Systematic reinstatement of highly sacred Ficus krishnae based on differences in morphology and DNA barcoding from Ficus benghalensis (Moraceae)

Ficus krishnae is considered as native to India and is well-known for the peculiarity in nature of its cup-shaped leaves where both the vernacular name (Krishna Fig) and specific epithet were derived. The taxonomic status of Ficus krishnae is still unclear and currently treated as a subspecies or variety under Ficus benghalensis. In the present study, morphological characters and molecular analysis were employed to address their species delimitation. The spacer markers ITS2 and trnH-psbA were used for constructing phylogenetic trees along with morphometric analysis. Ficus krishnae distinctly differs from Ficus benghalensis by having cup-forming leaves and the nature of the aerial roots, stipules, petioles, ostiolar bracts of the receptacle, DNA content, chromosome differences and nodal anatomy. The results showed that the highest divergence is observed in trnH-psbA (20.8 ± 12.2), followed by ITS2 (5.7 ± 3.2). The phylogenetic tree construction using Bayesian analysis showed a divergent boundary between the two species suggesting that F. krishnae could be an independent species, not a variety of F. benghalensis. The present study’s findings support the view that these two floras can be treated as different species.

Formulation and Evaluation of Ficus Benghalensis Emulgel for its Anti- Rheumatoid Arthritis Effect

The current study focuses on the development and characterization of ficus benghalensis powdered aerial roots emulgel to avoid the first-pass effect and strengthen bioavailability while reducing dosage intervals and dose-related deleterious reactions. three formulations with the same concentration and different polymers were formulated. Ethanolic and petroleum ether extract of dried aerial roots of ficus benghalensis were prepared by using different gelling agents like Carbopol 934, Carbopol 940, and Xanthane gum was formulated. The prepared formulations were evaluated for their qualitative as well as quantitative tests, physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, consistency, homogeneity, moisture loss, and finally in vitro anti-arthritic activity. Depending on the outcomes, it was observed that to all the formulation, F1 formulation containing Carbopol 940 with 4.6% moisture loss, 3780.3±5.0 viscosity and 6.1±0.1 PH and 43.7±1.53 spreadability shows better activity then all the other. Herbal emulgel of ethanolic extract of dried aerial roots of ficus benghalensis line, when compared with diclofenac emulgel, confirms the anti-arthritic activity through invitro release method.

Epipremnum aureum (Araceae) roots associated simultaneously with Glomeromycotina, Mucoromycotina and Ascomycota fungi

Only a small number of aroids are examined for their symbiosis with glomeromycotean arbuscular mycorrhizal (GAM) fungi and the ascomycetous dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi. Therefore we examined the aerial and terrestrial adventitious roots of Epipremnum aureum for the endophytic association and the soils for GAM spores. The aerial roots of E. aureum were free from fungal structures, whereas the terrestrial roots were colonized by GAM, fine root endophyte (FRE), and DSE fungi. The major portion of the terrestrial roots was colonized by FRE fungi followed by GAM and DSE fungi. The colonization pattern was a complex of Arum-Paris and intermediate types. Spores of Acaulospora, Funneliformis, Rhizophagus, Rhizophagus and Sclerocystis were isolated from the root zone soils. The results show that E. aureum can establish symbiosis with a wide range of endophytic fungi and FRE symbiosis is reported for the first time in aroids.

Use of Aerial Roots of Ficus benghalensis for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

Basically, nanosubstances are developed by a variety of chemical methods which are not environmentally providential. Aim: The present research work deals with the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aerial root of Ficus benghalensis extract. The absolute reduction of silver ions was observed after 48 h of reaction when extact combine with aqueous solution of Silver nitrate. The visual colour changes were observed during the reduction of silver ion into the silver nanoparticles in the reaction mixture allows producing dark brown colour. The formed silver nanoparticles was purified by high speed centrifugation, collected and stored for further characterization. Methodology: The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy, and characterised by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern, FTIR, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Zeta potentiometry, ICP-AES. Results: The results showed that UV peak at 437.5 nm, the silver content estimation by ICP-AES was found to be 413.06 µg/mL and images were recorded by using High resolution TEM. Synthesized AgNPs were found to be effective against micro-organisms responsible for bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Further In-vitro cytocompatibility studies showed lack of toxicity at even higher concentration. Conclusion: Still, these Silver Nanoparticles are cytotoxic in nature and could serve as a good green method for synthesis of silver nanoparticle by using plant extract.

Experimental Study on the Properties of Banyan Stalks Reinforced Concrete

In this developing country day by day technology increasing rapidly “According to the development there is an increasing in the construction process”. In construction the major role placed by concrete and steel. Due to wide ranging of steel usage the ore is also decreasing in the earth crust, so to avoid this type of scarcity or problems by using natural resources we can manufacture a fine quality reinforcing material for binding. In this process banyan tree stalks are the main component and we are not cutting the tree, just using AERIAL ROOTS of the banyan tree. If we cut them also, they can reproduce again by that tree. Banyan tree scientific name is “FICUS BENGHALENSIS” an annual fibre plant has been found to be an important source of fibers for a number of applications since good olden days. The banyan fibers has high potential as a reinforcing fiber and common home and office house tree, but in the wild forest, it’s a giant tree of Indian Jungles. Banyan tree starts out life as an epiphyte growing on another tree where some eating birds deposited seed. Banyan tree can get 100 inches tall and, with its massive limbs supported by prop roots, spread over an area of several acres. A famous banyan tree near Poona, (India) is said to measure a half mile around its perimeter and be capable of sheltering 2000 peoples. Banyan trees are native to India, Srilanka and Pakistan. The literature review and tests we are conducting has shown scanty information on the application of this fibers as reinforcing material, keeping in view the easy availability of this new and a comprehensive research work has been initiated in our laboratory on synthesis study of properties of banyan tree stalks as a reinforcing binding material by adding some resins. The composites provide characteristics that are not obtained from any discrete material systems and cohesive structures made by combining two or more compatible materials, the present work presents the results of experimental investigations carried out to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of steel in the construction. To check the properties of the prepared specimen by the banyan tree stalks, we are doing Laboratory Tests i.e., Tensile and Hardness test. The test strength at 7, 14, 28 days then comparing the values with the steel and also materials tests are to be performed.

Mangrove Ecosystem Mapping Using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Satellite Images and Random Forest Algorithm in Google Earth Engine

Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems in existence, with many ecological benefits. Therefore, generating accurate thematic maps from mangrove ecosystems is crucial for protecting, conserving, and reforestation planning for these valuable natural resources. In this paper, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite images were used in synergy to produce a detailed mangrove ecosystem map of the Hara protected area, Qeshm, Iran, at 10 m spatial resolution within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform. In this regard, 86 Sentinel-1 and 41 Sentinel-2 data, acquired in 2019, were employed to generate seasonal optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) features. Afterward, seasonal features were inserted into a pixel-based random forest (RF) classifier, resulting in an accurate mangrove ecosystem map with average overall accuracy (OA) and Kappa coefficient (KC) of 93.23% and 0.92, respectively, wherein all classes (except aerial roots) achieved high producer and user accuracies of over 90%. Furthermore, comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessments were performed to investigate the robustness of the proposed approach, and the accurate and stable results achieved through cross-validation and consistency checks confirmed its robustness and applicability. It was revealed that seasonal features and the integration of multi-source remote sensing data contributed towards obtaining a more reliable mangrove ecosystem map. The proposed approach relies on a straightforward yet effective workflow for mangrove ecosystem mapping, with a high rate of automation that can be easily implemented for frequent and precise mapping in other parts of the world. Overall, the proposed workflow can further improve the conservation and sustainable management of these valuable natural resources.

Cissus verticillata (possum grape vine).

Cissus verticillata is a large, climbing species cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant around the world. It is native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Once established, C. verticillata grows climbing over the top of the canopy and supporting itself by means of coiled tendrils, or scrambling over the ground. It is common to find this species engulfing entire trees. If the plant is cut, the remaining branches and stems can develop aerial roots that will find their way to the ground, regenerating new. C. verticillata is regarded as a weed in areas within and outside its native distribution range. It was reported in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas in 2003 and may pose a potential weed problem in the citrus groves there and in Florida.

Ficus benjamina (weeping fig).

F. benjamina is a large strangling fig with an umbrella-shaped, graceful crown and few or no aerial roots. It is grown for ornamental purposes and is therefore found in many countries outside its natural range; it is often planted in villages and cemeteries. F. benjamina is an appropriate species for landscaping in urban areas and housing estates, and is planted along roadsides. In the past the bark was used to make rope. The figs are a source of food for birds and small mammals. F. benjamina is also a common pot-plant in temperate countries throughout the world and a number of cultivars have been developed.