An inevitable cosmetic of the elite, Sandalwood oil, otherwise called the ‘liquid gold’ is extracted from the roots and wood of Sandalwood. But owing to a greater market value in the indigenous and international markets, it is getting increasingly adulterated by species like Osyris wightiana. To differentiate between both, various techniques are available. In this paper, a simpler and useful technique to distinguish between Santalum album and Osyris wightiana has been described. The technique of RAPD has been used and has been shown to effectively distinguish genotypically, Sandal and Osyris.

Vanilla planifolia is the widely cultivated species of Vanilla and Vanilla tahitensis is cultivated to a limited extent. Comparative study of vegetative morphology and floral morphology of the two species has shown that the two species, even though have got almost similar appearance, they show significant difference in some characters. Leaves of Vanilla tahitensis are significantly narrow and leaf area is significantly low when compared to Vanilla planifolia. Inflorescence length is significantly higher in Vanilla tahitensis. Average duration from flower initiation to first flower opening is lower in Vanilla tahitensis. Among flower characters significant reduction is found in Vanilla tahitensis in the case of bract length, labellum length, labellum breadth and gynostemium length.

A field experiment to standardize the dosage of fertigation of N and K fertilizers on the rhizome yield in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cv. BSR 2 was carried out during June 2007 to February 2008. The experiment consisted of seven treatments replicated four times in a randomized block design. The yield parameters like number of mother, primary and secondary rhizomes, length and girth of mother, primary and secondary rhizomes, weight of mother, primary and secondary rhizomes were recorded. The study revealed that the fertigation treatments were significantly superior over the control. Among the treatments, N+K@ 100 % level by fertigation using water soluble fertilizers i.e. Urea and Multi ‘K’ registered the highest values for the yield parameters.

The use of NTFPs among the tribal societies especially in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh is an age-old practice. Changlang district is one of the phytogeographically rich areas of the region, which is inhabited mainly by Singpho, Tangsa, Lisu, Tutsa and Chakma communities. Overall, 204 plant species belonging to 80 families and 159 genera has been recorded in the present study that yield NTFPs, which have been utilizing by different tribes of the district.

Aqueous leaf leachate of Walnut was evaluated for allelopathic effects on plant growth and nodulation of vegetable pea under glass house condition. Walnut leaf extracts with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% concentrations along with control were used in pot from seed germination to eve of the pod setting in vegetable pea. Plant growth parameters viz; plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight as well as collar diameter were significantly reduced as the concentration of leachates increased. Number of secondary roots, nodules per plant and size of nodule were also statistically decreased on concentration dependent manner during both the years of study.

All the nations in this universe have their own set of ecological, socio-economic and religious ethos and accordingly each of them has got every reason to celebrate each related occasion in their own way both at the national and even at regional level. It is beyond any doubt that celebrations of all such occasions are in one way or the other is related to the plants or trees of national or regional significance. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh a small and hilly state is famous for its religious culture and traditions. People of this state are highly religious and variety of rituals are performed in various ways, round the year by the local people in which plants have their defined roles and importance. Accordingly, an attempt through a preliminary survey was made to document the role of sacred plants in the life style of local people and the relations to them with special reference to their religious activities and ethos. In the process it was observed that 45 plant species have high utility and importance in religious activities. The study also reflects that the local beliefs not only show the time immemorial relationship between plants and humans but also help in conserving these species. This article attempts to highlight the importance of some plants known to be traditionally worshipped in the study area. Significance of these plants in different ceremonies and their role in festivals has also been discussed.

This study aims to document the traditional medicinal plants used by Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The study reveals the use of 13 species of medicinal plants belonging to12 genera and 12 Families. Wancho tribe in the study area used majority of plant to treat stomach related ailments 33.33%, followed by other common problems like cuts wounds, fracture etc. Due to changes in the religion and modern way of life this knowledge is disappearing fast and needs to be documented.

The present study was conducted in the 30 genotypes of Mimusops elengi (Bakul). Significant variations were observed for six morphological characters in trees and twelve physical parameters of fruits. Wide ranges in the means for morphological characters were exhibited by height (3.50 to 8.00m), canopy diameter (3.25 to 7.25m), diameter at base (17.00 to 36.00cm), DBH (13.70 to 31.30cm), girth at base (20.25 to 48.70cm) and girth at breast (14.20 to 49.60cm). Also ranges in the means for the physical parameters of fruits exhibited by weight of fresh fruit (2.02 to 5.10g), diameter of fruit (1.30 to 1.88cm), length of fruit (1.78 to 3.38cm), weight of fruit pulp (0.58 to1.71g), weight of dry fruit (1.20g to 2.62g), weight of seed (0.38g to 1.10g), moisture (17.62-66.15%), T.S. S. (9.85-17.11%), acidity (1.37-3.09%), total sugar (3.97-6.66%), reducing sugar (2.34-4.43%) and non reducing sugar (0.51-3.47%). The phenotypic, genotypic and environmental variances for various characters were ranged from 0.03 to 270.96, 0.02 to 85.72 and 0.02 to 185.24, respectively. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was highest for non-reducing sugar (47.96) and minimum value was observed for diameter of fruit (11.48). Maximum genotypic coefficient of variation was found in non-reducing sugar (44.62) and minimum genotypic coefficient of variation was observed in diameter of fruit (8.24). The variations are useful for breeding work on this important multipurpose tree of subtropical regions. Therefore, on the basis of different characters, the genotypes A-2, A-4, A-1, A-5, K-7 and A-11 could be identified as a CPT’s in Bakul.

The Indian Himalayan Region one of the mega biodiversity hotspots is recognized among the best habitat for various medicinal plants. Himachal Pradesh, situated in North-West Himalaya has a suitable habitat which is rich in medicinal plant diversity. Present survey on medicinal flora was done in Janjehli, Rohanda and adjoining areas of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.

This paper gives an account of some of the wild edible unripe fruit plants of South eastern slopes of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. In this paper 41 species of edible unripe fruits representing 28 genera distributed over 20 families are described. These unripe fruits are eaten by the tribals of Palliyars in different ways. The wild edible unripe fruits in this region have been tabulated as per plant species along with family name, local name, habit, parts used and consumption patterns etc.

The present paper deals with 11 beverages viz., rice beer, liquor from rice, ragi beer, banana liquor, jack fruit liquor, jaggery liquor, marking nut liquor, panicum beer, mango beer, Caryota toddy, and sorghum liquor brewed by the Primitive Tribal Groups of Visakhapatnam district along with their methods of preparation.

Eugenia agasthiyamalayana Gopalan and Murugan (Myrtaceae) is reported for the first time from Kerala.  A short description, photograph, relevant notes etc. are provided.

The paper deals with a less known polyherbal preparation in the form of traditional pills used by rural communities in different ailments viz. cold, cough, indigestion and stomach problem and loss of appetite in the district Bongaigaon of Assam. The presentation provides the methodology of traditional pills preparation from 6 plant species and administration.

Metathelypteris flaccida (Blume) Ching, a very rare and little known ‘thelypteroid’ fern is collected after Beddome (1883) from Kerala. A detailed description and photographs are provided for its easy identification.

The present contribution deals with the food value of aquatic and wetland plants of Varanasi district.  During study 54 plant species belonging to 43 genera and 31 families were found to be useful for their food value. Most of the plants of these habitats were found to be useful for vegetables. Largest family recorded was Poaceae with six species useful to provide food grains. Certain plants were found to be useful for their edible fruits, seeds, salad, pot-herb, curry and as mouth freshener.

The present paper put on record Calystegia hederacea Wall. variety longipedicellata var. nova which represents a new variety from Jammu and Kashmir State. The variety is different from other variety in having exceedingly long pedicel, white flowers and larger fruit size. The taxonomic study reveals that there is no any reference of variety of this species till now.

Ethnobotanical especially naturalized exotic plants, study in Ratlam district revealed that many angiosperm species of exotic origin are employed for the treatment of various ailments. The first-hand data was obtained from bhil tribe of the district. They are employed for medicine (57 uses) and other uses (14 uses). The paper deals with 26 exotic angiosperm plant species belonging to 19 families and 25 genera used by this tribe. For each species the information regarding botanical names, local names, parts used and ethnobotanical uses, have been provided. 50% (12 out of 26 species) exotic ethnobotanical plants came from America alone.