Stone Flower (Parmalia perlata): Introduction, Classification, Habitat, Botanical Description, Phytochemical Aspects, and Traditional Uses

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Chharila, also known as Permalia perlata, is a plant in the Parmeliaceae family. The reason for some of its other common names, including Stone Flower, Patthar Phool, Shilaapushpa, and others, is likely due to its historical medicinal effect on ashmari (urinary stones) in the Ayurveda system of Indian medicine. Similar to Saxifraga ligulata, Didymocarpus pedicellata is also known as Patharphori (stone crusher), and both are used to treat kidney stones. A major component of parmelia species, usnic acid, demonstrated strong antimitotic, antitumor, and antimycobacterial effects. Other distinctive constituents, such as diffractic acid, gyrophoric acid, caperatic acid, etc., were also isolated and are well known for their analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic potential, and beneficial effects against hyperproliferative skin diseases like psoriasis, etc. There are three different types of parmelia, including P. perlata (L.) Ach., P. perofrata (Wulf.) Ach., and P. perforatum (Ach.) Mass., as well as P. sanacti-angelii Lynge, are offered as chharila in the Indian market. Tridecyl myristate, 3-ketooleanane, icosan-1-ol, usnic acid, parmelanostene permelabdone, atranorin, lecanoric acid, orcin, erythrolein, azolitmin, and spaniolitmin are only a few of the chemical components it includes. To improve the flavour and taste of food, P. perlata is typically used as a spice. Additionally, to have aphrodisiac potential, it possesses astringent, resolvent, laxative, and carminative qualities. Additionally, it helps with piles, scabies, leprosy, bronchitis, excessive salivation, toothaches, boils, inflammations, seminal weakness, dyspepsia, calculi, blood disorders, heart ailments, stomach problems, and general pain. In addition to a good cephalic snuff, drug smoke is thought to cure headaches, and powder is applied to wounds.

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Caper bush (Capparis spinosa): Introduction, Classification, Description, Propagation, Harvest and Processing, Economic Importance

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Capers are mostly produced for closed flower buds. After harvest, these unopened flowers are exported (Soyler and Aslan, 1999). It is crucial for the harvest that only unopened flower buds are harvested on dry days. The entire growing season is spent frequently harvesting. Unopened flowers are kept after harvesting by being placed in a 20% vinegar solution or by being covered with salt. The gathered caper buds were categorised based on their diameter.

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Lumpy Skin Disease: Introduction, History, Geographic distribution Epidemiology, Causative Agent, Susceptible Hosts, Transmission, Treatment, Control, and prevention

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The disease is most likely spread by biting flies and a few species of ticks, and these vectors are difficult to quarantine and regulate movement against. Control in endemic areas must therefore be limited to immunoprophylaxis. LSD vaccination has been done in two different ways. The vaccine virus is now grown in cell culture, but the Neethling strain of LSD was attenuated in South Africa by 20 passes on the chorio-allantoic membranes of hens’ eggs.
In Kenya, cattle receive strong protection against LSD via vaccination made from sheep or goat pox viruses. Because the vaccine could otherwise serve as a source of infection for the susceptible sheep and goat populations, this vaccine has the drawback that it can only be used in nations where sheep pox or goat pox is endemic. To establish an appropriate defense against LSD, susceptible adult cattle should receive a vaccination every year. At the site of inoculation, about 50% of cattle experience swelling that is 10–20 mm in diameter; in dairy cows, this swelling may be accompanied by a brief decrease in milk production. Within a few weeks, the swelling goes away. To avoid interference from the maternal antibody, calves under 6 months old whose moms were either naturally infected or inoculated shouldn’t receive the vaccine. To stop epidemics, calves from sensitive cows should be immunized because they are more susceptible.

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Plant Hormones: Definition, Characteristics, Types, Discovery, Distribution, Biosynthesis, Transport, Mechanism of Action, and Functions

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The term “Phytohormones” also refers to Plant hormones. Phytohormones are organic compounds made by higher plants naturally that control growth or other physiological processes at a location far from the origin of synthesis and are only active in very small amounts. Because these hormones are produced in plants, Thimmann (1948) proposed the term “Phytohormone.” Among the hormones produced by plants are Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Ethylene, Growth inhibitors, and Growth retardants. The first hormones found in plants were Auxins, followed by the discoveries of Gibberellins and Cytokinins.
Characteristics
1. The word hormone is Greek in origin and means to set in action. Cellular division, growth, and gene expression are all affected by plant hormones.
2. they are naturally produced within plants. Although fungi and bacteria also create very similar compounds that can impact plant growth,
3. Plant hormones are chemicals, not nutrients, that, in little doses, encourage and impact the growth, development, and differentiation of cells and tissues.

Types of Plant Hormones
It is generally agreed that there are five main categories of plant hormones, some of which can have a wide range of chemical compositions from one plant to the next.
The five main categories are:
a) Auxin
b) Gibberellin
c) Cytokinin
d) Ethylene
e) Absisic acid

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Desert Rose (Adenium obesum): Introduction, Origin, Classification, Description, Propagation

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Adeniums are succulent pachycaul (with thicker stems) shrubs or trees that have a distinctive swollen base (caudex), much of which can be subterranean. The caudex can vary in shape above ground from virtually globose to conical before it narrows and splits into multiple branches with erratic spacing. The plants’ look and flower display vary in their natural location, but they typically have a moderate growth rate and a lengthy lifespan, lasting for hundreds of years. Often, a distinct caudex is no longer discernible in cultivated, mature specimens. With terminal, spirally organized, tiny, glossy green leaves, the branches are smooth, greyish green to brown. Winters are dry and sufficiently cold in places where they are native, causing a period of hibernation and the corresponding loss of leaves. In South Florida, plants frequently lose some of their leaves in the winter, especially during periods of extended dryness and coolness. They never truly go into hibernation, though.

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Miltonia: Introduction, Origin, Description, Growth, and Care

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Miltonias are simple to grow and recognize, which makes them a favorite among orchid collectors worldwide. Many species in this genus are utilized to create synthetic hybrids. They can be found in habitats between 200 and 1,500 metres (650 to 4,900 feet) in elevation, however, the bulk of the species are more frequently found between 1,960 and 2,950 feet (600–900 m).

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Impatiens balsamina (garden balsam): Introduction, Classification, Characteristics, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological activities

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Balsam is a member of the Balsaminaceae family and is a decorative plant (Gardeners, 2017). It has gardenia-like blossoms and grows quickly as an annual flower in the summer (Tooke and Battey, 2000). A bushy plant with leaves bears continuous blossoms on top of it. Numerous annual and perennial variations of the balsam, which has their origins in Asia, North America, and South Africa (Christopher, 2013). The flowers bloom after 60 to 70 days, and their hues include red, white, pink, rose, and violet (Park et al., 2003; Wang et al., 2009). As traditional treatments for illnesses and skin conditions, the plant’s various parts are employed. The flower is applied to burns, and the leaves’ juice is used to treat snakebites and warts (Wang et al., 2009). In Asia, this species has been utilized as indigenous traditional medicine for rheumatism, fractures, and other illnesses (Park et al., 2003). Changes in temperature and day length cause physiological and seasonal plant development processes that let ornamental plants resist harsh climatic conditions (Adams et al. 2005). While the naturally diminishing photoperiod is unaffected, climate change is predicted to raise summertime air temperatures (Kim et al., 2009). According to Kim et al. (2009), flowering behavior in the plant cycle demonstrates how easily plants can adjust to seasonal changes and how a longer photoperiod shortens the time it takes for the first visible bud. The length of the day and the temperature are related in that when the day length naturally lengthens or shortens, the temperature warms or cools, correspondingly (Ha, 2014).

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Biofertilisers: Definition, Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixers, and Algal Biofertilisers, Phosphate Solubilising Microorganisms, Organic Fertilisers, Advantages and Limitation of Biofertilisers

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Organic Fertilisers
The waste from plants and animals that breaks down to produce nutrients necessary for plant growth is known as Organic fertilizers. These include compost (rotted farm wastes like sugarcane trash, paddy straw, etc.), sewage and sludge, vermicompost (earthworm-decomposed organic matter), Green manures (undecomposed plant material), and other livestock manures. Farmyard manures are composed of dung, urine, and litter from farm animals (poultry, sheep, and goat sweepings). Although they are administered in vast volumes, these organic manures only contain a small percentage of the nutrients. Organic farming is the process of cultivating crops without using chemical pesticides or herbicides and solely using organic fertilizers. In addition to providing nutrients, organic fertilizers enhance the physical characteristics of the soil, boost the availability of other nutrients, and manage worms and fungi that parasitize plants.

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Money plant (Crassula ovate): Introduction, Classification, Distribution, Characteristics, Propagation, Cultural Importance, Uses, Toxicity, and, Care

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How to Care for a Jade Plant
The care of jade plants is easy. Jade plants are popular indoor plants that many people grow in their homes and workplaces because they are thought to be lucky symbols. You don’t have to be lucky to figure out how to take care of and maintain jade plants.
When cultivating jade houseplants, water, light, temperature, and fertilizer are the most crucial considerations.
Watering
Making sure that jade plants are adequately watered is one of the most crucial aspects of their maintenance. A jade plant should never be allowed to dry up. Additionally, avoid overwatering jade plants since this might result in root rot. Don’t water your jade plant on a regular timetable. Instead, water your jade plant when the soil’s surface feels just dry to the touch. It’s most likely due to a lack of water that your jade plant is losing leaves or developing leaf spots.
Sunlight Requirements
Although they may survive in bright, indirect light, jade plants thrive in four or more hours of direct sunlight. Jade plant temperature requirements The recommended daytime temperature for jade plants is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), and the recommended nighttime temperature is 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 13 degrees Celsius). Insufficient light will result in a plant with dark green leaves and drooping stems; otherwise, the plant is healthy and would have regular compact growth and reddish coloring. This plant can survive in a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels, and it can even withstand mild frost, although freezing temperatures will cause it to die. Houseplants can be transferred outdoors for the summer, but to avoid sunburn, they must be gradually acclimated to the stronger light intensity outside. Before the first frost, they must be taken indoors.

Fertilizing
Fertilize your jade plant once every six months or so to ensure optimal upkeep. Make use of a well-balanced water-soluble fertilizer. The fact that you should first water your jade plant normally and then again with fertilizer water is crucial to remember. When the soil is dry, never fertilize your jade plant because this will harm the roots.
Soil
These plants prefer potting mixes without peat or other moisture-retentive ingredients and require well-drained soil. To make a planting mix that will drain quickly, combine topsoil with perlite, sharp sand, pea gravel, and/or chicken grit. Although rootbound plants can be grown for many years, it is advisable to repot them every two to three years or whenever a plant starts to get top-heavy and prone to toppling over. Repotting should be done as soon as fresh growth appears. When repotting into the same size pot, prune the roots and trim the stems to preserve the shape and promote the growth of a thick main trunk. Till the plant is established in the new container, water sparingly.

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Mineral Nutrition: Question and Answers for Class 11th  biology Chapter 12  (CBSE/ NCERT)

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Toxic Elements: The micronutrients are always needed in smaller amounts, and any small reduction in their amount might cause deficiency symptoms, while an increase in their amount can cause toxicity. Toxicity can result from any reduction in mineral ion concentration that results in tissues losing 10% of their dry weight. Although the degree of toxicity differs amongst plants, it is also difficult to identify. The majority of mineral toxicity prevents other minerals from being absorbed. Example: Chlorosis is brought on by a nitrogen deficiency.
Essential Elements: The substance that must be consumed since the body cannot produce enough of it to meet all of its demands.
They are used
(a) as parts of chemical compounds in plants that relate to energy, such as magnesium and phosphorus.
(b) Enzyme activators or inhibitors, such as magnesium and zinc.
(c) For controlling osmotic potential, such as potassium.

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