Syzigium Cumini Research Articles

Hypodermis or multiple epidermis: Leaf ontogenesis in nine species of subfamily Myrtoideae (Myrtaceae)

The ninth largest family of angiosperms is Myrtaceae, which comprises 127 genera and over 6000 species. The leaf anatomy of Myrtaceae has been widely studied and can be used in phylogenetic analyses and species delimitations in complexes within the family. A multiple epidermis and hypodermis have been described for the leaves of representatives of the family but have not been confirmed using ontogenetic studies, which could lead to incorrect interpretations about these tissues. Thus, we studied the leaf ontogenesis of the following 9 species in subfamily Myrtoideae: tribe Syzigieae - Syzigium cumini; tribe Myrteae - Myrceugenia alpigena and M. euosma (subtribe Luminae), Psidium sartorianum, P. guajava, Campomanesia adamantium and Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (subtribe Pimentinae), Myrcianthes pungens and M. gigantea (subtribe Eugeniinae). Shoot apices and leaves up to the fourth node were transversally and longitudinally sectioned following techniques used for plant anatomy. Leaf development in all species is from apical, intercalary, dorsal, marginal and plate meristematic activity. Protodermal periclinal divisions only occur to give rise to secretory cavities. The results show that in all the species the subepidermal layer is a hypodermis, which originates from periclinal divisions of the ground meristem. The occurrence of this layer could have phylogenetic implications according to reports in the literature, reinforcing the relationships among the subtribes in current topologies of Myrteae. However, the occurrence of a hypodermis in representatives of other subtribes of Myrteae and Syzigieae need to be better studied and discussed in relation to the phylogeny of Myrtaceae.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Emulgel Containing Syzigium Cumini Extract

Traditional healers use Syzygium cumini bark to treat inflammation. The main aim of this work is to formulate an emulgel containing extract of Syzigium cumini. Syzygium cumini bark was extracted using hydro-alcoholic solvent. Phytochemical evaluation of extract was done. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was evaluated. 4 batches of emulgel were formulated by varying the concentrations of the gelling agents. The emulgel was evaluated for pH, spreadability, viscosity, consistency, appearance, color, washability and appearance. Best results were shown by F2 formulation. Stability studies if F2 formulation was carried. The formulation was found to be stable. It was considered better for treatment of skin inflammation. The proposed research work concludes that the newly formulated herbal emulgel loaded with extract of Syzygium cumini can be used in future for anti-inflammatory effect.

Purification and characterization of extracellular tannase from Aspergillus fumigatus MA using Syzigium cumini leaves under solid state fermentation

This study reports the tannase purification produced by a tannery effluent-originated fungal isolate i.e., Aspergillus fumigatus MA under solid state fermentation (SSF) condition. Purification of tannase from culture filtrate was attained using ammonium sulfate precipitation with subsequent diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-cellulose mediated ion exchange chromatographic technique. Fractional precipitation of the culture filtrate with 60–80% ammonium sulfate yielded 80.9% recovery of tannase with 6.16-fold purification. The enzyme fractions were collected and eluted as a single peak using 0.5 M NaCl-gradient concentration. DEAE-cellulose column chromatography results in overall 23-fold purification with 27.6% recovery of the enzyme. SDS-PAGE analysis of purified tannase confirmed the presence of a single band of protein with a molecular mass equivalent to 66.2 kDa. The highest activity of tannase was observed at optimum pH ranged between 5.0–6.0 whereas, the tannase stability (>80%) was observed at 4.0 to 7.0 pH ranges. The purified tannase activity was found to be optimally active at 30 °C whereas stability (>90%) was accomplished between 30–50 °C temperature. The Km and Vmax were found to be 1.61 × 10−3 M and 1.04 mM respectively. These properties suggest the potential of the enzyme to be utilized in various food, feed, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Antibacterial activity of flavonoid isolated from jamblang leaves (Syzigium Cumini (L.) Skeels) against Staphylococcus aureus

Jamblang leaves (Syzigium cumini (L.) Skeels) is one type plants used as traditional medicine. Jamblang leaves contain several phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, resins, tannins, and oils essential. Flavonoid compounds contained in jamblang leaves have as antibacterial ability. The identification of flavonoid compounds in jamblang leaves and the antibacterial activity of flavonoid compounds against Staphylococcus aureus have been carried out. This study was conducted from jamblang leaves (Syzigium cumini (L.) Skeels) at concentrations of 2%, 4% and 6% against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and to determine the type and structure of flavonoid compounds that have antibacterial activity. The method used for the extraction is remaceration, the separation of compounds using preparative thin layer chromatography while the antibacterial activity test using the pitting method and identification of flavonoid compounds using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Extraction of 500 g of jamblang leaf powder using 96% ethanol resulted in a yield of 22,08%. The results of the study tested the antibacterial activity of flavonoid compounds of jamblang leaves obtained an average of clear zones produced at concentrations of 2%, 4% and 6% consecutively amounting to 0.9540 cm; 1.0540 cm; 1.1583 cm and ciprofloxacin 0.005 % by 1.4077%. Based on statistical analysis of the SPSS program with anava test 1 way obtained the results of significant activity differences between concentrations. Identification of the structure in UV-Vis spectrophotometry shows that flavonoid compounds lead to 3,7,4' trihydroxy flavonol.

Anti-microbial Activities of Syzigium cumini leaves against Periodontophatic Bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis)

Introduction: Syzigium cumini has been known to have an anti-microbial effect and is traditionally used as medicine for some human diseases. However, only a few studies were done on water extracts of these leaves. This study aimed to elucidate the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of water extract of Syzigium cumini leaves against Porphyromonas gingivalis that represent periodontopathic bacteria.

Seasonal Food Preference of Cheetal (Axis axis) and Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) In Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

This study is based on two years field study by direct observation and questionnaire method in Bijrani and Jhirna zones of Corbett National Park. Cheetal (Axis axis) and Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) are found with their sympatric species Barking deer in Corbett Park. The population of Cheetal and Sambar in different vegetative areas of Corbett varies according to the availability of their favourite food (seasonal). This study reveals that Cheetal preferred new sprouting of Cynadon dactylon, green Desmostachya bipinnata, Eulaliopsis binata, Setaria species, Heteropogon species, Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum bengalensis, and Saccharum narenga in grassland. In dense shrub area, Cheetal preferred green tender leaves of Murraya koenegi, Glycosmis arbores, and fruits of Ziziphus mauritiana, Emblica officinalis, and Solanum nigrum. In Sal-mixed forest Cheetal preferred green fallen leaves of Shorea robusta, Adena cordifolia, Mallotus philippensis and leaves & fruits of Syzigium cumini, Agle marmels, Ficus racemosa, Diospyras tomentosa, flowers of Bombax ceiba (calyx), Cassia fistula etc. In the water-side area Cheetal preferred Dalbergia sissoo, S. munja, Phragmites roxburghii and Acacia catechu etc. Sambar is mostly found in dense shrub area and preferred leaves of M. koenegi, G. arbores, E. officinalis, Justicia adhatoda, Z. mauritiana. In Sal-mixed forest, Sambar preferred leaves of S. robusta, A. cordifolia, A. marmeles, Dendrocalamus strictus, and flowers of B. ceiba etc. In grassland, Sambar preferred S. munja, I. cylindrica, D. bipinnata, E. binata. In water-side Sambar preferred A. arabica, P. roxburghii, and D. sissoo on a priority basis. Sambar generally preferred course food like rough leaves, bark, seeds, flowers, soft twigs, and large grasses.

Phyto-interactive impact of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles and Rhizobium pusense on morpho-physiological and yield components of greengram

The iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) prepared by green synthesis method using Syzigium cumini leaf extract was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of green synthesized NPs measuring around 33 nm while SEM revealed its nearly spherical shape. Rhizobium species recovered from greengram nodules, identified by 16s rRNA gene sequencing as Rhizobium pusense produced 30% more exopolysaccharides (EPS) in basal medium treated with 1000 μg IONPs/ml. Compositional variation in EPS was observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). There was no reduction in rhizobial viability and no damage to bacterial membrane was observed under SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Effects of IONPs and R. pusense, used alone and in combination on the growth and development of greengram plants varied considerably. Plants grown with IONPs and R. pusence, used alone and in combination, showed a significant increase in seed germination rate, length and dry biomass of plant organs and seed components compared to controls. The IONPs in the presence of rhizobial strain further increased seed germination, plant growth, seed protein and pigments. Greater protein content (442 mg/g) was observed in seeds at 250 mg/kg of IONPs compared to control. Plants raised with mixture of IONPs plus R. pusense had maximum chlorophyll content (39.2 mg/g FW) while proline content decreased by 53% relative to controls. This study confirms that the green synthesis of IONPs from S. cumini leaf possess useful plant growth promoting effects and could be developed as a nano-biofertilizer for optimizing legume production.

Diet of the Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) in dry scrubland of north Gujarat, India

Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis, a mesocarnivore of the Indian subcontinent, is distributed widely in all kinds of habitats in India except the Western Ghats. The Indian fox prefers semi-arid landscapes with low rainfall where it is easy to hunt and dig dens and where the vegetation is mainly short grasslands or scrub, thorn thickets or dry deciduous forests. They mostly avoid dense forests, steep terrain, tall grasslands, and true deserts. The Indian fox is listed as of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN and legally protected in India under schedule II of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972. An opportunistic and omnivorous feeder, its diet includes insects, scorpions, centipedes, small rodents, monitor lizards and other reptiles, ground nesting birds, their eggs and fruit such as Ziziphus sp. (Rhamnaceae), Citrullus vulgaris (Cucurbitaceae), Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), Syzigium cumini (Myrtaceae), Melia azedarach (Meliaceae), and Ficus bengalensis (Moraceae). Some local shepherds have also reported seeing Indian foxes feed on the freshly voided pellets of sheep. Their presence and density in any area is closely related to the abundance of food.

Indian blackberry (Syzigium cumini L.) nectar processed without chemical preservatives-changes in physico-chemical properties and bioactive constituents during storage-siftdesk

Indian blackberry fruit is widely acclaimed for the antidiabetic property. The fruits are highly perishable, having a shelf life of about two days. Therefore, an attempt was made to convert the fruits into nectar by pasteurization, without adding any chemical preservatives. Indian blackberry nectar having a total soluble solids content of 17 0 Brix and acidity of 0.253% without any chemical preservatives, was pasteurized at 100 0 C, for 10 minutes. Viscosity of the nectar recorded an upward trend throughout storage, irrespective of storage temperature. The L* and b* values rose with a corresponding decline of a* values during storage of the product. Pasteurized Indian blackberry nectar had an initial vitamin C content of 18.6 mg 100g- 1. After three months of storage, total phenolics in Indian blackberry nectar were 59.50 and 57.50 mg 100g-1 under ambient and refrigerated storage, respectively. The product held under refrigerated conditions had significantly higher anthocyanins (85.67 mg) than the nectar held at ambient temperature (78.72 mg 100g-1). Scavenging of DPPH radical of the nectar declined slightly (2.94 µg ml-1), compared to that in fresh fruits (2.75 µg ml-1).

Antidiabetic Activity and Phytochemical Constituents of Syzygium cumini Leave in Kadipaten, Central Java Indonesia, Indonesia

Introduction: Ethnomedicaly, jamblang (java plum) has been used as antidiabetic treatment in Dayak Tribe. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of the jamblang leaf extract as an antidiabetic. Objective: Evaluate Effecticity of Syzigium cumini (java plum) as anti-diabetic herb. Method: The antidiabetic activity test, used an animal model which gaven food a high fat diet High Fat Diet (HFD) then it was induced with Streptozotocin injected intraperitoneally. The subjects used in the study were male rats (Ratus novergicus) Sprague-Dawley strain. Results: Oral administration of jamblang extract has anti hyperglycemic activity through decrease of fasting blood glucose point significantly (dose 1, 50mg/ Kg Bw p: <0.0001, dose 2, 100 mg/Kg BW p: <0.0001).

Syzygium cumini leaf extract protects macrophages against the oxidized LDL-induced toxicity: A promising atheroprotective effect

Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) plays a pivotal role on atherosclerosis development, mainly in the formation of lipid-laden macrophage “foam cells”. As a consequence, substances that can modulate LDL oxidation have a pharmacological and therapeutic relevance. Based in previous findings showing the ability of Syzigium cumini leaf extract (ScExt) in preventing LDL oxidation in vitro, this study was aimed to assess the effects of ScExt on oxLDL-mediated toxicity in murine J774 macrophages-like cells. For biochemical analyses, LDL isolated from fresh human plasma and oxidized with CuSO4 was incubated with ScExt pre-treated macrophages. Our results demonstrated that ScExt was efficient in preventing the overproduction of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), the loss of macrophage’s viability and the foam cells formation induced by oxLDL. These protective effects of ScExt make it a promising antioxidant for future trials toward atherogenesis.

Determination of physiochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of selected climacteric and Non – climacteric fruits

Fruits being fundamental nutritious sources in the human diet due to their high nutrient content and antioxidant capacity, can be classified as climacteric and non- climacteric fruits based on their ability to ripen after harvesting, where the fruits which can be ripen after being plucked are known as climacteric fruits and those which cannot be ripen after harvest are known as non– climacteric fruits. The study was carried out to analyze the antioxidant properties of selected climacteric and non-climacteric fruits and the fruits were taken from four different colors: red, yellow, purple, and green. The chosen fruits under climacteric category are Red lady papaya (Carica papaya), Mango (Mangifera indica), Madan/ Jamun (Syzigium cumini) and Ceylon olive/ Veralu (Elaeocarpus serratus) while the fruits chosen from the non - climacteric category are Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris), Pineapple (Ananus sativus), Grapes (Vitis vinifera) and Indian Gooseberry/ Nelli (Phyllanthus emblica). The DPPH scavenging activity based on IC 50 Values of the selected climacteric fruits Jamun, Red Lady Papaya, Mango, and Ceylon Olive in mg/mL are 3.45, 12.34, 15.35 and 8.49 respectively. The DPPH scavenging activity based on IC 50 Values of selected non – climacteric fruits Grapes, Watermelon, Pineapple and Indian Gooseberry are 26.78, 11.84, 0.95 and 2.62 respectively. The TSS values of the selected climacteric fruits Jamun, Red Lady Papaya, Mango, and Ceylon olive are 10.600 ± 0.529, 12.533 ± 0.416, 16.367 ± 0.404. The TSS values of selected non – climacteric fruits Grapes, Watermelon, Pineapple and Indian Gooseberry are 14.000 ± 0.500. 14.667 ± 0.611, 6.80 ± 2.95, 14.13 ±1.86, 10.467 ± 0.503 respectively..

Anti-meningitis agent potentially of Syzigium Cumini Essential oil by GC-MS

The essential oil from fruit of Syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae), endemic to Indonesia, was investigated by using GC and GC-MS. Forty-six components represented of the total oil were identified. The major components of the essential oil were 1,2,3-Propanetriol (20.32%), octadecanoic acid (16.13%), glycerine-1-oleate-3-palmitate (12.00%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (6.49%) and Heptadecyl acetate (5.52%). The bio-activity of the major components of essential oil of S. cumini was investigated by the PASS-online bio-activity prediction software. The major components of essential oil of S. cumini exhibited antibacterial activities. The antibacterial activity present in the essential oil of S. cumini has the potential to be used as an anti-meningitis bacterial. Further research is needed to test the definitive antibacterial ability of the compounds contained in S. cumini essential oil…

Isolation and characterization of acetic acid bacteria from palm sap (Arenga pinnata Merr.) for a starter culture in the production of Java plum (Syzigium cumini L.) vinegar

This study aims to isolate and characterize the AAB from the palm sap collected from Aceh Besar District, Aceh Province, Indonesia, in order to determine its viability as a starter culture in the production of Java plum vinegar. The palm sap was collected from three villages (Pagar Air, Seulimum and Lam Pakuk) after aging for 30 days. The samples were grown on Yeast-Glucose-Carbonate agar for AAB isolation and microbiological analysis and were examined for total cell counts, pH, total soluble solid (TSS), and alcohol content in triplicate. This study has successfully isolated 2 isolates from Pagar Air village (P1, P2), 1 isolate from Seulimum village (P3), and 2 isolates from Lam Pakuk village (P4, P5) with different colony characteristics. The characteristics of Gram negative, catalase positive, and oxidase negative suggest AAB were represented on P2 and P5 isolates only. Based on TSS analysis, the bacteria in palm sap from Pagar Air village could successfully convert sugar into alcohol. Therefore, P2 has the potential to be used as a starter culture in the java plum vinegar production process.

Edible Coating with Jambolan (Syzigium cumini L.) Peel and Leaf Extracts to Reduce Color Changes, Mass Loss and to Increase β-Carotene Retention of Minimally Processed Papaya

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the jambolan (Syzigium cumini L.) peel and leaves extract added in pectin based edible coating onto color changes, mass loss and β-carotene retention of minimally processed papaya during storage at 5 ±2 °C for 9 days. Leaves and peels were crushed in water in solid:liquid ratio, 1:1.5 and 1:2.0 and filtrered to obtain vegetable extracts. After, aqueous solutions were prepared adding 2% of pectin and 5% of extract. The mass loss increasing in all treatments evaluated in this work, being that in the final of 9 days of storage, control and P2 (peel 2%) treatment presented the highest loss, 6.23 and 10.12% respectively. The L1.5 (leaf 1.5%) treatment was the one presented the lowest percentage of mass loss (3.8%). The values of () of the control samples reduced significantly during the storage period, reaching 21% of reduction after 9 days. Coating with vegetable extract from jambolan peel and leaf reduced the loss of β-carotene in minimally processed papaya during the storage, being that the treatment P1.5 provided the highest retention value of the compound. The results demonstrated that the studied coating set with extracts (peel and leaves) of jambolan, was efficient to preserve the color, the mass loss and the β-carotene content of the minimally processed papaya.

Ficus carica and Sizigium cumini Regulate Glucose and Lipid Parameters in High-Fat Diet and Streptozocin-Induced Rats.

Obesity linked diabetes, popularly known as diabesity, has been viewed as a direct product of the modern lifestyle in both developed and developing countries, and its increased prevalence is seen as a major threat to public health globally. Ficus carica (FC) and Syzigium cumini (SC) are part of indigenous flora with traditional medicinal properties. Fresh seeds of SC fruit and fruit of FC were collected and macerated to obtain the final extract. Wistar rats were divided into seven groups fed either on a normal diet or high-fat diet (HFD) along with streptozocin (STZ) to induce diabesity. The crude extract of FC (FC.Cr.) and SC (SC.Cr.) were administered at 250 mg/kg/day and 500 mg/kg/day in induced diabesity state. Body weights, blood glucose level, complete blood count (CBC), cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were recorded to analyze their effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. Further, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to examine their effects on lipid peroxidation and ant oxidative enzyme. Results showed that both FC.Cr. and SC.Cr. have the potential to control obesity-linked type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by lowering the body weights, serum glucose, cholesterol, TG, LDL, and VLDL, while increasing the protective effects of HDL dose-dependently. The crude extract of both plants showed significant activity to raise SOD and curb MDA under diabetic states. It was concluded that both FC.Cr. and SC.Cr. exhibited remarkable therapeutics potential in HFD-STZ-induced diabetic rats. However, we found that the effects of SC.Cr. are relatively more pronounced as compared to FC.Cr. in almost all parameters.

STUDY OF ANTIDIABETIC EFFECT OF POLYHERBAL EXTRACT IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which there is defect in insulin secretion high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. The polyherbal extract under study contain extract of Eugenia jambolana (seed) , Citrulus colocynthis (fruit), Terminaliachebula ( Fruit) , Curcuma amada (Rhizome) , Syzigium cumini ( seed) in combination shows decrease in levels enhace gluconeogenesis from protein and Amino acid with accumulation of glycogen in liver. Crude drugs like Eugenia jambolana, Mamordica charantia, Terminalia Chebula, and Black cumini increase secreation of insulin from B-cells of islets of pancrease. The proposed study is to investigate the effectiveness that of combination of these herbs as a polyherbal extract formulation in treatment of type II diabetic model. In the present study, experimental diabetes was induced Alloxan dose 150 mg/kg(Group ll), Diabetic standard diabetic rats were treated with oral dose of (metformin) 10mg/kg (Grouplll), group iv, v, vi) Diabetic rats were treated with an polyherbal extract 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 150mg /kg respectively. Drugs Metformin and polyherbal extract were given once in daily. The dietry regimen for 21 days, during which blood glucose level and lipid profile measured at 0,7,14,21 day of study using blood from rats retroorbital plexus. A high dose (200 mg/kg) of polyherbal extracts treatment group produce significant decrease in plasma glucose level.&#x0D; Keywords: Diabetes, Eugenia jambolana, Citrulus colocynthis, Mamordica charantia, Gymnema stylvestre

Storage stability of the phenolic compounds, color and antioxidant activity of jambolan juice powder obtained by foam mat drying

Jambolan (Syzigium cumini (L.) Skeels) stands out among the Brazilian fruits that are rich in bioactive compounds with potential for the production of dehydrated product. Therefore, jambolan juice powder was produced by foam mat drying method and stored for 150 days at three temperatures (4, 25, 35 °C). The effect of time, temperature and the interaction of these two factors on the qualitative and quantitative profile of phenolic compounds were determined after analysis of the powders by using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn. For the powders submitted to the different study condition, the concentration of flavonols did not differ from the control sample, and only a small reduction in the anthocyanins concentrations was seen (7-9%), only being significantly affected by storage time. Additionally, the molar profiles of these compounds were influenced more by time than storage temperature, however none of the compounds identified was totally degraded. The percentages of antioxidant activity oscillated during the storage time, however, without major losses after 150 days at all storage temperatures. The results showed that jambolan juice powder is very stable in terms of anthocyanins and flavonols concentrations at all three temperatures of the storage. This and the attractive color (purplish-red) make it a potential ingredient to enrich differentiated foods.

Avenue Plantations as Biodiversity Havens: A Case Study of Population Status of the Indian Flying Fox, Pteropus giganteus Brunnich, 1782 and Implications for Its Conservation in the Urban Megacity, Delhi, India

This study provides the primary information about the population of Pteropus giganteus, a mega fruit-bat, having a permanent roost in avenue plantations of Delhi, India. These avenue plantations of Lutyens’ Delhi have a variety of tree species which serve as habitats for both roosting and foraging of fruit-eating bats, P. giganteus. These avenue trees comprise of species like Terminalia arjuna, Ficus microcarpa, Syzigium cumini, Polyalthia longifolia and Putranjiva roxburghii. The Indian flying fox (P. giganteus) was observed roosting on nine species of avenue trees in Delhi in the present study, which was undertaken for a period of 3 years from April 2014 to June 2017. In this study period, the peak colony size was observed in May, 2014 (1660 individuals). The flying foxes use 9 species of avenue trees for roosting, where the largest colony size was observed on T. arjuna. This zone is the only roosting location of the Indian flying fox in Delhi, which plays an important role in seed dispersal and pollination. The colony size was largest during the spring-summer months which showed a gradual decrease with the decline in temperature during winters. Although, year round T. arjuna had the maximum number of individuals from the colony whereas Cassia fistula, Delonix regia and Bombax ceiba had the least. The result provides the scope for an uncharismatic species beyond protected area and organismal biology, towards linkages of functional landscapes and urban ecosystem services. With proper monitoring, this area has huge potential to be converted into a ‘Conserved Roosting site’ of P. giganteus.

Spatial Distribution of Soil Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Contents and Stocks in Humid Subtropical North-Eastern India

Soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are important macronutrients for crop production and productivity. Assessment of spatial distribution and stock of N, P and K in soil are the need of the hour for judicious nutrient management through precision agriculture. An attempt was made to prepare the spatial distribution map of available macronutrients in soil using geostatistical techniques. In total 150 georeferenced surface soil samples (0–25 cm depth) were collected at 1 km × 1 km grid interval in three major land use systems viz., crop, plantation and agroforestry (like Mangifera indica, Syzigium cumini, Shorea robusta, Tectona grandis, Acacia auriculiformis and Bambusa sp.) from Bishalgarh block, Sepahijala district, Tripura of North-eastern India. Data indicates that soil bulk density (BD), and available N, P and K varied from 1.10 to 1.82 g cm−3, 0.01 to 0.29 g kg−1, 0.001 to 0.02 g kg−1 and 0.02 to 0.24 g kg−1, respectively. Stock of N, P and K in these soils varied from 0.33 to 8.71, 0.02 to 0.69 and 0.72 to 8.52 Mg ha−1, respectively. Perusal of dataset under different land use systems revealed that stock of available N, P and K in surface soil followed the order of plantation land > agroforestry land > cropland. Geostatistical analyses indicated that spherical model was best fitted for N and P content in soil, while exponential model was best fitted for K content. Similarly, stocks of N, P and K in soil could be best fitted by exponential model. The nugget/sill ratio indicates a strong dependence for N (5%), a weak spatial dependence for K stock (81%) and moderate spatial dependence for all other soil variables (51–69%). The spatial distribution maps of macronutrients in soil exhibited differential distribution pattern indicate the need of differential soil application rates in respect of N, P and K. Such study is of practical significance in managing soil resources through judicious application of fertilizers under precision agriculture.