ID: 57742
Title: Variability in ash gourd
Author: M L Jyothi and M C Narayanankutty
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: Ash gourd, variation, characterization, qualitative, quantitative
Abstract: Ash gourd is an important vegetable of Kerala, grown both in homesteads and as a commercial crop. Also known as wax gourd, the crop is considered as a minor vegetable in India. The fruit is cooked and used as a vegetable; the thick flesh finds use in preparation of candy. It is highly priced for its medicinal value also. Ash gourd Benincasa hispida (Thung) Cogn. belongs to a monotypic genus of the family cucurbitaceae. It is considered as a native of Indonesia and Japan. It is domesticated in India in pre historic times. The crop is monoecious and is cross pollinated. Fruits have a waxy outer layer and hence can be stored in cool dry place for at least six months. Ash gourd exhibits large variability for morphological and quality characters. Considerable variability is reported in ash gourd for characters like time taken to flower, number of fruits per plant etc. Forty five gentypes of ash gourd collected from hoesteads and cultivated fields from different locations of Kerala were characterized for both quantitative and qualitative characters at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi during 2004-06. Characterisation was done for vegetative and fruit characters based on the descriptor. Leaf margin of most of the accessions were multifid but in a few types it was either entire or serrate. Leaf size was either medium or large. First male flower emergence was noticed in 8th node to 17th node. First female flower emergence was recorded from 10th node to 25th node. Node of first female flower emergence indicate earliness of the crop. Fruit shape varied from cylindrical, to elongate and oval/elliptic. Both light green and dark green skin colour was observed. Peduncle length of fruits varied from 2.75 cm to 9.7cm. Fruit length varied from 11.0 cm to 35.5 cm, fruit width from 10.69 cm to 36.65 cm, flesh thickness, the commercially important character, varied from 1.52 cm to 6.16 cm. Average fruit weight varied from less than 1.0 kg to 10.0 kg. These genotypes are being conserved and utilized in breeding programmes.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57741
Title: Citrus diversity in Arunachal Pradesh
Author: B N Hazarika
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: Citrus, Arunachal Pradesh, Diversity, Physico-chemical properties
Abstract: Arunachal Pradesh, the land of raising sun is one of the most fascinating state of the Eastern Himalayas which is situated between latitude of 260 30 ' to 290 28 ' North and longitude of 91025 ' to 97024 ' East. The state of Arunachal Pradesh has lot of climatic variations because of its unique position in the Indian subcontinent. It has been blessed by nature with one of the richest flora and fauna on the earth and regarded as one of the ' Biodiversity Hot Spot ' areas in the world. Its unique phytogeographical positions,topography and high degree of precipitation are some of the important factors which are mainly responsible for its enormous biological diversity. Arunachal Pradesh has rich diversity in Citurs. In a naurally cross pollinated genus like the citrus, nature has eventually created different forms of citrus and the state has the conducive environment, suitable soil and topography for perpetuation of these various forms. It cna be regarded as ' a live museum of Citrus ' . The wide adaptability of citrus fruits of Arunachal Pradesh is reflected in its general distribution of topographical situations. Out of various species of citrus, Khasi Mandarin, Valencia and Assam lemon are some of the commercially traded variety of citrus in Arunachal Pradesh. The Khasi Mandarin of Arunachal Pradesh is unique in its quality. However the same fruits are under different names in different provinces. Even within the sam district a variety may often be known by different names. Actually farmers ' fields, forest of Arunachal Pradesh are the treasures of citrus species. Other than the commercial species, some of other species of citrus namely Rough lemon, Kamala Australia, Samphola, Citron, Singkin, various Limes and Lemons, Pummelos, Grapefruits etc. are available in various types either in homestead or in forests. In a recent study conducted, more than 50 different types of citrus were found under different citrus species. Considereing this diversity, there is an urgent need to conserve them either in situ or in collective forms. The present paper will discuss about the citurs biodversity of the region.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57740
Title: Conservation of mulberry species: strategies for awareness through sericulture service centres
Author: P Deepa and J Somireddy
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: Awareness, conservation, Mulberry, biodiversity, sericulture
Abstract: Biodiversity, particularly of plant species is the basic for plant improvment. Genetic stock conserved in specific ecological niches, unexplored areas, often harbour rare and unexploited genes for productivity as well as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The choice of conservation strategies depend upon mainly on the nature of the material to be conserved. Mulberry (Morus species) is out breeding and highly heterozygous perennial tree and its high biomass production and protein rich foliage are used extensively for sericultural, agro-forestry and horticultural programmes. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industries due to its high anti-oxidant capacity. Mulberry grows more quickly than other woody plants and branches can be used as raw material for paper production. Mulberry stem found to be a good source of media for mushroom production. Working models for integrated, small scale, enterprise system utilizing mulberry genetic resources for the resource poor small farmers need to be developed. This can be achieved through network projects with Sericulture Service Centres of Central Silk Board for conservation through In-situ on farm and Ex-situ on farm which prevents the loss of Mulberry biodiversity. Trained extension staff of Sericulture Service Centre can motivate people on conservation of Mulberry through regular awareness programmes through Self help groups and Quality clubs in their command area. Group formation has promoted brotherhood/sisterhood feeling among the people more so with women-folk whcih otherwise would have vanished in this materialistic society. These groups have become the platform for the members to share their happiness and sorrow besides the social, cultural and economical issues. Sericulture service centres can create awareness to Self help groups and this great potential can be tapped with proper planning and with the help of committed extension staff. Strategies and action plan should be made for the awareness on conservation of Mulberry staff. Strategies and action plan should be made for the awareness on conservation of Mulberry biodiversity into policy making, and to ensure the involvement of Sericulture Service Centres in the society, especially among the poor and marginal farmers of sericulture in the tribal and rural areas.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57739
Title: Conservation and equitable use of agrobiodiversity in Wayanad: An inter and transdisciplinary research approach
Author: Chattopadhyay Rumana, Girigan Gopi, Parameswaran Prajeesh and Anil Kumar
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: Agrobiodiversity, Transdisciplinary, Interdisciplinary research, Transformation knowledge
Abstract: This paper highlights the importance of conducting transdiscilinary research on agrobiodiversity while looking into the causes and consequences of land use change in rice based farming systems in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Central to the transdisciplinary framwork is the integration of both academic and practitioners ' knowledge in order to find solutions to life-world problems. The erosion of rice agrobiodiversity in Wayanad will be analysed from the disciplinary domains of ecology, economics, and social sciences. The BioDIVA research team will work closely with the partners of practice, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFRI) and local farmer-organisations to foster an understanding of rice-agrobiodiversity. The rice ecosystem is not only vital to provide the ecosytem services but also plays an important role for food security and livelihood means of the local inhabitants. Conversion of rice fields to grow toher crops or even for non-agricultural land use is assumed to be one of the major reasons for the erosion of agrobiodiversity in Wayanad. Studies have shown that: factors such as cost of production, availability of agro-inputs and labour, family income, and marketing opportunities all influence cropping decisions. Moreover, existing social structures, gender relations, family setups, culture, and education are further interacting with farmers ' decision making processes. In this context, the project will explore the social-ecological complexity of Wayanad ' s rice farming systems. The ecological research will improve the understanding of farmers ' ecological knowledge, their seed system and the plant diversity associated with rice ecosystems along a gradient of agricultural intensification and land use change. The economic study will assess the factors that influence farmers ' decisions in regard to alterantives to rice based farming sytems. Furthermore, this includes an evaluation of rice ecosystem services in comparison with alternative land uses. The social science component aims to analyse gendered knowledge, changes in power structures within families and the societal relations with nature concerning land use change. Investigating rice agrobiodiversity from different disciplinary perspectives aims to foster the development of transformation knowledge towards sustainable and equitable use of agrobiodiversity in Wayanad. Such an approach in turn will help to set up conservation priorities in agrobiodiversity and enables to develop sustainable policy frameworks to allow the successful conservation of rice varieties.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57738
Title: Kaippad rice farming in North Kerala: The farming system and the crop varieties
Author: K T Chandramohanan and K V Mohanan
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: Kaippad, Kuthiru, Orkazhama, Kuttusan, Chovverian, Orthadian, Saline resistant cutlivars
Abstract: Rice is the most important cereal and staple carbohydrate source of Asia. Rice is cultivated in diverse ecological conditions and many such agroecosystems are fragile and critically endangered. Conservation of such special methods of rice cultivation would invariably add both to sustainable availability of food and protection of the great diversity of the species. In Kerala, in areas that are subjected to tidal action and hence with saline soil, a crop of rice is grown during the first crop season (virippu) taking advantage of the heavy south west monsoon which results in flushing out salt content from the farmland. In Central Kerala the system is known as pokkali and in North Kerala as kaippad. The present study is an effort to analyse kaippad system of rice farming in North Kerala as kaippad. The present study is an effort to analyse kaippad system of rice farming in North Kerala in relation to the speciality of the localities, soil and water conditions and tej varieties used. Kaippad farms of Ezhome region of Ezhome village pachayath and Keezhara region of Kannapuram village panchayath of Kannur district of Kerala have been surveyed for the study in 2009-1010. Investigations were made to study the soil and water parameters of the area and the major rice varieties used. The specialities of the cultivation system were also studied. Fifty farming units in the region were frequently visited and the farming system were observed and analysed. Details of the commonly used varieties were collected. The crop of teh virippu (first crop) season of 2009 was observed from land preparation and seeding to harvest. Soil samples were collected from 10 representative plots in April and water samples in July and analysed for different soil and water parameters. Soil salinity problems are encountered in almost all the coastal districts of Kerala and the area extends to about 0.03 million ha. The coastal saline soils are highly underutilized because the use of ground water for normal crop production is not possible due to the poor water quality. The area is mostly monocroped with rice being the only crop during the monsoon period and the land being fallow during the rest of the year due to lack of good quality irrigation water and high soil salinity. Ezhome and Keezhara regions are situated at the banks of Pazhayangadi and Pattuvan rivers respectively. The acid soils called kari soils are mostly present in the mouths of streams and rivers in the low lying areas. They are silty clay in texture and subjected to sea inundation, black in colour and resemble peat soils (Swarajyalakshmi et al. , 2003). Soil salinity of the area in summer varied from 10.9 mhos/cm to 19.9 mhos/cm and water salinity in summer varied from 23 ppt to 32 ppt and in the mouths of streams and rivers in the low lying areas. They are silty clay in texture and subjected to sea inundation, black in colour and resemble peat soils (Swarajyalakshmi et al., 2003). Soil salinity of the area in summer varied from 10.9 mhos/cm to 19.9 mhos/cm and water salinity in summer varied from 23 ppt to 32 ppt and in the month of July from 1 ppt to 3 ppt. Soil pH during April ranged from 4.9 to 6.6 and water pH ranged between 6.71 to 7.45 during April and in July it ranged from 6.15 to 6.71. Dissolved Oxygen content in April ranged from 0.2853 mg/l to 1.712 mg/l. Availability of NPK in the soil ranged as follows: N: 1.12% to 2.0%; P: 7.2 kg/ha to 34.2 kg/ha; K: 480 kg/ha. The major vaieties cultivated in the area are kuthiru, orkazhama, kuttusan, orthadiyan and chovverian among which kuthiru is the most popular. Among the varieties used, kuthiru showed relatively higher adaptation to the area.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57737
Title: In vitro plantlet regeneration and medium term conservation of some Zingiberaceous species
Author: Binu Hariprakash and M Unnikrishnan
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: In vitro conservation, Curcuma, Zingiber, Microrhizome,multiple shoots
Abstract: The family Zingiberaceae is generally considered as spice family. It consists of 8 genera and more than 1200 species distributed mainly in tropics and subtropics. Many members of this group have been used in Ayurvedic and other native system of medicine. The genus- Curcuma and Zingiber are rhizomatous perennial herbs. It has a wide spread occurrence from tropical Asia to Africa. The plant has unique foliage and colourful long lasting inflorescences and is gaining importance globally as a potential source of drugs to combat a variety of ailments. The root stocks vary in colour which helps in identification of the species. Tissue culture has been applied as a potent method for multiplication and conservation of many crop species. In vitro clonal multiplication methods have been described for various species of the genus Curcuma and Zingiber. In the present study, a simple and reproducible protocol for plantlet regeneration, microrhizome induction and conservation have been optimised. The explants consisted of rhizome buds and immature inflorescence (C.pseudomontana and C. albiflora) which were collected from the wild and maintained at the shadenet house of Division of Crop Improvement at Central Tuber Crop Research Institute, Trivandrum. Initial media for establishment of in vitro cultures consisted of MS medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and 0.1% activated charcoal. Varying concentrations of sucrose (3, 5, 7, 9, 11%), growth regulators- Kinetic, BAP, TDZ and 2, 4-D (1, 2, 3 mg/l) alone as well as in combinations were tested for plantlet regeneration and microrhizome induction in all the species. The period from the culture initiation time to the next subculture was considered as the conservation period for a given culture. Each treatment contained 10 replicates and was repeated thrice. All experiments were conducted in a randomised manner. Plantlet regeneration via immature inflorescene produced direct shoots in C. pseudomontana on MS medium supplemented with BAP while in C. albiflora callus mediated regeneration was observed on TDZ supplemented medium. Rhizome buds sprouted within a perio of 7-14 days. Results indicated that medium term conservation as well as microorhizome induction were purely genotype-dependent and was influenced by growth regulators used. BAP, kinetic and TDZ at higher concentratin was found to induce more number of shoots with shorter subculture time while 2,4-D at 1 mg/l was found was found superior to other growth regulators for conservation. C. zedoaria, C. malabarica, C. pseudomontana and C. raktakanta could be conserved for a maximum period of 200-240 days on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (1 mg/l) followed by C. aromatica and Z. nimmonii in sucrose (11%) substituted medium. Microrhizome induction was also noticed in 1-8 month old cutures of C. zedoaria, C. malabarica, C. aromatica, C. albiflora and Z. nimmonii. Basal medium was found effective in C. malabarica and C. albiflora while BAP and Kinetin at 2 mg/l produced microrhizomes in C. zedoaria. Sucrose (5,7,9%) favoured rhizome formation in Z. nimmonii. In vitro conservation of Curcuma and Zingiber for extended periods under condition as described above allows cost efficient plant regeneration and medium term conservation.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57736
Title: Host range, pathogenicity and cutural characteristics of pink disease pathogen- corticium salmonicolor Berk and broom
Author: Binu Hariprakash and M Balasundaran
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: Pathogenecity, pink disease, cultural characteristics, host specificity
Abstract: Corticium salmonicolor Berk & Broom, is the causative organism of pink disease which mostly affects trees of agricultural and forestry importance. This basidiomycetous fungus appears to thrive best in tropical and sub-tropical climate. C. salmonicolor produces four stages viz., cobweb, pustule, pink encrustations (basidial stage), and necator (conidial stage). Characteristically, the fungus appears as a pink or salmon-colored, smooth mycelial mat on branches of its hosts. Progressive development of the fungus may lead to an envelopment of the branch, accompanied by a brown discoloration of the cambial layer, and wilting and dying of the leaves and presence of epicormic shoots below the infected area. Late symptoms of the infection occur as canker on the main stem as well as on the branches which leads to the die back of the portion above. The fungus has a wide host range affecting Eucalyptus, Acacia, Casuarina, Anacardium, Mangifer, Hevea, Polyalthia etc. The present work was initiated with an objective to find out the diversity of C. salmonicolor from different host, test their cross infectivity and pathogenecity as well as cultural characteristics in artificial medium. An inoculum study was conducted on Eucalyptus clones using nine isolates of C. salmonicolor from different hosts. Mycelial plugs of equal sizes were placed into each wound with the mycelium facing the xylem and after 12 weeks, development of symptoms was examined by measuring the length of disease development area on inoculated clones. Cultural characteristic study was done in four different media-two general purpose media viz., Potato Dextrose Agar and Malt Extract Agar and two chemically defined media viz., Czapeks Dox Agar and Richards media substituted with Rose Bengal. Data were scored for growth rate, colour of colony, colour imparted on the medium, texture, colony shape, margin and zonations. All the isolates experimented were able to produce infection in the clones tested. Cobweb stage, pustule formation and formation of epicormic shoots were observed on the tested clones thereby confirming pathogenecity. No distinct differences were observed for disease development between the isolates from different host. Re-isolation trails revealed that the isolated fungi from diseased seedlings are found to be identical with those used for artificial inoculation. Growth characters of C. salmonicolor studied on different media indicated that the growth was maximum on the general purpose media followed by chemcially defined media. Potato Dextrose agar the MEA supported maximum growth of fungal colony. The morphology of the isolates varied significantly with the media used. However, no host specific variation was observed in the study. Cultural characteristics study of the isolates also did not reveal any grouping of isolates between the host, thereby specifying that the pathogen was not host specific and variability or diversity occur within the isolates.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57735
Title: Bambara Groundnut: A drought hardy crop
Author: R Beena, M S Sheshshayee, T G Prasad and M Udaya Kumar
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: Agricultural productivity, crops, Vigna
Abstract: With compelling climate change scenarios, water availability will be most significant constraint that would affect agricultural rpoductivity. Global efforts have been initiated to evolve water saving strategies in agricutlure through breeding for more drought tolerant crop cultivars. The other noteworthy strategy has also been to identify underutilized crop species to either complement or even to replace several conventionally cultivated crops. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea 2n = 22) is an under utilised African legume grown primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. This crop holds great potential as a food crop in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world due to good drought tolerance and a remarkable ability to maintain cell turgor even under prolonged drought conditions. It is also able to produce a yield of pods in dry environments when peanut (Arachis hypogea), the widely introduced and morphological similar south American species, fails. It is an attractive crop because of the high edible protein content (16.25%) rich in lysine and methionine. Therefore has a beneficial complementary effect when consumed with cereals that are low in lysine. Furthermore, due to a very low to negligible levels of lipids, Bambara has the potential to substitue conventional legumes like peanut. Its pods can be used to produce vegetable milk that is comparable to soy milk. Protein functionally test on the ground seed indicate that it can compete with or replace with other flours in a range of processed products. The seed makes a complete food as it contains carbohydrate, proteins and lipids. Though Bambara groundnut is a drought hardy crop species, from the agronomic point of view, drought tolerance should be linked with superior growth rates and productivity under water limited conditions. Therefore, assessing the relevant physiological traits that improve growth under stress is extremely essential. Despite the availability of genotype and land races, the genetic variability in several traits have not been fully enumerated or explited. Among several traits that determine growth, total water use and the efficiency of water use for biomass production have great relevance. Selections for total water use and WUE have led to improved crop performance in cereals. In leguminous crops like peanuts also such possibilities have also been reported. Therefore, it would be important to assess the variability in these tarits among Bambara accessions before attempting further improvement in productivity of this crop. The theory linking the carbon isotope discrimination with WUE has been well developed and is extensively being used as a surrogate to assess the genetic variability in this trait among several C3 species. Therefore, the major objective of this investigation was to assess the genetic variability in WUE and root traits among the seven Bambara land races. We demonstrate that the land races studied exhibited a significant genetic variability in WUE, root traits and other physiological traits associated with drought tolerance. Furthermore, we provide experimental evidences in support of the use of carbon isotope discriminatin as a surrogate for WUE among Bambara accessions.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57734
Title: Nutritional and antinutritional factors in a wild leafy vegetable from Western Ghats: Diplazium esculentum
Author: Archana G Nair, G S Nikhila, S Pradeesh and T S Swapna
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Agrobiodiversity- Status, Trends and Prospects
Keywords: Wild edible plants, nutrients, vitamins, antinutritional factors
Abstract: Diplazium esculentum (Reytz.) belongs to family Dryopteridaceae, is an edible fern of Western Ghats commonly used by tribal people. Wild leafy vegetables remains underutilized due to lack of awareness and promotin of appropriate technologies for their effective utilization. Identification of nutritional and antinutritional factors and multiplication of this wild plant will help to solve nutrition deficiency problem and also helps to maintain biodiversity. Different biochemical parameters like crude fibre, reducing sugar, total carbohydrate, free fatty acids, proteins etc were quantitatively estimated using standard estimation methods. Various anti nutritional factors like Trypsin inhibitor and tannins were also tested. Results showed that this wild leafy vegetable has important nutritional factors. Antinutritional factors like Trypsin inhibitor and tannins were present but in quite safe quantity. So Diplazium esculentum with rich nutrient factors opens the possibility of the potential utilization of this plant in food system or in nutritional / food supplement programs.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57733
Title: Branchiopods: Unique denizens of a disappearing and neglected wetland
Author: Usha Balaraman
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Ephemeral wetlands, Conchostraca, Cyst, Detritus, Ephippium, Residents, Migrants
Abstract: Ephemeral wetland from when seasonal precipitation and impervious substrate lead to accumulation of variety of surface water pools with no inlet or outlet. These habitats support a small but predictable assemblage of animal species with specialised life styles and survival strategies and exclude most species of permanent waters. Fishes being absent these are predator free hence branchiopods other invertebrates flourish there. This paper is a compilation of (a) an intensive survey of temporary pools along a 50 km coastal belt of Thiruvananthapuram District and (b) sampling of pools in districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha. Physical and chemical parameters like temperature, oxygen levels, pH and salinity of the habitat were recorded. More than seventy four species of invertebrates were identified. Crustaceans dominate followed by insects, protozoans and rotifers. Branchiopods the quintessetial inhabitants of this unique habitat were represented by two conchostracum species- Eulimnadia colombiensis, and Lynceus alleppeyensis (New species) Anostracans documented in 1977 were not found now. Rapid development, early maturity, high reproductive potential, parthenogenesis/ androdioecy and laying of resting eggs or cysts are the survival strategies adopted by the denizens of this distinct habitat. Kerala being a densely populated State anthropogenic activities have led to acute habitat loss of all wetlands including the ephermeral wetlands. While many inhabitans like the branchiopodes are being listed as threatened and conservation measures being planned and implemented in several countries, here they are neglected with no documentation of these communities. It is hoped that the present study even though limited to study area and time will promote further studies of this neglected habitat and the inhabitants therein.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57732
Title: A few rare, endemic, endangered and threatened plants of Western Ghats for conservation concern
Author: P S Udayan and M K Harinarayanan
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Rare, endemic, endangered, threatened, Western ghats, conservation
Abstract: Botanical explorations were carried out for the fast 8 years for collection and documentation of the medicinally important plants of the Western Ghats forest areas of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This survey resulted in the collection of many species that are of conservation concern which includes rare, endemic, endangered and threatened plants. The present paper presents information of 60 such Rare, Endemic and Threatened species collected and studied from the Western Ghats region. The list inlcudes seven species of new reports to the state, some contributed to the extended distribution and the other formed new locatios.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57731
Title: Virulence diversity among newcastle disease virus in chickens: A plaque assay approach
Author: K T Tincy, S Sherin and A Jayakumaran Nair
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Newcastle disease virus, Plaque assay, plaques, chick embryo fibroblast
Abstract: Newcastle Disease (ND) is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease that affects all species of birds which has worldwide distribution. ND is caused by Newcastle Disease Virus which is being classified into three pathotypes based on the severity of the disease as velogenic, mesogenic and lentogenic. The variations in the virulence of different New castle disease virus was studied in the chick embryo fibroblast cultures by the Plaque Assay method. The plaque study was carried out in chick embryo fibroblast cell using two lentogenic and mesogenic strains. For this two lentogenic and two mesogenic strains were propagated in allantoic fluid of embryonated eggs and used for further study. The haemagglutination test of all the strains was studied before using it for plaque assay method. The mesogenic strains showed more haemagglutination titre than the lentogenic strains. The overlay used in plaque assay method was also varied using Agarose and Agar. The plaque assay study has shown that the size, number, morphology and the time for the formation of plaques also varied with the two different strains.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57730
Title: Bruchids (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) spectrum of Acacia catechu (L.F) Willd from Himachal Pradesh
Author: D R Thakur and Vinay Katoch
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Insects, parasitoids, Entedon, Bruchidius, Acacia
Abstract: The order Coleoptera of class Insecta has the largest number of described species and family Bruchidae (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea) is a small but economically important possessing about 2000 known species worldwide. Bruchids are seed borers and attach on wild leguminous hosts in field and the edible legumes in stores. All the known beetles of family Bruchidae feed on seeds of 34 families of kingdom Plantae and about 80% of them feed on the seeds belonging to family Fabaceae. Bruchids attacking green pods of wild legumes are usually univoltine, has specific but logn developmental period and life span. These are generally referred as field bruchids. Bruchids are universal beetle infest leguminous plant and their larvae entering the seed and feed on cotyledons and embryo and renderign them nonviable. Under the present investigation Bruchidius albizziae has been found associated with A. catechu (Willd.) in different parts of Himachal Pradesh, India. B. albizziae lays eggs on green pods of host plant during the month of August, September or October and adults emerged by making a circular hole on the wall of seed and pods on the onset of summer in next year. Seasonal abundance of adults was maximum in the month of March and April due to the favorable environmental conditions and lowest in December to February. Along with the emergence of adult bruchids, a larbal parasitoid Entedon albiziarum Raspul belonging to subfamily Entedontinae, family Eulophidae has also been recorded. These bio-controlling agents play an important role in the suppression of the pest population in the field.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57729
Title: Documentation and distribution of aquatic plants in relation with certain environmental variables of Kuttanad wetland ecosystem, Kerala
Author: V P Sylas, C M John, Joby Paul, K S Unni, A P Thomas and E V Ramasamy
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Kuttanad, Aquatic macrophytes, wetland, biodiversity, multivariate analysis
Abstract: Aquatic plants play a significant role in the self purification of wetlands and its distribution is closely related wit environmental factors. The present study carried out in Kuttanad wetland ecosystem, part of Vembanad-Kol Ramsar site, is unique for its ecological and cultural diversity. Comprehensive survey was carried out from January 2006 to December 2007 for the documentation and distribution aquatic plants with percentage cover. Water and sediment samples were also collected monthly from its growing habitat (a total 40 sampling locations) and were analysed as per standard procedure. Multivariate statistical tools were employed for the determination of environmental variables supporting the aquatic plant distribution. The study recorded a total of 130 aquatic plants including 7 pteridophytes. A total of 9 exotic (non-native) plants were recorded and among them Eichhornia crassipes, Cabombo caroliniana, Salvinia molesta and Limnocharis flava are found invading in the productive paddy fields of Kuttanad. C. caronliniana, L. flava and Alternanthera philoxeroides, the recently introduced exotics, have shown gregarious growth which replaces local plants. E. crassipes showed high percentage cover during premonsoon season in the canal systems of Kuttanad and comparatively low during the monsoon season. Ischaemum travancorense, an endemic grass species, mainly growing in the abandoned fields. formed sudd communities. Environmental variables like COD, nitrate, potassium, BOD, phosphate and potassium in sediments have shown negative correlation with the distribution of macrophytes. Water quality parameters like DO, phosphate, acidity, pH, sulphate and the sediment characteristics like pH, available nitrogen and organic carbon were highly influencing and distribution of C. caroliniana, N hydrophylla, N. indica,- H. verticellata -L. heterophylla and N. pubescens- H. aristata associates. The distribution of all aquatic plants except R. corymbosa and N. pubescence has shown negative correlation with salinity, chloride and hardness. The increase of abandoned fields and the filling of paddy fields and canal systems have greatly influenced the ecology of Kuttanad. The seasonal salinity intrusion from the Vembanad lake is essential for controlling the aquatic plant growth especially for the invasive weeds. In Kuttanad, the aquatic plants are efficient in purifying the polluted waters and the periodic harvest and removal of these plants during cultivation time enable the system for restoration to a great extent. These plants are a boon in disguise to the maintenance of the Kuttanad wetland ecosystem from further deterioration.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57728
Title: Influence of lotic and lentic habitats on the biology of Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton) (Pisces: Cyprinidae)
Author: S Survarna Devi and S D Rita Kumari
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Reproduction, maturity, sex ration, adaptation
Abstract: The paper reports on the reproductive biology of Rasbora daniconius, a freshwater cyprinid from various habitats in Kerala. Sampling was carried out for one year from a pond ecosystem and Kallar River Thirubananthapuram district of Kerala. Size at first maturation, gonadosomatic index (GSI), variation in their spawning frequency, fecundity and size at first maturity were determined. Analysis of maturity size, GSI, etc showed that the fish spawns only once a year which coincides with the rainy season. Spawning season lasts from May to June in lentic and April to May in lotic water body. GSI were high during May to October in lentic and April to May in lotic water body. The age at first sexual maturity for female and male were 81 and 79 mm (TLO for lentic and 83 and 74 mm (TL) for lotic body respectively. Females in lotic water body mature ealier than those from the lentic body. Fecundity varied widely and was linearly related to the length and weight of the fish and length and weight of the ovary. Visual surveys indicated that abundance and sex ratio varied according to habitats with males predominating at the lentic and females at the lotic water body. The breeding in the species is characterized by unique specialization which permits successful adaptation to diverse environmental conditions.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None