Two species of the genus Bacopa (B. monnieri and B. procumbens) were studied for examination of cytomorphological and palynological characteristics as well as the screening of phytochemical from the Malwa region of Punjab during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. Primarily both species are differentiated based on morphological features then identity was authenticated by examination of chromosome number. There is a great difference in chromosome number between the two species (B. monnieri, 2n=64; B. procumbens, 2n=22). Pollen size of B. monnieri is larger (22.5 × 21.25 μm to 27.5 ×25 μm) with less viability (77.87%) whereas in case of B. procumbens pollen size is small (15 × 13.75 μm to 17.5 × 16.25 μm) with high viability (88.75%). The phytochemicals of both species are almost similar with minor variations. This study will be helpful for scientists in the identification of these important medicinal plant species. The phytochemical profile throws light on medicinally important compounds which will be utilized by pharmaceutical departments for the development of appropriate drugs.

In Sudan, traditional healing practice by herbalists is prevalent among tribes in remote areas that are deprived of modern health care. Barti tribe is a small Arabic speaking community moved from North Darfur state in early dry periods to the Fangoga area in Sennar State. In this study ethnobotanical survey on traditional medicinal plants used by this community was conducted in July 2016. The data was collected from a total of 85 informants with a mean age of 62 years using semi-structured questionnaires. Informants were asked about the plants and the harvested parts they use to cure the prevalent diseases, methods of preparing the herbal remedy, and administrative details. The study documented 53 medicinal plants used to treat various ailments. The most utilized plant families were Leguminosae followed by Apocynaceae and Malvaceae. Based on plant habits, herbs recorded the highest proportion of the medicinal plants (36%) followed by trees (34%) and shrubs (30%). Of the total plants 77% are wild and 23% are cultivated species. Commonly treated diseases are jaundice, rheumatic pain, stomach pain, and snake bites. Further pharmacological and phytochemical research studies are needed to identify active components in the reported plants, and their efficiency to cure the diseases.

Pesticide application for disease management is a major action for crop protection from last seven decades. The repeated application of pesticide is the most important cause of the reduction in microbial population. Soil microorganisms play an important role in efficient acquisition and transportation of nutrients to plant. Pesticides leached in soil disturb the activities of soil enzymes, such as -glucosidase, dehydrogenase, phosphatases, protease and urease secreted by these microorganisms. This drastically reduces nutrient availability to the plants and soil fertility. In vitro experimental studies revealed that our PGPR (Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) have the ability to tolerate pesticides at concentrations such as Carbendazim (0.512%), Imidacloprid (3.27%) and Glyphosate (3.27%). We have observed an increase in PGP activities like IAA production, exopolysachchride production, biofilm synthesis, phosphate solubilization and siderophore production on the addition of pesticides at concentrations below there threshold values, on the contrary reduction in activities was noticed above these values. Soil enzymes activities from chickpea rhizosphere without PGPR inoculation showed variability on the application of pesticides whereas activities were found normal or increased with PGPR inoculation and pesticides application. Thus PGPR remains panacea for soils by managing adverse effects of pesticide application. Hence our results concluded that P. putida and B. amyloliquefaciens have the ability to reduce the negative impact of three pesticides and poise soil enzymes activities. Hence our PGPR acts as efficient biofertilizers to improve soil fertility and soil health.

Citrus spp. grows in different localities of Kokrajhar district (BTAD), Assam and this place is a natural home to many varieties of the said fruit. Even though a favorable agro-climatic condition for citrus growth prevails in the region the production is not sufficient. Using inappropriate rootstock as well as the seedling is cultivation bottleneck that has been learned from the orchardists. The studies revealed that right type of seedling produced by using standardized nursery technique ensure healthy growth and optimum production. This paper deals with distribution of the different citrus varieties that grow in wild, semi-wild and cultivated forms in Kokrajhar district and usefulness of different vegetative propagation technique along with seed germination.