Fortiea necridiiformans sp. nov., a soil-dwelling cyanobacterium from Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, India

Cyanobacterial strain PS4G was isolated from seepage soil sampled at Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The results of morphological analysis showed that strain PS4G had unique morphological characteristics which were not observed in the other described species of the genus Fortiea. In the 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis inferred using Bayesian inference, maximum-likelihood and neighbour-joining methods, strain PS4G clustered within the clade consisting of the members of the genus Fortiea. Furthermore, in the secondary structure analysis using the D1–D1′ helix and BoxB regions of 16S–23S ITS, strain PS4G showed marked differences in comparison with other members of the genus Fortiea. Overall, the morphological, phylogenetic and folded 16S–23S ITS secondary structure examination indicated that strain PS4G represents a novel species of the genus Fortiea. In accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature of Algae, Fungi and Plants we describe a novel species of Fortiea with the name Fortiea necridiiformans sp. nov.

Freshwater Ascomyctes from Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (M.P., India)-II

The present paper deals with 6 species of freshwater Ascomycetes from Pachmarhi Biosphere reserve (M.P.). These include viz. Caryospora putaminum, Natantispora retorquens, Neomassariosphaeria typhicola, Panorbis viscosus, Savoryella aquatica, S. fusiformis, These fungi were encountered on decaying submerged wood samples. Some of these Ascomycetes are being recorded for the first time from Madhya Pradesh. The data provide information on the distribution of these fungi in India, apart from description and illustrations. The taxonomy, morphology and ecology of these fungi are discussed

Diversity and Species Composition of Family Hypnaceae (Bryophyta) at Pachmarhi Sanctuary (India)

The present study elucidates the current status of moss family Hypnaceae in Pachmarhi Sanctuary that is part of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR). On taxonomic assessment, Hypnaceae emerged as one of the dominant families of the Sanctuary with seven genera and 12 species being present. The diversity and species composition of the taxa was assessed on six selected habitats viz., soil, dry rocks, wet rocks, soil covered rocks, stony walls and stem bark (epiphytic). These mosses have been mostly encountered from terrestrial habitats. The species composition across the habitats was much dissimilar indicating towards higher diversity of the family at PBR. Presently, Ectropothecium cyperoides (Hook.) A. Jaeger, Ectropothecium rostellatum (Mitt.) A. Jaeger, Isopterygium assamicum (Mitt.) A. Jaeger, and Hypnum plumaeforme Wils. are new additions to the moss flora of central India.

Genus Schwetschkeopsis Broth. (Bryophyta): new addition to Central India

The present work explicates three species of genus Schwetschkeopsis Broth. belonging to family Myriniaceae Schimp., which have been encountered for the first time in central India at Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Previously, this genus was known to be distributed at Himalayan and South Indian bryogeographical regions of India with four valid species, of which none were reported from central India. The genus is important as it is the only genus of family Myriniaceae known from India out of the total seven known worldwide and this study highlights the extension of its range of distribution in the country. During the present study three taxa viz. Schwetschkeopsis fabronia (Schwaegr) Broth., Schwetschkeopsis formosana Nog., Schwetschkeopsis elongata (Dixon and P. Varde) P. Varde were identified from the Biosphere Reserve. S. fabronia was encountered as terrestrial moss growing on dry exposed rocks while S. formosana and S. elongata were epiphytic. The presence of three taxa of the important genus Schwetschkeopsis at central India accentuates the importance of the central Indian moss flora as out of four species present in India three occur in this zone.

Diversity and Distribution of liverworts across habitats and altitudinal gradient at Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (India)

The present study elucidates the distribution of liverworts (Marchantiophyta) in various habitats and across the altitudinal gradients at Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR), central India. The liverwort diversity was assessed in selected habitats at each site viz. soil, wet rocks, dry rocks, soil covered rocks, stony walls (terricolous habitats) and epiphytic habitat. Three altitudinal gradients were considered for distributional assessment. In all, 41 liverworts belonging to 21 genera and 15 families were encountered. Among the three altitudinal zones, 17 taxa were found at lower altitudinal gradient (400-800 m) whereas 12 liverworts were found at the higher altitudinal gradient (1001-1400 m). Maximum taxa (33) were present at the middle altitudinal zone (801- 1000 m). The sites at middle altitudes furnished amicable conditions for the growth of bryophytes. In general, rocks, both moist and dry formed the most pertinent habitat for the liverworts. Evidently, the middle altitudinal gradient emerged as the altitudinal range harbouring maximum liverworts.