Eastern Ghats Research Articles

External Application of Ethno-Veterinary Plants to Treat Bone Fractures in Domestic and Pet Animals of the Villages in Nallamalla Forest Region of Eastern Ghats of AP, India

Bone fractures are resulted due to accidents or violent acts caused by others either willfully or negligently. In some cases, it may be due to falling or due to pathological reasons. The present survey provides information on external application of Ethno veterinary plant medicine for treating bone fractures of domestic animals by the natives of AP region in Nallamalas of Eastern Ghats of India. The therapeutical properties of 65 plant species belonging to 59 genera and 42 families are being used for treating bone fractures. Information on botanical name, vernacular name, family, plant parts used, mode of drug preparation, administration and mode of preparation of poultice are provided. The Information gathered in this study would act as vital data for scientific community.

Is it there?—Estimating the invasion of armored sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys sp.) in the water bodies of Eastern Ghats, India using the eDNA approach

AbstractEarly detection of invasive species is crucial for effectively controlling the potential damage they can inflict on the ecosystems. In contrast to the many limitations that conventional detection methods like visual surveys and netting hold, environmental DNA assay provides a powerful alternative. This non‐invasive, highly sensitive, and user‐friendly technique offers the advantage of detecting invasive species even in areas where direct observation is challenging, thus addressing the shortcomings of traditional techniques and enhancing overall accuracy in estimating distribution. The spread of invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. has become a cause for concern in biodiversity‐rich countries like India. Despite this, comprehensive studies on the prevalence of this invasive species are limited. The Eastern Ghats of India remain under‐explored with a high potential for supporting diverse lifeforms. Studying the extent of biological invasions in the Eastern Ghats is essential for effective management and to mitigate the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of invasive species. In this study, we have designed and optimized an eDNA‐based quantitative PCR assay to map the presence and spread of invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. in selected freshwater ecosystems of the Eastern Ghats. This assay detected invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. in almost 65% of the total locations sampled. This study can be further extended to larger geographical areas, which can contribute to formulating necessary measures by the authorities to manage invasion and conserve the diversity of the freshwater ecosystem.

Provenance of Low-Grossular–High-Pyrope Detrital Garnets from Beach Sands of East Coast of India between Gosthani and Vamsadhara rivers

Major element compositional spectrum, formation in diverse magmatic and metamorphic rocks, and relative stability during sediment transport, burial, and diagenesis make garnet an important indicator of sedimentary provenances. However, a fundamental question yet to be answered is whether the low-grossular–high-pyrope detrital garnets reflect source characteristics or record sedimentary processes. To address this problem, we have analysed garnets from the beach sands of the East Coast of India and in the source lithologies of the catchment area within the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt. Investigated garnets show a broad compositional spectrum; most garnets are dominated by almandine49–86% with variable contents of pyrope9–47%, minor grossular0.8–15%, and low spessartine0.5–4%. Using multiple proxies, including a state-of-the-art machine-learning-based garnet discrimination scheme, we found that 96 % of analysed beach sand garnets are of metamorphic origin and 4 % igneous. Among the metamorphic garnets, 85 % were derived from granulite facies, 5 % from eclogite/ultrahigh-pressure facies, 5 % from amphibolite facies, and 1 % from blueschist/greenschist facies rocks. Concerning host-rock bulk composition, 93 % of garnets belong to intermediate–felsic/meta-sedimentary class and 7 % belong to the mafic category. The chemistries of the beach sand detrital garnets of the East Coast of India are readily coupled with the compositions of the garnets from source rock lithologies of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt. Very low-grossular garnets are derived from meta-pelitic rocks (khondalites) and mafic granulites, whereas slightly grossular-rich garnets are derived from charnockites. The present study indicates that the low-grossular–high-pyrope detrital garnets are vital signposts of sedimentary provenances. We advocate that the high P-T granulite facies mobile belts are distinctive sources for the low-grossular–high-pyrope detrital garnets.

First Record of Garra triangularish from Madhya Pradesh, India

Garra triangularis Shangningam et al. [1] has been reported first from the Sakartod River at Khanvel, Dadra & Nagar Haveli (UT), Western ghats, and then from Gajapati district of Odisha, Eastern Ghat. The present study reports it for the first time from Madhya Pradesh. The present specimen agrees with all the morphometric and meristic counts of the species, including the snout shape and the structure of tubercles on the proboscis. G. triangularis has a new distribution record from the State of Madhya Pradesh in India.

New distribution record of Alstonia sebusii (Van Heurck & Müll. Arg.) Monach. from Manipur, India

The genus Alstonia belonging to the Apocyanaceae family is represented by 44 species distributed worldwide. In India, the taxon is represented by eight species, reported from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, western Himalaya, and northeastern regions. The present study reported the occurrence of Alstonia sebusii from Pudunamei village, Mao, a new addition to the flora of Manipur. Detailed morphological descriptions and measurements were recorded based on living plant specimens. The plant is locally called ‘Topfiira Koso Pro’ having ethno-medicinal properties and widely been used by local people of the state to treat various ailments. The plant is rare and found to occur at specific location at Pudunamei village.

Molecular Characterization of Rare Predaceous Aquatic Beetle Methles indicus Regimbart, 1899 (Coleoptera: Dytisdae) from Eastern Ghats, India

Molecular Characterization of Rare Predaceous Aquatic Beetle Methles indicus Regimbart, 1899 (Coleoptera: Dytisdae) from Eastern Ghats, India

Genetic variability and character associations for grain yield and other secondary traits in little millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) at Eastern Ghats Zone of Odisha

Genetic variability and character associations for grain yield and other secondary traits in little millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) at Eastern Ghats Zone of Odisha

Development of micropropagation protocol, assessment of genetic fidelity and phytochemical analysis of Blepharispermum subsessile DC.: a conservation concerned medicinal plant of Eastern Ghats, India

Development of micropropagation protocol, assessment of genetic fidelity and phytochemical analysis of Blepharispermum subsessile DC.: a conservation concerned medicinal plant of Eastern Ghats, India

Yield gap analysis of Niger (Guizotia abyssinica L.) in north eastern Ghat zone of Odisha

Yield gap analysis of Niger (Guizotia abyssinica L.) in north eastern Ghat zone of Odisha

Energy budgeting and global warming potential of traditional rice production system in Eastern Ghats region of Odisha

Aim: This study aims to focus on traditional agricultural practices which are gaining momentum around the globe as an energy efficient and sustainable approach in the changing climate condition. In this study, an attempt was under taken to quantify the energy use, green house gas emission and global warming potential of rice cultivated by traditional method in terraced low land. Methodology: The data were collected through Focused Group Discussion (FGD) from farmers of the study area using the questionnaire. The sample size was calculated by Neyman method. Results: Total input and output energy required for traditional rice production were 8513.0 MJ ha-1 and 77356.88 MJ ha-1, respectively. Energy use efficiency was calculated as 9.01. Total global warming potential (GWP) was 610.19 CO2 eq ha-1. In this study, the output and input carbon were found to be 2580.48 and 164.75 kg C ha-1, respectively and the carbon efficiency ratio was 15.66. Energy productivity of this traditional method of rice production system was approximately 1.21 to 3.64 times higher than that of other rice production system. Interpretation: Rice is the staple food of tribal's habited in the highland region of Eastern Ghats Odisha, India, and these tribal people mostly cultivate rice by traditional method. This traditional rice production system can be considered as an environmental friendly and sustainable agricultural system in this changing climatic condition, and this system is also economical than the conventional rice cultivation practices. Key words: Budgeting, Energy, Eastern Ghats, Green house gases, Global warming, Rice

Phytochemical Analysis of Selected Medicinal Pslants from Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh

The objective of the present investigation is to appraise the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, DPPH and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity along with a total antioxidant capacity of water extract obtained from six medicinal plants, i.e., Acalypha alnifolia, Caesalpinia bonduc, Carissa spinarum, Commiphora caudata, Moringa concanensis and Terminalia tomentosa. The phytochemical analysis of the six medicinal plants water extracts revealed total phenolic content (TPC) in the range of 27.77 to 3.35 GAE mg/g dwt. The highest TPC is present in A. alnifolia and the lowest is noticed in T. tomentosa. The total flavonoid content is present in between 1.68 to 1.48 QE mg/g dry weight and a higher amount of flavonoid content was observed in A. alnifolia and lowest present in C. bonduc. Antioxidant activity results of the six medicinal plants showed that the highest total antioxidant capacity was observed in Carissa spinarum and lowest in T. tomentosa. DPPH method was used to know the antioxidant capacity of aqueous extract of the six medicinal plants. Among the tested plants A. alnifolia, Carissa spinarum and Moringa concanensis strongly reduced DPPH purple color by expressing ~80% as maximum inhibition. DPPH was strongly inhibited by T. tomentosa (IC50 value 25 μg/ml). Hydroxyl radical was strongly (~96%) inhibited by T. tomentosa and lowest IC50 value was expressed by A. alnifolia (36.4 μg/ml). The study results indicate that all six medicinal plants are rich sources of natural antioxidant components.

Two new species of the genus Megascolex Templeton, 1844 (Clitellata, Megascolecidae) from the Eastern Ghats of Odisha state, India

Two new earthworm species of Megascolex Templeton, 1844, M. quadripapillatus Narayanan & Paliwal, sp. nov. and M. jeyporeghatiensis Narayanan & Paliwal, sp. nov. are described from the under-explored Eastern Ghats Hills of Odisha state in Peninsular India. They belong to a group of species characterized by two pairs of spermathecal pores in intersegmental furrows 7/8/9, holandric, seminal vesicles in segments 9 and 12, absence of penial setae and calciferous glands. Megascolex ratus Cognetti, 1911, M. pumilio Stephenson, 1916 and the two new species described here are the members of this group. Megascolex quadripapillatus sp. nov. and M. jeyporeghatiensis sp. nov. occur in deciduous forests with brownish gravel-loamy soils. Here we provide the detailed description of the external and internal characteristics of the new species along with the illustrations of the key characters. With the new findings, the range of Megascolex genus has been extended further north in the less explored Eastern Ghats Hills of India. With this discovery, the total number of Megascolex species has increased to 70, of which 34 are found in India.  

On further specimens of the Spotted Eastern Ghats Skink Sepsophis punctatus Beddome, 1870 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Ananthagiri hills, Northern Eastern Ghats, India.

On further specimens of the Spotted Eastern Ghats Skink Sepsophis punctatus Beddome, 1870 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Ananthagiri hills, Northern Eastern Ghats, India.

Effect of Different Crop Establishment Methods and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Finger Millet in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Organic agriculture appears to be a way to maintain desired crop production in future. In terms of nutrients, organic farming practices vary with the availability of local resources of manures and its quantity needs to be identified to meet the nutritional needs of finger millet. So, a field experiment was conducted at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Sub-Station (OUAT), Malkangiri, Odisha during rainy season of 2019-2021 to find out the effect of organic nutrient sources on yield and economics of finger millet under different establishment methods. Three crop establishment methods (line sowing, transplanting and broadcasting) and six different organic sources of nutrients (FYM @ 5 t ha-1, VC @ 2 t ha-1, FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @ 1 t ha-1, Compost prepared by Waste decomposer @ 5 t ha-1, FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1 and Gliricidia leaf manure @ 2.5 t ha-1) were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The recorded data revealed that significantly highest number of tillers (2.55 hill-1), fingers (5.52 ear head-1), finger length (6.53 cm) along with highest yield (1259 kg ha-1), net return (Rs. 14709 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.48) were obtained with transplanted condition. Growth and yield attributes of finger millet was significantly varied by application of different organic sources of nutrients and it was observed that application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @ 1 t ha-1 recorded highest number of tillers (2.52 hill-1), fingers (5.76 ear head-1), finger length (6.72 cm) and grain yield (1327 kg ha-1) followed by application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg  ha-1and both were statistically at par in respect to all above parameters. But, highest net return (Rs. 18923 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.65) was obtained with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1. So, transplanting of finger millet with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1 should be recommended for the studied region as organic nutrient management.

Performance of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L.) Intercropping System under North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Performance of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L.) Intercropping System under North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Effect of Nitrogen on the Performance of Finger Millet in Eastern Ghat High Land Zone of Odisha, India

An experiment was conducted to find out performance of finger millet varieties to different levels of nitrogen under rainfed condition in kharif season of 2019 to 2021 at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Semiliguda, Koraput, Odisha, India. Four varieties of finger millet (Kalua, OEB- 602, Bhairabi and Arjun) and three different nitrogen levels (40, 60 and 80 kg/ha) along with 30 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The varieties were taken in the main plots and different nitrogen levels were assigned to the sub plots. The results revealed that highest number of tillers (6.1/hill), fingers (8.3/ear head), finger length (8.8 cm) along with maximum grain yield (2491 kg/ha), net return (Rs. 39464 per ha) and B: C ratio (1.94) were obtained with finger millet variety Arjun followed by Bhairabi. The application of 80 kg N/ha gave highest number of tillers (5.7/hill), fingers (7.7/ear head), finger length (8.4 cm) and grain yield (2399 kg/ha) with highest net return (Rs. 36237 per ha) and B: C ratio (1.86). From the present investigation, it can be concluded that finger millet variety Arjun can be grown with application of 80 kg N/ha along with 30 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium for maximum yield and economic return.

Groundwater Recharge through Conservation Structures – A Study in Ghat Area of Orissa

Groundwater recharge from two different water conservation structures under humid conditions of eastern ghat high land (EGHL) zone of Orissa were estimated by employing water table fluctuation procedure. A power function relationship best fitted the recharge and water storage depths. Contribution of base flow was segregated from the recharge values using base flow hydrograph separation technique. Potential groundwater recharge based on four years (2004-07) was estimated in the range between 3.5 - 11.0 % of the annual rainfall while considering the runoff contributing area of the conservation structures. Temporal groundwater contour maps generated using grid based graphics SURFER package (Version # 8) and GPSMAP (Version # 76CSX) for the study watershed revealed that there was a total net increase of 8.12 m and decrease of 2.61 m water table depths during wet and dry periods, respectively, resulting in net increase of water table by 1.38 m per year due to the influence of the water conservation structures. Groundwater quality of the wells in the watershed was found to be safe for irrigation and domestic consumption purposes.

Study on the Impact and Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies in Eastern Ghats of India

Land degradation is a serious problem world-over and need immediate attention. The eastern Ghats of India spreading over 19.8 Mha have suffered severe erosion due to shifting cultivation, deforestation, over grazing and faulty land use. Site specific soil and water conservation measures were implemented in Kokriguda watershed, a representative of the eastern Ghats of India, for monitoring their impact on resource conservation, productivity and income of tribal farmers as well as their adoption by the tribal farmers. Cost effective soil and water conservation (SWC) measures viz., contour and stone bunds, trench-cum-bunds with vegetative barriers and hedge rows, sunken ponds, loose boulder check dams etc. were constructed at suitable locations. Bio-engineering measures were generally preferred. These land treatments resulted in reduction in soil loss and runoff by 82 and 51%, respectively, rise in water table by 0.32 m, and increase in crop yield by 15 to 38% within four-year period. Irrigated area increased from 2 to 35 ha due to water resources developed. Total income from vegetable cultivation using harnessed water for the whole village increased to Rs. 1.4 lakh.year-1. Farmers’ participation in soil and water conservation activities was appreciable, and their contribution to different activities varied from 5 to 10 per cent. However, education and support services to convince the farmers about the problem of soil degradation and training on soil conservation practices is essential for large scale adoption of soil and water conservation measures.

Phytochemical analysis of root extracts of Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume from the Eastern Ghats of India

Rhynchostylis retusa (Orchidaceae) is an important ethnomedicinal herb in Indian systems of medicine. Tribal healers commonly employ the roots of this epiphytic orchid to treat various ailments. In the present study, the shade-dried root powder of R. retusa was subjected to cold extraction with four solvents, such as n-hexane, acetone, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The crude root extracts were then taken for qualitative phytochemical screening. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate and methanol root extracts was carried out. The methanol root extract of R. retusa showed a positive result for all the phytochemicals tested except for saponins. GC-MS analysis of R. retusa methanol root extract revealed the presence of 16 phytoconstituents. Major phytoconstituents such as 9-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, [Z] Heptadecanoic acid, 16-methyl-, methyl ester, Ethanone,1-[4-(4-morpholyl benzylidene amino)phenyl]-, are recorded in the methanol root extract. In the present study, both methanol and ethyl acetate root extracts showed the presence of9-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, [Z] as the major phytocompound. The phytocompounds identified in methanol and ethyl acetate root extracts exhibit various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Based on the findings of the current study, it can be inferred that the roots of R. retusa contain diverse bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. Further investigation of these R. retusa root extracts holds the potential for the discovery and development of innovative pharmaceuticals.

Studies on earthworm diversity with respect to soil properties in different land use systems in Koraput region of the Eastern Ghats, India

Studies on earthworm diversity with respect to soil properties in different land use systems in Koraput region of the Eastern Ghats, India