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A. K. Das , P. C. Nath , A. D. Khumbongmayum

Abstract

Amentotaxus assamica, belonging to family Taxaceae, is a critically endangered and endemic species in Arunachal Pradesh (North-East India). The species has a limited distribution within the altitudinal range of 1.600 - 2, 000m amsl. The species was reported for the first time in 1928 by D.K. Ferguson from Dallai valley in Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, the same has been collected from the Papum Pare District of the state where it has a good population structure. The plant is found growing within the patches of Chimnobambusa sp. occurring abundantly in the locality. The present study deals with the population structure of Amentotaxus assamica occurring in this pure undisturbed forest stand. The density of seedlings is higher than saplings and trees which reveals good regeneration in this natural stand. No anthropogenic threats were observed in the present natural habitat however, practice of 'jhum' cultivation at the foothills show a possibility of destruction in due course of time. Degradation of this species from the earlier recorded areas due to various anthropogenic threats also justifies the needs for the conservation and protection of Amentotaxus assamica in their natural habitat. The in-situ conservation of the species is required due to its restricted distribution within a particular altitudinal range in that micro-environment. However effective conservation of the species is possible only if the area is included in the existing protected area prevailing in the adjacent region.

Keywords

Amentotaxus assamica, Endagered-endemic Species, Distribution, Population
Structure, Arunachal Pradesh

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A. K. Das , P. C. Nath , A. D. Khumbongmayum

Abstract

Amentotaxus assamica, belonging to family Taxaceae, is a critically endangered and endemic species in Arunachal Pradesh, a state in northeast India. Recently, during the field trips in 2005 for the collection and documentation of plant species, Amentotaxus assamica is collected from the forest of Turoo hill, located near Dev village, Papum Pare district. The plant is found growing within the patches of Chimnobambusa sp., a spiny bamboo species occurring abundantly in the Turoo hill. Studies on population structure of A. assamica reveals that density of seedling (220 ha^-1) is higher than saplings (58 ha^-1) and trees ( 4 7 ha^-1). A total of 13 associated tree species were recorded and their density ruld basal area were determined. No anthropogenic threats were observed in the present natural habitat.

Keywords

Gymnosperm, Amentotaxus Assamica, Distribution And Population Structure,
Conservation

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Pijush Kumar Dutta ¹, B. K. Dutta ¹, A. K. Das ¹, R. C. Sundriyal ¹

Affiliations
1 WWF-India, Western Arunachal Landscape Conservation Programme

Abstract

Alpine timberline, considered to be important ecotone supports rich and highly vulnerable biodiversity and represent one of the most distinct boundaries between forest to tree less alpine areas. It has attracted geographers and ecologist to do research for a long time on the phenomena it encompasses. In recent time, alpine treeline ecotones across most of the world's mountains are being studied because of their potential for monitoring the effects of climate warming on forest ecosystem. Besides, alpine pasture areas in and around timberline zone and commercially important medicinal plants along timberline have also been playing important role as a source of livelihood of mountain communities settled in nearby area. In recent time, with the change in socio-economic aspiration of local mountain communities, there has been a rapid increase in pressure on natural resources in and around timberline area. However, compared to studies of timberline area of European Alps, Andes of South America and mountains of North America, which has reached a very advance stage, very limited studies on timberline of Himalayan mountain range have been carried out. In the present paper, review of timberline research work carried out in the mountain ranges of Europe, North America and Himalaya have been carried out to highlightthe gap in alpine timberline research work in Himalaya.

Keywords

Alpine, Timberline, Ecotone, Biodiversity, Livelihood, Climate Change

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S. K. Biswas ¹, J. Bose ¹, A. K. Das ¹, E. Ahmed ²

Affiliations
1 Affiliation not given, IN
2 Department of Ophthalmology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Calcutta, IN

Abstract

Abstract not Given.

Keywords

No Keywords given

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Srinibash Sahoo ¹, B. C. S. Rao ², A. K. Das ³, Kamadev Das ⁴

Affiliations
1 ACAMHNS (CCRAS),NIMHANS, Bangalore, IN
2 ACAMHNS (CCRAS), NIMHANS, Bangalore, IN
3 Dept. of R.S & V.K, G.A.M, Puri, Odisha, IN
4 G.A.M, Puri, Odisha, IN

Abstract

Recently, the interest in the use of herbal products has grown dramatically in the western world as well as in developed countries. The vast majorities of currently available psychoactive drugs as herbal remedies today seem to be a reflection of such a situation. In the folklore of Indian medicine, several medicines (herbs, ghees, minerals and metals) have been used traditionally as brain or nerve tonics. One of the most popular of this medicine is Brahmi Ghrita a well-known memory booster. This comprehensive review summarizes our current knowledge of the major bioactivities and clinical efficacy of Brahmi Ghrita, one of the currently popular central nervous system (CNS) activating medicine.

The Brahmi Ghrita which is a known drug for its mode of action through pacifying both Sharirika and Manasika doshas which are mainly involved in pathogenesis of Kaphaja Unmada. Similarly, the combinations of herbal drugs in Brahmi Ghrita are basically mentioned as Medhya Rasayanas in Ayurvedic classics. Hence due of their Medhya Rasayana property these drugs enriching the nutritional value of the Medha and thereby helping to cure the patients suffering with Kaphaja Unmada (Depressive Illness)

The currently prepared Brahmi Ghrita is established as safe to use in current clinical study on Kaphaja Unmada (Depressive Illness) as per the analytical studies done above.

Keywords

Brahmi Ghrita, Analytical Study, Medhya Rasayana, Kaphajaunmada.

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Ram Prasad Sharma ¹, A. K. Das ², A. K. Raina ³

Affiliations
1 Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara Campus, Pokhara, Nepal, IN
2 Agriculture and forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal, IN
3 Forest Research Institute, F. S. & L. R. Division, Dehradun

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the influence of metamorphic rocks, soils and physiographic conditions on the growth and distribution of Swertia chirayita and Rubia cordifolia in Lotse Pakha and Bhakarjung community forests of Kaski district, Nepal for sustainable management. Biannual biophysical data and soil samples collection were conducted by establishing permanent sample plots of 2m x 5m for herb species. The study area contains dominantly the medium to coarse grained metamorphic rocks as phyllite and quartzite with numerous discontinuities. The interpretation of biophysical data indicated that the availability of MAPs vary with variation of altitude, slope, aspect, crown cover, rock types and soil properties. The frequency, relative frequency, density and relative density of S. chirayita and R. cordifolia were found to be medium to higher in the study area. The number of S. chirayita found to be higher in greater slope while R. cordifolia in lower slope. The species richness of these species shows higher within the altitudinal range 1700 - 2000 m. These species suitably grows in north-east aspect. The number of S. chirayita was found higher in 0-60 % crown cover but R. cordifolia has no significant trends. The physicochemical properties (soil pH, N, P, K, SOM and texture) of soil and weathered minerals resulted from metamorphic rocks in studied CFs favour the growth and distribution of these species.

Keywords

Altitude, Aspect, Slope, Crown Cover, Associated Species, Ecological Status.

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N. C. Nandi ¹, S. K. Pramanik ¹, A. K. Das ¹, Anirudha Dey ¹, Mousumi Roy ²

Affiliations
1 Social Environmental and Biological Association, Kolkata, IN
2 KBBN College, Behala, Kolkata, IN

Abstract

Wetland economics more precisely fish production data of a freshwater beel, viz., Bhomra beel, an oxbow lake of 99.28 water area in Nadia district of West Bengal is herein communicated. Bhomra Fishermen Cooperative Society Ltd. (BFCS), established in 1957, is the lease holder of this beel which presently provides livelihood to 313 fishermen families. Fish production data reveal that the productions of both carp and weed fish varieties (amacha) vary from year to year in this beel. In 2001-2002 table fish production was 42,485 kg in terms of quantity and Rs. 12,18,221 in terms of value along with weed fish of 7,848 kg in quantity and Rs. 2,35,494 in value, while the production of table fish in 2010-2011 was 27,300 kg in quantity and Rs. 16,97,200 in value along with weed fish of 5,226 kg in quantity and Rs. 3,13,260 in value. Ten years' average annual overall fish production was 46,733.1 kg during 1991-2000 as per earlier records and 39,926.3 kg during 2001-2010 (in the present study), indicating a decline in production. It has also been revealed that fishermen engaged in catching weed fish species get almost the entire sale proceeds from the society since they are to pay Rs. 30 per month for catching amacha. However, conflicting issues over lifting of beel water for irrigation purpose hampering harvesting of fish during summer as well as local disturbances and threats need to be mitigated for better production achievement and sustainable utilization of wetland resource base.

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N. C. Nandi ¹, S. K. Pramanik ¹, A. K. Das ¹, Anirudha Dey ¹, Mousumi Roy ¹

Affiliations
1 Social Environmental and Biological Association, Kolkata, IN

Abstract

Wetland economics and especially fish production data of a freshwater beel, viz., Bhomra beel in Nadia district of West Bengal is communicated. Fish production data reveal that the productions of both carp and weed fish varieties (amacha) vary from year to year. In 2001-2002 table fish production was 42,485 kg in terms of quantity and ₹ 12,18,221/- in terms of value along with weed fish of 7,848 kg in quantity and ₹ 2,35,494/- in value, while in 2010-2011, table fish production was 27,300 kg in quantity and ₹ 16,97,200/- in value along with weed fish of 5,226 kg in quantity and ₹ 3,13,260/- in value. Ten years' average annual overall fish production was 46,733.1 kg during 1991-2000 as per earlier records and 39,926.3 kg during 2001-2010 (in the present study), indicating a decline in production. It has also been revealed that fishermen engaged in catching weed fish species get almost the entire sale proceeds from the society since they are to pay ₹ 30/- per month for catching amacha.

Keywords

Wetland Economics, Fish Production, Bhomra Beel, West Bengal.

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N. C. Nandi ¹, A. K. Das ¹, S. K. Raut ², A. Choudhury ³

Affiliations
1 Social Environmental and Biological Association, Kolkata, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Calcutta University, 35, B. C. Road, Kolkata–700 019, IN
3 S. D. Marine Biological Research Institute, Sagar Island, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

While consulting our old files and records we came across several black and white photomicrographs of some ciliates (Figs. 1-13) along with a brief unpublished write up on their taxonomy. This write up shows and reminds us that these ciliates were recovered from the gut contents of the echiurid worm (Phylum Echiura), Analassorhynchus branchiorhynchus (Annandale and Kemp) which was collected from the mudflats of Sagar Islands, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal in 1970.

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R. K. Singh ¹, Pankaj Kumar ¹, Birendra Prasad ², A. K. Das ¹, S. B. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Katihar (Bihar), IN
2 Regional Research Station, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at farmer field of Katihar district during two consecutive years of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to study the yield of wheat as influenced by split application of nitrogen. The soil is non-calcareous light gray in colour flood plain belongs to the alluvial gangetic plain (Agro climatic zone II). The study was done in Randomized Block Design with four treatments and ten replications with HD 2733 wheat variety to evaluate the observation regarding growth attributes and yield components of individual plant parameters were recorded from randomly selected plants in each plot. The evaluated traits were plant population (m^-2), plant height (cm), bearing tillers plant^-1 (no.), non-bearing tillers plant^-1 (no.), spikelets spike^-1 (no.), fertile spikelets spike^-1 (no.) non-fertile spikelets spike^-1 (no.), 1000-seed weight (g), seed yield (t ha^-1) and straw yield (t ha^-1). Results indicated that the use of three split N applications increased all growth and yield attributes. The best N split strategy corresponded to three N splits: at planting, crown ischolar_main initiation (CRI), and panicle initiation (PI) stages.

Keywords

Wheat, Split Doses, Nitrogen, Growth, Yield Components.

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A. K. Das

Abstract

The convension of Biological Diversity was finalised in Nairobi in May, 1992, signed by the Governments of 156 countries at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Jeneiro on 5th June, 1992 and came into force on 29th December, 1993. Since then, the term "biodiversity" which is the contracted form of biological diversity has come to lime light and become very popular. This term is frequently used by people of different disciplines and sectors, and more particularly environmentalists for various purposes. This is because people are now more or less aware that conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of its components are of critical importance for meeting food, shelter, health and various other needs of the growing global population. Realising this need Governments of several nations including India have framed relevant legislations. Irrespective of all these, biodiversity concept is not clear to most of the people. They often misunderstand and misinterpret it as species diversity, being unaware of its broad spectrum of genetic and ecological (ecosystem) diversity.

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A. K. Das

Abstract

Myxosporeans are 'protozoan' parasites belonging to class Myxosporea and phylum Myxozoa according to the recent classification. These parasites are distributed world-wide with around 1200 species, infect skin, gills muscles, kidney, brain and skeletal system of fishes and cause a disease known as myxoporidiosis. This disease is prevalent in fishes of pisciculture ponds in India and many parts of Asia.

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A. K. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata-700 053, IN

Abstract

Ecotoxicology is an interdisciplinary field of study, intending to integrate both ecological and toxicological effects of pollutants and contaminants on living organisms, populations and communities within the defined ecosystems. Ecotoxicological studies on Indian ecosystems are fragmentary and scattered although this country is very rich in ecodiversity and biodiversity. Based on major habitat classification as well as on geographical and geological features 10 ecosystems are recognised in India. These are forests (16 types), grasslands (5 types), deserts (3 types), wetlands (10 types), mangroves, coral reefs, marine, mountains, islands and ocean. However, for the convenience of assessing ecotoxicological impacts, Indian ecosystems are grouped under two broad categories, viz., aquatic and terrestrial. For assessing ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic ecosystems of this country those of the river Ganga were analysed, as an example, with additional dealings on marine ecosystems. Prime sources of pollutants and toxicants on these ecosystems, viz., industrial emissions, municipal effluents and agricultural run off and their impacts on aquatic communities are discussed. Ecotoxicological impacts on terrestrial ecosystems are also dealt with in similar fashion with special reference to high altitude ecosystems. Need for future research on this aspect is highlighted in the concluding remarks of this communication.

Keywords

Ecotoxicology, Ecosystem, Pollutants, Contaminants, Toxicants.

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Srinibash Sahoo ¹, A. K. Das ², Kamadev Das ³

Affiliations
1 ACAMHNS (CCRAS), NIMHANS, Bangalore, IN
2 Dept. of R.S & V.K, G.A.M, Puri, Odisha, IN
3 G.A.M, Puri, Odisha, IN

Abstract

Ayu is the state of union of four components namely the body, sensory and motor faculties, mind and soul. So perception of jnana or knowledge is considered as the lakshana of mind. For cognition mind should be sequentially connected with the receptors of information. Ayurveda has given equal importance to mind or mental faculties along with the physical faculties in the aspects of etiology, premonitory symptoms and also in the case of treatment. Most of the Ayurvedic Psychiatry is dealt in one of the eight branches of Ayurveda called "Bhutavidya". It is described as the branch which lays down incantation and mode of exorcising, evil spirits and making offerings to God, Demon, Gandharva, Yaksha, Rakshasa, etc for cure of disease originating from their malignant influence. Apart from the Ayurvedic classics we can get rich descriptions regarding different psychological techniques from Indian Scriptures and Upanishads. Eg: Mahabharatha, Yogavasista, Upanishadas and in Panchatatntra. Central council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has started separate unit for Ayurvedic psychiatry at NIMHANS, Bangalore in 1971 for research in psychiatry and neurological disorders. Separate paper on Manasikaroga or Indian psychiatry is introduced into the curriculum of BAMS course and CCIM started Post - Graduate course in Manasa Roga in in different institutions of India. Many private manufactures began to prepare single herb medicines and different formulations which are described in classical Ayurvedic texts for growing mental disorders. Many of the scholars in Ayurveda tried to interpret the terms used in Ayurvedic Psychiatry with the light of modern medicine in their books.

Keywords

Ayurveda, Psychiatry.

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A. K. Das ¹, K. P. Singh ¹, B. Prasad ¹, Ravindra Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar), IN

Abstract

The findings of a field trial conducted in 2012-13 and 2013-14 to assess different cultivars of strawberry in Supaul district of Bihar revealed that short day cultivars were more tolerant to insect pests than day neutral cultivars, particularly in later stage of fruit development leading to record higher yield. It was also revealed that a suitable micro-climate was required for optimum plant growth, higher crop yield and the best quality fruits. Festival was found to be the best performing variety in respect of weight per fruit, yield and marketable fruit quality having maximum growth, plant height (21.34cm), flowering duration (60.09 days), fruiting duration (55.62 days) and yield (15.26 tons/ha).

Keywords

Strawberry, Festival, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie.

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H. K. Senapati ¹, A. K. Das ¹, R. Acharya ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar (Orissa), IN

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in the central farm of OUAT during 2005-2008 with rice-rice cropping sequence using inorganic, organic and integration of both type of fertilizers. The soil samples after completion of Rabi rice crop was taken for present study purpose. Due to application of readily available sources of energy along with organic nutrients the microbial population in soil was increased which influenced the microbial decomposition process. The rate of organic matter decomposition was studied by incubation method, from the result it was observed that during fifth week of incubation with dextrose the highest value of 21.98 mg carbon/100g soil was obtained in silicate slag (Soil conditioner) treated plot, where as lowest value was observed with unammended soil of control plot. On the other hand the highest population counts of 13.7×10⁷ number of bacteria and 3.14×10⁶ number of fungi were observed in FYM treated plot where as the highest of 2.6×10⁵ number of actinomycetes were observed in silicate slag treatment.

Keywords

Manuring, Microbial Activity, Organic Matter Decomposition, Rice-Rice Cropping System.

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A. K. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mathematics, North Eastern Hill University, Permanent Campus, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya, IN

Abstract

The object of this paper is to study the bordism classes of all stable vector bundles having cobordism category not exceeding 3.

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