Tag: plants

Architect of Pollen development & Seed formation identified

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Scientists have identified a novel gene that plays a crucial role in the development of stamens (male reproductive structure) including pollen grain and seed formation, in Arabidopsis flowering plants related to cabbage and mustard. The study opens up new possibilities for improving crop fertility and seed production.

Pollen formation represents a very important developmental stage in plant life cycle. It represents the male gametophyte and its role is to deliver the genetic material to the embryo sac. The production and transfer of viable pollen grains to the stigma, germination of the pollen grains, growth of the pollen tubes down the style, and effective fertilization are necessary for the formation of a successful seed set. Thus, understanding the pollen development process not only elucidate the basic mechanism of sexual reproduction of flowering plants but also add valuable information for subsequent manipulation in crop production.

“Pollen germination speed” and “pollen tube growth” are the two important characteristic features of healthy pollens that have evolved with the evolution in flowering plants (Angiosperms). The rapid growth of the pollen tube through the style to reach ovary, is a pre-requisite for fertilization in flowering plants. Since many pollen tubes grow through the style, the reproductive success of a pollen grain is determined by its rate of pollen tube elongation.

It has been shown that maturation of pollen grain with proper structure and composition of cell wall determines its interaction with the stigma as well as its germination ability for successful fertilization. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for pollen development, pollen hydration and pollen germination- factors that are responsible for the formation of a mature viable pollen grains.

Recent investigations on pollen development by Prof. Shubho Chaudhuri’s lab at Bose Institute, Kolkata, an autonomous institution of Department of Science and Technology, identified a novel gene named HMGB15, a non-histone protein that restructures chromatin, plays a crucial role in the development of stamens (male reproductive structure) in Arabidopsis.

A mutation in this gene, causes partial male sterility in plants. The mutant plants exhibit low pollen grain viability, defective pollen wall patterning, retarded pollen tube germination rate, shorter filaments that are unable to reach the stigma resulting in reduced seed production. The abnormalities in the mutants are due to the disruption in gene regulatory networks important for pollen development, maturation and pollen tube germination.

Molecular analysis indicated that several developmental pathways like biosynthesis of phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA), apoptosis of tapetal cells and actin polymerization dynamics have been severely affected in the HMGB15 loss of function mutants.

Understanding this mechanism on a  model organism used for studying plant biology, not only sheds light on the intricate biology of plants but also opens new possibilities for improving crop fertility and seed production. The studies have been published in reputed plant journals namely, Plant Physiology (Sachdev et al., 2024) and Plant Reproduction (Biswas et al., 2024).  Financial support for this work was provided by SERB, India.

***

Low-Maintenance Houseplants to grow

There are endless varieties of indoor plants to choose from, and if you’ve never cared for a plant before, you might have no idea which one to choose. Factor in that some plants are much harder to care for and require a lot of attention, and it’s even more of a challenge. If you want to spruce up your home with a little greenery but you’re new to plant parenthood and want to stick to plants that are more forgiving and low-maintenance, here’s what you need to know, from which plants to buy to how to keep them alive and happy

You don’t need a ton of time, space or even light to grow your own indoor garden, either. In fact, some plants prefer a low level of light and infrequent watering. If you live in an apartment or home with little natural light or just want something a bit more low maintenance, there are many houseplants for you to choose from.

Jade Plant

Succulents are always an indoor houseplant go-to thanks to their sturdiness and ability to survive with little to no water. This one has a defined look with plush oval leaves and a substantial height In fact; a jade plant can grow to be 3-6 feet tall. It’s a slow grower, though, so this won’t happen overnight. Like many succulents, jade plants need a lot of bright, indirect sunlight.

Aloe

As long as it gets a lot of really bright light, the Hedgehog Aloe is pretty resilient. Aloe plants grow in nutrient-poor conditions, so they’re very good at assimilating and holding onto their nutrients.Aloe is happiest in the brightest windows, so stick it in a space that faces the sunset.

Snake Plant

snake plants are tall, dark, and handsome. In addition to being able to withstand pretty much any living conditions, snake plants are also really powerful air purifiers.they can pretty much take whatever you throw at them, so they’ll be fine in slightly darker and more humid rooms.

Parlor Palm

Bright filtered light is best for this lush palm plant, but it can adapt to low light if necessary. In terms of watering, make sure you avoid over-watering your parlor palm. Keep it in a warmer spot and give it the occasional misting for good measure.

Bamboo

Like air plants, that can actually grow without soil. Simply place the stalks in a vase full of water with pebbles or marbles at the bottom. And if your bamboo starts to get too big for its container, just upgrade to a new one with a similar set-up—no actual reporting required.

Snake plant
Parlor Palm
Jade plant
Aloe
Bamboo

Low-Maintenance Houseplants to grow

There are endless varieties of indoor plants to choose from, and if you’ve never cared for a plant before, you might have no idea which one to choose. Factor in that some plants are much harder to care for and require a lot of attention, and it’s even more of a challenge. If you want to spruce up your home with a little greenery but you’re new to plant parenthood and want to stick to plants that are more forgiving and low-maintenance, here’s what you need to know, from which plants to buy to how to keep them alive and happy

You don’t need a ton of time, space or even light to grow your own indoor garden, either. In fact, some plants prefer a low level of light and infrequent watering. If you live in an apartment or home with little natural light or just want something a bit more low maintenance, there are many houseplants for you to choose from.

Jade Plant

Succulents are always an indoor houseplant go-to thanks to their sturdiness and ability to survive with little to no water. This one has a defined look with plush oval leaves and a substantial height In fact; a jade plant can grow to be 3-6 feet tall. It’s a slow grower, though, so this won’t happen overnight. Like many succulents, jade plants need a lot of bright, indirect sunlight.

Aloe

As long as it gets a lot of really bright light, the Hedgehog Aloe is pretty resilient. Aloe plants grow in nutrient-poor conditions, so they’re very good at assimilating and holding onto their nutrients.Aloe is happiest in the brightest windows, so stick it in a space that faces the sunset.

Snake Plant

snake plants are tall, dark, and handsome. In addition to being able to withstand pretty much any living conditions, snake plants are also really powerful air purifiers.they can pretty much take whatever you throw at them, so they’ll be fine in slightly darker and more humid rooms.

Parlor Palm

Bright filtered light is best for this lush palm plant, but it can adapt to low light if necessary. In terms of watering, make sure you avoid over-watering your parlor palm. Keep it in a warmer spot and give it the occasional misting for good measure.

Bamboo

Like air plants, that can actually grow without soil. Simply place the stalks in a vase full of water with pebbles or marbles at the bottom. And if your bamboo starts to get too big for its container, just upgrade to a new one with a similar set-up—no actual reporting required.

Snake plant
Parlor Palm
Jade plant
Aloe
Bamboo

TOP 5 HOME MADE ORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR YOUR GARDEN

TOP 5 HOMEMADE ORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR YOUR KITCHEN GARDEN. 

INTRODUCTION:

  • HEALTHY PLANTS

Now a days many of the urban people has turned towards organic kitchen farming. 

Continuous usage of chemical fertilizers has made a havoc among people specially parents those who always look forward for better health.  

Excessive fertilizers are reason behind memory loss, weak appetite, dull-dark skin etc. 

Turning towards organic kitchen farming is a better way of avoiding such issues, but again people from urban cities faces problem of time management and of course organic fertilizers are actually expensive  

Here in this article, I have shared my best 5 organic solutions which you can use for your many of the fruits and flower bearing plants. 

COW DUNG FERTILIZER:

COW DUNG FERTILIZER.

1.COW DUNG FERTILIZER: Most known organic fertilizer, from ancient times cow dung was treated as gold, Now, we have lesser knowledge about it, Farmers used to preserve it by making their dry cakes. 

PREPERATION: 

  • Take two glasses of water in a vessel. 
  • Add a piece of dried piece or fully decomposed cow dung  
  • Keep the mixture for overnight. 

Water will change the color to reddish yellow. 

USAGE- you can use this solution to all leafy, fruit and flower bearing plants  

This solution is used in every season except harsh summer season. 

TEA LEAVES FERTILIZER:

TEA LEAVES FERTILIZER

2.TEA LEAVES FERTILIZER: 

Another very easy and accessible liquid fertilizer is tea leaves fertilizer. Some of our garden plants need a bit acidic soil such as rose plant, money plant etc. To fulfill their needs this fertilizer is used. 

PREPERATION: 

  • First you need to prepare tea leaves, which you can do easily storing used tea leaves of 5-6 days. 
  • At least you need 2 proper washes to remove milk particles. 
  • Dry them for 3 days. Now your tea leaves are ready for becoming fertilizers. 
  • Take a bowl full of water mix the above granules of tea leaves and keep them for 24 hours, you will observe yellowish solution. 
  • Stain the fertilizer and use in flower bearing plants  

Usage- You can use this fertilizer in winters only. 

BANANA PEEL FERTILIZER:

3.BANANA PEEL FERTILIZER: 

If you know many of the agriculture consultant prescribe NPK fertilizers for complete growth of plants, where ‘P’ stands for potassium which is basically required for proper and healthy flowers in plant. So here is the organic substitute for potash-based fertilizer, BANANA PEEL FERTILIZER. 

PREPERATION: 

  • You will need at 6 dried or semi dried peels of banana. 
  • Take a tumbler full of water. 
  • Keep this mixture for 24 hours. 

You can use this solution specially for Hibiscus plant and many other flowering plants, which bear flower in all seasons. 

Now last two solutions are for fulfilling the requirement of micro-nutrients. 

ONION PEEL FERTILIZER:

4. ONION PEEL FERTILIZER: 

The most used vegetable in our kitchen is onion, So, why not to make its waste a benefit. 

Onion peels are very rich in micro nutrients which can be used as a supplement for our green leafy vegetables such as spinach, pepper mint, bitter guard etc. 

PREPERATION: 

  • Collect dried peel of almost 6-7 medium sized onion. 
  • Take two jugs of water.  
  • Soak the peels for 48 hours  

Observe the brown color of the solution and your fertilizer is ready for use. 

EGG SHELL FERTILIZER:

EGG SHELL

5. EGG SHELL FERTILIZER: 

The last and magical solution for the organic lovers is egg shell fertilizer, 

You would have heard about different animal-based fertilizers such bone meal, blood meal etc. 

egg shell fertilizer is also among those fertilizers. Common constituents of egg shells are calcium carbonate and magnesium this is what our plants ask for. 

PREPERATION: 

  • Basic need of this is obviously egg shells, you can take 7-8 shells of egg. 
  • Crush them properly and make a coarse powder. 
  • Mix it with water. 
  • Let it settle for 3 days. 
  • Stain the mixture. Solution is ready for use. 

I hope you all find it helpful. If you all want more gardening tips, please don’t forget to mention them in comments below. 

10 BEST INDOOR PLANTS FOR YOUR HOME

  1. SPIDER PLANT
Spider Plants are a great indoor plant that purifies the air

Resilient spider plants seem to thrive even when neglected. They prefer moist soil but will forgive you if you forget to water occasionally. Keep spider plants in bright to moderate light, but avoid direct sun. Fertilize spider plants twice a month during the spring and summer.

PROS

  • Spider plants remove benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
  • Spider plant are considered safe for pets.

CONS

  • Who knew? Spider plants are mildly hallucinogens to cats.

2. ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera Plants Make Great Houseplants

Aloe vera plants prefer bright, indirect light. While it prefers moist soil, it seems to do just fine if you forget to water it occasionally. Aloe vera is native to southern Africa, but is now a common household and office plant thanks to its usefulness.

PROS

  • The gel-like sap from aloe vera helps heal cuts and burns.
  • Aloe vera absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night, making it nice to have in bedrooms.
  • Your aloe vera plant will regularly produce plantlets. These baby plants can be removed to easily start a new plant.

CONS

  • If you take your aloe plant outside for the summer sun, don’t be surprised if it’s a pest magnet. The juices in this succulent are irresistible to sap-sucking insects. 

3. ENGLISH IVY

English Ivy Indoor Plant

English ivy (Hedera helix) is an easy-to-grow plant that does not like direct sunlight but does prefer bright light. It needs moist soil and cooler temperatures than most other house plants at about 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C). Ivy likes humidity, so make sure you mist it or place it in a tray of pebbles and water. Regular fertilizing, except during the winter, is important to English ivy.

PROS

  • Research presented to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found ivy reduces air pollutants including mold and dog feces.

CONS

  • It can be toxic to children and pets. This is due to the fact that English ivy generates a chemical called glycoside hederin. This chemical can produce a number of symptoms if ingested, including nausea, diarrhea, fever and difficult breathing.
  • English ivy can cause contact dermatitis to those sensitive to it. It’s not uncommon to confuse this rash with rashes caused by poison ivy.
  • If your light isn’t bright enough, English ivy will become leggy and sickly in appearance. This also leaves them prone to pest problems.

4. ARECA PALM

Areca Palm - Great Office Plants

If you’re after a tropical look for your home or office, the areca palm is the one. Areca palm looks exotic, elegant and stately. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. However, be careful not to overwater. In the spring, you can try using a time-release fertilizer.

PROS

  • The areca palm is featured on NASA’s list of air-purifying plants.
  • It removes benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air.
  • Areca palm adds humidity to indoor air.
  • Rarely suffers from problems from pests and diseases.

CONS

  • Areca palm plants require a large pot and they can grow quite big.
  • If not acclimated to office or home lighting, it can weaken rapidly after being removed from a greenhouse setting.
  • Can succumb to root rot.

5. GOLDEN POTHOS

Golden Pothos are Great Office Plants

Even if you think you have a “black thumb,” you can probably grow golden pothos. This plant does well in low light and is forgiving if you miss an occasional watering. In fact, the golden pothos prefers to dry out in between watering.

PROS

  • The golden pothos is easily one of the most common houseplants. It’s attractive and easy to grow.
  • Golden pothos is considered an air-purifying houseplant.
  • While root rot is a common problem with most houseplants, but the golden pothos rarely succumbs to this condition.
  • You’ll know when you need to water a golden pothos by its drooping leaves. Droopy leaves that cannot be revived by watering are a sign the golden pothos needs to be repotted into something larger.

CONS

  • This plant is toxic to ingest because it includes oxalates, so keep it away from pets and children who might try to eat the leaves.

6. SNAKE PLANT

Snake Plants can help clean your indoor air

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue and by its species name (Sansevieria trifasciata), snake plant is hardy and adds a unique look to your decor with its upright, strap-like leaves. It can tolerate low water and light environments, though it prefers bright, indirect light.

PROS

  • Snake plants are on the NASA list of houseplants that clean and filter indoor air.
  • Caring for snake plants is relatively easy. Water them at their base. They can survive with fluorescent lighting. If they’re in a window, rotate them a quarter turn every week.

CONS

  • Saponins in snake plant leaves make it toxic to pets and may cause nausea and vomiting.

7. MINT

Growing mint indoors helps keep bugs away and purifies the air

Mint is one of the best herbs to grow inside because you can control where it spreads. When mint is outdoors, it tends to take over entire regions of your yard. When it’s in a small planter, it can be contained while still offering all the benefits that mint leaves present.

PROS

  • Mint plants act as their own natural insecticide and repel bugs.
  • Mint is great for adding natural flavor to iced tea and other beverages.

CONS

  • Once mint buds, its sprigs lose their signature taste. Pinch off flowering buds as they appear to extend the harvesting season.
  • Mint requires high-moisture conditions to grow, so watering is mandatory!

8.  DIEFFENBACHIA

Dieffenbachia houseplant that helps clean the air

Dieffenbachia, also called dumb cane, is a beautiful plant with leaves that feature an attractive mottled pattern. Dieffenbachia plants need well-drained, moist soil. It does best with low, indirect light, which makes it a great indoor plant for the home and office. Your dieffenbachia can also get as tall as 4 feet or more if you care for it well.

PROS

  • The dumb cane plant can improve indoor air quality.
  • Dieffenbachia is easy to grow when exposed to filtered light.

CONS

  • It’s toxic to pets and children. Pets will drool excessively and demonstrate oral irritation, including difficulty swallowing.
  • Overwatering is a common problem for dieffenbachia plant owners. It needs well-drained soil that is consistently moist but not soggy.
  • It can lean toward light sources, so rotate it regularly to keep it straight.

9. HEART LEAF PHILODENDRON

Heart Leaf Philodendron Indoor Plant

Heart Leaf Philodendron is a vigorous vining plant that makes a great indoor plant for the home or office. It prefers moderate to low indirect light. You should keep the soil moist, and occasionally mist the plant for ideal watering.

PROS

  • It effectively removes VOCs from the air, especially formaldehyde.
  • Heart Leaf Philodendron plants may bloom at any time of the year. Its blooms look a lot like peace lily flowers.

CONS

  • Heart Leaf Philodendron is toxic to pets and children. Pets will exhibit irritation to the mouth, tongue and lips, as well as drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
  • Expect vigorous growth, which will demand regular pruning.
  • This plant is subject to a wide variety of pests, including thrips, scale, mealybugs, spider mites and aphids. 

10. BAMBOO PALM

The Bamboo Palm makes a Great Office Plants

Bamboo palms are great plants if you want to add a tropical feel to your home or office. While this houseplant, also called parlor palm, prefers bright light, it can do very well in low light as long as it receives enough water. However, make sure you don’t overwater the bamboo palm. Wait until the top of the soil is dry. This plant likes high humidity, so consider placing it on a tray of pebbles with water added. As the water evaporates, add more so the pebbles are almost covered.

PROS

  • Bamboo palm is excellent at reducing the airborne formaldehyde that is released by new furniture.
  • Bamboo palm is nontoxic to pets.

CONS

  • Spider mites are common pests to the bamboo palm. If you see webbing in the leaves, spray on the top and bottom of leaves.

Know About The Vinca Cora Red (The Beautiful Periwinkle)

Kingdom:   Plantae

Clade:        Angiosperms

Clade:        Eudicots

Clade:        Asterids

Order:        Gentianales

Family:      Apocynaceae

Flowers are often famous for either their smell or their visuals that catches the heart many. However very little attention is paid to flowers that grow locally and doesn’t belong to the ‘exotic’ category of plants. Vinca minor or as it is locally known, Periwinkle is one such flower plant. It is a perennial, evergreen flower plant that has a quick growth rate and not much of a fragrance. Apart from the pre-dominantly white and pink periwinkle flowers, the Vinca genus also includes other color variations such as blue, maroon-red, faded-pink, purple etc. In this article, the focus will be on the maroon-red flower plant of Vinca Genus known as Vinca Cora.

The periwinkle plant – Catharanthus roseus  also known as rosy periwinkle or Vinca Cora Red, is a lovely small plant that grows outside very well but also finds itself at home in a summer window.

Vinca Cora Red features large, dark red blooms along glossy green foliage. The stunning scarlet flowers of ‘Cora Red’ annual vinca have a white eye that gives the plant an extra dose of personality. Vinca plants are native to North America, Europe, China and India.

Vinca or Periwinkle is a prolific heat and drought tolerant annual, perfect for hot, dry areas. This small upright plant grows to about a maximum height of 14 inches. The leaves of Vinca  are very shiny and long, with a clear almost white center vein.

Periwinkle plants are easy to grow and care for. Provide them a well-drained moist soil, plenty of bright light, warm temperatures 65° F and above and they will do wonderfully out on the patio or deck as potted plants.

Take care not to overwater this plant as it’s easily susceptible to root rot. 

Taking care of Vinca

  • Lower Leaves Turing Yellow and Falling Off

When lower foliage turn yellow and fall off, it usually is the sign  of too much water or the plant has been subjected to cold.

Back off the water or if it is cold related, move the plant to a warmer position.

  •  Leaves Droop and Fall

When leaves hang, droop and fall, it normally is a periwinkle plant growing in a pot and has dried out too much. The best solution is to drop the whole pot into a bucket of Luke warm water for at least half an hour.

When the weather is warm, plants may need to be watered daily.

Uses Of Periwinkle Plant

Apart from functioning as a ground cover to areas where grass won’t grow, periwinkle also serve as a source of alkaloids for medicinal use. With a total of 86 alkaloids, the periwinkle plant extract covers a lot of benefits.

One of its products is vinpocetine, a synthetic derivative coming from the vincas alkaloid vincamine. This compound aids short-term memory and serves as an anti-aging agent.

Vincristine and vinblastine can treat various forms of cancer such as leukemia, child cancers, hodgkin disease or hodgkin lymphoma, and other types of lymphoma.

5 Best Medicinal Plants And Their Uses

1. Aloe vera

-Constipation
-Digestive distress
-Acne
-Poor body immunity

2.Tulasi

-It gives you strength to fight stress
-Promotes a longer life
-Treats cough
-Treats indigestion
-Anti-cancer
-Good for hair loss, heart diseases, diabetes, etc.

3.Mint

-Keeps the digestive system running
-Boosts immunity
-Enhances mood
-Expels cough from the body
-Benefits respiratory health
-Keeps mosquitoes away

4.Fennel

-Treats cough
-Controls cholesterol
-Improves eyesight
-Cure acidity
-Prevents bad breath
-Improves breast milk supply in lactating women

5.Ginger

-Treats indigestion
-Eases headaches
-Controls blood pressure
-Treats cold, cough, flu and asthma
-Relives menstrual pains and cramps

Effects of air pollution

Effects of air pollution

  • Human health
  • Animals
  • Plants
  • Material
  • Stratosphere
  • Environment

Impact on plants

  • Reduced plant growth
  • Damage to leaves of crops plant
  • Susceptible to disease, pest, Frost

Impact on materials

  • Cars
  • Homes
  • Monument, sites

Impact on health

  • By VOCs, suspended particles
  • Lung cancer
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Respiratory diseases
    • Asthma – By SO2, smoking
    • Bronchitis – NO2
    • Influenza, cold- NO2

Effect on human health

  • Irritation of eye, nose and throat.
  • In severe cases, there may be headache, nausea and loss of coordination and concentration.
  • It lowers our resistance to cold and pneumonia.
  • CO has affinity towards hemoglobin which cause disturbance in
    • transportation of oxygen
    • impairing our concentration
    • slow our reflexes
    • make us confused and sleepy
    • feel suffocation.
  • SO2 in the air lead to disease of lung and other lung disorders such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
  • Chronic respiratory disease- lung cancer, heart disease, damage to the brain liver or kidney.
  • Effect of arsenic, Asbestos, Mercury and Benzene can cause mutation, reproduction problems or even cancer.

Effects on plant

  • Pollutant enters through stomata.
  • Pollutant Erode waxy coating of the leaves called cuticle
    • Cuticle prevent excessive water loss and damage from disease pest, drought and Frost.
  • Destroy chlorophyll
  • Affect photosynthesis
  • Damage of leaf structure causes :-
    1. Necrosis – damage to leaf structure.
    2. Chlorosis- loss /reduction of chlorophyll causing yellowing of leaves.
    3. Abscission – Dropping of leave.
    4. Epinasty – Downward curling of leaves.
    5. Death of plants.

Effect on aquatic life

  • Precipitation in the form of acid rain cause high acidity in freshwater lake.
  • Acid rain affect aquatic life especially fish.
  • Some of freshwater lake have experienced total fish death.

Effect on material

  • Due to corrosiveness, particulates can cause damage to exposed surfaces.
  • Ozone causes crackling of rubber.
  • SO2 and water form H2S – corrosion as well as disfigurement of Statue made up of limestone or marble.
  • Oxides of Nitrogen can cause fading of cotton and Rayon fibres.

Effect on environment

Global warming
  • Visibility
  • Pollutants in the presence of Sunlight produce photochemical smog.
  • Emission of greenhouse gases tends to global warming.
  • Chlorofluorocarbons carbons also cause Ozone layer depletion.

The phenomenon of trapping and reradiating heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is referred to Greenhouse effect.

  • Natural greenhouse effect keep Earth warm .
  • Global mean temperature of earth is + 15 degree Celsius.
  • Water vapour, CO2, H2O, CH4, ozone and cfcs present in minute quantities but maintain the temperature of Earth.
  • In the absence of greenhouse gases, the temperature of earth would be much lower than – 20 degree Celsius.

Enhanced greenhouse effect means global warming.

World Nature Conservation Day

Conservation is the care and protection of  resources so that they can persist for future generations.

Conservation seeks the sustainable use of nature by humans along with preservation.

Preservation means protecting nature.

World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated on 28 July annually.

It is celebrated to generate awareness of the nature and its conservation.

Nature conservation means conserving habitat of different living organism, preventing deforestation, halting species extinction, reducing overfishing and mitigating climate change.

There is increasing interest in extending the responsibility for human well-being to include the Welfare of sentient animals.

Government play a major role in conserving our natural resources and various living organism.

There are various natural conservation is the laws implemented by government.

There are various threat to biodiversity:-

  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Introduction of alien invasive species
  • Disturbance
  • Harvesting and over exploitation
  • Soil, water and atmospheric pollution
  • Intensive agriculture and forestry
  • Climate change

Habitat loss and fragmentation

  • Forests and grasslands turned into deserts.
  • Mangroves get cleared for fuel wood and prawn farming leads to Habitat loss of marine fish.
  • Waste land is increasing.
  • Human activities likely to eliminate approx 10 Millions species by the year of 2050.
  • Rate of disappearance of tropical forest in India is 0.6 % per year.

Thus, there is a need for conservation of living organism as well as natural resources.

Project Tiger – 268 in 1972 in 9 tiger reserve which increases to 1500 in 1997 in 23 Tiger Reserves.

Extinction of Dodo in Madagascar

Alien species

  • Introduction of Exotic breeds and disappearance of native species through biotic interaction.
  • Invasive species is a threat for Island ecosystem due to lack of competitors and Predator that control the population of native ecosystem.
  • E.g.-
    • Amazon sailfin catfish responsible for destruction of the population of Switzerland of Kolkata
    • Water hyacinth
    • Lantana bushes

Disturbance

  • Natural disturbance are very much differ from man made disturbance.
  • Natural disturbance like forest fire, cyclone, draught, Tsunami, etc. They disturb ecosystem very different way.
  • Human disturbances like synthetic compound, pesticides, massive release of radiation or spillover of oil in soil also affect our environment.
  • Biomagnification.
  • Eutrophication i.e, nutrient enrichment
  • Effect of anti-inflammatory drugs, diclofenac on vultures.

Harvesting and over exploitation

  • Exploitation includes hunting, fisheries, the impact of trade in Species and species parts.
  • Due to exploitation many species are getting treated at Global label such as births 30%, mammals 33%, amphibian 6%, marine fishes and reptiles.
  • Fishing often takes large incident catches of non-targeted species and crawling can destroy whole Marine community that live on sea floor.
  • Illegal poaching of animal for large economic benefit.
    • Skin and bones of Tiger, Ivory of elephant, horns of Rhinos, perfume of the Musk deer.

Climate change

  • Climate change is a major threat for all the species present on the globe.
  • Due to climate change the Global temperature is rising (0.74 degrees celsius in global mean surface temperature relative to pre- industrial levels), more extreme weather events, changing pattern of rainfall and drought can expected to have significant impact on biodiversity.

These factors affect directly and indirectly to the species in the form of:-

  • Loss of Polar habitat
  • Loss of coral reef
  • Ocean acidification
  • Shifting of weather
  • Effect on food chain

IUCN  Red List category

Red list is a catalogue of taxa that are facing the risk of extinction.

  • At present it is known as International Union for the conservation of nature and natural resources
  • IUCN has recognised 9 Red List categories of species:-
    1. Extinct
    2. Extinct in the wild
    3. Critically endangered
    4. Endangered
    5. vulnerable
    6. Near threatened
    7. Least concern
    8. Data deficient
    9. Not evaluated

The protected areas of India are :- National Park, Wildlife sanctuaries, conservation Reserves, community Reserves, biosphere reserve, Marine protected areas.

Nature conservation

Measures should be taken to conserve nature:-

  • Reduce reuse and recycle
  • Choose sustainable development
  • Choose long lasting light bulbs
  • Try to use renewable resources more than non-renewable resources.
  • Save water
  • Volunteer for clean up our environment
  • Volunteer for clean up our environment
  • Use public transport system
  • Plant more trees
  • Try to avoid plastic
  • Try to minimise pollution at individual level
  • Use reusable shopping bags
  • Educate others about anthropogenic activities or impact of anthropogenic actions on our environment and what can we do to prevent its bad effects.

How to grow Aloevera and Uses of it

Most people know that you can use Aloevera to soothe sunburns. However, this versatile plant has several other medicinal properties, making it one of nature’s best herbal remedies. Its vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients make it an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. We can find Aloevera plant in everything from skin and hair care products to ointments, drinks.

There are 500 species of aloe vera, but Aloe barbadensis Miller, native to the Arabian peninsula, is the most widely available and most popular one. You can buy a small plant from farmers markets or small local growers, and let it grow, or buy a large plant and divide it as it gets even bigger.

Aloe vera needs a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight, so it’ll grow best in bright spots indoors (especially in the winter) or in a sheltered, sunny part of the garden. It can handle full sun, but it doesn’t need it. You can move the plant outside during summer, just make sure it receives the proper amount of light. 

Aloe vera leaves are long and slightly curved with ragged edges. Inside, you’ll find a clear gel.

Use sharp, clean kitchen scissors or a knife, and cut a bottom leaf from the base of the plant. Place the cut aloe leaf into a small cup or glass, cut end down. You’ll notice a yellow sap seeping out—allow it to drain for 10 minutes before discarding it. 

While not toxic in small quantities, this sap is bitter, has laxative properties, and can cause intestinal discomfort.

Once you get rid of the sap, it’s time to extract the aloe vera gel. Using a clean, sharp knife, trim the fleshy leaf’s top, bottom, and sides, then slice it horizontally, like filleting a fish. With a clean large spoon or a dull knife, gently scrape the mucilaginous gel into a container.

Aloe vera gel is known for its anti-inflammatory, skin protection, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and wound healing properties.

Aloevera gel is used to treat

Acne

Dandruff

Mosquito bites

It can be also used as moisturiser and sanitizer.

Best air purifying plants for bedroom

Insomnia is one of the common problems faced by many people today. It could be due to stress or unfavourable conditions in the bedroom such as uncomfortable temperature or humidity. According to doctors, the body should have healthy oxygen saturation levels, around 96% to 98%, to stay active and healthy.

Plants play a key role in keeping the environment favourable around. They help to purify air indoors so that you can stay healthier and away from toxins inside the house.

Best plants for Bedroom, which purifies air and induces good sleep.

1.Aloe vera plant

We all know that aloe vera plant has medicinal value. But do you know it also has the ability to eliminate toxins like benzene and aldehyde from the atmosphere and produces Oxygen. It can be the perfect plant for your bedroom.

2.Snake Plant

 This is a low-maintenance plant that has this unique feature to increase oxygen level during the night. Snake plant also removes toxic gases in the house like benzene and formaldehyde.  

3. Tulsi plant

Now a days also we can see a lot of people keep tulsi at homes and even worship it. It produces good amount of oxygen at night and has the power to absorb upto 90% of dust particles from the indoor atmosphere. The fragrance of tulsi plant induces good sleep.  

4.Rubber Plant

This is one of the most popular plants for the bedroom, as it effectively removes formaldehyde, mold spores, and bacteria present in the air. You can expect this plant to purify air upto 70%. It is also a low maintenance required plant. Its glossy leaves look gorgeous.  

Green Lives Matter

We always get a positive vibe when we see plants around us. Growing plants on the balcony is a dream for many of us. We all love growing plants in our house, balcony, office, etc but very few of us know how to take care of it. It is very essential to give them proper time and care. Like humans even they need proper nutrition to go. Sunlight, water, soil, proper temperature are essential for them to live. Lack of nutrition may result in withering, yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, etc.
To avoid these conditions in our plants one must provide them nutrition.

Things to keep in mind while growing a plant in your surrounding.

 • Research about the plant
Before growing a plant, one should study the plant and its needs. The need for sunlight, water, etc may differ from plant to plant. Provide them everything accordingly.

 •  Proper size of the pot
The size of the pot matters a lot in the growth of plants. Plants need an area to grow. Make sure the roots are not crowded and have proper space to spread and grow.

 • Perfect amount of sunlight
Sunlight is very essential for them to grow but all plants don’t need a lot of sunlight. The need for sunlight differs from plant to plant. For example, a snake plant can grow with very little sunlight whereas, a marigold plant needs a lot of sunlight.

 

• Providing water from time to time
The right amount of water should be provided to plants. Don’t water them a little or don’t water them too much. Study the need for water according to the plant you’re growing.

These are some most basic things to keep in mind before you grow any plant. Plants have life to and it is our responsibility to keep them healthy because we need them more than they need us.

Benefits of the Evergreen Neem

(By Bhoomika Saini)

This popular medicinal plant Neem, is famous for its healing properties. Neem, also known as Indian Lilac is commonly known for its antiseptic, anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains great sources of fatty acids, minerals and vitamins that has some medicinal properties that could be beneficial for you in many ways.

Either you have skin problems, hair problems or any other, Neem is here for the rescue. Let’s take a glance at the great benefits of this evergreen herb that could provide you many benefits.

Benefits of neem for skin:

1.Soothes irritated skin

Neem has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may pacify irritated skin. With the advantage of getting a cooling effect on the skin, neem is beneficial for treating skin sensitivity. Additionally, neem features a soothing effect on dehydrated or dry skin.

2. Fight signs of ageing

Neem leaves are stuffed with antioxidants, moisturizing triglycerides and vitamin E, which makes it an ideal anti-ageing treatment. They lower wrinkles, fines lines and dark spots and make your skin look firm and toned.

3. Treats acne

The antibacterial properties of neem fight acne-causing bacteria, which helps in the treatment and prevention of acne. Also, it’s extremely useful in controlling oil production in the skin.

4. Tackles blackheads and whiteheads

Neem on your face is helpful to say goodbye to whiteheads and blackheads when used regularly. It pulls back large pores and works as an exfoliating agent to pull out impurities and tighten pores.

Benefits of neem for hair:

1. Relieves itchy scalp

Neem has antifungal properties that may help within the treatment of dandruff. The effective use of neem to your hair can relieve the itchiness, inflammation, and irritation associated with dandruff.

2. Intensify hair growth

The regenerative properties of neem help in reducing hair fall. Gently, massaging your scalp with neem oil can increase the blood circulation in the scalp and help in enhancing the speed of hair growth.

3. Avert premature greying of hair

Neem is rich in antioxidants that curb the action of free radicals that cause premature greying of hair. Regular usage of neem powder or neem oil for the same is also useful.

4. Conditions under nourished hair

Neem contains a significant ingredient called fatty acid which help the scalp to nourish thereby keeping the hair smooth.

So, to get those clear skin goals or to get those luscious hair locks, Neem is all you need.

Plant parenting

Every time we go out and connect with nature we feel calm and relaxed. Now imagine how great we will feel bringing small parts of nature to our home or workplace.  

Plant parenting is getting a plant and taking care of it like a child.  

If you are looking to add some colour to your house, plants are the best way to do that. Don’t just decorate your house with fake plants, get the real ones instead. They add liveliness and colour to the place.

 Plants also contribute to our environment, they take in the carbon dioxide and provide us with oxygen. Did you know houseplants can remove up to 85% of toxins from the air in just 24 hours? Cool isn’t it.

So buying plants can help reduce the toxins from your house and keeps the air purified.

Planting also makes us more responsible because we need to water them daily. Some people look after plants like it’s their job and, they don’t connect with it. Taking care and nourishing plants is very therapeutic if done correctly with peace and concentration. It is our time to connect with nature and watch it grow into something great.  

Plants also reduce our stress and boosts our mood. They create a soothing environment that creates a positive aura in our house or workplace. They also relieve anxiety and improve our mental health. Plants have a subliminal effect that lift our spirits and bring us happiness.

If you are looking for a hobby, gardening or taking care of houseplants is the perfect thing to do. People who garden are very calm and patient because plants take a long time to grow, and they require a lot of work. But, seeing a plant all grown and healthy is a reward to yourself.  

Even taking full care of one-two plants is a great way to start. Then when you succeed at it you can add more plants to your collection. You can either get seeds and watch the plant grow from the start or go to your local nursery and get halfway grown plants.

Here are a few beginners planting tips:

Read about the plant you are getting: Every plant is different. Each plant has its requirements; some need more light some don’t. If you are someone who lives in hot, humid weather, get a plant the similar weather to survive. Knowing about your plant is important or else they don’t survive that long.

Do not overwater your plants: a lot of people don’t read the water requirements of a plant and tend to overwater it which is wrong and can lead to the death of the plant. Roots growing in waterlogged soil cannot absorb the oxygen, and won’t be able to provide nutrients to the plant. Only water your plants if you think the soil is dry this way you will not end up overwatering them.

Make sure the pot has holes: this is important so the excess water can drain out. If the water is collected on the base, the roots may get fungus or bacteria.

Fertilizer: Other than water and light plants also require fertilizers. They are the food of the plant. If you are someone with a lot of plants. You can get a universal fertilizer liquid that works well for all plants and you can mix it with water as per the plant requirement.

Clean the leaves of your plants: If you think the leaves of your plants have dirt on them, water them or take a damp cloth to wipe the dirt off, this allows them to photosynthesize easily.

Water your plants in the morning or the evening: watering during these times will allow the plant to retain the water. If you water them in the afternoon, the water will be evaporated by the sun.

Remember that it is okay if some plants don’t live so long it is a cycle of life. But, if you take full care of them and keep reading more about plants chances are you will get better at it and enjoy your time with them.

Pollen Allergy: What Made It A Human Contributed Problem ?

Season changes are hard to deal with for many individuals. And just because of the change in humidity and temperature, but also due to the reproductive cycle of the plants. Yup, the infamous ‘allergen’ pollen, which causes pollen allergy. Infact, some people tend to have allergies across a large period over the year, as for various plants release pollen at different seasons. And a serious thing to note is that allergic reactions can get real bad real fast. Especially for people with respiratory problems. And you know what’s funny, we humans might be contributing to this problem. Now, I know what are you thinking, those are plants, how are we responsible? But in a way we are. And I would like to explain how….

Basic Biology

Since plants cannot move, they have altogether different mechanisms for reproduction and species continuation. On the basis of presence and functionality of the reproductive parts on a plant, they can be divided into monoecious (same plant has both male and female flowers, may or may not self fertilize) and dioecious (plant can have only one type of flower male or female). Flowers, in turn, can be classified into three categories: staminate (contains only male reproductive structures), pistillate/carpellate (contains only female reproductive structures) and hermaphrodite (contains both in the same flower). So, needless to day, some monoecious and all the dioecious plants have to have some methods involving external agencies for the male gametes to reach the female ones.

One of the most common dispersive factors for plant reproduction is air. Since the male gametes, better known as pollen, tend to be quite smaller in comparison to the female gamete, ovule. Hence, the pollen are usually the ones that commute for the fertilization to happen. And the air borne pollen is very light, for they sometimes need to travel large distances. Needless to say, they tend to remain in the atmosphere for long periods of time. Pollens are also dispersed by animals, a lion’s share of them being insects. Again, indirectly, they go back in the atmosphere. The inclusion and buildup of pollen in the atmosphere increases the susceptibility to the pollen allergy.

Rampant Pollens

Plantation drives are now being organized on large scales to preserve the environment. Plants in the commercial and residential areas are a must now. And in planned cities, especially in developed countries, separate areas are demarcated for developing a natural ecosystem. Apart from the uses to the human beings, these are also inviting grounds for the local fauna. But human beings can be honest, sometimes to comfort seeking. Hence, when the arborists discovered that having male plants in the urban regions will be less maintenance costly and easier to clean up (in comparison to female trees shedding flowers and seeds), male plants became an immediate and dominant presence in the urban botanical landscape.

This phenomenon of ‘Botanical Sexism’, as termed by the horticultural expert Tom Ogren, has taken an ugly turn in U.S. Male plants were given that much of preference that the monoecious plants were altered as to produce only male reproductive counterparts. Due to overpopulation of male trees, tons and tons of unchecked pollen is dispersed in the atmosphere. And with no female trees in the vicinity to trap these pollen grains, things went awry. An overdose of pollen has triggered an increase in the amount of population suffering from allergic reactions, and also has contributed to a rising number of cases of hayfever and asthma patients in many developed nations.

Whew, the things favoritism might do…

Website Reference:

https://www.youris.com/environment/biodiversity/sexism-also-exists-in-botany.kl