CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute Research Articles

Assessment of carbon sequestration potential of tropical tree species for urban forestry in India

Urban, peri urban and patch forests play a critical role in climate change mitigation through increased carbon storage and for that, it is imperative to assess the species response in an eco-region to recommend a potentially higher carbon sequestering species. In urban settings, green spaces, in particular, trees play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, reducing the impact of urban heat islands, enhancing the hydrological cycle, as well as sequestering carbon. When introduced in urban greening projects, native species provide better ecosystem services, conserve and maintain biodiversity more sustainably than exotic species. However, fewer efforts are being made to evaluate the carbon sequestration potential of native tropical tree species in urban greening initiatives. The present study aims to assess the biomass production and carboxylation efficiency of three native tropical tree species to identify the high carbon sequestering species, which will enhance the carbon stocks under urban green spaces. Above ground biomass, carbon stock and physiological performance of three native tropical tree species (Tectona grandis, Mallotus nudiflorus and Syzygium cumini) were measured in Botanical Garden of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow for eight years old tree stands. Above ground biomass (AGB, Mg/ha) was measured using a non-destructive method by applying allometric equations. Tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH) and leaf area index (LAI) was maximum in T. grandis stand (10.43 m, 29.21 cm, 1.95, respectively). Maximum AGB (71.94 Mg/ha) and carbon stock (25.54 Mg/ha) was observed in T. grandis plantations among the three tree stands. T. grandis stand also had maximum litter fall (5.82 Mg/ha). Highest diurnal photosynthesis rate, water use efficiency and stomatal conductance were also observed in T. grandis stand. However, maximum photosynthetic rate was observed in Mallotus nudiflorus. One way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) in AGB, carbon stock and physiological parameters among the three species. Pearson's Correlation matrix established the positive relationship between growth performance and physiological traits of species with their capacity to sequester carbon. T. grandis can be promoted for urban greening projects for achieving carbon sequestration targets with short time span, however plantation of mixed native species will provide better delivery of all ecosystem services in sustainable mode. Results from the present study shed light on the patterns of carbon sequestration by these species, which in turn will help in the decision-making process for sustainable urban greening. Further, more tropical species can be assessed for their biomass and carbon capture capacities to determine the best species matrix for plantations to enhance carbon storage and develop climate resilient greenbelt under urban landscape forestry programs.

Floriculture Work at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow

Floriculture Work at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow

Recent varietal development of flower crops in India

Indian floriculture is characterized by the cultivation of flowers that are basically suited for garland making, worship and decoration. This industry has been shifted from traditional loose flowers to cut flowers for niche and export markets. there is need to develop more and more varieties which are climatic resilient; tolerance to various biotic and abiotic varieties. In recent times, number of varieties was evolved from various institutes/Universities of India for commercial production of flowers. ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi; ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru; CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow; CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow; CSIR- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource technology, Palampur, tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore; Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana are pioneer in scientific front on floricultural crops. The varieties of commercial flowers such as Rose (16), Gladiolus (17), Crysanthemum (25), marigold (06), carnation (02), tuberose (01), gerbera (03), etc. have been released and added value to our cultivated wealth of flower crops. Some of the recently developed varieties of commercial flowers in India from public sector are reviewed hereunder.

Additional distributional records of the lichen genus Cryptothecia in India

Additional distribution of 25 species of the genus Cryptothecia from different states of India has been provided. Earlier these species were known from limited localities, and currently, they are recorded from the almost all parts of India which is discussed in the present paper. The present study is based on observation of a large number of specimens annotated as ‘sterile specimen’ and other voucher specimens preserved at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute herbarium (LWG).

Additional distributional records of the lichen genus Cryptothecia in India

Additional distribution of 25 species of the genus Cryptothecia from different states of India has been provided. Earlier these species were known from limited localities, and currently, they are recorded from the almost all parts of India which is discussed in the present paper. The present study is based on observation of a large number of specimens annotated as ‘sterile specimen’ and other voucher specimens preserved at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute herbarium (LWG).

Integrated nutrient management in Oat (Avena sativa L.)under reclaimed sodic soil

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is used as a green fodder, straw, hay or silage. A field experiment was carried out during 2008-2009 with the concept of integrated nutrient management at Aurawan Research Centre of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. The treatments of the experiments were T1- Control, T2- NPK (80:40:40 kg ha-1), T3- ½ NPK (40:20:20 kg ha-1) + FYM (10 t ha-1), T4- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Trichoderma, T5- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + PSB and T6- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Trichoderma + PSB with 4 replications in randomized block design (RBD). Results indicated that all the treatment showed significant response over control. Maximum plant height at 120 days (157.7 cm), tillersplant-1 at 90 days (6.4), length of spike (38.7 cm), test weight (28.6 g), grain yield (34.9 q ha-1), straw yield (82.8 q ha-1) were recorded with T2- NPK (80:40:40 kg ha-1) which was significantly higher than all the treatments except T3- ½ NPK (40:20:20 kg ha-1) + FYM (10 t ha-1) and T4- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Trichoderma, followed by treatment T6- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Trichoderma + PSB showing the value of plant height at 120 days (154.8 cm), tillers/plant at 90 days (6.3), length of spike (37.6 cm), test weight (28.3 g), grain yield (33.1 q ha-1) and straw yield (81.1 q ha-1). Seed treatment with PSB (T5) also responded significantly over control in all the parameters and remained at par with T2 and T6. However, combined seed treatment with PSB + Trichoderma (T6) was much effective in comparison to single inoculation of Trichoderma or PSB.

Bougainvillea: A Long Journey from Rio to Lucknow

Bougainvillea, native of South American sub-tropics, was first collected by Commerson, a French Botanist, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who named it after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, the French navigator with whom he went on voyage around the world during 1766=1769. From its native sub-tropical regions, bougainvilleas were introduced to temperate regions of European countries, where these were grown in the glasshouse. The history of domestication of bougainvillea is 250 years old and in this period there have been many landmark in the bougainvillea cultivation. In India, Bougainvillea spectabilis was first introduced in Kolkata in 1860 from Europe and the improvement work on bougainvillea started in early 20th century, with the introduction of a few cultivars by the Agri-Horticultural Societies, Kolkata and Chennai. But it achieved its popularity in 1920 with the introduction of the cultivar ‘Mrs. Butt’ in Kolkata from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England. Out of 10 species, only B. glabra Choisy, B. spectabilis Willdenow, B. peruviana Humboldt and Bonpland and a natural hybrid B. x buttiana Holttum and Standley, are of horticultural importance. Today, a large number of Bougainvillea cultivars (500 cvs.) are available from three to multibracted ones in various colour and shades to variegated foliage as aresult of natural selection and breeding. 50% of the Bougainvillea cultivars have been evolved in our country. India has been recognized as the International Registration Authority for Bougainvilleas. The Botanic Garden of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow has rich germplasm collection of Bougainvillea (200 species/cvs) and serves as the reference centre.

Rehabilitation of Sodic Waste Land through Agro-Forestry System

Sodic soils are widely distributed in arid and semi arid regions of the world and suffer from high values of pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and low fertility. In north India, Uttar Pradesh, which is a major contributor to the national food grain stock, due to its large arable land, is occupying about 1.6 Mha of this type of sodic waste land. To alleviate the pressure of fulfilling the demand of wood, timber, fodder and food for the enormous population of human and cattle, the vast sodic soil area has to be rehabilitated by planting trees or adopting agro-forestry system. In this context, an attempt has been made to rehabilitate sodic waste land through the establishment of green cover, with diverse plant communities at Distant Research Centre of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow during last few decades. A rehabilitated forest ecosystem was developed consisting of a number of herbs, shrubs and trees. Derris indica, Dalbergia sisso, Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, Terminalia arjuna, Syzigium cumini were the dominant species in this rehabilitated forest, resulting in significant amelioration process, influenced greatly by diversity of species and their productivity. A combined effect of both biomass productivity and species diversity contributed about 92% towards amelioration. There was reduction in soil pH and ESP and an increase in organic C and N contents showing that sodicity has receded in the forest soil. To meet the increasing demand of medicinal, aromatic, dye, gum, fibre, fodder yielding plants in the present scenario, the shade loving plants of these categories can be grown successfully in between the rows of economic trees like teak, poplar, Eucalyptus etc. Such agro-forestry models have been tried with various inter-crops like Curcuma longa, Rauvolfia serpentina, Zingiber officinale, Desmodium gangeticum and Asparagus racemosus etc. The findings of such studies are very useful for fulfilling the demand of economic plants by utilizing the waste land and free spaces of trees cultivated in such lands.

Floral anomalies in &lt;i&gt;Calotropis procera&lt;/i&gt; (Aiton) Dryand – Nature’s Bizarre play

Not available.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 23(1): 79-81, 2016 (June)

Use of a Bioaugmented Organic Soil Amendment in Combination with Gypsum for Withania somnifera Growth on Sodic Soil

Limited availability of organic matter is a problem to sustain crop growth on sodic soil. Organic soil amendments are a cost-effective source of nutrients to enhance crop growth. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an organic soil amendment bioaugmented with plant growth-promoting fungi (SFOA) in combination with gypsum on soil properties and growth and yield attributes of Withania somnifera, one of the most valuable crops of the traditional medicinal system in the world, on a sodic soil at the Aurawan Research Farm of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. The SFOA used was prepared by pre-enriching farm waste vermicompost with plant growth-promoting fungi before mixing with pressmud and Azadirachta indica seed cake. The application of SFOA at 10 Mg ha−1 after gypsum (25.0 Mg ha−1) treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased root length (by 96%) and biomass (by 125%) of Withania plants compared to the control without SFOA and gypsum. Similarly, the highest withanolide contents were observed in leaves and roots of Withania plants under 10 Mg ha−1 SFOA and gypsum. Combined application of SFOA and gypsum also improved physical, chemical and enzymatic properties of the soil, with the soil bulk density decreasing by 25%, water-holding capacity increasing by 121%, total organic C increasing by 90%, pH decreasing by 17% and alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase and cellulase activities increasing by 54%, 128%, 81% and 96%, respectively, compared to those of the control. These showed that application of the SFOA tested in this study might reclaim sodic soil and further support Withania cultivation and results were better when the SFOA was applied after gypsum treatment.

Association of Nerine yellow stripe virus With Mosaic Disease of Crinum asiaticum Ornamental Plant in India

HomePlant DiseaseVol. 99, No. 11Association of Nerine yellow stripe virus With Mosaic Disease of Crinum asiaticum Ornamental Plant in India PreviousNext DISEASE NOTES OPENOpen Access licenseAssociation of Nerine yellow stripe virus With Mosaic Disease of Crinum asiaticum Ornamental Plant in IndiaS. Kumar, R. Raj, C. Kaur, and S. K. RajS. KumarSearch for more papers by this author, R. RajSearch for more papers by this author, C. KaurSearch for more papers by this author, and S. K. RajSearch for more papers by this authorAffiliationsAuthors and Affiliations S. Kumar R. Raj C. Kaur S. K. Raj , Plant Molecular Virology Laboratory, CPMB Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226001, Uttar Pradesh, India. Published Online:26 Aug 2015https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-02-15-0211-PDNAboutSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailWechat Crinum asiaticum L. (Amaryllidaceae), commonly known as spider lily, is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens of tropical and subtropical countries for its long, strap-like, green leaves and clustered white flowers. During a survey in December 2013, severe mosaic symptoms were observed on a number of C. asiaticum plants growing in gardens at Noida and New Delhi cities of India. The symptoms were similar to those described earlier from Brazil on a potyvirus-infected Crinum sp. (Barboza et al. 2006); therefore, potyvirus infection was suspected. Electron microscopy was performed with leaf dip preparations of six randomly collected symptomatic leaf samples which revealed the presence of flexuous, rod-shaped, ∼700 × 12-nm virus particles, suggesting association of a potyvirus. These samples were further subjected to RT-PCR using potyvirus degenerate primers (Gibbs et al. 2003). RT-PCR resulted in the expected size (∼1.5 kb) amplicon in all symptomatic samples. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced, and sequence data were deposited as GenBank Accession Nos. KJ886933 (Nod-1), KM066970 (Nod-2), KM066968 (Nod-3), KJ886934 (Del-1), KM066971 (Del-2), and KM066969 (Del-3) isolates. Local alignments of the sequences of these isolates in NCBI revealed the presence of partial nuclear inclusion body (NIb), complete coat protein (CP) genes, and the 3′ UTR untranslated region (UTR) of a potyvirus. The isolates under study shared 98 to 99% sequence identity together and showed 78 to 99% identities with Nerine yellow stripe virus (NeYSV) isolates (FJ618537, DQ407932, EF362621, EF362622, EU042758, and JX865782) reported from New Zealand, The Netherlands, and USA. During phylogenetic analysis by MEGA (V.5.1) (Tamura et al. 2013), the isolates under study clustered together and showed close relationships with NeYSV isolates, and the potyvirus associated with mosaic disease of C. asiaticum was identified as NeYSV. The six and other nine symptomatic leaf samples of C. asiaticum were also tested by nucleic acid hybridization assay using the probe prepared from a clone of NeYSV (KJ886933), which gave strong signals of hybridization confirming presence of NeYSV in them. The probe may be used for the indexing of leaf samples collected from various locations and to understand the geographical distribution of NeYSV. A literature survey revealed the only report of association of an unidentified potyvirus with the mosaic disease of Crinum sp. from Brazil (Barboza et al. 2006) based on RT-PCR amplification of 2.0 kb product by potyvirus genus-specific primers. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of natural occurrence of NeYSV on C. asiaticum in India. Because C. asiaticum is being propagated through bulbs, the dissemination of virus from nursery to nursery and from place to place is a major concern and now warrants the indexing of mother culture of C. asiaticum for NeYSV.

Wound Healing Activity of Premna latifolia Roxb.

Aims: The study aims to understand the wound healing potentials of a 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of Premna latifolia stem using excision wound model. Study Design: The wound healing potentials were simultaneously supported by observing the bacterial functional diversity of wound swabs using Biolog Eco plates. The antioxidant activity was performed using In vitro DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between May 2013 and November 2013. Methodology: Wound healing activity of the plant was studied using excision wound model. Animals were divided into three groups of six male rats each as control group (GI) dressed with compound free simple ointment. Test group (GII) treated with 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of P. latifolia stem (10% w/w) in ointment vehicle and standard group (GIII) group treated Nitrofurazone ointment, Himedia (0.2%w/w). The wound healing potential was further supported by the DPPH free radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of the plant. The phytochemical estimations were done using standard methods. Results: Sugar and starch content in the plant was 3.55% and 5.54% respectively. Total tannins, phenol and flavonoid content were estimated to be 0.18%, 0.54% and 2.73%. The 50% ethanolic extract of the plant showed moderate DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 188.02µg/ml. A 69.15% of wound closure was observed on 10th day post wounding of the rats treated with 200 mg/kg of extract. The results also indicated significant antibacterial activity of the extract. Conclusion: The 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of P. latifolia shows significant wound healing activity

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Leaf Extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Prickly Chaff Flower)

Aim: The present study was undertaken to establish the potential role of Achyranthes aspera Linn for cure of skin diseases. Study Design: The plant is traditionally used by various tribes for curing a wide range of diseases. A 50% ethanolic extract of the leaves was subjected to phytochemical studies and further investigated for in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between December 2012 and November 2013. Methodology: In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, β-Carotene-linoleic acid assay and reducing power assay. Antibacterial activity was studied by agar well diffusion method. Results: The total phenol and flavonoid content was estimated to be 3.363% and 6.36% respectively. The HPTLC analysis showed the presence of oleanolic acid, lupeol and βsitosterol. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was concentration dependent Original Research Article European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(6): 695-708, 2014 696 and IC50 was observed at a concentration of 62.24μg/ml for DPPH free radical scavenging activity and 68.32μg/ml for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The extract showed significant total antioxidant activity and reducing power. Antibacterial activity was studied by well diffusion method and the MIC was recorded at 0.75 mg/ml for S. aureus, 0.8 mg/ml for M. luteus, 2.75 mg/ml for E. coli and 0.8 mg/ml for P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The results obtained from current study demonstrate that the leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera L possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Presence of various classes of phytocompounds e.g. Phenols, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids etc. contribute highly to its medicinal values, thus indicating its potential for cure of skin diseases.

Effect of Andrographis serpyllifolia Leaves Extract on Experimentally Induced Typhoid Using Salmonella Typhi

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the standardized ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia leaves on experimentally induced typhoid. Study Design: Single dose of 1 ml Salmonella Typhi (106 CFU/mL) was administered orally to rats to induce typhoid in rats. Blood culture test confirmed typhoid infectioned rats received orally the ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days, respectively and control animals received physiological saline. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between December 2011 and June 2013. Methodology: Leaves of Andrographis serpyllifolia was extracted with ethanol and concentrated on rotavapour. Single dose of 1 ml S. Typhi (106 CFU/mL) was administered orally to rats with the help of orogastric tube to induce typhoid in rats. After seven days, typhoid confirmed rats received the standardized extract subsequently subjected to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test. Results: The treatment with ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia at dose level of 200 mg/kg showed 75.0% to 87.5% protection and 100% protection observed at higher dose of 400 mg/kg on widal, blood culture and typhidot test respectively. Biochemical test carried out on blood culture isolates confirmed the presence or absence of S. Typhi. A. serpyllifolia extract at a concentration of 1.50 mg/disc showed antimicrobial activity susceptibility against S. Typhi. Conclusion: Andrographis serpyllifolia leaves extract showed antimicrobial activity against S. Typhi and accomplished the extract of A. serpyllifolia is recommended for clinical applications in the treatment of typhoid.

Wound Repair and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Fumaria indica in Excision Wound-induced Rats

Aims: Objective of the study was to investigate the wound contraction and anti-inflammatory activity of the 50% ethanolic extract of Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley (Fumariaceae) by excision wound model and estimation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Study Design: Prospective. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. December 2012 to May 2013. Methodology: Dried powdered whole plant of Fumaria indica was extracted with 50% ethanolic extract. The extract was subjected to HPTLC fingerprinting, DPPH free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. Further, 10% F. indica ointment was tested for its wound contraction, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory potentials. Results: The 50% ethanolic extract showed presence of ellagic acid, ferulic acid andquercetin. The IC50 was 0.11mg/mL and significant antibacterial activity was observed against S. aureus and E. coli. The 10% F. indica ointment applied topically to the wound area reducedits size from 500 mm2 to 40 mm2 by the end of 9th day. These results were comparable to the effect of 0.2% nitrofurazone. The extract further showed a reduction in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-6) and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

First report of Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green infestation on Jatropha curcas saplings

In December 2009 and May 2010 an insect pest was observed on Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) saplings at the Biomass Farm Site, Banthara, of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. On the basis of morphology of the insect pest and symptoms caused on its host, it was identified as Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Homoptera: Coccoidae: Pseudococcidae) synonym Phenacoccus hirsutus Green. This is the first report of the occurrence of M. hirsutus infestation on J. curcas.