Informatics Publishing Limited

V. Krishnan ¹, M. Gopi ², S. Amerjothy ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology, L.N.Govt. College, Ponneri – 601 204, IN
2 Department of Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology, Guru Nanak College, Velachery, Chennai– 600 042, IN
3 Department of Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology, Presidency College, Chennai – 600 005, IN

Abstract

The 'gall', provides food and shelter for its insects and mites. In many cases, the galls induced by the parasites attain phenomenal structural complexity and architectural design which have allured the naturalists. In a survey of plant-galls in Tamil Nadu Forests in South India, we were able to record several remarkable galls of excelling architectural designs and sublime marvels. A few such illustrious galls and new reports are highlighted here.

Keywords

Cecidology, Phytophagous Insects, Plant Galls

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K. N. Sunil Kumar ¹, A. Saraswathy ¹, S. Amerjothy ²

Affiliations
1 Captain Srinivasa Murthi Drug Research Institute for Ayurveda (CCRAS), Arignar Anna Govt. Hospital Campus, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106, IN
2 Presidency College (Autonomous), Chennai - 600 005, IN

Abstract

Plants of Loranthaceae and Viscaceae are the major type of hemiparasites on aerial parts of many trees and shrubs. Mistletoes can infect taxonomically unrelated hosts and their attack has been proved to be fatal to various trees and shrubs. Plant exploration trips were conducted to different selected adjacent districts of Kerala and Karnataka to collect the plant specimens belonging to Loranthaceae. Both the host and the parasites collected were identified, mainly by using different Floras. A total of forty six plant species have been recorded as host plant for Helicanthus elastica. Out of them, twenty seven hosts were recorded in the region during this study. Out of twenty seven, fifteen host species were investigated to be new hosts for H. elastica. Coiling, knotting, coupling, creeping and the haustorial ischolar_mains infecting the mother plant have been recorded. The mistletoe is found to be very common on Mangifera indica and hence recommended to be named as 'mango mistletoe'. A concise list of host records for this medicinal plant will be a ready reference for phyto-pharmaceutical academia and industry taking up the job of quality assessment of this mistletoe with reference to different host species.

Keywords

Haustorium, Host, Loranthaceae, Mango Mistletoe.

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