Mussoorie Hills Research Articles

Native Diversity of Endotrophic Mycorrhizal Fungi of Forage Grass Species Occurring in Asan River Basin, Mussoorie Hills, Uttarakhand

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi colonize more than 80% of plants on land in which grasses are known to have higher endomycorrhizal colonization. AM fungi are a common group of symbiotic fungi in the order, Glomale of Division, Zygomycota. These fungi are known to benefit growth through increased nutrient uptake especially phosphorus. In this study, a total of 21 grass species collected from the Asan river basin, Mussoorie hills, Dehradun, Uttarakhand were screened for AM fungal root colonization and their mycorrhizal diversity. Traditional method of sieving and decanting was used for isolating mycorrhizal spores whereas for studying colonization rapid staining and clearing method was used. The highest root colonization (95±2.9) and AM spore count (234±3.56) were observed in Phalaris minor whereas Saccharum spontaneum exhibited least colonization (30±0.53) and AM spore count (46.7±14.5), respectively. The Andropogoneae (Sorghum tribe) was observed to be the most diverse tribe in association with endomycorrhizal fungi among the studied grasses. This study confirms that the grass species are highly colonized and dependent on endomycorrhizal association. The diversity and colonization patterns of endotrophic mycorrhizal fungi are described in details in this research paper. The AM fungal association with grass species provides new vistas and insight on the functioning of any grass ecosystem and also helps in harnessing the benefits of AM fungi through their usage in waste and abundant land reclamation programmes.

Active tectonics in the Main Boundary Thrust zone, Garhwal Himalaya, as evident from palaeoseismic signatures, morphotectonic features and PSI base ground deformation

In the Garhwal Himalaya, the steeply inclined Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) is characterized by landforms that indicate towards tectonic activity in the recent past. Linear active fault trace, sub‐recent fault scarps, strath terrace, uplifted terraces, deflected drainage, and triangular facet cones are some of the morphotectonic evidences of recent tectonic activity along the MBT. The MBT is defined by active fault trace in the form of linear depression and shows a prominent slope break across it. Thrusting of the Lesser Himalayan bedrocks over the colluvial deposits and back tilting of the colluvial deposits are also observed in the MBT zone. The formation of the sag pond and the deposition of the Quaternary lacustrine sediments followed by the deformation of the lacustrine deposits indicate phases of tectonic activities along the MBT. The later phase of deformation is represented by the folded lacustrine and colluvial deposits, where the amplitude of the fold measures about 3 m‐high and the deformed section measures about 23 m in length. The ongoing deformation patterns of the MBT zone have also been monitored with the help of Synthetic Aperture Radar‐based time series analysis. We used Sentinel‐1C dataset in ascending direction with polarization of the VV+ VH acquired between December 2, 2017 to September 7, 2021 to identify phase changes caused by ongoing active deformation. The Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) result based on Sentinel‐1A suggests that the Dehradun–Mussoorie and adjoining region has undergone an average deformation of 5.5 to −11 mm/year and the ground displacement of 1.5 to −3.8 cm. The time series analysis reveals that the Mussoorie hills in the MBT zone have higher rate of deformation.

An Ecological Appraisal of Reclaimed Limestone mines in Mussoorie hills, India

The present study investigates the floral diversity of reclaimed limestone mined areas in Lambidehar and Chunakhala and the changes brought about in the associated soils. Soil eco-physiological indicators and floral diversity of the sites were studied using quadrat analysis, which revealed that the reclaimed mine areas display a dynamic floral community and a steady soil improvement. The density and abundance showed a declining trend with time which may be attributed to the anthropogenic disturbances evident during the study. Species diversity was greater in Chunakhala as compared to Lambidehar where the index values for different vegetation forms are comparable with the values of other Himalayan forest (0-3.037). The diversity indices of shrubs at Chunakhala were higher, along with a higher total basal area. The soil physical properties such as bulk density have improved over the years, whereas soil texture remains the same (sandy loam). The chemical properties improved over the years because of the deposition of organic matter due to the higher shrubs and herbs population, contributing a significant amount of litter from both top growth and roots. Both the mine sites reclaimed significantly, and primary colonizing plant species grew well on the earlier derelict sites.

A study on spring rejuvenation and springshed characterization in Mussoorie, Garhwal Himalaya using an integrated geospatial-geophysical approach

In the Himalayan region, drinking water has always been an issue. A total of six gravity springs and springsheds are selected at Mussoorie Hills, Garhwal (Lesser) Himalaya that prioritized the augmentation of water resources through spring rejuvenation. LISS-IV and Cartosat-I data are used to study topography, delineate springshed boundary, analyzing structural setting, surface water flow pattern. This geospatial analysis is validated further by the hydrogeological survey and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (Wenner configuration; especially carried out in Kandighat (<45° slope angle)). They inferred that discharge is structurally controlled by Mussoorie Syncline (along its limbs) and impervious Krol Limestone. The high lineament density, gentle slope and positive NDVI determined the springsheds potential for groundwater resources augmentation and development. The Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School, Mussoorie, became the protagonist for solving the drinking water issue, using an integrated geospatial (LISS IV and Cartosat I data) and geophysical survey (Vertical Electrical Sounding and Electrical Resistivity Tomography). The ERT survey shows a low resistivity zone (~10–100 Ωm); subsequently, the VES results are plotted in a logarithmic graph, and the curve obtained (matched in the IPI2 software by inverse slope method) shows sharp peaks that correspond with ERT results very well. Therefore, these low resistivity value confirms the presence of water saturation zones. In December 2017, final drilling took place, thereby discovering groundwater yield at a surplus rate of 180 L/m surfed up to 130 m below the ground level. This expedition became the first successful scientific study in the Mussoorie hills on drinking water extraction from aquifers by integrating Geospatial and Geophysical methods. Therefore, it is clear proof of the efficiency and effectiveness of the technology and can be adopted elsewhere in the steep mountainous terrains of the Himalayan region.

Recent records of the Pale Jezebel Delias sanaca sanaca (Moore, 1857) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) from Mussoorie hills, western Himalaya, India

The west Himalayan sub-species, ‘sanaca’ of the pale jezebel, Delias sanaca sanaca, which is intermediate between the pale form flavalba, dark fromconfusa, was recently recorded, in the oak forests adjoining Mussoorie hills of Garhwal after a gap of about 8 decades. Observations are presented on the past records, specimens, morphological features and sexual dimorphism, ecology, seasonality of the intermediate or normal form of this sub-species sanaca, that is generally overlooked.

Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC) from Girardinia heterophylla Found in the Mussoorie Hills of Uttarakhand (India)

The Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC) was isolated from the leaves of Girardinia heterophylla found in the Mussoorie hills of Uttarakhand (India). Results of proximate analysis for nitrogen, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate in appreciable quantities revealed its possible use as non-conventional protein source. LPC is an important characteristic, which establishes the usefulness of leaves of this plant as animal fodder for better milk production and also as nutritionally rich source of protein for human consumption. Keywords: Girardinia heterophylla, leaf protein concentrate, non-conventional.

Landscape transformation analysis employing compound interest formula in the Nun Nadi Watershed, India

The Nun Nadi watershed is close to the Dehradun city and some settlements are spread over the Mussoorie hills. Landsat TM images of the year 2000 and 2009 were used to analyze the changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) data employing compound interest formula. The main reason to choose the time period is that Dehradun was declared capital of Uttrakhand state of India in the year 2001. We observed rapid changes in the LULC data in the time period studied. This is primarily due to urban growth that increased exponentially after 2001 near Dehradun city and Mussoorie hills. The highest positive change rate was observed in the built-up and agricultural land which increased 8.39 and 9.92 percent, respectively. Interestingly we noticed that the dense and sparse vegetation shrunk in terms of land coverage, on the other hand, drastic negative change was observed in the bare/barren soil class. Taken together, these results indicate significant changes in various land use categories.

Species type and forest health assessment via hyperspectral remote sensing in the part of Himalayan range, India

Ground spectra using analytical spectral device were collected for dominant species in Rajpur and Mussoorie hills of Lesser Himalayas of India for mapping dominant plant species. Hyperspectral remote sensing data (EO?1) was used for classification of temperate species such as Quercus leucotrichophora, Cedrus deodara, Thuja orientalis, subtropical species like Pinus roxburghii, and tropical species such as Shorea robusta, Lantana camara, etc. using Spectral Angle Mapper. A total of 14 species were mapped along with the 4 other land use/cover classes (Agriculture, settlement, main river course, barren land). Map accuracy was 77% assessed on the basis of 66 ground truth ground control point. The exotic species, Lantana camara was mapped in the area which has been found to be distributed from tropical to lower temperate regions and was showing impact on the health of the neighboring species which was derived from the Hyperion data. Large impact has been observed in the Shorea robusta species and its health distribution map showed 48% healthy and 52% less healthy part. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i2.20093 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(2): 135-146, 2014

Monitoring of Metal Deposition by Moss Barbula Constricta J. Linn., from Mussoorie Hills in the India

The moss Barbula constricta J. Linn. was used as an active bio-monitor for estimation of atmospheric metal deposition and its seasonal trend to assess the metal (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) status of Mussoorie city and its adjoining areas. Moss transplants were exposed for four months, each period representing winter, summer and monsoon season data at the distances of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 km during 2003 to 2007. Significantly higher levels of Zn, Pb, and Cu were measured in the moss harvested at the end of each season. The values of metals at different distances from the city center were higher than in the background samples treated as control. Patterns of moss analysis for seasonal and annual metal data were closely identical. Values of metals were the highest during summer followed by winter, and the lowest in monsoon. It was found that an increase recorded in the sampling sites in the past 5 years could be due to the rapid economic development and the manifold increase in tourist activities. Results from the present moss surveys make the examination of both spatial and temporal trends of metals possible, and also confirm the validity of moss B. constricta J. Linn. as a reliable bio-monitor, and recommend it for the bio-mapping program. Data from existing surveys of metal concentrations in moss is filling a gap due to very limited information available in this field. In addition, it is an invaluable resource for policy makers in preparing the strategies for mitigation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.67.1.1750

Analysis of Nutritional Factors of Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC) from Girardinia heterophylla (Decne)

Girardinia heterophylla (Decne), distributed extensively in Middle Himalayas, is a potential source of Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC). Present study envisages the phytochemical investigations to assess the availability and commercial viability of LPC of G. heterophylla. Samples of plant leaves were collected from Mussoorie Hills of Uttarakhand (India) and contents of LPC were isolated. Proximate analysis of LPC for nitrogen, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate content revealed their concentration in appreciable quantities making it a potential source of non- conventional protein. LPC has important biochemical characteristics, which establish the usefulness and potential of leaves of this plant to be used as animal fodder for better milk production and also as nutritionally rich source for protein for human consumption.

Geospatial multiple logistic regression approach for habitat characterization of scarce plant population: A case study of Pittosporum eriocarpum Royle (an endemic species of Uttarakhand, India)

Increasing concern for biodiversity conservation at species level resulted in the development of cost effective tools for getting information at larger scale. Modeling distribution of species using remote sensing and geographic information has already proved its potentials to get such information with less effort. Pittosporum eriocarpum Royle is an endemic and threatened tree species of Uttarakhand, yet till now its regional distribution is poorly known. This study using geospatial modelling tools indentified several localities of potential occurrence of this species in the Mussoorie hills and Doon valley, and also provides information on its habitat specificity. The main objective of the study is to predict the suitable habitats for endangered plant species in Himalayan region using logistic regression model where availability of sufficient data on species presenceabsence is a major limitation for larger areas.

An assessment of landslide hazard along alternate road alignment in the Mussoorie Hills, Uttaranchal, India

The Dehradun -Mussoorie area comprises a combination of the Krol-Tai formation of the doubly plunging Mussoorie Syncline. The limestone belonging to the Krol C stage of the Krol Formation is being extensively mined in the west and southwest of Mussoorie. The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and a large number of folds and faults affect the rocks exposed all along the Dehradun-Mussoorie Highway. There are many landslides along the highway particularly near the Kalagad Nala and Nalota Nala. These cause obstruction and problems for tourists and mine traffic along the highway.&#x0D; In order to ensure uninterrupted traffic and safety of tourists it became necessary to explore alternate routes for transporting the mine produce. Two of the alternate alignments identified are the Dehradun-Kiarkuli alignment and the Dehradun-Kimiari (Lambhidhar) alignment. Different levels of landsliding indices for sections of these routes were assessed and calculated on the basis of evaluation of various parameters such as lithological variation, folds and faults affecting the rock formations, hill slope angle, density of vegetation, orientation of discontinuities and extraneous activities of mining and mining traffic.&#x0D; The methodology adopted included assigning numerical values for various landslide hazard levels: the highest and the lowest levels being assigned 100 and zero values respectively. The Index of Landsliding for a particular section was arrived at by averaging different values assessed for these parameters. Thus, an Index of Landsliding in the range of 9l-100 represents a zone of open forests where the geological formations are thinly bedded, and/or highly jointed, dip steeply (20°-45°) and have suffered disturbance due to faulting, mining and truck traffic. A lower Index of Landsliding represents correspondingly more stable status of hill slopes.&#x0D; The MBT affects the rock formation along the Dehradun-Kiarkuli alignment and Dehradun-Kimiari alignment near Punkulgaon and Galjwari respectively. Phyllite, shale and quartzite exposed along parts of these alignments have suffered excessive shattering and the highest level (91-100) of landsliding. The level of Landsliding Index is also of higher order in the vicinity of the mine areas near Kiarkuli and Lambhidhar.&#x0D; In the context of extensive landsliding in the vicinity of the MBT and the mines, it is advisable that an equitable distribution of transport load is made over these alignments to save not only these routes but also the Dehradun-Mussoorie Highway from excessive destabilization and degradation.

Stromatoporoid-grade and other sponge fossils from the upper Krol Formation of the Lesser Himalaya (India) Implications for the biotic evolution around the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary interval

A study of fossils in thin sections of a sample from the uppermost Krol E Member in the Mussoorie Hills of the Lesser Himalaya, India, proves the existence of morphologically differentiated calcified sponges within the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary time interval. The sponges, described as Mussooriella kroli n.g., n.sp. and Maldeotaina composita n.g., n.sp. indicate the presence of different organization grades at the Precambrian-Cambrian interval. Mussooriella had a calcareous skeleton consisting of skeletal elements composed of an inner laminated part and a distinct peripheral layer with knobs. Maldeotaina is characterized by a stromatoporoid-grade growth pattern following a thalamid-grade pattern. The stromatoporoidgrade part of the skeletons reminds strongly on skeletal elements common in labechiid Ordovician and younger stromatoporoids. Maldeotaina also shows criteria of Early Cambrian fossils, originally described as stromatoporoids and later excluded from this group and transferred to archaeocyaths. These similarities point to an Early Cambrian age of the fossil-bearing horizon in the topmost Krol E Member. Growth cavities with crypts indicate that the sponges might have contributed to the formation of small metazoan reefs-like structures.

Regional variations in the carbon isotopic composition of phosphorite from the Early Cambrian Lower Tal Formation, Mussoorie Hills, India

Early Cambrian Lower Tal phosphorites of the Mussoorie Syncline have been analyzed for their carbon isotopic composition of apatite-bound carbonate and organic carbon. Two mine excavations at Maldeota and Durmala, located on two limbs of the syncline and ∼14-km apart were subjected to detailed sampling along selected stratigraphic profiles. Field and microscopic evidence suggest a shallow marine environment at the site of phosphorite formation characterized by small-scale fluctuations in the sedimentation milieu. Isotope data have been utilized to characterize differing redox conditions prevalent during phosphorite formation at Durmala and Maldeota. In addition, a marked negative carbon isotope excursion has been recorded at the dolomite–phosphorite contact defined by the Krol–Tal stratigraphic boundary. It is thought to reflect the influx of 12C- and P-rich waters from a deeper part of the sedimentary basin. Based on the isotopic composition of carbon in the phosphorite, sulfur in the associated pyrite and petrological data, it has been inferred that the Durmala phosphorite reflects deposition under a suboxic diagenetic environment and the Maldeota phosphorite formed within suboxic to anoxic sulfate-reducing conditions.

Geochemical changes across the Proterozoic–Cambrian transition in the Durmala phosphorite mine section, Mussoorie Hills, Garhwal Himalaya, India

The transition from the Neoproterozoic Nemakit-Daldynian1 Krol-E dolomite to the Tommotian Lower Tal phosphorite-chert–black shale sequence denotes a period of drastic change in the depositional environment and the chemical milieu of the sedimentation basin. These changes are reflected by a marked negative excursion of carbon isotopes, phosphorus enrichment, trace-metal content, high organic carbon burial and notably the first appearance of prolific small shelly fauna and burrowing organisms. Recent studies have documented these changes along several stratigraphic profiles in the Mussoorie Hills of the Garhwal Himalaya for which a single profile from the Durmala phosphorite mine provides a key section discussed here.

A geomorphic evaluation of the landslides around Dehradun and Mussoorie, Uttar Pradesh, India

The Mussoorie hills of northern India are characterized by a rugged topography, with hill ranges rising steeply from about 600 m above mean sea level to over 2300 m and deep cut valleys. The area comprises the Proterozoic-Cambrian rocks of the Krol belt which have been thrust over the Neogene sedimentary rocks (Siwalik Group) along the Main Boundary Thrust. Various geomorphological parameters have been assessed, in conjunction with the geological and anthropogenic aspects, to evaluate the occurrence of the different types of landslides in the area. The evidence of neotectonism was provided by the various geomorphic criteria. Seventy-five landslides were identified by remote sensing. These were studied in the context of geological aspects such as lithology, proximity to active faults and lineament density, geomorphological aspects such as landform, slope, lateral erosion by streams, drainage texture, spring sapping, elevation difference between adjacent valleys, altitude and relief and anthropogenic factors including landuse/land cover and distances from roads. The important causes were found to be lithology, proximity to the active faults (Main Boundary Thrust and Sairku fault), slope angle and aspect, lateral erosion by stream undercutting and deforestation due to human interference. The triggering factors include rainfall and seismicity. The preventive measures to be adopted to stabilise the slopes have also been described.

Additional Trace fossils from the Tai Formation (Early Cambrian), Mussoorie Hills, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Additional Trace fossils from the Tai Formation (Early Cambrian), Mussoorie Hills, Uttar Pradesh, India.

The Conflict Over Limestone Quarrying in Doon Valley, Dehradun, India

The Doon Valley, in the foothills of the Himalayas in the State of Uttar Pradesh in India, has become the centre of major public-interest litigation in the Supreme Court of India. The conflict is centred around the utilization of the rich limestone deposits located in the Mussoorie Hills in the northern part of the Valley. The Mussoorie Hills receive an annual rainfall of some 2,000 mm, which is the second highest in North India. There is a very good water resource in the Mussoorie Hills, which is obviously connected with the water-holding capacity of the limestone belt.For the operators of the limestone quarries, the best use of the high-grade limestone deposit lies in its physical extraction for commercial and industrial use. For the residents of the Valley, however, the best use of the limestone belt lies in its in situ functioning for the stabilization of soil and water resources. Damage to the stability of the hydrological balance of the Valley means damage to all other economic activities which, directly or indirectly, are dependent on the water resources in the Valley. These include agriculture, horticulture, tourism, animal husbandry, and knowledge-based industries etc. that together provide livelihood to the vast majority of the residents of the Valley.The paper analyses the ecological background of the conflict. It evaluates the negative externalities of limestone quarrying in Doon Valley that damages perennial economic activities such as agriculture and tourism. The official steps taken by the State Government to control the ecological damage from quarrying having proved inadequate, the residents of the Valley looked for justice and the right to survival from the Supreme Court of India.

Sclerotiniaceae XIII. An Undescribed Species on Berberis

Batra (1963) reported a disease of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) in India caused by an unknown inoperculate discomycete. At that time he hinted that it be placed in the Sclerotiniaceae. The leaf drop was first found by him during the summer of 1954 in Mussoorie Hills and near Dalhousie, and later discovered in an epiphytotic outbreak in the first locality in 1960. According to Batra, the problem was so severe that a mild shaking of the leaves by either wind or rain on the affected tree would cause them to detach and fall to the ground. Dumont (1976b) described several new species and proposed additional new combinations of substratal Sclerotiniaceae from India. The pathogen of Berberis is none of these, nor was a name found for it in a survey of pertinent literature. In our opinion the fungus remains unnamed; it is described here as new. The materials, methods and terminology used are the same as those reported by Dumont (1971). We are following the generic concepts of Lanzia Saccardo, Poculum Velenovsky and Rutstroemia Karsten as redefined by Dumont (1972) and Korf (1973), and Dumont's ( 1976a) reinterpretation of Moellerodiscus Hennings (Ciboriopsis).

Thindia, a New Genus of the Sarcoscyphineae (Pezizales)

SUMMARY A new species, Thindia cupressi, occurring on the dead foliage of Cupressus in India, is the basis of a monotypic new genus of the operculate discomycetes. The yellow-orange to orange apothecia are provided with brown setae and resemble those of Scutellinia or Cheilymenia (Pezizineae), but microanatomical and cytological characters show that this 4spored fungus belongs instead to the Sarcoscyphineae. Possible relationships to Pithya and Pseudopithyella (Sarcoscypheae) and to Desnazierella (Sarcosomateae) are noted. A small operculate discomycete with a yellow-orange to orange apothecium beset with brown setae on its outer surface, occurring on the foliage of Cupressus torulosa Don, is apparently not referable to any existing genus or species. The first collection known to us was made by Mr. Pritam Singh in 1957, in the Mussoorie Hills in India. Apparently no dried specimens were retained, and the rather scanty material in formalin-alcohol now to be found in the Botany Department collection at Chandigarh is not satisfactory as type material. The fungus was picked up a second time, in the same Mussoorie Hills, by Dr. L. R. Batra in 1960. Four additional collections of the species, some of which are ample, have more recently been made by the junior author in both the Nainital Hills and the Mussoorie Hills, Uttar Pradesh, India. To the naked eye, the small apothecia recall immediately the genera Scutellinia (Cooke) Lambotte and Cheilymenia Boudier, both of which are now referred to the suborder Pezizineae, tribe Scutellinieae, and also have setose apothecia with abundant carotenoid pigments. The gross similarity to these genera is apparent in FIG. 1. In microanatom