Taxonomic novelties and changes to Indian Pteridophytes are given briefly here in taxonomic order according to the forthcoming Annotated Checklist of Indian Pteridophytes vol. 3, nearing completion for Summer 2020. We have divided it into two parts, the present first part is from the main text re Families treated in vol. 3, the second part will be from the Appendix of corrections and additions to the previous volumes.  Further details of the taxa and references will be given in vol. 3.

Growth dynamics of major mangrove species in three salinity zones of the Sundarbans was conducted by establishing permanent sample plots (PSPS) by the Mangrove Silviculture Division of the Bangladesh Forest Research Institute. Multistage sampling process was applied to collect data from 33 Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs), area of each PSP being 400 m2. Total number of seedlingh, saplings in each saline zone and total regeneration percentage  of each species in the PSPs was worked out.

The paper reports floristic composition, diversity and nature of flowering plant communities occurring within the bounds of Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India on basis of surveys and systematic plant collections covering different seasons during 2016 to 2018. The studies have resulted in the documentation of 451 species, distributed under 304 genera and 80 families of flowering plants.

Ocimum filamentosum Forssk. (Lamiaceae) collected from Bassi Wild Life Sanctuary, Chittorgarh District of Rajasthan, is reported as a new addition to the Flora of Rajasthan. Detailed description and photo plate is provided for easy identification.

This paper deals with the discovery of Arabis nuda Bél. from Sechu Tuan Nalla Wildlife Sanctuary, Pangi, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. The species was previously reported from Kashmir only, where it occurs as an occasional weed. The current population reported is thereby a new record for the state.

A study was conducted in Upper Yamuna Forests of Garhwal Himalayas to determine the humic and fulvic acid carbon status at different altitudes and seasons. The Humic and Fulvic acid carbon contents increased with increasing altitude.  Humic and Fulvic acid carbon showed highly significant positive correlation at all altitudes and seasons and significant negative correlation for soil depth.  In general, the soils at different altitudes are well supplied with humic and fulvic acid carbon, the most important component of healthy fertile soil. Humic and fulvic acid also play a vital role in the improved nutrient uptake of plants by acting like a carrier of nutrients and also by unlocking previously unattainable nutrients for the plants. Another important role of humic and fulvic acid is its ability to stimulate microbial activity in the soil. Humic and fulvic acid provides a necessary carbon based food source for which the microbes to thrive on. Soil microbes are also important in improving the structure of the soil. Soil microorganisms will break down organic matter in the soil, thus building more humus and adding to the porosity of the soil, which can aid in aeration and water retention. Humic and fulvic acid carbon associated with the soil of high altitudes is higher than at lower altitudes.  This may be low temperature conditions coupled with good hydrated environment which support to healthy growth of Abies pindrow- Picea smithiana and Quercus leucotrichophora- Q. floribunda oak forests at higher altitude.

Description of the hitherto poorly described endemic species Homonoia intermedia collected from the type locality is provided with photographs. A Lectotype is designated for the species.

The present study was carried out to prepare a comprehensive list of endemic flowering plants occurring in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Southern Eastern Ghats. A total of 147 species of endemic flowering plants belonging to 113 genera and 46 families were recorded. The family Acanthaceae harbours highest number of endemic species.

Impatiens dendricola C. E. C. Fisch., earlier recorded from the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala, is reported here as a new distributional record for Tamil Nadu. Brief taxonomic description and photograph is provided.

Abutilon pannosum (G.Forst.) Schlect. (Malvaceae) is reported as a new distributional record for the flora of Bihar state. Updated nomenclature, brief description, phenology, distribution along with field photographs are provided for easy identification in the field.

Land use land cover characterization and mapping have become a prerequisite in all environmental Planaing. The array of satellites deployed in the space provides multi-temporal images that can be used for the land use land cover classification. But, much often these multi-temporal images have data noise and anomaly owing to the cloud and atmospheric effects. This brings pseudo hikes and lows in data adding classification with possible errors. We present a method for the removal of data anomaly where monthly data of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (MODIS 13Q1) was used for the classification of images over a large area encompassing the SAARC nations. MODIS multi-temporal data were filtered usinga Savitzky-Golay (S-G) algorithm which provided smoothened data and the seasonality (start, end of the season) were identified. Phenology profile curves were created for the characterization of the agriculture and forestry feature classes. The S-G filtered images and raw MODIS data phenology profile curves were compared for the eleven classes of land cover, viz., ever green needle forest, ever green broad leave, deciduous broad leave, shrub, savannas, grass, agriculture, built-up, water, snow (ice), and barren. Spectral signature separability was also compared using Euclidean spectral distance method. In conclusion, it was observed that multi-spectral S-G filtered data were more useful for the classification of agriculture and forestry classes for a larger coverage.

Ludwigia decurrens Walter, a native of  New World hitherto known to occur in Assam and West Bengal is reported here from Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary of Jharkhand state.

Peristylus richardianus Wight, is reported here as addition to the flora of Palakkad District, Kerala. Brief  description and photographs are provided for easy identification of the species.

Lantana camara L. the alien-invasive species to Uttarakhand belongs to the verbenaceae family, ever-green woody shrub with different colour flowers ranges from yellow to orange. The fresh hand sections of stem and leaf of Lantana camara L. were studied with light microscopeand intended to find out identical characteristics. Epidermiswas a single layer of compactly arranged by barrel-shaped parenchyma cells with slightly thick walled where intercellular spaces were absent. The visually large trichomes were non-glandularand unicellular, conical type, presenting a large base and a thin extremity.Hypodermis was characterized by a few layers of collenchyma cells with angular thickenings.Cortex was represented by several layers of loosely arranged parenchyma cells with prominent intercellular spaces. Endodermis was having compactly arranged barrel shaped cells.The phloem and xylem cells located at upper and lower of 3 cell cambium layer respectively.Pith was also represented a group of loosely arranged parenchyma cells.The epidermis layer of leaves were uniseriate with regular size cells, was wrapped with a thick cuticle on the adaxial surface. Complex diacytic and anomocytic type of stomata’s were found. Non-glandular trichomes were found scattered through the entire petiole and leaf blades, are of the conical type, presenting a large base and a thin extremity, and ornamentations on the wall. The vascular system was open, forming a flattened arch in the “V” shape with two accessory bundles located dorsally and groups of idioblasts located laterally in the cortical parenchyma.SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) images and Optical microscopy of Pollens of the Lantana camara L. were also performed.Thepalynological information were recorded as sculpturinglooks smooth and the pollen type is tricolporate. Its shape in polar view is Semi-angular while equatorial view is spheroidal. The polar and equatorial diameter were 34μm (30-40μm) 33μm (30-40μm) respectively.

Malmidea subgranifera (Kalb & Elix) Kalb & Elix and Thelotrema porinaceum Müll.Arg. are discovered as new records for Indian lichen biota from the state of Maharashtra. Brief descriptions are provided for the species with ecology, distribution and illustrations to facilitate their identification.

Indigofera glandulosa Willd. var. sykesii Baker (Fabaceae), an endemic variety known only from few localities of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh states. It has been collected for the first time from Bandipur National Park in Karnataka state. Detailed description, photograph and field notes are provided for easy identification.

Ardisia agasthyamalayana (Primulaceae) is reported here as new to the flora of Tamil Nadu, India. A short description and distributional data are provided along with a photoplate for easy diagnosis.

Detailed studied were conducted on the efficacy of clonal and seed germination behaviour of an endemic leguminous tree (C.b.) in Western Ghats. The study revealed maximum stem rooting (75%) and air layering success (60%) by the use of IBA 3000 and IBA 1000ppm respectively. The moderately recalcitrant type of seeds with 51% moisture content had shown 100% germination and 40% when attained critical moisture content at 38 to 40%. Overnight water soaking influenced early germination (5-6 days) than control sets. The present study is therefore first time optimize clonal and seed propagation methods of the species further to raise clonal genetic stock and germplasm storage for effective ex situ conservation from its local extinction.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis and their associated bacteria such as Xenorhabdus spp. and Photorhabdus spp. are lethal parasites of soil dwelling and cryptic habit insects. Termites are one of the most severe soil insect pests of number of forestry, agricultural, households items and plantation crops in India and abroad. The efficacy of new native species of entomopathogenic nematode (TFRIEPN-15), Steinernema dharanaii against termites, Odontotermes obesus was tested under laboratory conditions. The termite, Odontotermes obesus was exposed to Infective Juveniles (IJs) from numbers 3 to 40 IJs termite^-1. The dose- dependent mortality was noted of the termites. The lowest dose of 3IJs termites^-1 caused 26.67% mortality which was significantly superior control treatment. The highest dose of 40IJs termites^-1 caused 72.00% mortality was recorded. These experiments have proved that native isolated entomopathogenic nematodes can be used successfully to control termites and other soil insect pests with simple and effective field application techniques achieving 100% mortality of the treated insects.