A study was carried out in Acacia auriculiformis plantation belonging to different age, site quality and stocking classes in Kerala, India. Growth measurements involving girth at breast? height (1.37 m above ground) and height were recorded for two successive years from fifty semi-permanent sample plots. In addition to these measurements, miscellaneous tree species growing in these plots were also recorded. Diameter increment and volume (in terms of commercial, pulpwood, and timber over-bark and timber under-bark) increment were computed. Soil samples from depth levels of 0-10, 10-20 cm of pits were taken from fifty sample plots. The soils samples collected from each plot were subjected to physical and chemical analyses to determine texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available N, P, K, exchange acidity (EA), exchangeable Al, Ca, Mg and available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn using standard procedures. Effect of soil properties on the growth of A. auriculiformis was studied through empirical approach. The study has also shed light on the optimum levels of soil attributes, which maximize the tree growth. It was observed that the influence of soil properties on tree diameter/volume growth varied with the soil depth levels. In 0-10 cm depth level, no significant relationship between soil properties and tree diameter growth, while significant relationship was found between timber under-bark volume growth and sand in 0-10 cm layer. In 10-20 cm depth level, the tree diameter growth was significantly influenced by soil K and timber under-bark volume growth was significantly affected by soil pH. Since the empirical models obtained were all linear in nature in all the depth levels, the optimum levels of soil attributes, which maximize the tree growth, could not be determined.

A study was conducted to analyze diversity richness and correlation between different diversity richness at species level. Nine Quadrates of 10 x 10m sample plots were laid out randomly and enumerated the trees for various studies. Species wise Importance Value Index, Shannon-Weiner Index, Simpson Index were calculated. Tree density varies from 11.11 to 144.44 ha^-1 with the average basal area of 608.30 m²/ha^-1. The Shannon-Weiner Index (H') ranges from 0.061 to 0.314. The Simpson Index varies from 0.00021 to 0.0355. The Margalef Species Richness Index varies from 3.65 to 56.54. Further, the relative density (1.45 to 18.84), relative frequency (2 to 14) and relative dominance (0.21 to 23.70) were studied in the Andaman tropical evergreen forest, Middle Andaman. The population density of tree species across girth class intervals shows that 61.20% of the trees (41 individuals) belongs to 30-60 cm gbh followed by 11.9% of the trees under the 60-90 cm gbh, 7.50% of trees under 90-120 cm gbh, 8.96 % of individuals in 150-180 cm gbh, 5.97% of individuals in 180-210 gbh category and only 4.5% in >300 cm gbh category.  The present study can serve as baseline information for long term monitoring and sustaining the phyto-diversity of Andaman tropical evergreen forest in Middle Andamans.

Excessive felling and grazing, incendiaries, and mismanagement have resulted in degradation of a number of conifer forests of Pinus roxburghii, Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana in Rajgarh Forest Division of Himachal Pradesh. The forests are irregular, very open and under-stocked. Regeneration is either absent or deficient. With intensive care and proper forest management practices the forests can be rehabilitated and brought back to normalcy. Natural regeneration has to be supplemented with sowing and planting. Felling and resin tapping have to be stopped. Hygienic and salvage removals should be permitted to meet the right holder’s demand. Adequate mother trees as seed bearers, middle aged trees as advance growth, mature trees as fire insurance and young poles as future crops are to be retained. No attempt should be made to remove the prescribed yield. Felling methods have to be followed strictly. Pinus roxburghii, Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana and broad-leaved species of economic importance should be preferred in planting programs. The areas have to be restocked by post planting treatment and care including subsidiary silvicultural operations, fire protection, control on grazing and lopping and maintenance of effective closures for the degraded forests to be rehabilitated.

Variation studies in leaf characteristics of Anogeissus latifolia in Himachal Pradesh was undertaken in four districts namely Solan, Sirmour, Kangra and Una considering three different diameter classes (10-20, 20-30 and 30-40 cm) in eight sites with three replications. Sites S4 (Chaaban-Sirmour) and S7 (Jachh-Kangra) showed best results for variation for leaf traits of this species and diameter class 30 to 40 cm proved best over other diameter classes and thus recommended for morphogenetic variation in its leaf traits. Promotion of multipurpose tree like Anogeissus latifolia will go a long way in mitigating the fuel and fodder requirements of the people of hilly state.

Clonal propagation through stem cuttings and air layering in Dysoxylum malabaricum  Bedd. ex Hiern. is presented here. The highest rooting of 80% was achieved with the use of IBA -1000 ppm from tender stem cuttings of 10-15 years old plant and air layering success was also found to be 90% by the use of IBA 1000 ppm from same age of plants used for stem rooting.

Combinations of different concentrations of substrate (0.025M, 0.05M, 0.1M, 0.15M, 0.20M and 0.25M KNO₃) with different pH of buffer (0.1M, KH₂PO₄ of the pH 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8) solutions were tried for the nitrate reductase activity of Erythrina blakei leaves. Maximum nitrate reductase activity was observed in the combination of buffer solution of 0.1M having pH 6.8 and substrate solution of the concentration 0.15M. NR activity and moisture content in single leaf blades of Erythrina blakei leaves of different branches from different levels of tree have different concentration of activity and Moisture percentage. In single leaf blades maximum NR activity was recorded in leaf number 10, Branch number 3. And maximum moisture percentage observed in leaf number 12, Branch number 3.

Disease survey were conducted at Jabalpur, Bhopal, (Madhya Pradesh), Raipur, Bilaspur (Chhatisgarh.), revealed that R. serpentina suffered from leaf spot diseases caused by Mycosphaerella rauvolfiae, Cercospora rauvolfiae, Phoma jolyana, Cladosporium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata, A. tenuis, A. tenuissima. The inflorescence disease caused by Colletotrichun dematium cause heavy loss in seed production. Top dying caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae and wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ruavolfiae the fungus infects plants through the roots and invades the water conducting tissues of the plant and causing damage to the plant. Twig blight caused by Corynespora cassicola. Due to above diseases of leaves, inflorescence, roots and twigs led to premature drying, defoliation and death of the entire plant. For the management of above diseases laboratory and field experiments were performed.  Laboratory experiments were conducted with biocontrolling agents (Bacillus firmus, B. amyloliquefaciens, Streptomyces sp.), cow urine and biopesticide (1 lit cow urine + 100 g fresh leaves each of Azadiracta indica, Ailanthus excelsa and Calotropis procera) to evaluate the best treatment for some of the major pathogens. On the basis of laboratory study foliar spraying in the field were conducted. The results showed that among all treatments Bavistin 0.05% + Streptomyces sp. (10⁶ spores/ ml) showed less disease intensity as well as better seed yield, followed by Bavistin 0.05% + Trichoderma harzianum (10⁶ spores/ml), Bavistin 0.05% and plant tonic (25 ml in 1000 ml).  It is concluded that foliar application of Bavistin 0.05% + Streptomyces sp. (10⁶ spores/ml), Bavistin 0.05% + T. harzianum (10⁶ spores/ml), and Bavistin0.05% alone proved effective in protecting leaf spot and inflorescence diseases and increasing of seed production.

The present study was conducted along and away from riverine vegetation of Khoh river near Duggada area of district Pauri of Garhwal Himalaya. The aim of the study was to assess the physical and chemical properties of soil. Soil samples were collected from two sites and analyzed for texture, pH, organic matter, water holding capacity, soil organic carbon, phosphorous and potassium. The higher proportion of soil texture was contributed by sand > silt > clay in both the sites. Highest value of WHC was found along riverine vegetation (37.11±7.49 %), while lower values were obtained in vegetation away from river (25.2 ± 3.18 %). Bulk density (gcm³) was higher in vegetation along river (0.82 gcm³), while lower values were obtained away from riverine vegetation (0.71 gcm³). Organic carbon percent along and away from river vegetation was 0.56% and 0.76% respectively whereas the available phosphorus in the soil along and away from riverine vegetation was 18.19±10.16 kg/ha and 30.57±12.12 kg/ha respectively.

The present study was carried out on the antibacterial activity of Adiantum incisum Forssk. In Doon valley, situated in foot hills of Himalayas. Different extracts of the plant revealed its antibacterial activity against the studied pathogenic bacterial strains.Out of the seven extracts assayed the acetone and ethanol showed maximum activities. Therefore, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of these two extracts was determined against the selected bacteria showing zones of inhibition ≥ 10 mm. The MIC for different strains ranges between 31.25mg/ml to 125mg/ml. These studies revealed that acetone and ethanol extract of Adiantum incisum Forssk. possess good antibacterial activity against bacterial strains that cause various human infections like UTI, meningitis, food poisoning, fever, diarrhea etc.

This paper attempts to highlight the conservation value of a sacred grove of West Midnapore district in West Bengal. It also discusses some prevailing threats to the grove and recommends certain remedial measures.

Bardhaman (previously Burdwan) is a Western district of West Bengal. There are forest patches of tropical Dry Sal type (4B-C₂A₃). Out of 382 species of vascular plants, species ratio of dicot, monoct and pteridophyte is 295:80:7. Dicots score higher percentages over monocots and thus have greater contribution to the flora. Williams’ Index (956.75) and most families with few species, indicate a heterogeneous and diverse community. As per ten dominant families, Nadia is closest district of Bardhaman while Hooghly is farthest. Relative percent values of Tree, Shrub, Herb and Vine (20.16, 15.97, 48.95 and 14.92 respectively) indicate a discontinuous canopy creating moderate degree of canopy-hindrance.  Different patches of the ground noticeably differ in ground vegetation with different plant societies. Different stress factors, changing soil niche and microhabitat and disturbing the regeneration potential are to be addressed for determining ex-ante adequate measures.

A study was initiated to find out the effect of raw coir pith incorporation into normal nursery mixture at different proportions on growth and survival of teak stumps. After 90 days of planting, the results revealed that when raw coir pith was mixed with normal nursery mixture either at 3 or 4 ratio (i.e.) red earth+sand+FYM+raw coir pith at 2:1:1:3 (or) 2:1:1:4, there was a favourable influence on the rooting of seedlings in Teak. It was found that addition of raw coir pith at different proportions in the nursery mixture did not have any impairment of Teak seedling growth attributes.

Senna spectabilis (DC.) Irwin & Barneby is a tropical American species collected from the forests of Southern Western Ghats. It is reported here as an addition to the flora of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The detailed description with an illustration and photographs are provided.

The present work elucidates two alien leguminous taxa as new invasion in Eastern India.

Crotalaria clarkei Gamble, an endemic and rare species known only from South India and Maharashtra is reported for the first time from Madhya Pradesh.

Eleocharis acutangula (Roxb.) Schult., is reported for the first time from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. A brief description with photographs of the species is provided for easy identification.

Sonerila barnesii C.E.C. Fischer, an endemic species of the Southern Western Ghats, is rediscovered from Mankulam forest areas of Idukki district after its first collection quite away from the type locality.

Convolvulus L. is newly recorded for Kerala with Convolvulus arvensis L., as the representative taxon.

Desmidorchis pauciflora (Wight) Decne. is recorded as new for the flora of Eastern Ghats as it was previously reported only Tirunelveli and Travancore hills of Southern Western Ghats, India.

The present study revealed that 26 taxa of Hepaticae and Anthocerotae belonging to 15 families have been distributed in different hilly regions of Visakhapatnam district.

Two new records (Ixora subsessilis and Luculia pinceana) for the flora of West Bengal have been reported.

Streblus elongatus (Miq.) Corner. (Moraceae), so for recorded from Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Celebes is reported here as a new record for India from the Bay Islands, Great Nicobar.

Taxonomic note on Salacia brunoniana Wight & Arn., an endangered and endemic species of the Peninsular India is provided with an illustration to facilitate its easy identification.

Fimbristylis salbundia (Nees) Kunth and Queenslandiella hyalina (Vahl) Ballard,  two  new distributional records for the state of Andhra Pradesh are described and illustrated.

The paper deals with the occurrence of epiphytic lichens on shade trees and tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze in tea gardens of Assam. The shade trees are usually leguminous and include Albizia odoratissima (L.F.) Benth., A.  chinensis (Osbeck) Merr., A. moluccana Miq., A.  procera (Roxb.) Benth., A.  lenticularis (L.) Willd, A.  lucidior (Stend.) Nielsen, A.  lebbeck (L.) Benth., Dalbergia sericea G. Don and Derris robusta (Roxb. ex DC.) Benth. A total of 80 species of lichens distributed under 28 genera and 11 families have been recorded. Out of these, 79 (98%) species grow on leguminous trees, 14 (17%) species grow both on leguminous trees as well as  on tea plants, while a single species Strigula hypothallina R. C. Harris has been found confined only to tea plants.

This paper highlights an extended distributional record of three threatened species like Coffea travancorensis Wall. ex Wight & Arn. (Rubiaceae), Neanotis rheedei (Wall. ex Wight & Arn.) W. Lewis (Rubiaceae) and Struchium sparganophorum (L.) Kuntze (Asteraceae) from Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.

The present paper deals with the variety and abundance of bufferfly fauna in Rani Durgawati University Campus, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Central India. The results of present investigation reveals the occurrence of 39 species of butterflies belonging to the 5 families viz; Papilionidae (2 species), Pieridae (7 species), Nymphalidae (24species), Lycaenidae (5 species), Hesperiidae (1 species). The family Nymphalidae is dominant as compared to other families. The two species of butterfly Euploea core core and  Hypolimnas misippus are come under Wildlife Protection Act. 1972.

The present study describes the vegetation distribution changes in different growing periods of an alpine meadow of Garhwal Himalaya. The alpine meadow experiences a short growing season of six months. The density, frequency and abundance/frequency ratio were calculated for the plant species. Peak growing period recorded the maximum number of plant species, the plant species in this period were also found to have higher frequency and density in this period. Highest frequency percentage and density was recorded for Ranunculus hirtellus in post snow melt period. Peak growing period recorded the lowest frequency percentage for Jurinea dolomiaea and four other plant species and lowest density for  Anemone  polyanthes.

The paper reports 3 species, viz., Pertusaria endoxantha Vain., Pertusaria hartmannii Müll. Arg. and Pertusaria thiospoda Knight. as new records for Indian lichen flora. These are briefly described to facilitate their identification.

Present paper deals with the occurrence, nomenclature and taxonomy of Eria pulchella Lindl. (Orchidaceae) in India.