Impacts of road on plant invasions in the Middle Mountain region of central Nepal

Biological invasion is triggered by human development activities such as the construction and expansion of road networks.Road verges serve as important habitats and corridors for the distribution of invasive alien plant species(IAPS)between geographically distant habitats.However,the trajectory of plant invasion and the data regarding the impact of roads on IAPS distribution are relatively poor in Nepal.Here,we surveyed two road types(main roads and feeder road)in the Middle Mountain region of central Nepal in order to investigate how different road types are driving the dispersal of IAPS along road verges and the adjacent natural habitats.Systematic sampling was conducted at ca 2.5 km intervals along the roads.At each sampling site,paired plots(25 m×4 m)were sampled:one adjacent to and along the road,and another 20 m away and parallel to it in the interior habitat.Our results revealed that the main road verges had a higher cover(33%)and a larger number of IAPS(14 species)than the feeder road(25%;10 species).The IAPS cover and richness were significantly higher along verges than in the adjacent interior habitats for both road types,indicating that roads are contributing as corridors for the dispersal of IAPS in the Middle Mountain areas of central Nepal.Further,elevation,tree canopy,and disturbances(grazing/mowing/trampling)were found to be the key factors that determine spatial distribution of IAPS along road verges.We emphasize that regular monitoring of vegetation along the road verges can help with the early detection and control of potential IAPS in the region before they become problematic.

Seedling potential of trees species along the elevational gradient in temperate hill forest of central Nepal

Regeneration status of tree species along elevation gradient in temperate hill forest was not understood greatly.Present research examined the tree diversity and its regeneration patterns along an elevation gradient in temperate hill forest,central Nepal.Data were collected from 300 sample plots within vertical elevation bands of 10,ranging from 1365 to 2450 m asl.A random sampling method was used for data collection in three seasons,winter,pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons.Diameter at breast height(DBH)was used to broadly categorize the plant individual into trees,saplings and seedlings.The tree species richness ranged from 12 to 25 with density of 350 to 1200 individuals per hectare.Species richness of tree and sapling showed statistically significant unimodal pattern,which peaked at mid-elevation.Elevation showed a strong and positive linear correlation with the seedling density(Deviance=0.99,p<0.001)and a significant hump-shaped relationship with sapling density(Deviance=0.95,p<0.001).Similarly,elevations showed a statistically significant negative hump-shaped relationship with all trees,saplings and seedling stages(Deviances=0.89,0.87 and 0.57).The highest values of the Shannon-Wiener index and the lowest value of the Simpson index were found at mid-elevation for all growth forms.Nearly 92%of tree species were found at regenerating stage;49%in a good renewal regeneration status,32%in fair renewal regeneration,and 11%at a poor regenerating condition.Nevertheless,4%of tree species were reported as non-regenerating stages and 4%were newly introduced species.Hence,the regeneration status of the study area was considered fairly well since sapling(78.5%)>seedling(10.6%)≤mature(10.9%).Among tested environmental variables,elevation and annual mean rainfall were the most influential factors in the regeneration of tree species.

Predicting potential invasion risks of Leucaena leucocephala(Lam.)de Wit in the arid area of Saudi Arabia

The presence of invasive plant species poses a substantial ecological impact,thus comprehensive evaluation of their potential range and risk under the influence of climate change is necessary.This study uses maximum entropy(MaxEnt)modeling to forecast the likelihood of Leucaena leucocephala(Lam.)de Wit invasion in Saudi Arabia under present and future climate change scenarios.Utilizing the MaxEnt modeling,we integrated climatic and soil data to predict habitat suitability for the invasive species.We conducted a detailed analysis of the distribution patterns of the species,using climate variables and ecological factors.We focused on the important influence of temperature seasonality,temperature annual range,and precipitation seasonality.The distribution modeling used robust measures of area under the curve(AUC)and receiver-operator characteristic(ROC)curves,to map the invasion extent,which has a high level of accuracy in identifying appropriate habitats.The complex interaction that influenced the invasion of L.leucocephala was highlighted by the environmental parameters using Jackknife test.Presently,the actual geographic area where L.leucocephala was found in Saudi Arabia was considerably smaller than the theoretical maximum range,suggesting that it had the capacity to expand further.The MaxEnt model exhibited excellent prediction accuracy and produced reliable results based on the data from the ROC curve.Precipitation and temperature were the primary factors influencing the potential distribution of L.leucocephala.Currently,an estimated area of 216,342 km^(2)in Saudi Arabia was at a high probability of invasion by L.leucocephala.We investigated the potential for increased invasion hazards in the future due to climate change scenarios(Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSPs)245 and 585).The analysis of key climatic variables,including temperature seasonality and annual range,along with soil properties such as clay composition and nitrogen content,unveiled their substantial influence on the distribution dynamic of L.leucocephala.Our findings indicated a significant expansion of high risk zones.High-risk zones for L.leucocephala invasion in the current climate conditions had notable expansions projected under future climate scenarios,particularly evident in southern Makkah,Al Bahah,Madina,and Asir areas.The results,backed by thorough spatial studies,emphasize the need to reduce the possible ecological impacts of climate change on the spread of L.leucocephala.Moreover,the study provides valuable strategic insights for the management of invasion,highlighting the intricate relationship between climate change,habitat appropriateness,and the risks associated with invasive species.Proactive techniques are suggested to avoid and manage the spread of L.leucocephala,considering its high potential for future spread.This study enhances the overall comprehension of the dynamics of invasive species by combining modeling techniques with ecological knowledge.It also provides valuable information for decision-making to implement efficient conservation and management strategies in response to changing environmental conditions.

Heavy metal pollution of river water and eco-friendly remediation using potent microalgal species

Pollution of rivers is mainly caused by anthropogenic activities such as discharge of effluent from industrial facilities,maintenance of sewage/effluent treatment plants,and dumping of solid waste on river banks.This study dealt with the pollution issues of the Cooum River in the well-known city of Chennai in South India.Water samples from 27 locations were collected and analyzed for 12 elements,including Ba,B,and Al,as well as heavy metals such as Pb,Cr,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn,and Cd.The samples showed levels of these elements that exceeded World Health Organization recommendations.Pearson correlation analysis revealed the inter-dependency among elements,and the contribution of each element based on factor loadings showed its percentage contribution compared to others.Water samples from six significant locations were chosen for remediation with three algae:Chlorella vulgaris,Scenedesmus dimorphus,and Phormedium sp.The uptake of pollutants led to the continuous growth of algae during the incubation period of 15 d,effectively removing heavy metals from the river water.The increasing levels of algal counts and the chlorophyll a content confirmed the algal growth during the incubation period,followed by a declining stage after the incubation period.The scanning electron microscopic images of algae before and after the remediation showed no remarkable modification of morphological patterns.This study showed that the uptake of heavy metals using algae is an effective water pollution remediation measure,making the process practicable in the field on a large scale in the near future.

Random Amplification Polymorphic DNA and Agro-Morphological Traits-Based Fingerprinting for Detection of Genetic Divergence in Indian Black Rice

In this study, 32 black rice genotypes spanning diverse geographies in India were evaluated at both phenotypic and DNA sequence levels to gain insights into their genetic makeup. Significant variations were observed for 14 agro-morphological traits, showing correlations among several yield-related traits.

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of photosystem II(PsbX)gene family in upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background Photosystem II(PSII)constitutes an intricate assembly of protein pigments,featuring extrinsic and intrinsic polypeptides within the photosynthetic membrane.The low-molecular-weight transmembrane protein PsbX has been identified in PSII,which is associated with the oxygen-evolving complex.The expression of PsbX gene protein is regulated by light.PsbX’s central role involves the regulation of PSII,facilitating the binding of quinone molecules to the Qb(PsbA)site,and it additionally plays a crucial role in optimizing the efficiency of photosynthesis.Despite these insights,a comprehensive understanding of the PsbX gene’s functions has remained elusive.Results In this study,we identified ten PsbX genes in Gossypium hirsutum L.The phylogenetic analysis results showed that 40 genes from nine species were classified into one clade.The resulting sequence logos exhibited substantial conservation across the N and C terminals at multiple sites among all Gossypium species.Furthermore,the ortholo-gous/paralogous,Ka/Ks ratio revealed that cotton PsbX genes subjected to positive as well as purifying selection pressure might lead to limited divergence,which resulted in the whole genome and segmental duplication.The expression patterns of GhPsbX genes exhibited variations across specific tissues,as indicated by the analysis.Moreover,the expression of GhPsbX genes could potentially be regulated in response to salt,intense light,and drought stresses.Therefore,GhPsbX genes may play a significant role in the modulation of photosynthesis under adverse abiotic conditions.Conclusion We examined the structure and function of PsbX gene family very first by using comparative genom-ics and systems biology approaches in cotton.It seems that PsbX gene family plays a vital role during the growth and development of cotton under stress conditions.Collectively,the results of this study provide basic information to unveil the molecular and physiological function of PsbX genes of cotton plants.

Physico-chemical properties and macrofauna of soils under various farming systems of cold arid region in Balochistan,Pakistan

Barshore is a small village in the Pishin District,Balochistan,Pakistan,with dry summers and cold rainy winters.This is an agrarian region,mostly with orchards of various fruit trees.This study investigated the physico-chemical properties and macrofauna of soils under various agricultural management practices of this region.The concentrations of soil organic matter(SOM),soil organic carbon(SOC),nutrients,pH,electrical conductivity,soil texture,and the abundance and number of species of soil macrofauna of the agricultural fields were measured.Fifteen agricultural fields were sampled.Fourteen fields were orchards of apple,apricot or the mixture of apple and apricot trees and one field was a cropland,cultivated with wheat as a monocrop.The orchards were under conservation agricultural practices;whereas,the cropland was under conventional management.These agricultural lands were 2-26 years old.The concentration of soil organic matter(SOM)in the upper 0-10 cm depth of these field sites ranged from 11.6 g kg^(-1)to 32.8 g kg^(-1)soil.As compared to cropland,orchards had significantly higher concentration of SOM and SOC.A total of 18 soil macrofauna species were found and the most common and abundant were ants(Monomorium minimum,Camponotus pennsylvanicus,Solenopsis invicta,and Lasius niger)followed by Arion ssp.(Brown Slug)and earthworm Lumbricus terrestris.Regression analysis revealed non-significant relationship of the age and the concentration of SOM with the number of macrofauna species and with the concentrations of total mineral nitrogen,bioavailable phosphorus and clay.The existence of ants had no relationship with the concentration of SOM;whereas,existence of Lumbricus terrestris tended to had a positive relationship with the concentration of SOM.The field of tree-based intercropping system was 2 years of age since the land was converted from rangeland to a cropland,had two ant species coexisting.This indicates the positive influence of crop diversification on soil macrofauna.

Grid System Analysis of Urban Flora of Bukhara City (Uzbekistan)

This article presents information on the study of the flora of Uzbekistan based on grid system mapping. The urban flora of the city of Bukhara was researched in it. As a result of research, the territory of Bukhara city was divided into 85 indexes based on 1 × 1 km2 grid mapping system. The diversity and density of species in the indexes are determined. The influence of anthropogenic factors on the diversity of species in the indexes is determined.

Structural-Adaptation Features of Assimilation Organs of the Species Salsola incanescens Cam. in Conditions of Kyzylkum

The article presents the results of the morpho-anatomical structure of the assimilation organs of the species Salsola leptoclada Gand, which is widespread in the Kyzylkum desert region of Uzbekistan, and reveals the structural, diagnostic and adaptive features. In the assimilation organs, Kranz type of mesophyll was found: in the cotyledons of the Kranz-spherical (Atriplicoid) type, and in the leaf—mesophylls of the Kranz-centric (Salsoloid) and Kranz-ventrodorsal type. These revealed diagnostic features of the assimilating organs of this species in arid conditions noted C4-type photosynthesis. Based on the comparative biometric analysis of quantitative indices of the anatomical features of the assimilating organs, xero-halomorphic features predominate. Halomorphic features are in the cotyledons—thin outer walls of the epidermal cells;few stomata of the anomocytic and paracytic type;few rows of spongy cells (3 - 4 rows);few vascular bundles of the collateral type and xylem, in the leaf—large and thin outer walls of the epidermal cells;succulence of the leaf mesophyll, the presence of aquiferous cells;large palisade, keratin and aquiferous cells. Xeromorphic features in the cotyledons—small and numerous epidermal cells and hemiparacytic type stomata also deep immersion;small palisade cells and a high palisade index, small spongy, hypodermal and keratin cells;small diameter of the xylem in vascular bundles;in the leaf numerous epidermal cells and stomata also deeply immersed;presence and numerous multicellular nodular, dentate trichomes;multi-row water-bearing cells;high palisade index;small and numerous xylem;numerous peripheral vascular bundles of the collateral type. These identified specific diagnostic features showing adaptation to arid conditions can also serve in the identification of plant materials.

Effect of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Growth, Mineral Composition, and Nutritional Value of Wheat & Lentil Sprouts

Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use of light-emitting diode(LED)in indoor agricultural production could alter the biological feedback loop,increasing the functional benefits of plant foods such as wheat and lentil sprouts and promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.The effects of white(W),red(R),and blue(B)light were investigated on the growth parameters and nutritional value of wheat and lentil sprouts.In the laboratory,seeds were sown under three different LED treat-ments:white,red,and blue light,while normal incandescent light served as a control.Percentage seed germina-tion improved by 18.34%and 12.67%for wheat and 18.34%and 12.67%for lentil sprouts under LED treatments R and B,respectively.An increase in total soluble protein and sugar by 33.4%and 9.23%in wheat and by 31.5%and 5.87%in lentils was observed under the R LED treatment.Vitamin C concentrations in wheat and lentils were significantly increased by R LED compared to all other treatments.Other parameters,including potassium and sodium concentrations,were significantly increased under red and blue light compared to the control;white light,on the other hand,significantly decreased all these parameters.According to the experimental data,red and blue LED light could be beneficial in the production of functional wheat and lentil sprouts with high nutrient concentrations.

Biology of Flowering of Some Species of the Genus Phlomoides Moench

The article presents the biology of flowering and the daily dynamics of flowering of two species from the Lamiaceae family: ph. anisochila va ph. sogdiana of the distribution out in the Nuratau Mountains range.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Erysiphe euonymicola on Euonymus japonicum in Uzbekistan

A new powdery mildew fungus named Erysiphe euonymicola was discovered in the mycobiota of Uzbekistan as a result of a mycological study conducted in the city of Samarkand. This fungus was found on the bush Euonymus japonicum and a brief description along with photographs of Erysiphe euonymicola have been provided. Erysiphe euonymicola is a phytopathogenic fungus that infects 80% - 90% of the leaves and young branches of Euonymus japonicum. The first symptoms of the disease are round, weeping spots on the leaves;later the spots form white mycelium over the entire surface of the leaves. When the plant is heavily infected, both sides of the leaves are completely covered with mycelium. The fungus Erysiphe euonymicola, parasitizing Euonymus japonicum, seriously inhibits the development of the host plant. The mycelium of Erysiphe euonymicola is formed on the surface of the leaf of the host plant and is a cluster of hyphae that form a dense covering in the form of a round spot. Conidiophores are erect, unbranched, and of Pseudoidium type, very variable in shape and size. Conidiophores consist of 2 - 3 cylindrical cells growing vertically from the hyphae;the sizes of conidiophores are given relative to the average length and width of selected conidiophores (n = 15). According to scanning electron microscopy, ellipsoidal-cylindrical conidia are single, scattered among conidiophores, ranging in size from 23.97 to 24.51 × 11.5 to 12.47 µm (n = 15). Conidial stalk cells are usually straight or slightly curved, ranging in size from 23.5 to 23.91 × 7.17 to 7.47 µm (n = 15).

Combined Application of Biostimulants and EDTA Improved Wheat Productivity under Cadmium Stress

Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)exhibits a greater capacity for cadmium(Cd)absorption compared to other cereal crops,leading to elevated daily Cd intake,and posing a significant threat to public health.For the mitigation of Cd stress in sustainable and environmentally friendly way,a pot study was designed by using exogenous application of various biostimulants,i.e.,Nigella sativa and Ocimum sanctum extracts:0%,10%,and 20%in combination with the chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid(EDTA)using 0 and 5 mg kg^(-1) under various levels of Cd stress(i.e.,0,5,10,and 15 mg kg^(-1) soil).Results revealed that Cd stress significantly reduced the seed emergence,growth,root,and allometric characters and yield-related parameters of wheat crops.The most observable reduc-tion was documented in wheat plants exposed to a higher Cd concentration(15 mg kg^(-1)),followed by the lower Cd level(control).The combined application of bio-stimulants and EDTA minimized the negative impacts of Cd stress.The highest increase in seedling emergence(5.44%),leaf area(50.60%),number of tillers(31.02%),grain yield per plant(24.28%),biological yield(13.97%),and decrease in Cd levels in grains(40%)was noticed where 20%foliar application of N.sativa and 10%of O.sanctum biostimulants were done using 5 mg kg^(-1) of soil-applied EDTA.This intervention demonstrated a notable reduction in Cd-induced negative effects,highlighting the potential of these substances in promoting sustainable wheat cultivation in contaminated environments.Moreover,it is an eco-friendly and approachable method at thefield level able to ensure food safety.

Effect of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Two Industrial Potato Varieties (Asterix and Courage) in Bangladesh

Potato is one of the most important vegetable crops, which contributes more than half of the total vegetable production in Bangladesh. Four field experiments were conducted in two different locations in Bangladesh to develop integrated nutrient management practices to produce quality potato seed in industrial processing varieties Asterix and Courage. For the inorganic trial, Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) including 2 potato varieties, 5 treatments with 4 replications, and in the organic fertilizer trial, Factorial RCBD including 2 potato varieties, 6 treatments with 4 replications were used. In the inorganic fertilizer trail, the highest yield was obtained in the variety Asterix due to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfur (NPKS) plus Magnesium treated plot in Domar BADC farm and due to NPKS plus Boron, Zinc, and Magnesium treated plots in Kashimpur Farm. In the case of variety Courage, the highest yield was found in the treatment of NPKS plus Zinc in Domar BADC farm while in Kashimpur farm, NPKS plus Mg treated plots had the highest yield of potato variety-Courage. In the organic fertilizer trail, the highest tuber yield per hill was obtained by applying the government-approved commercial brand Northern organic fertilizer in variety Asterix and by organic fertilizer brand Chook Chook in variety Courage. Parameters such as days to tuber initiation, number of stems per hill, plant height, and number of tubers per hill were found statistically different among the treatments and between the two varieties. Treatments namely Northern organic fertilizer and Cowdung combined with mustard oil cake performed better considering standard grade tuber yield (grade A and B) compared to other treatments. Hence, the combination of NPKS MgZn and either Northern organic or Chook Chook or Cowdung plus mustard oil cake could be used to grow the varieties Asterix and Courage.

Diversity of Orchids in Terms of Their Distribution, Uses and Conservation in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), the first conservation area and the largest protected area (PA) in Nepal, is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Notwithstanding this, orchids in the ACA have not been explored enough yet thus making the need for ambitious research to be carried out. Previous study only included 81 species of orchids within ACA. This study aims to update the record of species and genera richness in the ACA. In total 198 species of orchids, belonging to 67 genera (40% and 62% of the total recorded orchid species and genera in Nepal) has been recorded in ACA. This represents an increase of 144% in species and 56% in genera over the previous data. Out of the 198 species, 99 were epiphytes, 6 were holomycotrophic and 93 were terrestrial. Among the 67 genera, Bulbophyllum (17) species were dominant, followed by Dendrobium (16), Herminium (10), Coelogyne, Plantanthera (9 each), Eria, Habenaria, Oberonia (8 each), Calanthe (7), and Liparis (6). Fifty-six species were found to be ornamentally significant and 85 species medicinally significant.

Broad Hormonal Responses Induced by Aluminum in Roots of Dwarf Transgenics of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv “Micro-Tom”

The spatial pattern distribution of plant hormones in response to aluminum (Al) toxicity in roots remains to be shown. This study was performed to assess the root hormonal accumulation and gene expression in response to Al toxicity in five transgenic miniature dwarf tomatoes cv. Micro-Tom (MT). MT and MT transgenics to acid indole acetic, cytokinin, gibberellin, abscisic acid and ethylene were cultivated in nutrient solutions containing different Al concentrations. Root growth elongation was measured and cellular damage was visualized by staining Evans’s blue. The GUS reporter gene staining technique was used to visualize hormonal changes in MT apex root tissues. Data indicated that the MT is sensitive to Al that induced significant growth inhibition and cellular damage. Al concentration of 27 μM was significantly toxic, inducing root apex darkening and inhibition of root development. The qualitative evaluation of GUS reporter gene expression showed intense crosstalk among all hormones studied, underscoring the complexity of signaling induced by Al in apex roots. Results point out to a major understanding of the hormonal signaling in response to Al toxicity, which may induce a change of root growth and architecture with growth inhibition and cell constraints modulated by all different hormones evaluated.

Various Organic Nutrient Sources in Combinations with Inorganic Fertilizers Influence the Yield and Quality of Sweet Corn(Zea mays L.saccharata)in New Alluvial Soils of West Bengal,India

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in the yield and quality of sweet corn.A field experiment was conducted in consecutive two kharif seasons in 2018 and 2019 to investigate the effect of various organic sources of nutrients in combination with inorganic sources on the yield and quality of sweet corn under new alluvial soils of West Bengal,India.Treatments were:T_(1):Control(without fertilizers);T_(2):100%recommended dose(RDF)of chemical fertilizers(CF)(RDF CF_(100%));T_(3):100%recommended dose of N(RDN)through vermicompost(VC)(RDN VC_(100%));T_(4):50 RDN through CF+50%RDN through VC(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN VC50%);T_(5):50%RDF through CF+50%RDN through organic source(OS)1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS_(150%));T6:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 2,Bioenzyme(liquid)(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS250%);T7:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 3,Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate[RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS350%];T8:50%RDN through VC+50%RDF through OS 1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN VC50%+RDN OS_(150%)).The OS of fertilizers were VC,SoliGro Gr(OS1)(Ascophyllum nodosum),Bioenzyme liquid(OS2),and Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate(OS3).The inorganic source was traditional CF applied at the RDF(150:75:75 kg ha^(−1) of N:P2O5:K2O).The VC was used to supply 100%RDN as one source or 50%RDN when combined with CF or OS.Maximum fruit yield(10.75 and 10.79 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)was recorded when RDF was substituted through CF only,being statistically at par with 50%CF+50%VC on a nitrogen equivalent basis(9.92 and 10.00 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)and 100%VC(8.22 and 8.32 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively).Compared to chemical sources of nutrients,VC-based treatments produced a larger percentage of large-size cob(>25 cm).The 100%VC increased antioxidant(8.35 and 8.45 mg g^(−1)),carotenoid(0.59 and 0.61 mg/100 g),and phenol(55.06 and 55.02 mg 100 g^(−1))content compared with its 50%dose in combination with other sources.The study revealed the potentiality of organic sources towards achieving improved cob quality of sweet corn.

Development and Validation of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices of Industrial Processing Varieties: Asterix and Courage in Bangladesh

An experiment was meticulously conducted at the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, Bangladesh, during the 2011-2012 potato growing season to develop integrated crop management practices for the potato seed production of industrial processing varieties Asterix and Courage. Significantly, higher growth and yield parameters were found in the BADC-recommended practice. Later, another experiment was conducted to validate the BADC practice during the 2013-2014 potato growing season in two locations in Bangladesh. Results showed that the production of tuber per hill, tuber weight per hill as well as gross tuber yield per plot, higher proportion of storable seed tubers, and more quality seed potatoes (A-grade and B-grade) seed tubers were found significantly higher in the “BADC developed practice” compared to other treatments. Viral diseases (PLRV and PVY) prevalence was lower in “BADC developed practice”. Moreover, “BADC developed practice” contributed more economic yield by minimizing input cost compared to “Munshiganj advanced farmers’ practice”. Therefore, the “BADC developed practice” was found “superior” regarding yield, quality, and profitability in seed potato production of industrial varieties—Asterix and Courage in Bangladesh.

Euclea undulata Thunb.:Review of its botany,ethnomedicinal uses,phytochemistry and biological activities

Euclea undulata(E. undulata) is traditionally used for the treatment of body pains, chest complaints, cough, diabetes, diarrhoea, headaches, heart diseases and toothaches in southern Africa. This study was aimed at reviewing the botany, ethnopharmacology and biological activities of E. undulata in southern Africa. Results presented in this study are based on review of literature using search engines such as Science Direct, Springerlink,Scopus, Pub Med, Web of Science, Bio Med Central and Google Scholar. Herbal medicine is prepared from the decoctions of the roots, bark and leaves, and extracts of these plant parts have demonstrated anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, antiplasmodial, antioxidant and hypoglycaemic activities. Multiple classes of phytochemical compounds such alkaloids, diterpenes, fatty acids, flavonoids, glycosides, naphthoquinones, phenolics, phytosterols, reducing sugars, saponins and tannins have been isolated from the species. E. undulata has a lot of potential as herbal medicine in tropical Africa, and advanced research is required aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.

Ethnobotany of Ghalegay,District Swat,Pakistan

Ethnobotanical study of plants revealed that the local community of Ghalegy,District Swat,invariably uses 126 species of 59 families for various purposes.Based on their traditional local uses,fifty-seven species (45.2%) were classified as medicinal,forty-seven as fire wood (37.3%),forty-five as forage (35.7%),twenty-eight as honey bee species (22.2%),twenty-seven as vegetable species (21.4%),25 as edible fruits (14 wild and 11cultivated),thirteen as timber wood (10.3%),twelve as ornamental (9.5%),eleven as furniture wood,ten as shelter and thatch makers (7.9%),ten as fencing (7.9%),five as poisonous (4%),four as religious/superstitious species,three species used in making hand sticks and wooden tools (2.4%),three as utensil cleaner species (2.4%),three as evil repellent and one as fish poisoning species.The area is in plant resources and traditional knowledge but it needs ecological management for its sustainability.