International Journal of Phytology Research

Gamma ray-induced mutagenesis and its impact on per cent disease index in Tuberose cv. ‘Hyderabad Single’’

2026-01-03T05:12:54+00:00

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) is one of the most important flower crops grown under the tropical and subtropical conditions in India. The crop is affected by leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria polianthi, which significantly impacts its growth and flower yield. The disease is prevalent in both single and double varieties, especially in the regions with high rainfall and humidity. A study was conducted with gamma ray irradiated bulbs using 44 variants of mutant population with one untreated bulb (Control). Among the variants of mutant population studied in the VM₂ generation, mutant M₃₃₃ exhibited significantly highest per cent disease index (susceptible) compared to untreated control. No incidence of disease was noticed with mutants viz., M_473C, M₁₇₈ and M_21, hence these were characterized as immune mutants to the leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria polianthi.

The keystone species: emphasizing the conservation of Ficus (Fig) species at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

2026-01-20T06:40:35+00:00

Ficus species are globally recognized as keystone elements of tropical ecosystems. At Kanha Shanti Vanam (KSV), a Biodiversity Sanctuary in Telangana, 26 Ficus species were planted and conserved to enhance biodiversity and ecological stability. Observations revealed active plant-animal interactions, particularly during fruiting seasons, where birds, bats, and squirrels contributed to pollination and seed dispersal. These interactions facilitated natural regeneration and supported faunal diversity within the campus. The study documents the Ficus species established at KSV and highlights their ecological and cultural significance, demonstrating their role in sustaining ecosystem resilience and promoting harmony between nature and humans.

The prospects and feasibility of seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) culture in the cage farming sites of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Central Kerala, India

2026-01-10T20:34:20+00:00

Seaweeds are primitive, photosynthetic, non-angiospermic macrophytes in tidal zones of oceans. The red algae Kappaphycus alvarezii was cultured in the present study for a period of 60 days (January – March 2021) in three stations: Malippuram (Station I), Chettuva (Station II), and Moothakunnam (Station III). Seedlings of K. alvarezii were collected from Mandapam, Tamil Nadu. Seedlings of K. alvarezii weighing 6.069 ± 0.069 g stocked in fruit net bags and floating bamboo raft; finally harvested 55.415 ± 0.018 g per fruit net bag from station I and 57.913 ± 0.068 g per fruit net from station II. Growth parameters of seaweed and water quality parameters of stations were analysed. The present study revealed good prospects for seaweed farming in Malippuram & Chettuva. Integration of seaweed culture with cage farming resulted in good growth of K. alvarezii in the open sea of Kerala. The objective of the study was to find out the feasibility of seaweed farming along with cage farming in Central Kerala using the fruit net bag tube method and the floating raft method.

Fusarium soil isolate shows increased IAA production under variable culture parameters

2026-03-06T13:03:02+00:00

The current study reports the effect of various culture parameters on the indole acetic acid (IAA) by non-pathogenic Fusarium sp. isolated from an agricultural field of Murshidabad district in West Bengal, India. Auxin is one of the principal plant growths promoting substances that influences the overall growth developmental processes in angiosperms. The Fusarium sp. was isolated by soil dilution plate technique on selective pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) medium. The isolate was identified and subsequently characterized by the routine morphological studies. Various physiological parameters viz., growth media, carbon and nitrogen sources, incubation temperature and pH of the culture medium were taken into account for determining their effect on IAA production and subsequent optimization of the culture conditions. IAA production was found to be highest in CD broth and Asthana and Hawker’s broth equally (380 µg/ml). Among the carbohydrate and nitrogen sources used, maltose (390 µg/ml) and sodium nitrate (390µg/ml) respectively were found to be most conducive for IAA production. Interestingly, in acidic pH-4, IAA production was completely ceased. Maximum IAA production was recorded at pH-7 (400 µg/ml) while optimum temperature for IAA production was found as 27⁰ C (390 µg/ml). Though the isolate was found quite promising in producing IAA in wide ranges of temperature and pH. This IAA producing Fusarium isolate could turn out to be a potential candidate for improving agricultural output.