Enter records

ID: 61327
Title: Spatio-temporal changes in temperature over India.
Author: Markand Oza and C.M.Kishtawal.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1154-1158 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Annual changes, spatio-temporal patterns, temperature difference, trend analysis.
Abstract: A study was taken up to identify annual changes in temperature at a scale of 1? x 1?. For this study, daily (maximum and minimum) temperature data for 45 years (1969-2013) at a grid size of 1? x 1?, prepared by the India Meteorological Department, Pune were used. The identification of change was based on statistical trend analysis. From the analysis, it can be concluded that the dominant tendency over the India land mass is of warming, and colder months of the year show more warming. Analysis of temperature difference (TD) brought out the existence of contiguous and large spatial clusters of shrinking and expanding TD. Further analysis is required to factor the variability in temperature due to anthropogenic changes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Jones, P.D. and Moberg, A., Hemispheric and large- scale surface air temperature variations: an extensive revision and an update to 2001.J.Clim. 2003, 16, 206-223. del Rio, S., Penas, A., and Fraile, R., Analysis of recent climatic variations in Castle and Leon (Spain).Atmos.Res. 2005, 73, 69-85.
Literature cited 2: Brunet, M., et al., Temporal and spatial temperature variability and change over Spain during 1850-2005.J.Geophys.Res., 2007, 112, D12117; doi: 10.1029/2006JD008249. Wagholikar, N.K., Sinha Roy, K.C., Sen, P.N.and Kumar, P.P., Trends in seasonal temperatures over the India region.J.Earth Syst.Sci. 2014, 123 (4), 673-687.

ID: 61326
Title: Shelf-life enhancement of donor blood by He-Ne laser biostimulation.
Author: Al-Khalid Isam Zuhaier, Kosa Mohammad, Sandhanasamy Devanesan, Mohamad Saleh AlSalhi, Saradh Prasad and Vadivel Masilamani.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1151-1153 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Biostimulation, He-Ne laser, shelf life, stored blood.
Abstract: Shelf life of stored blood in a bank is an important parameter for the effective use of blood drawn from the donors. Several attempts have been made (such as antioxidant) to improve the above lifetime of 42 days. Here, we show that biostimulation by a He-Ne laser could enhance the shelf life to 63 days. The results are based on the fragility and conductivity measurement of red blood cells.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Pavenski, K., Saidenberg, E., Lavoie, M., Tokessy, M. and Branch, D.R., Red blood cell storage lesions and related transfusion issues: a Canadian Blood Services research and development symposium. Transfusion Med.Rev. 2012, 26, 68-84. Sharifi, S., Dzik, W.H. and Sadrzadeh, S.M., Human plasma and oxidative mesylate protect stored human erythrocytes against the oxidative damage of gamma-irradiation. Transfusion Med.Rev. 2000, 10, 125-130.
Literature cited 2: Ali, F.M., Mohamed, W.S. and Mohamed, M.R., Effect of 50 Hz, 0.2 mT magnetic fields on RBC properties and heart functions of albino rats.Bioelectromagnetics, 2003, 24, 535-545. Karu, T.I.and Anthony, T., Effects of low-power light on biological systems. In Proceedings of SPIE, Laser Use on Oncology, 2630, 1996.

ID: 61325
Title: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound excursions and K/Pg transition in the late Cretaceous-early Palaeogene succession of the Um Sohryngkew river section, Meghalaya.
Author: Sucharita Pal, J.P. Shrivastava and Sanjay K.Mukhopadhyay
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1140-1150 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Organo-molecules, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, stratigraphic record, volcanic activity.
Abstract: A combustion-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds based high-resolution strati-graphic records across the Cretaceous/ Palaeogene boundary section of the Um Sohryngkew river section is presented in this paper. The yellowish brown, organic-rich, 1 to 2 mm thick, clay layer in biozone CF3 is marked by sudden increase in the high molecular weight fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo (a) anthracene PAH compounds. These compounds are similar to those associated with the well-known K/Pg boundary sections across the world. Besides these, high abundance of low molecular weight 3 ring anthracene and fluorine, and 4 ring PAH compounds is also noticed in this layer. Subordinate amount of low molecular weight 3-ring phenanthrene, 3-methyl-phenanthrene, 2-methylphenanthrene, 9-methylphenanthrene and 1-methylphenanathrene PAH compounds have also been found in the successive layer of biozone CF2.Occurrence of high molecular weight PAH compounds in the biozone CF3 (66.83-65.45 Ma age) imply global fire, induced by the heat supplied by Abor/Deccan volcanic activity, possibly linked with the K/Pg boundary transition events as later initiated prior to the K/Pg boundary itself.PAH compound anomalies in the biozone CF3 is well coinciding with well documented Ce anomaly layer, but, preceded by planktonic foraminiferal break and PGE anomaly bearing layer in the biozone P0. It is inferred that the K/Pg boundary related global fire played significant role in the collapse of the ecosystem, causing sudden demise of organisms.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Riboulleau, A., Schnyder, J., Riquier, L. Lefebvre, V., Baudin, F.and Deconinck, J.F., Environmental change during the Early Cretaceous in the Purbeck-type Durlston Bay section (Dorset, Southern England): a biomarker approach.Org.Geochem, 2007, 38, 1804-1823. Shrivastava, J.P. and Ahmad, M., Compositional studies on organic matter from iridium-enriched Anjar intertrappean sediments: Deccan volcanism and palaeoenvironmental implications during the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary.J.Iberian Geol., 2004, 31, 167-177.
Literature cited 2: Tschudy, R.H., Pillmore, C.L., Orth, C.J., Gilmore, J.S. and Knight, J.D., Disruption of the terrestrial plant ecosystem at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, Western Interior. Science, 1984, 225, 1030-1032. Wolbach, W.S., Gilmour, I. and Anders, E., Major wildfires at the K-T boundary.Geol.Soc.Am.Spec.Pap. 1990, 247, 391-400.

ID: 61324
Title: River-human harmony model to evaluate the relationship between humans and water in river basin.
Author: Jinxin Zhang, Deshan Tang, Ijaz Ahmad and Mei Wang.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1130-1139 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Human development, human-river coordination, river health, river-human harmony model.
Abstract: With the rapid population growth, ecological pressure caused by human activities on rivers is growing. Decision makers are often faced with the dilemma of how to maintain economic growth while also maintaining the resources of a river and its environment. In this study, a model has been proposed for the assessment of river-human relationship. The method establishes a complete index system to quantify the abstraction of river-human relationship and evaluation. The model provides a comprehensive assessment of river basin human-water relationship through 21 indicators and three dimensions, which include river health, human development and human-river coordination. The analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the index weights. This model is applied in Wei River Basin, northwestern China, where the present situation is evaluated along with finding the advantages and shortcomings. Thus the study provides a method for future development and water management.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: UNDP, Facing the Challenges, UN World Water Development Report (WWDR4); http://www.unesco.org/new/en/naturalsciences/environment/water/wwap/wwdr/wwdr4-2012/2012. Kondili, E., Kaldellis, J.K. and Papapostolou, C., A novel systemic approach to water resources optimization in areas with limited water resources. Desalination, 2010, 250 (1), 297-301.
Literature cited 2: Hamdy, A., Ragab, R.and Scarascia-Mugnozza, E., Coping with water scarcity: Water saving and increasing water productivity.Irrig.Drain, 2003, 52 (1), 3-20. Forouzani, M. and Karami, E., Agricultural water poverty index and sustainability.Agron.Sustain.Dev. 2011, 31 (2), 415-431

ID: 61323
Title: Mars Orbiter Mission
Author: S.Seetha and S.K.Satheesh
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1047-1047 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Mars, Orbiter, Mission.
Abstract: Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is Indian Space Research Organization ' s first interplanetary mission, with an orbiter craft (satellite) designed to orbit Mars in an elliptical orbit of nearly 368 km x 80, 000 km. It was launched on 5 November 2013 using the PSLV-XL rocket. After 10-month long journey, interlaced with several complex and precise manoeuvres, MOM satellite was inserted into the desired Mars orbit on 24 September 2014.Designed for a nominal mission life of 6 months, MOM successfully completed the mission objectives on 24 March 2015 and continues to function satisfactorily and collect data. By the time this article appears in print, the MOM would have completed one year (terrestrial year) in the Martian orbit.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61322
Title: Establishing a national fungal genetic resource to enhance the bioeconomy.
Author: T.S.Suryanarayanan, Venkat Gopalan, Dinkar Sahal and Kaustuv Sanyal.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1033-1037 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Establishing, national, fungal genetic resource, enhance, bioeconomy.
Abstract: Global conservation activities of animals and plants to protect endangered species are laudable. Similarly, various national and international bodies have recognized the value of preserving different types of microbes, the ' hidden-constituents ' that are present in all habitats. However, conservation of microbial biodiversity has generally not been a priority in the world. We present a roadmap for creating a national genetic resource for fungi, whose diversity reflects their remarkable fitness for the rich and varied habitats and environments in India. In addition to offering fine prospects for research-based higher education, this national asset will accelerate technology development and the bioeconomy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Smith, D., McCluskey, K.and Stackebrandt, E., Investment into the future of microbial resources: culture collection funding models and BRC business plans for biological resource centres. Springer Plus, 2014, 3, 81-92. Griffith, G.W., Do we need a global strategy for microbial conservation? Trends Ecol.Evol. 2012, 2, 1-2.
Literature cited 2: Heilmann-Clausen, J. et al., A fungal perspective on conservation biology.Conserv.Biol. 2015, 29, 61-68. Blackwell, M., The fungi: 1, 2, 3?5.1 million species? Am.J.Bot, 2011, 98, 426-438.

ID: 61321
Title: Intrusion of coral-killing sponge (Terpios hoshinota) on the reef of Palk Bay.
Author: T.Thinesh, P.Arul Jose, Saqib Hassan, K.Muthamizh Selvan, J.Selvin
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1030-1032 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Intrusion, coral-killing sponge (Terpios hoshinota) reef, Palk Bay.
Abstract: Coral diseases, epizootics, bleaching and bioinvasions are threatening the persistence of coral reefs world over, including India. Now sponge overgrowth on corals has also been included in the list of serious threats at various geographical locations. The first encrusting cyano-bacteria sponge Terpios hoshinota outbreak was reported from Guam, which is expanding its range and causing mortality ranging from 30 % to 80 % in coral reefs of various geographical locations. Recently invaded reefs include the Great Barrier Reef (Australia), some reefs in Philippines, America, Taiwan, Japan and Maldives. As a result, T. hoshinota is now well recognized as a potential threat to the survival of corals and other associated organisms, consequently creating serious concerns about its unchecked geographical expansion.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Hoegh, G.O. and Bruno, J.F., Science, 2010, 328, 1523-1528. Harvell, D.et al, Front.Ecol.Environ, 2004, 2, 375-382.
Literature cited 2: Ravindran, J., Kannapiran, E., Manikandan, B., Manimurali, R. and Joseph, A., Indian J.Geomar.Sci, 2012, 41 (1), 19-26. Chandrasekaran, S., Nagendran, N.A., Pandiaraja, D., Krishnankutty, N.and Kamalanathan, B., Curr.Sci. 2008, 94, 1167-1172.

ID: 61320
Title: Snowflake coral, Carijoa riisei from Grand Island, Goa: a case of invasion of an alien species or re-establishment of a native species?
Author: Shesdev Patro, P.Krishnan, M.Gopi, S.Raja, C.R.Sreeraj, Purvaja Ramachandran, R.Ramesh.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1028-1030 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Snowflake coral, Carijoa riisei, Grand Island, Goa, invasion, alien species, re-establishment, native species.
Abstract: Invasion is an ecological phenomenon of introduction of organisms to areas outside their native ranges. It concerns all aspects relating to their transport, establishment and spread in a new region. An invasive species causes imbalance to the ecosystem by monopolizing food and spatial resources and consequently disrupting the native community. Biological invasion is presently one of the major sources of stress to the coral reef habitats, which harbor 25% of total marine biodiversity and contribute to 10% of total fishery production. In India, the coral reef are located in the Gulf of Kachch, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and some minor reefs are identified at Malavan (Maharashtra) and Grande Island (Goa).
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Richardson, D.M.and Ricciardi, A., Divers.Distrib. 2013, 19, 1461-1467. Kahng, S.E., Report, Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council, Hawaii, 2007, p.5.
Literature cited 2: Goldberg, J.and Wilkinson, C., In Status of Coral Reefs of the World (ed.Wilskinson, C), Australian Institute of Marine Science, Quuensland, Australia, 2004, pp. 67-92. Raghunathan, C., Venkatraman, K., Satyanarayana, Ch.and Rajkumar, R., In Ecology and Conservation of Tropical Marine Faunal Communities (eds Venkatraman, K. et al.), Springer Verlag, Berlin, 2013, pp. 381-393.

ID: 61319
Title: Rediscovery of presumed extinct Impatients concinna Hook.f. (Balsaminaceae) from the Western Ghats.
Author: K.M.Prabhukumar, P.E.Sreejith, M.G.Prasad, A.Kabeer, I.Balachandra.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1027-1028 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Rediscovery, extinct, Impatients concinna, Western Ghats.
Abstract: Impatients L. is phyto-geographically a unique genus which has its greatest development in the Indian region and is mainly distributed in tropical Asia (Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. In India, it is represented by more than210 taxa, mainly distributed in the Eastern Himalaya, North East India and the Western Ghats, with each area being characterized by its own species group. While working on the floristic diversity of the Dhoni Hills in Palakkad district, Kerala, the present authors collected an interesting species of impatients from the grasslands at Palamalai. A detailed taxonomic study and perusal of relevant literature and type specimens at K and CAL confirmed that this species is Impatients concinna Hook.f, a presumed extinct species of the Western Ghats, not collected after 1929. A taxonomic description, distribution, ecology, phenology and IUCN status of the species has been provided along with colour photograph and illustration based on fresh specimens.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Grey-Wison, C., In A revised Handbook of Flora of Ceylon (eds Dassanayake, M.D.and Fosberg, F.R,), Oxford & IBH, New Delhi, 1985, vol.5. Cooke, T., Flora of the Presidency of Bombay, vol.1, Tailor & Francis, London, 1901, pp.169-175.
Literature cited 2: Gamble, J.S., Flora of the presidency of Madras, vol I, West Newman & co, Adlard &Son, London, 1915, pp.134-145. Vivekananthan, K., Rathakrishnan, N.C., Swaminathan, M.S. and Ghara, L.K., In Flora of India 4 (eds Hajra, P.K., Nair, V.J. and Daniel.), Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, 1997, pp.95-229.

ID: 61318
Title: The science of inequality and the inequality of science.
Author: Sumit Bhaduri
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1024-1026 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Science, inequality.
Abstract: Rising inequality at a global scale has been a matter of concern for quite some time. In an article published in Science more than a decade ago, the then UN Secretary General had said, ' A generation ago, people in the top 20 % were 30 times as rich, yet will not give 0.3 % of their income for the poorer 80 % of the humanity. Estimates reported last year showed that less than 1 % of the global population owned more than 44 % of the total global wealth, while 90 % owned less than 15 %. Two scathing reports by Oxfam, one of which also talked about inequality in India, recently made it to the front pages of many Indian newspapers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Serageldin, I., Science, 2002, 296, 54-58. The Economist, 18 October 2014, p.85
Literature cited 2: Times of India, 1 November 2014and 20 January 2015. The Economist, 31 July 2010, p. 59.

ID: 61317
Title: Making a case for estimating environmental flow under climate change
Author: C.T.Dhanya and Arun Kumar.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1019-1020 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Case, environmental flow, climate change
Abstract: A case for incorporating requirements of water quantity under climate change in estimating environmental flow (Eflow) is presented. Despite the developments in Eflow assessment technologies worldwide, such studies are given little attention in practice. Eflow estimates for a given river stretch need to be modified accounting the present and future water availability. Water quality and water availability can be incorporated in Eflow estimations through an integrated water quality and hydrological modeling for any basin. This framework can be extended to simulate the future scenarios (quality and quantity) by inputing future precipitation and temperature projections from global climate models.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Acreman, M.C. and Dunbar, M.J., Hydrol.Earth System Sci., 2004, 8, 861-876. Vezza, P., Parasiewicz, P., Rosso, M. and Comoglio, C., River Res.Apl., 2011; doi: 10.1002/rra.1571.
Literature cited 2: Whitehead, P., Butterfield, D.and Wade, A., Science Report-Potential impacts of climate change on river water quality. Environment Agency, Bristol, May 2008, ISBN: 978-1-84432-906-9.

ID: 61316
Title: The black-spotted yellow shoot-and-fruit borer, Conogethes spp. (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) - a global perspective.
Author: A.K.Chakravarthy, Vasudev Kammar, D. Lokeshwari, A.T.Rani, T.Nagaraj and V.Varun Rajan.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1016-1018 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: black-spotted yellow shoot-and-fruit borer, Conogethes spp. (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) - a global perspective.
Abstract: Insects are one the most diverse groups of organisms that constitute more than two-thirds of identified species of all animals on earth. They are incredibly numerous and play key roles as prey, predator, pollinator, decomposer in both natural and man-made habitats. Some insect groups are increasingly drawing the attention of biologists worldwide due to their ability to rapidly change with time in response to hosts, geographical distribution, environmental factors, ecology and behaviour, genetics, insecticides, etc. with time. One such insect group is the black-spotted yellow shoot-and-fruit borer, the species of the genus Conogethes (Crambidae: Lepidoptera). The genus Conogethes is taxonomically complex with many closely allied species. One of the most important Conogethes spp. is the castor shoot-and-fruit borer or yellow peach moth Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee. It is often misidentified and is difficult to manage this species in fruit orchards and plantations.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Srinivasulu, B., Samuel, T. and Patro, S, K., Textbook on IPM of Horticulture Crops, Daya Publishing House, New Delhi, 2015, p.425 Chan, E.K.W., Yat-Tung Yu., Zhang, Y. and Dudgeon, D., Biotropica, 2008, 40, 623-629.
Literature cited 2: Dixon, A.F.G., Insect Predator-Prey Dynamics Ladybird Beetles and Biological Control, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge ,United Kingdom, 2000. Potts, S.G., Biesmeijer, J.C., Kremen, C., Neumann, P., Schweiger, O.and Kunin, W.E., Trends Ecol.Evol., 2010, 25, 345-353.

ID: 61315
Title: Eclipta prostrata (L) L. (Asteraceae) -an eco-friendly natural hair dye.
Author: Sayantan Tripathi, Amal Kumar Mondal.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1011-1012 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Eclipta prostrata, eco-friendly, natural hair dye.
Abstract: The common weed Eclipta prostrata (L) L. (family Asteraceae) is a prostrate or reclining to erect, often branched, annual or perennial herb. It is used for various medicinal purposes like urinary infections, gastrointestinal disorders, jaundice, cough and lung infections. Several health benefits and antivenom properties of this plant have been reported. In Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India the rural people commonly uses the leaf extract of this plant as a natural dye to colour their hair. The juice of the herb contains an oil-soluble black dye. The bhringraj (vernacular name of E. prostrata) leaf powder is mixed with coconut oil and heated. It is then cooled and bottled for further use. To enhance the sticky nature and longevity of the dye, watery latex of Musa paradisiaca L (family Musaceae) is mixed with it.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L.and Chopra, I.C., Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, CSIR, New Delhi, 1955. Kirtikar, K.R. and Basu, B.D., In Indian Medicinal Plants, Lalith Mohan Basu, Allahabad, 1935, 2nd edn, p.536.
Literature cited 2: Kritikar, K.R. and Basu, B.D., In Indian Medicinal Plants (eds Blatter, E., Caius, J.F. and Mhaskar, K.S.), Vivek Vihar, New Delhi, 1975. Mors, W.B., Nascimento, M.C., Parente, J.P., Silva, M.H., Melo, P.A. and Sqarez-Kurtz, G., Toxicon, 1989, 27, 1003-1009.

ID: 61314
Title: Popularization of Manilkara hexandra (Khirni) - an endangered underutilized fruit tree for conservation and utilization.
Author: A.Keerthika, A.K.Shukla, Vikas Khandel Wal
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1010-1011 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Popularization, Manilkara hexandra (Khirni), endangered, underutilized fruit tree, conservation, utilization
Abstract: Manilkara hexandra (Roxb). Dubard (milk tree) is believed to have originated in India. It is an important underutilized fruit tree species (family Sapotaceae) commonly distributed in tropical deciduous forests of western and central India. It is locally known as ' Khirni ' , ' Rayan ' and ' Raina ' among the tribal populations of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Bark, fresh fruits and seeds of khirni have high economic value due to their nutritional and medicinal applications. Mature fresh fruits are sweet and can be consumed raw as well as after drying. Fruit is a good source of minerals (calcium 83 mg, phosphorus 17 mg, iron 0.92 mg), sugars, protein (0.48 g) carbohydrates and vitamins A and C (673 and 15.67 IU).Fresh or dried fruits are consumed by local inhabitants/tribal people. Fruit is a source of vitamin A for the nutritionally deficient tribal women and children. This commercially and economically important tree provides livelihood security to tribal populations.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Stewart, J.L and Brandis, D., In The Forest Flora of North-West and Central India, Reprinted by Bishen Singh and Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun, 1992, p.602. Malik, S.K., Chaudhary, R., Dhariwal, O.P. and Bhandari, D.C., In Genetic Resources of Tropical Underutilized Fruits in India, NBPGR, New Delhi, 2010, p. 168.
Literature cited 2: Malik, S.K., Choudhary, R., Kumar, S., Dhariwal, O.P., Deswal, R.P.S. and Chaudhary, R., Genet.Resour.Crop Evol., 2012, 59, 1255-1265. Anonymous, The Wealth of India: Raw Materials, Vol 6, Publications an Information Directorate, CSIR, New Delhi, 1962, pp. 298-301.

ID: 61313
Title: Teaching taxonomy
Author: B.Mallik and S.Ramani
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (6) 1009-1009 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Teaching, Taxonomy
Abstract: Pisupati has expressed his concern about taxonomy being a dying subject and taxonomists as endangered species, as a result of taxonomy teaching being boring and lack of employment opportunities. Though the later is of concern to be addressed by the policy makers, we would like to share our experience about the former, i.e. teaching taxonomy. During the last three years, at the Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, we have organized 20 training programmes on taxonomy. These have been conducted under the ' Capacity building in Taxonomy of Insects and Mites ' programme supported by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, under its Niche Area of Excellence programme. In all agricultural universities, Systematic Entomology is a core course for students of M Sc (Agricultural Entomology) and in other universities. Animal taxonomy is one of the main papers for students of M Sc in zoology.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None