Bryophyte diversity of Pithoragarh and Munsiyari regions of Western Himalaya
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Date
2017-08
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Bryophytes, a group of species of smaller and apparently simpler stature are the oldest known land plants.The three major groups of bryophytes namely mosses, liverworts, and hornworts comprise the earliest lineages of land plants derived from green algal ancestors.Yet despite their huge diversity, phylogenetic importance and key function in the world’s ecosystem, study of various aspects of bryophytes lagged behind in comparison to larger land plants. It is probably because of their small size, apparently simpler and less exciting evolutionary stories and limited scientific consideration. Being primitive and cosmopolitan in nature bryophyte diversity have been adversely affected due to the growing industrialization, urbanizationand introduction of new agriculture practices. Hence, there is an emerging need of its conservation against manmade ecosystem. Present study was an attempt to survey and collect the bryoflora of Pithoragarh and Munsiyari region in Uttarakhand. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative screening of phytoconstituents of three selected bryophytes (Leucodon secundus, Plagiomnium integrum and Thuidium cymbifolium) and analysis of soil of bryophytes collection sites were also done. Total 36 species were collected; out of them 31 were mosses belonging to 18 families, 4 liverworts belonging to 4 families and single hornwort. Biochemical characterization was done in term of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC)and antioxidant activity via DPPHand TAA assay. DPPH radical scavenging activity (%) was found highest in L.secundus(79.82±0.65) and lowest in P. integrum(56.63±0.28). Maximum total antioxidant activity (TAA) was reported in T. cymbifolium (88.57±0.70) while minimum in L. secundus(12.55±0.07). Total phenolic content was seen highest in T. cymbifolium(38.50±0.69mg GAE g-1) and least in L. secundus(6.23±0.17mg GAE g-1). Total Flavonoid Content was found highest in L.secundus(94.025±0.94mg QE g-1) and least in T. cymbifolium(28.2±0.29mg QE g-1).Soil analysis showed maximum pH (6.5) at site 4 and maximum Electric Conductivity (0.17kg/ha) at site 5.Total available nitrogen (292.69 ± 15.65kg/ha),total available phosphorous(52.12 ± 2.58kg/ha)and total available potassium (589.49 ± 2.30kg/ha)werefound highestat site 5.
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