North Western Himalayas comprises the states of Jammu and Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The topography of NVV
Himalayan region is irregular and intercepted by valleys and plateaus of various extent and as such the stratification is not clear.
There is a great diversity in the floristic pattern due to areat altitudinal variation, The family orchidaceae exhibit enormous diversity
and is represernted by ca, 240 species, The paper highlights richness of the orchid diversity of the region and their conservation.
Vanda wightii Rc hb.f. , endemic to India and Sri Lanka and known to occur in 8 localities in Kerala , Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is an
endangered orchid as notified by the Government of India . Preliminary survey based on climatic similarity followed by ecological niche
modelling using Ma xent software revealed extended distribution of the species over a distance of 405 kms , from ldukki district of Kerala to
Dakshi na Kannada district of Karnataka. Field surveys conducted in area revealed distribution of the species at 30-870 m altitudes in 31
disti nct localities at 1 km spatial resolution. New populations were discovered in ldukki, Malappuram, and Kasargod Districts of Kerala in
addition to re-locating already known localities in Palakkad , Kannur, and Dakshina Kannada Districts. Precipitation during OctoberDecember,
one of the climatic factors used for modelling, contributed 72 .5% to the Maxent model and emerged as the most effective
predictive variable. The model revealed distribution of the species mostly in inhabited areas or disturbed forests except those located in
ldukki Wild Life sanctuary . The potential habitat distribution map provided here can help to discover new populations , identify top-priority
survey sites , or to select translocation sites in protected areas close to natural populations (if in inhabited areas) for effective conservation
o f V. wightii.
Orchids have been known in lndia right from Vedic period as plants of medicinal value and also of ornamentation. A retrospect
of orchid trade in lndia reve als that it began with the supply of wild orchids to western countries during British era in 19th
century in a small way that too from the Himalayan region to cater to the needs of hobbyists and nursery men abroad. There has
been consistent efforts in India for evolving indigenous hybrids. Attempts have also been made to cross exotic species and hybrids
with indigenous species and exotic hybrids and species have added to our germplasm collection and to our agro biodiversity.
Critical observation of the origin of some of these hybrids reveals that they are primary hybrids of yester years. The exotic hybrids
and species have a positive effect in creating awareness on the potentials of orchids on orchid based floriculture in India.
Orchids are one of the most fascinating, beautiful and peculiar family among the flowering plants. They are a unique group Or
plants offering a broad array of possibilities to gardeners and landscapers. Orchids have always been an ideal landscape matenal
for various reasons which include floral hue, form and adaptation, In any garden design, the aesthetic value of garden is OT a
paramount concern and orchids have proven themselves to fulfil it to the core. Orchids are resilient under various conditions and
can make a spectacular and rewarding addition to a landscape. Long lasting and bewitchingly beautiful flowers uplift them to be
an outstanding choice for gardeners. Orchids respond positively when arown in pots or hanging wooden baskets or mounted to
trees, walls or rocks.
The orchids with its 25,000 to 30,000 species in nearly 700 to 800 genera constitute one of the largest families among
tlowering plants, and exhibit an almost innumerable hybrids and inexhaustible varieties. Several local species of Ascocen trum,
Calanthe, Coelogyrne Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis Vanda, etc. are in great demand in international
market for breeding materials. Presence of natural hybrids evolved from cross between the species in the wild is known since the
early days of orchid collection and cultivation. The orchid hybrids are the offsprings derived from the cross between two
genetically non-identical individuals. Intraspecific, intrageneric and inter generic hybrids have been obtained in this group of
plants. Polyploidy and introgressive hybridization played a major role in the development of orchid hybrids. Genetic engineering
cOupled with tissue culture technique provides a useful way to introduce specific genes into orchid plants as evidenced by a
successtul introduction of improved protein quality, novel flower colour and disease, insect and pest resistance into various crops
in the relatively short period of time. More than 3 lakh registered orchid hybrids are available in the world of which Ascocentrum,
Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Rhynchostylis, and Vanda genera are common
Studies on leaf, epidermal features and anatomy were conducted in some lndian orchids belonging to the subtribe Habenariinde (Orchideae, Orchidoideae). In most of the presently studied species. thin and smooth cuticle was present on both leat Surnaces it was, however, striated and rugulose in Habenaria commelinifolia H ensifolia and Herminium lanceum. Adaxial epidermal celis were thin walled, elongated, hyaline and generally distinctly larger than abaxial cells ranging from 1.1 times in Habenaria edgeworthii to 6.38 times size in Herminium lanceum. Prominent epidermal papillae were also observed on laminar edges n some of the presently studied species (Habenaria edaeworthii and H. monorchis). Well developed outer cuticular ledges OT Stomata were Observed as xeromorphic trait, in present species. Though a typical hypodermis was absent in most of the presently
studied species, hyaline raphide idioblasts were found irreqularly scattered below epidermis on both the laminar surtaces in Habenaria edgeworthii and H. pectinata. Mesophyll comprised thin-walled parenchymatous cells, with abundant Intercellular spaces. Crystalliterous raphide idioblasts and isodiametric water storage cells were found scattered in mesophyll. In most of the presently studied species, xylem and phloem were usually well distinguishable in midrib bundles but indistinct in small laminar
bundles. Sometimes phloem was found interminaled with parenchymatous cells and more than one xylem patch was observed in Habenaria edgeworthi, H. ensifolia, and H. pectinata. Ecological significance of leaf, epidermal and anatomical characters in tnis
subtribe is also discussed, in this paper.
Immature seeds of Arundina graminifolia, procured 24 wap (wks after pollination ) having 92% liquid viable seeds were cultured in Mitra et al. (1976: M) and Knudson C(1946: KC) basal medium with 2% sucrose and fortified with different concentrations of organic additives such as casein hydrolysate (CH), yeast extract (YE), peptone (P) and coconut water (CW). Amongst two different nutrient media tested for seed germination, better germination percentage and subsequent protocorm development was achieved in M medium. M medium containing CW (20%) was found be the best additive and supported 95 % seed germination and proto corm development followed by CH (90%) and YE (88%). An average of 4.2 mg fresh weight/protocorm and 2.02 mm diameter of protocorm was obtained in Mitra medium containing 20% CW after 60 days of culture. The protocorms raised in organiC additives showed a tendency to proliferate when the proto corms were transferred to solid medium. The proliferated protocorms with emerging shoots and roots after 2nd subculture lasting 60 davs were transferred to Mitra medium containing different concentrations of banana pulp (2.5-10%). After 60 davs in medium having banana pulp. Well developed seedling with healthy shoots and roots were obtained. After 3rd subculture. healthy seedlings were deflasked and transferred to community pots and 67% establishment rate was observed.
Present communication deals with orchid diversity at Chail Wildlife Sanctuarv of Himachal Pradesh, NorthWest Himalaya. Field
surveys (2011-2013) revealed the occurrence of 13 terrestrial orchid species under nine genera from within the geographical
limits of this Sanctuary. Majority of these species were found to occupy moist and shady forest floors and produced flowers during
the months of July and August. Some of them (Crepidium acumina tum. Habenaria intermedia, Malaxis muscitera, Satyrium
nepalense) are valuable herbs, which are used in various rejuvenating preparations. AIl of the species are taxonomically enumerated
and notes are provided on their gross habitat characteristics and general distribution.
The development of female gametophyte of Goodyera procera (er-Gaw.) Hook. has been investigated. The ovule is anatropoUS,
bitegmic and tenuinucellate. The inner integument alone forms the micropyle. The megaspore of triad nearest to the chalaza
develops into 6-nucle ate embryo sac. The mode of development of female gametophyte conformns to monosporic G3 type. lhe
mature embryo sac contains an egg apparatus, secondary nucleus and one antipodal cell
The genus Dendrobium Swartz belonging to tribe Dendrobieae, sub-tribe Dendrobinae of the family Orchidaceae comprises about
1200 species. In India, it is represented by 102 species. Molecular analysis of genetic diversity has been investigated by using
SDS-PAGE and RAPD markers in Dendrobium herbaceum, D. microbulbon, and D. moschatum. Samples collected trom two
different geographical areas i.e., from (Kerala and Karnataka) showed variations in their molecular characters. The sampies
collected from Kerala at an elevation of 985 m showed few and lesser mole cular weights of protein bands, whereas the sampies
collected from Karnataka at an elevation of 825 m showed more number of protein bands and maximum number of protein banas.
The DNA protein bands were more in number and prominent from the samples collected from Karnataka. RAPO and SDS proten
profile data indicate the inter-population diversity in between these two sites. This can be attributed to the ecological ano
climatic conditions prevailed in these two reference sites of South India.
Peristvlus fallax Lindl. (Orchidaceae) has been collected from Kalpokhari forest of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, for the first time
and reported as a new record for Darjeeling Himalaya of West Bengal, India. The detailed description, illustration and relevant
notes are provided
This paper deals with 4 new records of orchid species i.e., Cymbidium sinense (Jackson ex Andrews) Willdenow, Lipans eptc
Wiaht. Oberonia teres Kerr and Thelasis longifolia Hook, f. to Manipur. A brief descriotion, phenology, short note on the ecology
and distribution for each species is provided.
During the present study, preliminary epidermal studies were made in ie., Acampe ten species of epiphytic orchíds belonging to seven genera praemorsa (ROxb.) Blatt. & McCann, Coelogvne breviscapa Lindl.. C. nervosa A.Rich., Cottonia peduncularis (Linal.) Reichb,f., Fllckingeria nodosa (Dalz.) Seidenf., Luisia nacrantha Blatt.& McCann, Luisia zeylanica Lind., Pholidota pallida Lindl., Rhvnchostylis retusa (L) BI, and Sarcanthus pauciflorus Wiaht. Hypostomatic condition was common in most of the selected orchids irrespective of the genus. Most of the orchids were having paraCvtic and anomocytic type of stomata. The stomnatal frequency ranged trom 490.12 to 16353.22 per mm?: the highest stomatal freguency (16353.22) was recorded in FllCKengiria nodosa and lowest was recorded in Coelogyne nervosa (490.12) Interestingly. a higher stomatal index was observed in C. nerv0Sa (14.32) and lowest in hhynchostylis retusa (3.45), Relationship between atomnatal size and stomatal frequency was noticed in tne nresent study. The stomatal size was inversely proportional to stomatal frequency.
Morohological circumscription of Liparis uaii S. Misra is under cultivation. extended as charact. emend. following observation in the type specImens
Physical characteristics of the seeds 'beads' varied with the concentration of gelling agent and calcium chloride.
Germination and regeneration potential of synthetic seeds under in vivo and in vitro conditions were assessed on different
substrates. Among the ditterent substrates tested for in vitro germination, best results were recorded in M alone and with AC
Supplemented with TAA, (l mgt ; the seeds germinated with 93.50 +O.66% and 94.00+0.61% frequency respectively, whereas
under in vivo conditions in epiphytic compost 40.50 +0.43% seeds showed bead-to-plant conversion under in vivo conditions in
eniphytic compoSt. Spherical, non-leaky, firm and self-breaking beads agerminated efficiently and these could be stored for up to
a0 days at 4°C temperature. The beads stored at ambient room temperature germinated with 49.00 +0.61% frequency after 15
davs which was gradually reduced to 26.50 t 0.82% and O % after 30 and. 45 days respectively. The viability was completely
Iost after 45 days. The plantlets regenerated from encapsulated PLBs were subseauently hardened and established in green house
conditions
Mshioe and Skoog (1962, MS ) medium and its different combinations of growth regulators, auxin [|AA, IBA, NAA, 2,4-D (1
6 mol). NAA (1-2 mgl ')l: cytokinin (KN (1-5 mgl')); and gibberellin (GA,(1 mgl')). In the basal medium, explants turned brown
and perished within 50 days. lAA was effective when used at 2-4mgll. At 2 mgl', it invoked regeneration via Protocorm like
bodies PLBs and at 3-4 mgl, it favoured the development of rhizomatous bodies. KN effectively induced regeneration of PLBs in
27 5-66.5% explants when used at concentration ranging from 2-5 mgl:', KN and IAA, when used together, in the ratio of 1:1
1mal each) acted synergistically to induce shoot bud differentiation in 50% explants. Plantlets were transferred to clay pots
containing potting mixture (brick-pieces, pine bark, charcoal, moss) in ratio of 1:1:1:1. Nearly 60% plantlet survival was
recorded.