We studied temporal changes in biomass and net primary productivity of alpine grasslands at Tungnath in Garhwal Himalaya. Five different communities with similar elevations were taken for investigation. The above-ground biomass samples were harvested as close to the ground as possible. Similarly, below-ground biomass samples were collected from harvesting monoliths (25 x 25 x 30 cm). Aboveground net primary production was determined as the sum of positive changes in biomass and belowground net primary production was calculated as the difference between peak belowground biomass and preceding minimum biomass. The live shoot biomass increased from May till September in all communities except Trachydium roylei and Polygonum, which peaked in August. The dead shoot and litter biomass first decreased and peaked in all communities in October. Belowground biomass first decreased and then increased towards the end of the growing season. The belowground to aboveground biomass ratio ranged between 0.61-3.08. The aboveground net productivity ranged between 454.8-294.3 g m^-2, and the belowground net productivity ranged between 346.3-102.4 g m^-2.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP) comprises 340 km² of core zone of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve in Assam, India. DSNP receives on average 3000-3500 tourists every year. Most of the visitors were on independent holidays often coming to the DSNP. Most of the visitors coming from outside the northeastern states are coming to DSNP as the second destination after the Kaziranga National Park, which is about 300 km from the DSNP. Recreational value of DSNP was estimated by using Travel Cost Method. Results show that the average consumer surplus per tourist per visit accruing to domestic tourists was Rs. 2892.50 and total annual recreational value of the DSNP was Rs. 10.11 million which is almost 40 times the total revenue (Rs. 2.50 lakh) earned by the DSNP in a year. This clearly shows that revenue collected through entry fee is not reflecting the true economic value of recreational services of the DSNP. The results of the study provide enough justification for enhanced investment from government in the DSNP to ensure continued flow of essential ecosystem services.

Two species of Berberis (B. lycium, B. kunawurensis) (Berberidaceae) from India, housed in the Roylean Herbarium at World Museum, National Museums Liverpool (LIV), are lectotypified. The location of the type of B. kunawarensis is published for the first time and its description is expanded.

Diospyros saldanhae Kosterm. (Ebenaceae), an endemic species to Western Ghats is being reported here for the first time in the state of Tamil Nadu from Anamalais and Nilgiri hills. A detailed description, and herbarium images of the species are provided to facilitate easy field identification and further research.

We assessed the areas under suitable habitats and population of ten high value medicinal herbs in alpine region of Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. Topographic, landcover, physiographic, edaphic and bioclimatic variables were used to predict the potential distribution of these plants in the alpine vegetation zone. Field surveys were conducted to collect occurrence data, and the abundance of species was assessed through rapid mapping exercises. The study found that certain habitat types, particularly Danthonia-dominated grassy slopes, herbaceous meadows, and shrubberies between 3000-4100 m elevations on specific slopes, were preferred by the MAPs. Among the threatened MAPs, Allium stracheyi had the largest potential distribution area (588 km²) with a moderate abundance of 1.7 individuals/m², while Aconitum balfourii had the smallest potential distribution area (100 km²) with low abundance (0.2 individuals/m²). The results of the MaxEnt analysis identified several significant contributing factors for the potential distribution of threatened species, including aspect, slope, vegetation type, mean diurnal temperature, and precipitation during the wettest months. Based on the potential distribution and abundance data, specific meadows such as Valley of Flowers, Kandara, Ralam, Milam, Tungnath, Panchachuli, and Pindari were identified as priorities for in-situ conservation and management efforts.

Bamboos suffer from insect damage, in varying degree, right from the seed to the finished products by as many as 212 insect species. Chlorophorus annularis (Cerambycidae: Coleoptera) is one of the serious pests on dry bamboo. Three preservatives, viz., CCB (Copper sulphate, Chrome and Boric acid), Borax and ZiBOC (Copper sulphate, Borax, Zinc chloride) at 6 per cent concentration by pressure, and dipping method were used for the control of C. annularis. CCB 6% preservative after 7 days of dipping yielded a maximum of 76.62 average per cent borer control in dry bamboo followed by 4 days of dipping (71.17%), 2 days of dipping (48.06%) and after 1 hour of dipping (45.88% borer control). Preservatives used for the control of bamboo borer damaging cut and dry bamboo were quite effective and the methodology applied was environmentally safe. For post-harvest management of dry bamboo, ZiBOC or CCB 6% preservative after 7 days of of dipping is recommended for effective borer control.

We studied the bryophyte species richness and micro-habitat occupancy in a mixed oak-conifer forest (2100-2600 m) at Naina Peak, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. The north-facing mesic site of the forest supported a greater diversity of bryophytes than that of the south-facing drier site. Altogether 146 species of bryophytes including 16 thalloid, 15 leafy liverworts, 2 hornworts and 113 mosses belonging to 48 families were documented. Amongst hepatics, leafy forms particularly the members of Frullaniaceae were found dominant over thalloid liverworts. The forest was found to support the dominant growth of acrocarpous mosses (57) followed by pleurocarpous (56). Amongst acrocarpous, the family Pottiaceae was recorded as predominant followed by the members of the pleurocarpous family Brachytheciaceae. The bryophyte species and communities associated with oak phorophytes were found to be richer and more abundant than that of the coniferous ones. Interestingly, 21 species of both liverworts and mosses turned out to be gemmiferous.

We made an inventory of vascular plants of Bankapura Peacock Conservation Reserve, located in the Haveri district of Karnataka. The study area covers ca 140 acres of land known for the high density of Indian Peafowl. Altogether we recorded 141 plant species belonging to 118 genera and 43 families. These include 116 dicotyledons and 23 monocotyledons, 1 pteridophyte and 1 gymnosperm. Fabaceae is the most dominant family as it contributes about 17% of the total flora.

Two taxa, viz., Caralluma adscendens var. bicolor (V.S.Ramach., S.Joseph, H.A.John & Sofiya) Karupp., Ugraiah & Pull. (Apocynaceae) and Distimake quinatus (R.Br.) A.R.Simões & Staples (Convolvulaceae) are reported here as additions to the flora of Andhra Pradesh, India. Detailed description and photo plate is provided for easy identification.

Some alien species result in significant undesirable impacts on the native biodiversity and create serious hindrance to its conservation and sustainable use. Two such species, viz., Alternanthera ficoidea and Pueraria montana var. lobata are found to be spreading vigorously in Doon Valley of Uttarakhand. The former is an herbaceous species seriously infesting the open spaces throughout the Doon Valley, whereas, the latter is a climber infesting entire vegetation in Dehradun area.