Enter records

ID: 66260
Title: Improvement in propagation through seed pre-treatmnt in Medicinally important plant Cowitch (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.)
Author: Vikas Yadav Patade,Nirbhay Singh, Atul Grover and Madhu Bala
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (1) Jan. Pg No. 14-17 (2025)
Subject: Improvement in propagation through seed pre-treatmnt in Medicinally important plant Cowitch (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.)
Keywords: Cowitch, Seed, Germination, Pre-treatment, Acid scarification
Abstract: Cowitch (Mucuna pruriens (L) DC.) is an important medicinal plant. Germination was found very poor and slow in a genotype of the seed propagated plant. Present study reports effects of scarification with concentrated (98% v/v) sulfuric acid for different durations (5,10, 30, 60, 120 min) followed by water soaking for 24 h on seed germination and seedlings establishment. Acid pre-treatment for 120 min resulted in significantly (Ps 0.05) higher seed germination (95.0%) than the control (27.5%) water soaked (27.5%) and the shorter acid treatments. Further, the rate of germination was significantly higher in acid pre-treatment for 120 min (Timson's index: 76.0) than the control (Timson's index: 14.0) and the shorter acid treatments seedling establishment was also significantly improved in the acid treatment (92.0%) than the control (20.5%).The acid pre-treatment to the seeds did not cause any adverse effects on seedling vigor, morphology and reproductive growth of the plants. The present study thus suggests acid treatment for 120 min for higher and rapid seed germination for propagation of the medicinally important plant.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aaron A, Maheshwari D.K., Dheeman S. , Agarwal M., Dubey R.C., Bajpai V.K. (2017).Plant growth promotion and suppression of charcoal-rot fungus (Macrophomina phaseolina ) in velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L) by root nodule bacteria. Journal of Phytopathology. 165:463-478. Gurumoorthi P.Pugalenthi M. and Janardhana K. (2003a) Nutritional potential of five accessories of a south Indian tribal pulse Mucuna pruriens var.utilis; II.Investigation on total free phenolics, tannins, trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors, phytohaemagglutinnins, and in vitro protein digestibility. Trop Subtrop Agroecosyss, 1: 153-158.
Literature cited 2: Gurumoorthi,P., Senthil K.S., Vadivel V. and Janardhanan K. (2003b). Studies on agrobotanical characters of different accessions of velvet bean collected from Western Ghats, South India. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2: 105-115. Harvais G and Hadley G. (1967). The development of Orchis Purpurella in asymbiotic and inoculated cultures.New phytologist, 66:217-230.

ID: 66259
Title: Effect of different tree species on physico-chemical properties of soil under Rainfed comnditions of south-west Haryana
Author: Asha, P.K.Yadav , N.Kaushik ,Ram Prakash , M.K.Jat and Diksha Saroha
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (1) Jan. Pg No. 8-13 (2025)
Subject: Effect of different tree species on physico-chemical properties of soil under Rainfed comnditions of south-west Haryana
Keywords: Maconutrients, Micronutrients, soil depth, soil organic carbon, Tree species
Abstract: The cultivation of tree species helps in nutrient cycling, microclimate regulation, green manure provision and long-term land cover, which helps reduce soil erosion, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study, conducted for first time at the Regional Research Station, Bawal, Haryana, India, assessed the impact of three tree species (Pongamaia pinnata, prosopis cineraria and Ailanthus excelsa) on soil properties under rainfed conditions. Soil samples were collected from various depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-60, 60-90, 90-120, 120-150 and 150-180 cm) and analyzed for texture , Ph, EC, organic carbon, Carbon content and leaf-litter nutrient status .Results showed that P.cineraria reduced soil pH (7.51), EC (0.19 dSm-1), and CaCO3 (0%) compared to the control (pH 8.3, EC 0.22 dSm-1, and 0.39% Cacon), with these properties increasing with soil depth. Organic carbon content was significantly higher under the tree species (0.42 % for P.cineraria, 0.41 % for A. excelsa, and 0.33 % for P.pinnata) compared to the control (0.195).Leaf nutrient content, particularly NPK and micronutrients (except Mn), varied significantly among species, with P.cineraria showing the highest concentrations. The study highlights the potential of these tree species to improve soil quality and restore fertility through in situ manuring due to their high nutrient content.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Asha, Yadav P.K. Jat M., Prakash R.Singh C.and Kumar (2023). Soil fertility status under long-term block plantations of different tree species in South -West Haryana. Annals of Plant and Soil Research, 25 (2): 255-261. Barkham J.P., Waring R.H. and Schlesinger W.H. (1987) Forest Ecosystems: Concepts and Management. Journal or Ecology, 75 (1): 284.
Literature cited 2: Bhargava B.S. and Raghupati H.B. (1993)., Methods of analysis of soils. Plants, waters and fertilizers. Fertilizer development and consultation organization, 54-60. Charpin F.S.Matson P.A. Mooney H.A. and Vitousek P.M (2002). Principles of terrestrial ecosystem ecology.

ID: 66258
Title: Melia dubia Progenies from Satpura and Sahyadri Ranges o fSouth Gujarat have potential for salinity tolerance
Author: David Camus D, N.S. Thakur, D.P.Patel, R.P.Gunaga, R.S.Chauhan and Y.A. Garde
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (1) Jan. Pg No. 1-7 (2025)
Subject: Melia dubia Progenies from Satpura and Sahyadri Ranges o fSouth Gujarat have potential for salinity tolerance
Keywords: Salinity tolerance, Melia dubia, progeny, Multi-index evaluation, Physiological traits
Abstract: Rising salinity in agricultural lands threatens sustainable crop production. This study investigates salinity tolerance mechanisms in eight Melia dubia progenies from South Gujarat, India. A multi-index physiological approach (total plant salinity tolerance), Na- exclusion index, osmotic tolerance index, fresh weight. Significant variation was observed among progenies (p<0.05).P5, P6, P7 and P8 consistently displayed superior performance across all parameters, indicating their potential for saline environments (Between 3 ds/sin/m to 9 d/s/m). Notably, each high performing progeny exhibited distinct tolerance strengths, suggesting diverse coping mechanisms. Future research should explore the genetic basis of this mechanisms and conduct field trials for real-world validation. This combined approach will be crucial for developing and deploying salt-tolerant M.dubia for ecological restoration.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aziz A. ,Munns and James R.A. (2018). Salinity tolerance in plants: a complex web of physiological adaptations. Plant and Cell Physiology, 59 (6): 1063-1084. Chauhan R.S. Thakur N.S. Gunaga R.P. Bhuva D.C. and Jadeja D.NB. (2019).Assessment of germination attributes in candidate plus trees (CPTs) of Malabar Neem (Melia dubia Cav). Indian Journal of Ecology, 46 (2): 335-339.
Literature cited 2: Jilaria D.J., Thakur N.S. and Gunaga R.P.(2017). Quantitative and qualitative attributes of Aloe Vera Linn. grown under Melia composite Wild. and sole cropping systems. Indian Journal of Ecology, 44 (5): 451-455. Kumar A. Savita S.P., Sharma S., Dobhal S., Rana A. and Kumar R. (2017).Development of high yielding varieties of Meli dubia Cav. (Syn.M.Composita Benth). Indian Forester., 143 (11) : 1203-1206.

ID: 66257
Title: Grey pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera): an emerging pest of tuberose in India
Author: D. M. Firake, Sunil Joshi P. Naveen Kumar T. N. Saha , V. S. Raju Dantuluri and K. V. Prasad
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 946-950 10 May (2025)
Subject: Grey pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera): an emerging pest of tuberose in India
Keywords: Dysmicoccus brevipes, Gulchhadi, Polianthes tuberosa, Rajanigandha, Solenopsis geminate, Sungandharaja.
Abstract: Tuberose (Agave amica) is a highly valued flower crop in India, known for its consistently high returns and ability to thrive in various climatic conditions. Severe outbreaks of the grey pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), have been observed in several villages of Pune district, Maharashtra (India), since 2021, leading to significant economic losses. The present study provides an illustrative morphological diagnosis of D. neobrevipes and basic information on its field establishment, impact on tuberose crop, nature of the damage and field symptoms, etc. Surveys conducted in major tuberose-growing areas of Pune district (Maharashtra) revealed that the mealybug primarily infests the underground and basal portion of tuberose plants, causing stunted growth, drooping and ultimately death of the plants. D. neobrevipes produces honeydew, fostering sooty mould growth that impairs photosynthesis and reduces flower yield. It also infests tuberose bulbs, spoiling them in storage. Based on primary scientific literature, the present study represents a scientifically confirmed record of D. neobrevipes as a new pest of tuberose in India. The ant species Solenopsis geminata was found attending to mealybug colonies, aiding their spread and creating a nuisance for farmers during routine field activities. A total of 87.09% of the surveyed fields (n = 62) showed mealybug infestation, ranging from 68% to 97%. Raising awareness among the farmers and implementing regular monitoring in tuberose-growing areas are crucial steps for developing effective management practices and preventing the further spread of this pest to other regions
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Singh, K. P., Tiwari, A. K. and Saha, T. N., AICRP on Floriculture, ICAR Database on Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) (2010–11 to 2013–14). ICAR-DFR Technical Bulletin No. 17. ICAR Directorate of Floricultural Research, College of Agriculture Campus, Pune, India, 2015. Sadhukhan, R., Chowdhuri, T. K. and Datta, S. K., Tuberose (Polyanthes tuberosa Linn./Agave amica). In Floriculture and Ornamental Plants, Springer Singapore, Singapore, 2021, pp. 1–52; https:// doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3518-5_17.
Literature cited 2: Mani, M. and Krishnamoorthy, A., Field efficacy of Australian ladybird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant in the suppression of stripped mealybug Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) on tuberose. J. Biol. Control., 2007, 21 (Special Issue), 129–131. Shanthi, M., Nalini, R., Rajavel, D. S. and Murali Baskaran, R. K., Occurrence of mealybug, Ferrisia virgata Cock on tuberose in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Insect Environ., 2008, 13(4), 149

ID: 66256
Title: Observational aspects of cyclonic storm ‘ASNA’ – a rare tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea during peak southwest monsoon months
Author: Santosh Singh, Satya Prakash and M. Mohapatra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 940-945 10 May (2025)
Subject: Observational aspects of cyclonic storm ‘ASNA’ – a rare tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea during peak southwest monsoon months
Keywords: Arabian Sea, maximum sustained wind, meteorological satellites, southwest monsoon, tropical cyclone
Abstract: The Arabian Sea basin of the North Indian Ocean witnessed two and three Cyclonic Storms (CS) during the peak southwest monsoon months of July and August respectively, between 1891 and 2023. In 2024, a CS ‘ASNA’ formed over the Arabian Sea on 30 August. It is the first CS over the Arabian Sea during peak monsoon months (July–August) in the Indian meteorological satellite era. This preliminary study examines the movement of CS, starting from its formation as a lowpressure area over the North Bay of Bengal and associated rainfall. The capabilities of optical and microwave satellite sensors in centre and intensity determination of this CS have also been discussed. An assessment of real-time intensity estimates through the maximum sustained wind and centre positions from different techniques across the global agencies showed considerable differences among them.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mohapatra, M., Sharma, M., Devi, S. S., Kumar, S. V. J. and Sabade, B. S., Frequency of genesis and landfall of different categories of tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean. Mausam, 2021, 72, 1–26. Mohapatra, M. and Sharma, M., Cyclone warning services in India during recent years: a review. Mausam, 2019, 70, 635–666
Literature cited 2: Singh, V. K. and Roxy, M. K., A review of ocean–atmosphere interactions during tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean. EarthSci. Rev., 2022, 226, 103967; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev. 2022.103967. Deshpande, M., Singh, V. K., Ganadhi, M. K., Roxy, M. K., Emmanuel, R. and Kumar, U., Changing status of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean. Clim. Dynamic., 2021, 57, 3545–3567; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-021-05880-z

ID: 66255
Title: Energy intake and expenditure as determinants of foraging decision in alfalfa pollinating carpenter bee Chalicodoma cephalotes Smith
Author: D. P. Abrol
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 935-939 10 May (2025)
Subject: Energy intake and expenditure as determinants of foraging decision in alfalfa pollinating carpenter bee Chalicodoma cephalotes Smith
Keywords: Chalicodoma cephalotes, cultivated crops, energy budget, pollination.
Abstract: The energetics of foraging behaviour of alfalfa pollinating carpenter bee Chalicodoma (ex. Megachile) cephalotes F. was studied in relation to foraging on sunflower, Helianthus annus, Medicago sativa, Parkinsonia aculeata, Cajanus cajan and Pongamia glabra. Laboratory assessments of physiological energetics were combined with field observations on the time budget and energy intake of Chalicodoma cephalotes Smith to estimate its daily energy expenditure. The energy balance varied from day to day and across different crops. Overall, the foraging efficiency of C. cephalotes followed this order: C. cajan > P. glabra > P. aculeate > M. sativa > H. annuus. It was evident that C. cajan, P. glabra and P. aculeata provided more energy for the bees under the conditions of the present study.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ashman, T. L., Pollen limitation of plant reproduction: ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences. Ecology, 2004, 85, 2408–2421. Aguilar, R., Ashworth, L., Galetto, L. and Aizen, M. A., Plant reproductive susceptibility to habitat fragmentation: a review and synthesis through a meta-analysis. Ecol. Lett., 2006, 9, 968–980.
Literature cited 2: Michaud, R., Lehman, E. F. and Rambaugh, M. D., World distribution historical development. In Alfalfa and Alfalfa Improvement (eds Hanson, A. A., Barnes D. K. and Hill, R. R.), American Society for Agronomy, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 1988, pp. 25–91. Ghaderpour, O., Rafiee, S., Sharifi, M. and Mousavi-Avval, S. H., Quantifying the environmental impact of alfalfa production in different farming systems. Sustain Energy Technol. Assess, 2018, 27, 109– 118

ID: 66254
Title: Gold, silver and platinum mineralisation in radioactive quartz-pebble conglomerate of Phuljhari Formation of Dhanjori basin along Chatanipani–Bhadalodih– Jajagora tract, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, India
Author: Ashim Jana, Parvej Alam , V. R. Akhila , Debashis Bhattacharya and Kalyan Chakrabarti
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 927-934 10 May (2025)
Subject: Gold, silver and platinum mineralisation in radioactive quartz-pebble conglomerate of Phuljhari Formation of Dhanjori basin along Chatanipani–Bhadalodih– Jajagora tract, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, India
Keywords: Dhanjori, gold, quartz-pebble conglomerate, Phuljhari, radioactive
Abstract: Significant gold, silver and platinum mineralisation is reported from the Archean quartz-pebble conglomerate (QPC) horizon of the Phuljhari Formation of Dhanjori basin of Singhbhum-Orissa Craton at Chatanipani, Bhadalodih, Haludbani and Jajagora areas, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. The gold content of QPC samples (n = 25) ranges from <10 to 10,000 ppb, silver content (n = 11) ranges from 30 to 1,820 ppb and platinum content (n = 11) ranges from <25 to 414 ppb. The QPC samples are physically assayed up to 0.012% U3O8 and 83 ppm ThO2 (n = 32) in these areas. Electron-probe microanalysis reveals the presence of discrete gold in QPC. The petrographic study also shows the presence of native gold and silver in the QPC. This communication presents a brief account of the association of gold, silver and platinum with uranium and the characteristics of the radioactive QPC.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Radhakrishna, B. P. and Curtis, L. C., Gold in India, Geological Society of India, Bengaluru, 1999, p. 307. Jana, A., Chakrabarti, K., Akhila V. R., Sarkar B. C. and Sinha, D. K., Uranium and gold mineralisation in quartz pebble conglomerates of Singhbhum-Orissa Craton, India: an update on exploration. Exp. Res. Atom. Min., 2021, 29, 38–51.
Literature cited 2: Haque, M. W. and Dutta, S. K., Gold in conglomerates of Dhanjori basin, Singhbhum district: Pre-workshop volume. In National Workshop on Exploration and Exploration of Gold Resources in India, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad and Geological Society of India, Bengaluru, 1996, p. 8. Yadav, P. K. and Das, M., Gold, uranium and thorium mineralization in Paleoproterozoic quartz-pebble conglomerate of Dhanjori Group, Singhbhum Craton, India. Indian J. Geosci., 2018, 72(2), 139–150

ID: 66253
Title: Long-term rainfall trend analysis for six homogeneous monsoon regions of India
Author: Meenakshi Ramola , Prabhash K. Mishra , Purna C. Nayak, and Aradhana Thakur
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 915-926 10 May (2025)
Subject: Long-term rainfall trend analysis for six homogeneous monsoon regions of India
Keywords: Entropy, homogeneous monsoon regions, Mann–Kendall, rainfall trend, Sen’s slope.
Abstract: Rainfall recharges natural sources of water, which directly or indirectly impacts India’s economy. Rainfall-induced natural calamities coupled with climate change have a vast impact on water resources. The present study attempts to examine the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall across six homogeneous monsoon regions of India, viz. Central Northeast, Northeast, Northwest, South Peninsular, West Central and Hilly. In this study, the non-parametric Mann Kendall (MK) test, Sen’s slope estimator (SSE) and entropy method have been used for trend analysis of 100-year gridded rainfall data. Here, monthly, seasonal and annual trends were analysed with the help of Zstatistics, Sen’s slope, marginal disorder index (MDI) values, and for visualisation of results, box plot and GIS-based Kriging approaches were used. Rainy-day trends were also considered in the analyses. Thus, Central Northeast, West Central and Hilly regions showed decreasing annual and monsoon trends, whereas Northeast, Northwest, South Peninsular regions showed increasing annual and monsoon trends. The Central Northeast region was the only region that showed a significant decreasing rainfall trend at a 5% level of significance, with a Z-statistics of –3.31. Trends of remaining regions were not significant. The North west region, comprising dry, arid region, showed an increasing rainy-day trend with a Z-statistics of corrected as 0.89. Entropy-based variability analysis indicated the Northwest region with maximum variability with an MDI value of 0.04 each, for monsoon and annual rainfall series. The maximum MDI value was found for Northwest region, indicating highest variability in the rainy-day series.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gadgil, S., The Indian monsoon and its variability. Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci., 2003, 31(1), 429–467. Webster, P., Maga˜na, V. O., Palmer, T., Shukla, J., Thomas, R. A., Yanai, M. U. and Yasunari, T., Monsoons: processes, predictability, and the prospects for prediction. J. Geophys. Res., 1998, 103, 14451–14510.
Literature cited 2: Parthasarathy, B. and Dhar, O. N., Secular variations of regional rainfall over India. Q. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 1974, 100, 245–257. Parthasarathy, B., Munot, A. A. and Kothawale, D. R., Indian summer monsoon rainfall indices: 1871–1990. Meteorol. Mag., 1992, 121, 174–186

ID: 66252
Title: Structural, thermal, dielectric and modulus studies on magnesium-doped tamarind seed polysaccharide based biopolymer electrolytes
Author: P. V. N. M. Kaushik , N. Krishna Jyothi , M. Gnana Kiran , Mahantappa S. Jogad, and K. Vijaya Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 908-914 10 May (2025)
Subject: Structural, thermal, dielectric and modulus studies on magnesium-doped tamarind seed polysaccharide based biopolymer electrolytes
Keywords: Biopolymers, biopolymer electrolyte, electric modulus, impedance, tamarind seed polysaccharide, storage devices.
Abstract: We report the X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) plots and measurements of ionic conductivity, dielectric parameters and electric modulus parameters for different compositions of magnesium chloride (MgCl2)-doped tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) biopolymer electrolyte films. Different compositions of the biopolymer and dopant salt were used in the ratios of TSP : MgCl2 (90 : 10, 80 : 20, 70 : 30 and 60 : 40 wt.%). The XRD and DSC plots confirmed the highest amorphous nature for the optimum composition TSP : MgCl2 (70 : 30 wt.%). AC impedance spectroscopy was used to determine the ionic conductivities of the prepared films. For TSP : MgCl2 (70 : 30 wt.%), a maximum conductivity of 1.27 × 10–5 S cm–1 was reported at 303 K and 2.09 × 10–5 S cm–1 at 363 K. The values of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss were higher at lower frequencies and gradually declined with the frequency for all the films. The highest values of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss for the composition TSP : MgCl2 (70 : 30 wt.%) were reported to be 3.87 × 104 and 2.08 × 105 respectively. Studies of the electric modulus spectra revealed the relaxation process that occurs in biopolymer electrolyte systems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Das, A., Ringu, T., Ghosh, S. and Pramanik, N., A comprehensive review on recent advances in preparation, physicochemical characterization, and bioengineering applications of biopolymers. Polym. Bull., 2023, 80, 7247–7312. Lu, D. et al., Ligand-channel-enabled ultrafast Li-ion conduction. Nature, 2024, 627, 101–107.
Literature cited 2: Pierdoná Antoniolli, J. F., Grespan, G. L. and Rodrigues, D., Challenges and recent progress on solid‐state batteries and electrusing qualitative systematic analysis. A short review. ChemSusChem, 2024, 17, e202301808. Le, C. V. and Yoon, H., Advances in the use of conducting polymers for healthcare monitoring. IJ

ID: 66251
Title: Automatic extraction of economically important forest tree species using deep learning and image processing techniques
Author: Anju Bajpai, A. O. Varghese, T. P. Girish Kumar and G. Sreenivasan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 899-907 10 May (2025)
Subject: Automatic extraction of economically important forest tree species using deep learning and image processing techniques
Keywords: Deep learning, machine learning, NTFP, OBIA, Pléiades, timber trees.
Abstract: Trees are crucial for the structure and functioning of forests and play a significant ecological and economic role. Certain tree species in forests have a key economic impact by providing timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and contributing to the economic productivity and the livelihood of forest-dependent communities. Therefore, it is vital to accurately identify and quantify these economically important species to prioritise resource allocation and support rural livelihoods. While previous studies have focused on identifying tree species in more uniform temperate forest regions, few studies have concentrated on tropical, heterogeneous forests. Trees like Madhuca longifolia (Mahua), Dendrocalamus strictus (Bamboo), Tectona grandis (Teak), and Hardwickia binata (Anjan) are widely found in the Central regions of India. This study aimed to automatically identify economically important tree species using object-based image processing techniques, such as segmentation, object-based image classification, graphic analysis of spectral reflectance curve, and deep learning methods applied to Pléiades Neo Satellite data. Trees possess specific crown characteristics, tone, texture, pattern and shadows, which produce distinctive spectral and spatial signatures. The study automatically extracted the targeted trees from India's highly diverse tropical forests, achieving an intersection over union (IoU) of 0.806. The Kappa coefficient turned out to be 0.81321, with omission error of 3% and commission error of 8%
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Angelsen, A. et al., Environmental income and rural livelihoods: a global-comparative analysis. World Dev., 2014, 64, S12–S28; doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.03.006. Shackleton, C. M. and Pullanikkatil, D., Considering the links between non-timber forest products and poverty alleviation. In Poverty Reduction Through Non-Timber Forest Products. Sustainable Development Goals Series (eds Pullanikkatil, D. and Shackleton, C.), Springer, Cham, 2019, pp. 15–28; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3- 319-75580-9_2.
Literature cited 2: Egli, S. and Höpke, M., CNN-based tree species classification using high resolution RGB image data from automated UAV observations. Remote Sensing, 2020, 12, 3892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ rs12233892. Onishi, M. and Ise, T., Explainable identification and mapping of trees using UAV RGB image and deep learning. Sci. Rep., 2021, 11, 903; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79653-9

ID: 66250
Title: Plant growth promoting bacteria as source of secondary metabolites: an emergent principle in plant science
Author: Amandeep Singh Sidhu , Charanjit Singh Aulakh , Sukhveer Singh Bhullar , Harmanjot Kaur, Gulab Pandove , Amanpreet Singh and Anuj Choudhary
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 885-898 10 May (2025)
Subject: Plant growth promoting bacteria as source of secondary metabolites: an emergent principle in plant science
Keywords: Biofertilizers, metabolites, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, phytohormone, stress.
Abstract: The biological phenomena of soil consist of life, macro and microfauna and flora which make a big contribution to soil health and fertility. Soil, plant and rhizosphere microorganisms have a strong relationship to sustain plant growth and development. Bacteria and fungi constitute the most abundant groups in the rhizosphere. The beneficial rhizobacteria have a number of positive effects on the environment, soil conditions, and plant growth and are known as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR have positive effects on plant physiology and growth when used as biofertilizer and biocontrol, root colonization, induced systemic resistance, phytopathogen biocontrol, etc. The use of PGPR or other microbial-based products is increasing as the most suitable option for reducing the use of chemicals and to sustain productivity as well as soil health. However, there are a few bottlenecks such as biotic and abiotic stresses and commercialization of PGPR. In this review, we have therefore discussed the mechanisms of PGPR, different secondary metabolites that are being produced by Bacillus and Pseudomonas; their synthesis pathways and ecological interactions in nature.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Belnap, J., Weber, B. and Büdel, B., Biological Soil Crusts as an Organizing Principle in Drylands, Springer International Publishing, Southwest Biological Science Centre, 2016, pp. 3–13. Beneduzi, A., Ambrosini, A. and Passaglia, L. M., Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR): their potential as antagonists and biocontrol agents. Genet. Mol. Biol., 2012, 35(4), 1044–1051
Literature cited 2: Tian, P., Razavi, B. S., Zhang, X., Wang, Q. and Blagodatskaya, E., Microbial growth and enzyme kinetics in rhizosphere hotspots are modulated by soil organics and nutrient availability. Soil Biol. Biochem., 2020, 141, 107662. Prashar, P., Kapoor, N. and Sachdeva, S., Rhizosphere: its structure, bacterial diversity and significance. Rev. Environ. Sci. Biotechnol., 2014, 13(1), 63–77.

ID: 66249
Title: Indian beamline at Photon Factory, high-energy accelerator research organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Japan
Author: Poonam Yadav and Sebastian C. Peter
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 880-884 10 May (2025)
Subject: Indian beamline at Photon Factory, high-energy accelerator research organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Japan
Keywords: Indian beamline, materials, Photon Factory, synchrotron, X-ray diffraction, X-ray scattering
Abstract: Synchrotron X-ray sources play a vital role in the detailed structural characterization of new materials and in advancing our understanding of structure–property relationships in advanced materials. Recognizing the absence of intense X-ray synchrotron sources and the pressing nationwide demand for access to radiation sources to propel nanoscience and materials research forward, a national program was launched by Nano Mission, Department of Science and Technology, India. As part of this initiative, the Indian Beamline was established at the High-Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) in Tsukuba, Japan, representing a flagship cooperative endeavour. This facility operates at 2.5 GeV with a storage ring current of 450 mA, providing around 4000 hours of user time annually across six different experiment types. The operational efficiency of this synchrotron facility, with an impressive ratio of actual user time to scheduled user time maintained at 96–98%, stands as a critical benchmark for the planning and execution of synchrotron-related experiments.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 66248
Title: Rethinking science and mathematics pedagogy in Indian higher education
Author: Aahana Ganguly, Divya Uma, Proteep Mallik, Sravanti Uppaluri and Tulsi Srinivasan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 874-879 10 May (2025)
Subject: Rethinking science and mathematics pedagogy in Indian higher education
Keywords: Interdisciplinarity, local context, science education, self-directed learning, undergraduate pedagogy.
Abstract: Undergraduate science and mathematics curricula in India are still mostly centred around content, and the pedagogy on delivering this content. This does not serve the needs of a diverse student body, nor the needs of these disciplines. Keeping in mind the multiple constraints that undergraduate teachers face, we provide some pedagogical principles for student-centred learning, and some examples illustrating these principles that we believe can be carried out in different contexts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ministry of Education, All India Survey on Higher Education 2021– 22, 2022; https://aishe.gov.in/aishe-final-report/. Freeman, S., Eddy, S. L., McDonough, M., Smith, M. K., Okoroafor, N., Jordt, H. and Wenderoth, M. P., Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2014, 111(23), 8410–8415.
Literature cited 2: Theobald, E. J., Hill, M. J., Tran, E., Agrawal, S., Arroyo, E. N., Behling, S. and Freeman, S., Active learning narrows achievement gaps for underrepresented students in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and math. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2020, 117(12), 6476–6483. King, D. and Ritchie, S. M., Learning science through real-world contexts. In Second International Handbook of Science Education (eds Fraser, B., Tobin, K. and McRobbie, C.), Springer, Dordrecht, 2012, vol. 24, pp. 69–79; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9041- 7_6.

ID: 66247
Title: Occurrence of Leucism in Xylophis perroteti (Serpentes: Pareidae: Xylophiinae) in Nilgiris, Western Ghats, India
Author: Palanisamy Santhoshkumar, Ravikumar Cleamant Kumar Kiran Samson Arockianathan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 872-873 10 May (2025)
Subject: Occurrence of Leucism in Xylophis perroteti (Serpentes: Pareidae: Xylophiinae) in Nilgiris, Western Ghats, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: Different types of inherited colours have been reported in snakes, such as melanism, leucism and albinism1–3 . Leucism is expressed as the almost total decolouration of certain or whole parts of the body but preserving the typical colour of eyes, nails and skin4,5 . The few available reports document leucism in snakes6 . The present study reports leucism in Xylophis perroteti in the Nilgiris of Western Ghats, India. Striped narrow-headed snake X. perroteti has restricted distribution and is found at altitudes from 1000 to 2500 m in the Nilgiri hills of Southern Western Ghats7 .
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bechtel, H. B., Int. J. Dermatol., 1991, 30, 243–246. Krecsak, L., Rus. J. Herpetol., 2008, 15(2), 97–102.
Literature cited 2: Castella, B., Golay, J., Monney, J. C., Golay, P., Mebert, K. and Dubey, S., J. Zool., 2013, 290(4), 273–280. Bensch, S., Hansson, B., Hasselquist, D. and Nielsen, B., Hereditas, 2000, 133, 167–170.

ID: 66246
Title: Mixed farming of catfish and carps: a model for higher productivity and income
Author: Md. Aklakur Udipta Roy Md. Imran Shah Kamlesh Kumar Md Amjad Vikash Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (9) 867-871 10 May (2025)
Subject: Mixed farming of catfish and carps: a model for higher productivity and income
Keywords: None
Abstract: Aquaculture has promises for feeding to the burgeoning population of the world. Inland production through aquaculture is growing very fast and carp fishes have a huge contribution to fisheries around 70.6% of the total production1 . The demand in local market and high consumer preference made the carp-based aquaculture more prominent in India. The most commonly preferred carp varieties in Bihar and other Indian states are as follows: Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita), Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Big Head (Hypophthal michthys nobilis), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Black Carp (Labeo calbasu) and Bata (Labeo bata), etc. Farmers’ prefer these species for their higher growth, natural food acceptance, polyculture and composite culture potential in pond-based systems. Generally, the productivity of carps in pond-based systems can range from 0.8 to 3.2 tonnes per acre, which can be achieved in six months2 . In Andhra Pradesh, various polyculture models for carp culture are followed. In one system, Catla and Rohu fingerlings are stocked at the density of 8,000–10,000/ha at a ratio of Catla : Rohu (1 : 10) and within one-year culture cycle, 1–2 kg fishes are harvested with 85–90% survival rate, which accounted around 10–13 tonnes/ha/year production3 . In another practice, farmers use three-species stocking, with 5000 Rohu, 500 Catla and 250 Mrigal per hectare and within one year culture duration, growth of Catla can be achieved 2.5–3.5 kg, Rohu 1.5–2.5 kg and Mrigal 1.0–1.5 kg, can be with an overall yield of 9–11 MT/ha/year. In West Bengal, most of the farmers follow composite fish farming to utilize all ecological niches of pond ecosystem to fetch higher returns where six species are stocked at a ratio of 30–40% surface feeders (Silver Carp and Catla), 30–35% column feeders (Rohu and Grass Carp) and 30–40% bottom feeders (Common Carp and Mrigal). Some farmers include bottom feeding freshwater prawns instead of Common Carp and Mrigal to fetch higher returns. The core objective of such inclusion is to make culture system more feasible than major carp polyculture alone4–6
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Allsopp, W., In Global Trends in Fisheries Management, American Fisheries Society, Symposium, 1999, vol. 20, pp. 153–166. Yadava, M., Ranjanb, R. and Shahc, T. B., Aquacult. J., 2023, 14(1), 1D.
Literature cited 2: Bhanu Prakash, C. H., Khairnar, S. O., Mandal, A., Kumar, A. and Kumar, B., Int. J. Fisher. Aquat. Stud., 2018, 6(4), 545– 550. Dora, K. C., Freshwater Fish Seed Production and Nursery Rearing in West Bengal, India. In International Training Programme for Cambodian Trainees, 2012.