The Journal of the Indian Botanical Society

A review on antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of Foeniculum vulgare Miller

2023-09-27T09:18:25+00:00

Foeniculum vulgare also has been extensively studied for its antimicrobial activity and recently many studies have also revealed its antibiofilm activity. Antibiotic resistance, which is a serious concern, demands the discovery of novel antimicrobial chemicals that can be developed and utilized as antibiotics. Compounds with antibiofilm activity must also be discovered to combat antibiotic resistant biofilm making microbials. The present review was conducted with the aim of evaluating current data on the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Foeniculum vulgare and is the result of a thorough evaluation of the scientific literature on Foeniculum vulgare, chemical composition, general medicinal and traditional properties, antimicrobial, antibiofilm activity.

Ecological investigation on vegetation structure and soil characteristics of Prosopis juliflora –invaded and non-invaded urban ecosystems in Indian dry tropics

2024-04-16T07:52:35+00:00

Plant invasion in Indian tropics have caused alternation of vegetation structure and soil characteristics. Present study was carried out to assess vegetation structure and physico-chemical properties of soils of Prosopis juliflora-invaded and non-invaded sites in a rapidly urbanizing dry tropical region of India. Abuandance of plant species was estimated through 120 randomly quadrats (each 1mx1m) at both sites at in three seasons (n= 20x3x2). A total of 36 randomly sampled surface soil (0-10 cm) from both sites in three seasons where analyzed for soil pH, moisture content, organic carbon and total nitrogen. Diversity of the vegetation was estimated using nine alpha diversity and one beta diversity indices and dominance was assessed by plotting abundance-diversity curves. Similarity of the vegetation was estimated by Sorrenson’s modified index. A total of 98 plant species distributed over 35 families were recorded. Top dominant families included Poaceae, Malvaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Dominants changed with site and season. Seasonal diversity varied in the order rainy>winter>summer. Diversity of P.juliflora-invaded site was lower than that at non-invaded sites. The vegetation tended to be distinct in dry months compared to rainy season. The site-soils showed considerable alteration of characteristics. Higher organic and total N were recorded at invaded sites. Soil moisture significantly changed with change of season, although there was no inter-site difference in the same season. In conclusion, the study revealed a complex interplay of soil-site conditions, season, plant invasions and disturbance in shaping the structure of vegetation in dry tropical urbanizing landscapes of India.

A Survey of Traditional Medicinal Plants in District Hapur, Uttar Pradesh: Treatment of Gynaecological Disorder

2024-04-03T07:24:43+00:00

Gynaecological disorders are recognized as a major worldwide issue impacting the health of women. During the survey of district Hapur, a total of 52 ethnomedicinal plant species were recorded along with local names, families, habits, and plant parts used. These 52 medicinal plant species that provide the crude drugs pertain to 47 genera and 33 families. These plants were found to cure 12 kinds of gynecological disorders. During documentation of plants used to cure gynecological disorders, the frequently prominent families were Fabaceae (9), Lamiaceae, Moraceae (4), and Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Brassicaceae, Zingiberaceae (2). During the survey, it was reported that twenty-five families had one species each. Among the genera, Ficus (4 spp.), Ocimum (2 spp.), and Allium (2 spp.) were the dominant genera. Based on their ethnomedicinal uses, the most significant species were Curcuma longa, Allium cepa, Asparagus racemosus, and Vitis vinifera. This is first-hand information related to ethnomedicinal plant species that are used by the local people to treat gynecological disorders in district Hapur. This research aims to preserve the ancient treasure collected through folklore and herbal healers to treat gynecological problems. Further pharmacological survey of these plants may provide some important drugs for the treatment of common gynecological disorders that may be used as powerful medications.

PGPR attributes and molecular identification of non-rhizobial Endophytes for growth enhancement of Sesbania sesban (L) Merr.

2024-01-27T06:29:31+00:00

The ongoing research explore the isolation, characterization, identification and plant growth promoting (PGP) functions of selected the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from the root nodules of a wild leguminous plant Sesbania sesban (L) Merr., growing in plain area of adjacent to Shivalik hill regions of Uttarakhand. 70 bacterial isolates were attained, and their efficacy was evaluated as beneficial rhizobacteria. Critiquing their morphological, physiological, biochemical properties, PGP attributes and molecular identification. The results indicated that certain isolates exhibited consistent characteristics with Rhizobia species, such as a milky white colony with a spherical convex surface on nutrient agar media and an inability to absorb red color on yeast mannitol agar w/congo red. Out of these 70 isolates 54 were found gram-positive and 16 were gram-+. Gram-negative isolates were further selected for investigation. Moreover, these isolates demonstrated remarkable tolerance to high salinity, pH, and temperature. Most promising bacteria that shows better PGP traits were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These beneficial non-rhizobial endophytes were identified as Enterobacter xiangfangensis (SSP01) and Acinetobacter pittii (SSP03). Consortium of the isolates considered as most significant output. On the basis of pot trial results, we, harnessed the beneficial properties of these associative and symbiotic bacteria to enhance biomass accumulation and vegetative growth parameters in S. sesban. This study may contribute to eco-friendly agricultural sustainability and provides a promising alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers.

Assessing the influence of invasive plant Species on herb diversity and soils in Indian dry tropics: Insights from Parthenium hysterophorus and Prosopis juliflora invasion dynamics

2024-05-03T08:13:04+00:00

Present study in Hastinapur wildlife sanctuary in Indian dry tropics aimed to understand vegetation structure and soil characteristics in areas invaded by invasive tree Prosopis juliflora (PJ site) and invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus (PH site). Plant density was estimated through 120 random quadrats (each 1m x 1m) across the two sites in three seasons. Diversity and similarity of the two sites in different seasons was estimated. Nine soil samples (0-10 cm) from each site in different seasons were analyzed for their pH, moisture content, total N, organic C, exchangeable Na, K and Ca. A total of 74 plant species distributed across 30 families were recorded. Largest families were Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Solanaceae, Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Acanthaceae, together accounting for over 65% of total flora. Largest number of flora in both sites occurred in rainy season (60), followed by winter (52) and summer (50). Diversity indices ranked sites differently. Species richness and evenness showed greater diversity at PJ compared to PH site in all three seasons. Beta diversity range indicated least variation in rainy and it increased in summer and winter. Species common across sites and seasons included Cynodon dactylon and many alien weeds Cannabis sativa, Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara, and Ageratum conyzoides. Dominants and their associates changed with season and site and this dominance increased in non-rainy months, as evinced by dominance-diversity curves. Higher inter-site similarity was noted during the rainy season followed by the winter and summer. Dissimilarity of vegetation patches was more prominent in summer and winter. No general trend in soil characteristics could be deciphered. In conclusion, the study revealed a complex interplay of seasonal dynamics and invasive species interactions on plant community structure and soils in Indian dry tropical ecosystems.

Diversity of rhizobium in the rhizosphere soils and its efficacy in the mitigation of N2 fixation of two agroforestry tree species of different agroedaphic areas of the Godavari belt region

2026-02-13T08:20:11+00:00

The experiment was carried out to study the characteristics of different rhizobial strains isolated from the rhizosphere soils of two agroforestry tree species from 24 locations of Northern Telangana. A total of 372 Rhizobial isolates (178 isolates from Acacia nilotica and 194 from Albizia lebbeck) were screened for PGP attributes. The Rhizobial isolates with at least one or more PGP attributes were selected for further study. The ability of Rhizobial isolates to produce Indole from both the host plants under the influence of four metabolites was studied. The efficiency of Rhizobial isolates varied from one location to another location and was also differs in the host plant. Nitrogenase activity was observed in proportionate to the number of nodules in each plant. The root colonization efficiency attained maximum in 30 days, and gradually decreased in 60 days. Seed germination efficiency was found to be influenced by nitrogenase activity. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the isolate to be 99% homology to rhizobia.

Plants: A major natural resource for curing disease rheumatism in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal- An overview

2026-02-13T08:27:06+00:00

Research has been carried out in different remote areas of Paschim Medinipur district to find out the herbal remedies which are
used as an antidote of disease rheumatism. Herbs are one of the major natural resources of the Universe. In this survey 20 medicinal
plants belonging to 15 plant families and 18 genera namely, Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight. &Arn. (Rhamnaceae), Achyranthes
aspera L. (Amaranthaceae), Cissus quadrangularisL. (Vitaceae), Desmostachys bipinnata (L.) Moench (Malvaceae), Euphorbia tirucalli L.
(Euphorbiaceae), Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae), Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl (Verbenaceae), Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. exDC)
Wight & Arn. (Combretaceae), Scoparia dulcisL. (Plantaginaceae), Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Malvaceae), Allium ascalonicum L.
(Amaryllidaceae) are some of the medicinal plants which were documented after survey. Interviews with different rheumatic patients,
herbal practitioners and different market sellers about the use of the same herbal formulations proves their true disease healing property
against the specific said disease. The genuineness of the specific disease curing activity also indicates that these plants must contain
some active constituents which are also proved in other literature reviews. So, it can be said, uses of these medicinal plants cum natural
resources against rheumatism is not only a matter of folklore but scientific also. It is fact that many of the inhabitants of the district
specially females of above the age of average 35 are suffering from different kind of rheumatic disorders. The disease is painful and
very difficult to get cured by orthodox allopathic treatment process. This survey also noticed patients taking different ethnomedicinal
formulation either orally or as an emollient for different rheumatic disorder give better results than prolonged orthodox costly allopathic
medicine. It is also noticed during survey that those very essential medicinal herbs are left unnoticed in different places of the district. So,
conservation of those plants is essential consciously and unconsciously even in this era of deforestation, urbanization, and modernization.

Designer Vetiver genotypes for environmental and industrial applications

2024-03-30T07:04:51+00:00

Background and Aims: The Vetiver grass [Vetveria zizaniodes (L) Nash. syn. Chrysopogon zizaniodes (L.) Roberty], traditionally valued in aroma industry for its essential oil extracted from roots is now extensively used as a green technology for its multifarious environmental applications. With rising global interest in Vetiver Grass Technology, it becomes desirable to identify / develop designer genotype/s of vetiver for specific application/s to realize its efficient implementation. Whereas the penetrating roots reaching deep into subsoil horizon promises vetiver as a suitable candidate for carbon sequestration likened to trees, its web forming tufted roots supported with lateral roots make this grass a model soil binder. Further, owing to its efficient phyto-absorption potential for toxic chemicals and metalloids that are primarily stabilized in root zone, the above ground shoot mass of this grass could also be utilized as a forage when combined with nutritional qualities required in a fodder. On the other side for its utilization as an essential oil crop it is desirable to develop short duration genotypes that could yield maximum productivity of high-quality essential oil keeping in fitness with the requirements of aroma industry. Therefore, it was endeavored to develop designer genotype/s to aim the following specifications: (a) Efficient soil binder and soil ameliorator combined with fodder qualities, (b) Root based sequestration of atmospheric carbon deep into subsoil horizon likened to trees, (c) Short duration crop for high essential oil productivity.

Methods: Keeping in fitness with the concept of ‘root ideotype’ and ‘root phenomics’ suggested for vetiver grass for specific applications, extensive efforts were made to isolate genotypes from the range of diversity prevalent across the length and breadth of India. Further selection pressure and genomic manipulation was applied to identify genotypes that meet the ‘best fit’ to realize the requirement of environmentalists in a global perspective, including non-invasiveness. The genotypes were tested for their efficiency as a soil ameliorator by growing them in iron mine spoil dumps, nutritional and palatability qualities of leaves desirable as a fodder, growth efficiency and deep penetrability of roots for carbon sequestration potential, and concentration and quality of essential oil in the roots harvested after six months.

Key results: The following three kinds of designer genotypes are developed for environment and industry specific applications: (i) A non-seeding ideal plant type that sports profuse rooting with high secondary roots (with least oil) for enhanced soil binding properties, coupled with profuse tiller and shoots rich in high fiber content and nutritional qualities suitable for fodder. This genotype is suitable for ecological plantations in degraded soil / iron mine spoil dump; (ii) A seed infertile plant type that has thick deep penetrating roots with least secondary roots and high biomass. This plant type is ideal for sequestration of atmospheric carbon deep into subsoil region likened to trees as well as suitable for improving soil fertility through enriching the soil carbon pool; (iii) A short duration clone that could yield high amount of essential oil of desirable quality from its roots harvested just after six months of plantation, otherwise obtainable after 18 months in the standard cultivars.

Conclusions: Keeping in view the two diverse requirements i.e. for environmentalists on one side and industrialists on the other, intensive efforts were exercised that led to development of three designer genotypes : (i) Genotype ‘CIMAP-FORAGIKA’ : It is suitable as an efficient soil binder on account of its designer root architecture that sports intense root-web, as well as soil ameliorator on account of its high iron / heavy metal absorption potential in the root zone, and at the same time possessing shoot characteristics that make it suitable for usage as fodder under ecological plantations, (ii) The clone ‘CIMAP-KH40’ : This clone sports deep penetrating fast growing smooth roots with efficient carbon sink, and is thus ideal for carbon sequestration deep into the subsoil likened to trees. Further, this clone was made seed infertile through genomic manipulation to realize non-invasiveness for its suitability in ecological plantations, (iii) The genotype ‘CIMAP-KHUSINOLIKA’: This is a short duration clone that could yield essential oil of desirable quality just after 6 months crop cycle against the existing varieties that require 18 months crop cycle