Current Science

Arun Kumar Jugran ¹, Indra D. Bhatt ¹, Suvendu Mondal ², Ranbeer S. Rawal ¹, Shyamal K. Nandi ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, IN
2 Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai 400 005, IN

Abstract

Valeriana jatamansi (family Valerianaceae) is a highvalue medicinal plant used in traditional and modern medicine. In the present study, 25 populations (151 genotypes) of V. jatamansi were collected from Uttarakhand, India and investigated using nuclear and chloroplast SSR markers. Six nuclear and seven chloroplast polymorphic SSR primer pairs were used to evaluate genetic variability and population relatedness. These primer pairs have generated 55 fragments (27 nuclear, 33 chloroplast). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 7. Expected heterozygosity of the 25 V. jatamansi population was 0.108-0.222 with a mean of 0.165 for nuclear SSR markers and 0.147- 0.265 with a mean of 0.215 for chloroplast SSR markers. Based on AMOVA analysis, 6.0% (P = <0.001) of total genetic variation was found. Nuclear SSR markers exhibited highest genetic diversity in samples collected from 1501 to 1800 m amsl altitudinal range and from pine forest habitat. In case of cpSSR, samples collected from 2101 to 2400 m amsl and grassland habitat exhibited highest diversity. These markers could be helpful in the identification and prioritization of genetically diverse populations/individuals for conservation and utilizing them in genetic improvement of V. jatamansi.

Keywords

Conservation, Gene Flow, Genetic Diversity, Microsatellites, Valeriana Jatamansi.

Full Text

   

Ranbeer S. Rawal ¹, Rajesh Joshi ¹, Indra D. Bhatt ¹, Subrat Sharma ¹, Ranjan Joshi ¹, Vasudha Agnihotri ¹, K. C. Sekar ¹, P. P. Dhyani ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

Full Text

   

Kailash S. Gaira ¹, Ranbeer S. Rawal ¹, Balwant Rawat ¹, Indra D. Bhatt ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, IN

Abstract

Studies from different parts of the world have generated evidences of the effects of climate change on phenology and persistence of species. However, datasets or evidences are lacking for majority of the regions and species, including the climate-sensitive Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Recognizing this gap in the information and realizing wide-ranging implications of such datasets, the present study generates evidences of changes in flowering phenology of an important trees species, Rhododendron arboreum in Indian central Himalaya. Real-time field observations (2009- 2011) showed peak flowering during early February to mid-March. Analysis on long-term temperature data revealed significant (P < 0.01) increase in seasonal (winter and post-monsoon) and annual mean maximum temperature. Generalized additive model (GAM) using real-time field observations (2009-2011) and herbarium records (1893-2003) predicted 88-97 days early flowering over the last 100 years. Furthermore, GAM using long-term temperature data, real-time field observations and herbarium records depicted annual mean maximum temperature responsible for shifts in flowering dates of the target species. The study provides an important insight of species response to climate change in the Indian central Himalaya and highlights the need for further research on the subject to improve our understanding of the effects of climate change on species and consequently on ecology of the region.

Keywords

Climate Change, Flowering Phenology, Herbarium Records, Rhododendron arboreum.

Full Text

   

Lalit Giri ¹, Indra D. Bhatt ¹, Ranbeer S. Rawal ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

Full Text