfall and temperature analysis through ClimGen model in Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh. Agrometerol. (Spec.Issue-I), 2012, 15, 45-50 Hashmi, M.Z., Shamseldin, A.Y. and Melville, B. W., Down-scaling of future rainfall extreme events: a weather generator based approach. In 18th World IMACS/MODSIM Congress, Cairns, Australia, 2012, pp.13-17.

ID: 59625
Title: Consequence of cyclonic storm Phailin on coastal morphology of Rushikulya estuary: an arribada site of vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtles along the east coast of India.
Author: H.SHIVA KUMAR, SATEJ PANDITRAO, S.K. BALIARSINGH, PRAKASH MOHANTY, R.S. MAHENDRA, ANEESH A. LOTLIKER, T.SRINIVASA KUMAR.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 28-30 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Phailin, Rushikulya estuary, an arribada site of vulnerable Olive Ridley sea.
Abstract: A very severe cyclonic storm Phailin, a category -5 hurricane, was developed over the north of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 9 October 2013. Subsequently, it propagated towards north-northwest and made landfall at the Gopalpur coast, Odisha on 12 October. The present study area, Rushikulya estuary is in close proximity (15 km north) to the landfall point. Significant changes occurred in the geomorphologic structure of the estuary due to effect of Phailin. The study area receives international recognition due to episodic mass nesting event (arribada) of endangered Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles. A long sand spit which was running parallel to the coast, as a result separating the estuary from the sea, was eroded significantly due to the strong surge exerted by cyclone Phailin. Large areas of the coastal region were inundated due to storm surge (recorded 2.5 m) during the storm. The spit development in the estuary mouth regions is correlated with the longshore transportation of sediments and the dominant influence of the southwest monsoon. The sand spits develop due to accumulation of sand derived from the adjacent sea bed or sand from the land through the river on the southern part. In the present study, we have attempted to assess the spatio-temporal changes that occurred in the sand spit and shoreline using sequential satellite data pertaining to the period 2003-2014. Satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) have proved as meaningful tools to monitor and evaluate the land-form changes. For the present study, satellite datasets of Geoeye (Pass: 11-21-2003, 01-29-2005, 10-27-2009, 10-27-2011, 12-20-2012, 01-25-2013) and of Landsat-8 (Pass: 04-10-2013, 03-19-2014) were processed using GIS software package ERDAS imagine (version 2014) and ArcGIS (version 10.2.1) to assess the coastal morphological changes.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Lotliker, A.A., Srinivasakumar, T., Red-dem, V.S. and Nayak, S., Curr.Sci., 2014, 106 (3), 360-361. India Meteorological Department, http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/phailin.pdf.
Literature cited 2: Sahu, K. C., In Hyerspectral Remote Sensing and Spectral Signature Applications (eds Rajendran, S. et al.) New India Publishing, 2014, pp. 427-436. Kumar, T.S., Mahendra, R.S., Nayak, S., Radhakrishnan, K. and Sahu, K.C., J. Coastal Res., 2010, 26 (3), 523-534.

ID: 59624
Title: ' Asoka ' -an important medicinal plant, its market scenario and conservation measures in India.
Author: S.NOORUNNISA BEGUM, K.RAVIKUMAR, D.K.VED.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 26-28 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: ' Asoka ' -an important medicinal plant, market scenario, conservation measures in India.
Abstract: ' Asoka chhal ' is the bark of Asoka (Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Wild.) tree, commonly known as ' Sita Ashok ' , and assessed as Endangered (Karnataka), and Data Deficient (Kerala and Tamil Nadu). It is an important medicinal plant used largely by India ' s herbal industry and in the preparation of Ayurvedic formulations, including ' Asoka aristham ' . Field studies reveal inadequate wild populations of S. asoca (Roxb.) willd. to cater to the needs of the herbal industry. It suggests the probable substitutes and adulterants used in place of genuine raw drug and efforts taken towards the conservation and resource augmentation.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Ravikumar, K. and Ved, D.K., Illustrated Field Guide, 100 Red -Listed Medicinal Plants of Conservation Concern in Southern India, Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions, Bangalore, 2000,pp.334-336. Anon., The Wealth of India, National Institute of Science Communication, CSIR, New Delhi, 1997,v, 135; 1998, x, 279-281,1998, Viii, 187-188; 1999, ix, 320,332-334.
Literature cited 2: Pandey, G., Dravyaguna Vigyana, Chowkhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 2005, vol.1, pp.229-234. Misra, S., Bhavaprakasa Nighantu, Chaukambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi, 2007, 11th edn, pp. 500-501.

ID: 59623
Title: A simple low-cost water sprinkling nozzle for field crop irrigation.
Author: Atiqur Rahman and A.K. Singh
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 22-25 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: A simple low-cost water sprinkling nozzle, field crop irrigation
Abstract: For low-cost pressurized irrigation system for field crops, researchers and manufacturers are continuously in the quest to develop a simple, low-cost nozzle which requires low operating pressure, and can be manufactured using relatively unsophisticated manufacturing facilities and locally available resources. In view of these, here we present a concept and methodology for developing a simple, low-cost irrigation nozzle using PVC pipe. To corroborate the concept, a nozzle was developed and tested for its performance. Performance indicators showed that the nozzle can be operated satisfactorily over the pressure range 0.4-0.6 kg/cm? with application rate of 17-15 mm/h. Due to high application rate, field crops can be irrigated more efficiently compared to nozzles requiring very high operating pressures, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5kg/cm?. Low pressure requirement facilitates the use of low rating pipe network, low capacity pump and other accessories and therefore the overall system cost can be reduced substantially.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Phocaides, A., Technical Handbook on Pressurized Irrigation Techniques, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, 2000. Sourell, H., Faci, J.M. and Playan, E., J. Irrig.Drain.Eng., 2003, 129 (5), 376-380.
Literature cited 2: Romero, J.N. O., Martinez, J.M., Martinez, R.S. and Martin-Binto, J.M.T., J.Irrig.Drain.Eng., 2006, 132 (5), 445-452. Keller, J., In Proceedings of 14th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage, ICID, Rio de Janeiro, 1990, pp. 113-138.

ID: 59622
Title: Bio-inspired hemispherical digital cameras of wide-angle field of view
Author: Ujjal Kumar Sur.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 18-19 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Bio-inspired hemispherical digital cameras, wide-angle field of view.
Abstract: Bioinspiration or biomimetics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems in nature for the designing and engineering of materials, devices and machines. Biomimetics can offer new potential and challenges for designing devices and machines with new capabilities by simply replicating nature.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Bar-Cohen, Y., Bioinsp. Biomim., 2006, 1, P 1-P12 Land, M.F.and Fernald, R.D., Annu.Rev.Neurosci., 1992, 15, 1-29
Literature cited 2: Song, Y.M. et al., Nature, 2013, 497, 95-99 Borst, A. and Plett, J., Nature, 2013, 497, 47-48

ID: 59621
Title: Fish distribution dynamics in the Aghanashini estuary of Uttara Kannada, west coast of India.
Author: Mahima Bhat, V.N. Nayak, M.D. Subash Chandran and T.V. Ramachandra
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (12) 1739-1744 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Aghanashini estuary, fish diversity, fresh-water, osmo regulation, salinity.
Abstract: Fish diversity (77 species) in the Aghanashini River estuary of the Indian west coast is linked to variable salinity conditions and zones I, II and III for high, medium and low salinity respectively. Zone I, the junction between Arabian Sea and the estuary, had all species in yearly succession-due to freshwater conditions in monsoon to high salinity in pre-monsoon. The medium (zone II) and low (zone III) salinity mid and upstream portions had maximum of 67 and 39 fish species respectively. Maintenance of natural salinity regimes in estuary, among other ecological factors, is critical for its fish diversity.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Pritchard, D.W., Observations of coastal plain estuaries. In Estuaries (ed. Lauff, G.H.), American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1967, vol.83, pp.37-44. Elliotta, M. and McLusky, D.S., The need for definitions in understanding estuaries. Estuarine Coastal Shelf Sci., 2002, 55, 815-827.
Literature cited 2: Breine, J., Maes, J., Ollevier, F. and Stevan, M., Fish assemblages across a salinity gradient in the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium). Belg. J. Zool., 2011, 141, 21-44. Cronin, L.E. and Mansueti, A. J., The biology of the estuary. In Proceedings of the Symposium on the Biological Significance of Estuaries, Sport Fishing Institute, Washington DC, 1971, pp. 24-39.

ID: 59620
Title: Impact of climate change on the flowering of Rhododendron arboreum in central Himalaya, India.
Author: Kailash S. Gaira, Ranbeer S. Rawal, Balwant Rawat and Indra D. Bhatt.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (12) 1735-1738 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate change, flowering phenology, herbarium records, Rhododendron arboreum
Abstract: Studies from different parts of the world have generated evidences of the effects of climate change on phenology and persistence of species. However, datasets or evidences are lacking for majority of the regions and species, including the climate-sensitive Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Recognizing this gap in the information and realizing wide-ranging implications of such datasets, the present study generates evidences of changes in flowering phenology of an important tree species, Rhododendron arboreum in Indian central Himalaya. Real-time field observations (2009-2011) showed peak flowering during early February to mid-March. Analysis on long-term temperature data revealed significant (P<0.01) increase in seasonal (winter and post-monsoon) and annual mean maximum temperature. Generalized additive model (GAM) using real-time field observations (2009-2011) and herbarium records (1893-2003) predicted 88-97 days early flowering over the last 100 years. Furthermore, GAM using long-term temperature data, real-time field observations and herbarium records depicted annual mean maximum temperature responsible for shifts in flowering dates of the target species. The study provides an important insight of species response to climate change in the Indian central Himalaya and highlights the need for further research on the subject to improve our understanding of the effects of climate change on species and consequently on ecology of the region.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Parmesan, C. and Yohe, G., Aglobally coherent fingerprint of climate change impacts across natural systems.Nature, 2003, 421, 37-42. Root, T.l., Price, J.T., Hall, K.R., Schneider, S. H., Rosenzweig, C. and Pounds, J.A., Fingerprints of global warming on wild animals and plants. Nature, 2003, 421, 57-60.
Literature cited 2: Sparks, T.H., and Carey, P.D., The responses of species to climate over two centuries: an analysis of the Marsham phenological record, 1736-1947. J.Ecol, 1995, 83, 321-329. Fitter, A.H. and Fitter, R.S.R., Rapid changes in flowering time in British plants.Science, 2002, 296, 1689-1691.

ID: 59619
Title: Pollination ecology of Himalayan sea buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Elaeagnaceae).
Author: Yash Mangla and Rajesh Tandon.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (12) 1731-1735 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Dioecy, floral biology, pollination efficiency, sea buckthorn, wind pollination.
Abstract: Fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides (Elaeagnaceae), commonly known as sea buckthorn or Leh-berry in India, constitute an important source for many medicinal and nutritional products. As the species is of high economic value, attempts are being made to establish commercial plantations for a sustainable supply. There is hardly any information on pollination ecology of this species, which is necessary for establishing and managing commercial plantations. We studied the floral biology and pollination ecology in natural populations of the species growing at Leh-Ladakh. H. rhamnoides is dioecious and exclusively wind-pollinated. The male flowers produce an enormous amount of dry, powdery pollen grains that remain viable for up to 48 h. The pollen flow in the air from the source is confined to 15 m. The female flowers are uniovulate. In nature, about 60% of the female flowers get pollinated with an average stigmatic pollen load (?SE) of 9.49?0.76. For optimal plantation conditions, it is suggested that a male plant must be inter-planted within 10-15 m of the female plants for effective natural pollination.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Antonovics, J. and Levin, D.A., The ecological and genetic consequences of density -dependent regulation in plants. Annu.Rev. Ecol.Syst., 1980, 11, 411-452. Agren, J., Population size, pollinator limitation and seed set in the self-incompatible herb, Lythrum salicaria. Ecology, 1996, 77, 1779-1790.
Literature cited 2: Mangla, Y. and Tandon, R., Insects facilitate wind pollination in pollen-limited Crateva adansonii (capparaceae). Aust.J. Bot., 2011, 59, 61-69. Raina, S.N. et al., Diversity and relationships of multipurpose sea buckthorn (Hippophae L.) germplasm from the Indian Himalayas as assessed by AFLP and SAMPL markers. Genet.Resour.Crop Evol., 2012, 59, 1033-1053.

ID: 59618
Title: Geochemistry of pegmatites from South Delhi Fold Belt: a case study from Rajgarh, Ajmer district, Rajasthan.
Author: Kumar Batuk Joshi, Soumya Ray, Deepak Joshi and Talat Ahmad.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (12) 1725-1730 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Geochemical studies, granitic melt, pegmatites, subduction
Abstract: On the basis of geochemical studies, pegmatites emplaced in the Rajgarh Group of Delhi Supergroup in the South Delhi Fold Belt have been classified in to three groups. They show a variety of rare earth element enrichment patterns, LREE/HREE values and Eu anomalies. The geochemical affinities of these pegmatites suggest their calc-alkaline nature, volcanic arc granite signature in tectonic discrimination diagrams (Nb vs Y and Rb vs Nb+Y) and a probable S-type parentage as inferred from their high A/ CNK value, peraluminous character, presence of high normative corundum and abundance of garnet and muscovite. These features have been related to subduction-related processes which might have generated the parent granitic melt forming these pegmatites.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Cerny, P., Geochemical and petrogenetic features of mineralization in rare-element granitic pegmatites in the light of current research. Appl. Geochem., 1992, 7, 393-426. Leal Gomes, C., Paragenetic analysis of state transition and paroxysmal evolution in granitic pegmatite systems of Central Iberian Pegmatite Belt-structural, mineralogical, and geochemical, data. In Proceedings of the vIII National Geological Congress (eds Mirao, J. and Balbino, A.,) Estremoz, Portugal, 2006, pp.1169-1175.
Literature cited 2: Neiva, A.M.R., Gomes, M.E.P., Ramos, J.M.F. and Silva, P.B., Geochemistry of granitic aplite-pegmatite sills and their minerals from Arcozelo da Serra area ( Gouveia, Central Portugal) Eur.J.Mineral., 2008, 20, 465-485 Neiva, A.M.R., Silva, P.B. and Ramos, J.M.F., Geochemistry of granitic aplite-pegmatite veins and sills and their minerals from the Sabugal area, Central Portugal. Neues Jahrb.Mineral., Abh., 2012, 189 (1), 49-74.