Journal

Development of agro-technique is one of the basic conservation strategies for sustainable utilization of plant wealth. The present study was carried out to develop agro-techniques for an important orchid genus Dactylorhiza, so as to conserve this highly prized plant species under ex situ conditions. Present study revealed that mixture of sand, soil, charcoal, rice straw, brick chips, Sphagnum moss, Betula bark was suitable for the successful growth of this plant species. Timing of transplantation and proper irrigation proved crucial for proper growth upon transplantation. It has also been observed that treatment of tubers with different concentrations of gibberellic acid prior to their transplantation resulted in an increase in shoot length, number of leaves, and flowers. The present communication may thus prove helpful for mass cultivation of this plant species under ex situ conditions and for their sustainable utilization.

https://doi.org/10.64873/JOSI.v34.i1-2.123-130

Development of agro-technique is one of the basic conservation strategies for sustainable utilization of plant wealth. The present study was carried out to develop agro-techniques for an important orchid genus Dactylorhiza, so as to conserve this highly prized plant species under ex situ conditions. Present study revealed that mixture of sand, soil, charcoal, rice straw, brick chips, Sphagnum moss, Betula bark was suitable for the successful growth of this plant species. Timing of transplantation and proper irrigation proved crucial for proper growth upon transplantation. It has also been observed that treatment of tubers with different concentrations of gibberellic acid prior to their transplantation resulted in an increase in shoot length, number of leaves, and flowers. The present communication may thus prove helpful for mass cultivation of this plant species under ex situ conditions and for their sustainable utilization.

https://doi.org/10.64873/JOSI.v34.i1-2.131-136

Orchids represent a highly established group of flowering plants, which are highly valued for their beautiful and long lasting flowers of different hues, shapes, and sizes. The orchid flora of Himalayan region is represented by 815 taxa in 137 genera including 116 endemic species. In Uttarakhand, the altitudinal and climatic variations from lower Shivalik to alpines support the growth of 68 genera and 238 species of orchids. They are grown as ornamentals and on the other hand, they are also used to cure a variety of human ailments. Infact, they are known for their medicinal usage especially in the traditional system of medicine and these plants are known to be used in many parts of the world in traditional healing system for treating a number of diseases since the ancient time. In the present communication, the data about the chemical constituents, pharmacological aspects, and indigenous uses of orchids of Uttarakhand, India has been compiled with a view to searching for the most effective medicinal orchids as a drug developing additive.

https://doi.org/10.64873/JOSI.v34.i1-2.137-147

Stereochilus erinaceus (Rchb.f.) Garay (Orchidaceae) has been collected from Arunachal Pradesh and is being reported here as new distributional record for India. It was earlier known to occur at Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. A detailed description, illustrative photoplate along with information on phenology, habitat, and distribution has been provided for easy identification of the species. The species is closely allied to S. arunachalensis K. Chowlu & A.N. Rao. Its relationship with other species of Stereochilus known from India has been discussed and keyed out. Its threat status in Indian perspective has also been assessed as per IUCN guidelines and conservation measures have been proposed.

https://doi.org/10.64873/JOSI.v34.i1-2.149-153