A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All
Dey, Santi Ranjan
- Screening Folk Rice Varieties of West Bengal for Relative Tolerance to Angoumois Grain Moth Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) and Identification of Factors Contributing to the Tolerance
Authors
1 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata 700 054, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Berhampore, Murshirabad, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 10, No 2 (2013), Pagination: 201-212Abstract
Post-harvest losses in India amount to 12 to 16 million metric tons of food grains each year, an amount that the World Bank stipulates could feed one-third of India's poor. Cereals like rice, wheat and corn play an important role in the economic stability of many countries. Insects and disease devour or damage a fifth or more of stored food grains each year in many parts of the world. The impact of rice varieties tolerant to stored grain pests of these major crops could be dramatic in developing countries, where grain infestations are most common and harmful, and where surging populations require affordable food. Angoumois grain moth, t-harvest losses in India amount to 12 to 16 million metric tons of food grains each year, an amount that the World Bank stipulates could feed one-third of India's poor. Cereals like rice, wheat and corn play an important role in the economic stability of many countries. Insects and disease devour or damage a fifth or more of stored food grains each year in many parts of the world. The impact of rice varieties tolerant to stored grain pests of these major crops could be dramatic in developing countries, where grain infestations are most common and harmful, and where surging populations require affordable food. Angoumois grain moth, (Olivier) causes immense post-harvest losses in rice. Tolerance to Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) among selected West Bengal rice folk varieties or landraces was assessed. Other factor(s) resulting in tolerance against Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), viz., silica deposition of grain hull, grain dimensions, aroma and grain moisture content among the folk rice varieties was investigated too. Folk varieties Champakushi, Kajaldekhi, Malabati and Valki are found to be highly tolerant. Both grain moisture content and the hull silica are the important factors for tolerance to the stored grain pest infestation. These tolerant folk varieties may be used as parents in future rice breeding programmes.
Keywords
Rice Folk Varieties, Sitotroga cerealella, Grain Moisture Content, Silica Deposition.- Survey Report of the Beneficial Predator, Neuroptera (Insecta) from Murshidabad District, West Bengal
Authors
1 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 11, No 1 (2014), Pagination: 37-42Abstract
Neurapteran insects many be used in biological control of aphids which are one of the major crop pestes and involved in virus transmission. For this purpose, documentation and conservation of Neuroptera are needed. Keeping this in mind, the present paper furnishes a comprehensive list of aphidophagous neuropteran species of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, along with their distribution and seasonal occurrence.Keywords
Neuroptera, Aphids, Aphidophagous, Biological Control, Predator.- Documentation and Characterization of the Indigenous Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Varieties of Malda and Murshidabad Districts of West Bengal
Authors
1 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata, West Bengal, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Benaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, IN
3 Department of Zoology, Presidency University, Kolkata, IN
4 Department of Botany, Berhampore Girls' College, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
5 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Murshidabad, West Bengal
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 11, No 2 (2014), Pagination: 187-198Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important natural resource and also known as the 'king of fruits'. The districts of Murshidabad and Malda once famous for mango are now facing tremendous genetic erosion of the mango germplasm. More than 200 varieties of mango were recorded during the time of the royals of these districts. This number has sharply declined in recent times. The traditional varieties are low yielding and are replaced by new high yielding hybrids. These varieties are also facing extinction because of the aggressive cultivation of Amrapali, Chatterjee, Mallika, Himsagar, Langra varieties of mango. Hence, conservation of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasm is of utmost importance. For such conservation extensive survey and proper documentation are necessary. In this context, the present study is an attempt to document the mango varieties from Murshidabad and Malda districts of West Bengal. The mango germplasm diversity data generated will be valuable to communities, scientists and policy managers to formulate and implement conservation strategies of in situ, on-farm as well as ex situ conservation and management of these genetic resources.Keywords
Indigenous Mango, Murshidabad and Malda Districts, Characterization, Pulp Assessment.- Aquaresources of Patan Wetland, Murshidabad:Floral and Faunal Diversity
Authors
1 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata-700 054, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 12, No Sp Iss (2015), Pagination: 28-28Abstract
As any natural habitat, wetlands are important in supporting species diversity. In addition to being essential contributors to biodiversity and ecological productivity, wetlands also provide a variety of services for human populations, including water for drinking and irrigation, recreational opportunities and habitat for economically important fisheries. However, aquatic systems have been increasingly threatened, directly and indirectly, by human activities. In addition to the challenges posed by land-use change, environmental pollution, and water diversion, aquatic systems are expected to experienced soon begin added stress of global climate change. Biodiversity enumeration of such wetlands, especially in terms of ecologically sensitive species of both flora and fauna is important for estimating the general health as well as development of proper conservation plans for the entire ecosystem. 'Patan beel', a relatively unexplored wetland of North-West Murshidabad, is located between latitude 24° 2' 4'' North and 24° 3' 20'' North and longitude 88° 1' 18'' East and 88° 0' 15'' East. This approximately 500 acres wetland contains forested area, some human habitation and low but cultivable land. The area is unique in floral and faunal composition. This study has revealed that 'Patan beel' contains 47 species of plants, 64 species of indigenous fish, 3 species of amphibians, 7 species of reptiles and 21 species of birds. Some of the birds are totally aquatic, some are migratory in nature. The seasonal occurrence of some plants and their associated fauna is also noted from Patan wetland. To conserve and manage wetland resources, it is important to have inventory of wetlands and their aqua-resources both in terms of flora and fauna.- Comparative Study of Avifaunal Diversity and Abundance on the Two Arms of an Ox-Bow Lake, Motijheel, Murshidabad, West Bengal
Authors
1 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 12, No Sp Iss (2015), Pagination: 31-32Abstract
Diversity of avifauna is one of the most important ecological indicators to evaluate the quality of habitats. Birds react very rapidly to any changes in their habitat. They respond to secondary changes resulting from primary causes. Wetlands are highly productive but ecologically fragile and liable to degradation and degeneration under the prevailing anthropogenic pressure which in turn affects the avian diversity around them. The present investigation is a comparative study of avifaunal diversity and abundance on the two arms of a famous ox-bow lake named Motijheel (24° 9'12'' to 24° 9'42'' North and 88° 16'33'' to 88° 15'13'' East) of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India. The influence of urban development is compared between the two arms of the lake exposed to similar types of weather conditions but different human pressure in terms of species diversity and species composition. Eight wetland characteristics were found to be directly or indirectly affected by human activities. One arm is well managed due to composite commercial pisciculture but other arm has negligible human activity. There is no barrier in between these two arms. Although the climatic and geophysical conditions of both the wetlands are same, a total of 67 bird species were recorded from the arm with negligible human activity whereas the other arm of the ox-bow lake supported only 31 species. The relationship between habitat characteristics and community structure varied throughout the year, suggesting that the birds respond differently to habitat characteristics depending on the season. Winter migrant density and diversity is high in structurally more heterogeneous area. The availability of feeding and roosting habitat is very important to the migratory species. All these habitat characteristics become highly influenced by intense agricultural practices and other anthropogenic pressure surrounding the wetland. Monitoring wetland birds provides valuable information on the ecological health and status of wetlands.- Changes in Floral and Entomological Diversity in Subhas Sarobar Area, A Manmade Urban Lake in Kolkata, Due to Anthropogenic Stress
Authors
1 Dept. of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata 700 054, IN
2 Dept. of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 12, No Sp Iss (2015), Pagination: 38-38Abstract
The present paper deals with the relative frequency, density and abundance of the floral components estimated, using the quadrat method as a course curriculum of Gurudas College, Kolkata for the last 10 years in the Subhas Sarobar area, a manmade lake in Kolkata megacity. Documentation of the angiospermic plants both aquatic and terrestrial is also carried out each year. Subhas Sarobar is a manmade urban wetland and considered to be the 'lungs' of East Kolkata. The geographical coordinates are 22° 34'7'' North latitude and 88° 24'2'' East latitude. The pressure of human activities on the Subhas Sarobar has increased manifold in recent times due to work on the Subhas Sarobar-Central Underground section of the East West Metro line by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation. (KMRC) going on from 2010. The quadrat studies over ten years have shown a change in the floral components, more noticeable after the commencement of the East West Metro work. Subhas Sarobar is also home to different species of insects which were documented during the survey work to this massive water body. Insects were later identified by entomologists. These insects often act as bio indicators that reflect the ecological health of the water body. Understanding the impact of anthropogenic stress on the angiospermic and entomological diversity in Subhas Sarobar the present documentation study and related conservation concern is communicated for future sustainable planning.- Effect of Dissolve Oxygen on Catfish Heteropneustes Fossils
Authors
1 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 12, No Sp Iss (2015), Pagination: 42-43Abstract
Importance of catfishes in commercial fisheries is growing worldwide. For commercial aquaculture, dissolve oxygen (DO) is one of the most essential factors effecting greatly on growth and population dynamics of normal water breathing fishes. But it also affects the physiology of air breathing catfishes. In view of this, an experiment was done by using Singi (Heteropneustes fossils) of fresh water habitat to specifically look at the effect of DO on catfishes. For this study, singi fishes each of 100 g weight were reared in 20 different aquariums of 30 litre capacity. Everyday 15 gm of food per aquarium was given. DO was regularly measured. Subsequent effects on body weight and their increase in number were taken in every 2 months for 2 years. Results showed that, at DO 68% of saturation and above, food conversion ratio was satisfactory. However, at saturated DO level, the body mass increase is little lower than medium DO level (77.5% of saturation). At DO 82% of saturation, the population growth rate is highest. It is concluded that DO level has a positive correlation with population growth and feed conversion to body mass ratios of catfishes, probably by increasing its activity and metabolism.- Birds of Manglajodi Wetland, Odisha:Diversity and Potential Threats
Authors
1 Department of Science and Technology, Government of West Bengal, Bikash Bhavan, Salt Lake, Kolkata, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 12, No Sp Iss (2015), Pagination: 53-54Abstract
Manglajodi, a village under Tangi block in Khurdha district, Odisha, has a vast freshwater swamp of about 10 sq km area, located between 19° 54.8' 23'' N and 19° 53.7'55''N and, 85° 26.1' 84''E and 85° 26.3' 32'' E, at the northern edge of Chilika lagoon. Globally, it is an important wetland habitat which is declared as an International Bird Conservation Area by IUCN. This is primarily a freshwater wetland connected by channels cut through the reed beds of brackish waters of Chilika lagoon. It is covered with emergent vegetation and reeds, consisting mostly of Typha angustata and Phragmites karka. It attracts thousands of migratory birds, estimated to host more than 1.5 lakhs birds in the winter season. During the course of present study, 42 species of birds were recorded, of which 13 species were completely migratory in nature, while the rest 29 species were either permanent resident or local migrants. This bird population is presently under threat due to the change in vegetation pattern caused by changing salinity of water. The tourist flow is an added pressure to this bird habitat having negative correlation with the abundance of birds.- Hydrophyte Diversity in Lentic Water Bodies of Murshidabad, West Bengal
Authors
1 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata, West Bengal, IN
2 Department of Botany, Berhampore Girls' College, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
3 Department of Botany, Krishnath College, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
4 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 12, No Sp Iss (2015), Pagination: 56-56Abstract
Freshwater lentic water bodies have tremendous importance as they contain valuable aqua resources, both flora and fauna. They are also the recharging reservoirs for drinking water, domestic use and provide the infrastructure for pisciculture. Hydrophytes are important components of lentic ecosystem. Aquatic plants provide shelter and breeding place for aquatic animals and maintain the integral balance of ecosystem. They are the primary producers and contribute dissolve oxygen (DO). All organisms, from the microscopic zooplankton to the fish need the oxygen for survival. Dissolved oxygen is one of the limiting factors for fish diversity in aquatic ecosystems. The present investigation is on the hydrophyte diversity in the freshwater lentic water body of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Rivers Bhagirathi and Jalangi and their tributaries flow through this district. Large number small and large freshwater lentic water-bodies are found in this district too. The survey of the composition and distribution of the hydrophytes in freshwater lentic water body of Murshidabad was carried out. A total of 53 species of aquatic plants were identified from different parts of the district. Of these, 41 species are found throughout the district whereas 12 species are restricted in some pockets of the district. The detailed distribution as well as habitat composition with GPS location was studied. The relationship of DO and the biodiversity components was explored.- Observations on Biology of Freshwater Snail Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck, 1882): an Important Requisite for Commercial Cultivation
Authors
1 Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls' College, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
2 Sahajadpur Sarbagan High School, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
3 Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, West Bengal, IN
4 Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 13, No 1 (2016), Pagination: 123-130Abstract
Most widespread and ecologically important freshwater snail species in India is Bellamya bengalensis. This species serves as food item of some carnivore fishes, many aquatic birds and mammals and also is consumed by people as their daily food. The present work is concentrated on their food, feeding behaviour, fecundity, reproduction, parental care, growth and development as well as symbiotic relationship with a specific kind of algae and population dynamics. The temperature tolerance, pH tolerance and habitat preference of this species are also studied.Keywords
Bellamya bengalensis, Life History, Population, Behaviour.References
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- Biology and Feeding Efficacy of Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius) (Coccinellidae:Coleoptera), a Native Predator of Whitefly, Aleuroclava pentatuberculata (Sundarraj and David), a Mulberry Pest:In Search of an Effective Biocontrol Agent for Sericulture in West Bengal
Authors
1 Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata-700009, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 13, No 2 (2016), Pagination: 157-162Abstract
In West Bengal Aleuroclava pentatuberculata (Sundarraj and David), a whitefly, is a pest causing extensive damage to the mulberry plant. General leaf yield losses of this plant were estimated as 24%, but in severe cases, leaves become unfit for silkworm rearing resulting in huge crop losses. The feeding habit of whitefly, Aleuroclava pentatuberculata (Homoptera: Aleryrodidae) causes depletion in qualitative and quantitative parameters of mulberry leaves. Protection of silkworm and its host plants from various kinds of pests, parasites and predators is a chronic problem in sericulture. Biological control is one of the most effective means of achieving insect control. While screening the whitefly infested mulberry leaves, a native predator, Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius) was found to feed on eggs and nymphal stages of whitefly. Complexities in the behaviour and life cycle of the natural predator population warrant a special attention for their use as effective biological control agents in modern sericulture. In this present investigation, feeding potential of the predator and its larval stages was studied. The data generated on the feeding efficacy are used in determining the life cycle stage of the predators which is most effective to keep the pest under control. The above study provides basic information about the lifecycle, feeding habits of the male and female adults of Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius) which suggests that it is a potent predator of the mulberry pest. Further mass multiplication and field efficacy studies need to be undertaken in order to use Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius) as a biocontrol agent in sericulture in future.Keywords
Brumoides suturalis, Feeding Efficacy, Whitefly, Biological Control.References
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- Seri - Bioinformatics : To Enhance Silken Touch
Authors
1 Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata 700010, IN
2 Computational Biology Division, The Biome-Kolkata-700064, IN
3 Theoretical and Computational Biology Division, Amplicon Biosciences, Palta-743122, IN
4 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata-700054, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 13, No 2 (2016), Pagination: 207-216Abstract
Computational Biology has emerged as one of the leading interdisciplinary realms having applications and analytical implications in every branch of biological sciences. The efforts to understand silkworm or its interactions with other organisms have generated a plethora of information which has been converted into different types of electronic databases. Application of modern methodologies, such as, next generation sequencing - comparative modelling and simulation, docking and design of specific molecules which not only provide insight on disease incidence and progression in silkworms but also provides us with necessary information for enhancement of silk fibre quality for enhancing that silken touch. These seri-bioinformatics databases are a valuable seri-bioresource. In this paper, we have reviewed some of the available online resources on silkworm and its related organisms, including databases as well as informative websites. Designed as a basic platform and accompanied by the SilkDB, MorusDB and strives to be a comprehensive platform for the silkworm-mulberry interaction studies. Some of the other seri-databases reviewed are BmMDB, MulSatDB and SilkTransDB. Application of bioinformatics tools and techniques not only facilitated detection of proteomic and genomic diversity among the species/strains but also resulted in finding a gap in the silkworm genome sequence of a strain that diverged during the course of domestication.Keywords
Next Generation Sequencing, Mulberry, Silkworm, Seri-Databases, MorusDB.References
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- Insect Inventories in a Mango-based Agroforestry Area in Murshidabad, West Bengal
Authors
1 Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata-700 009, IN
2 Department of Botany, Berhampore Girls’ College, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
3 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata-700 054, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 14, No Spl (2017), Pagination: 9-9Abstract
Agroforestry is an eco-friendly crop production system that provides habitat for biodiverse flora and fauna. The mango-based agroforestry constitutes of mango trees, crops, weeds, insect pests, predators and pollinators. The mango (Mangifera indica L.) plant is a multipurpose fruit tree that yields fruit, timber and fuel, and is suitable for agro-forestry systems in tropical and subtropical regions. The mango fruit is an important source of sustenance for birds, bats, insects, and mammals. Many insect species damage mango crops by feeding on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. Also, many insect species play a vital role in pollination as well as fruit set, and predator prey interactions keep balance between pest incidence and fruit production. Insect species inventories along with pest prevalence and foraging behaviour of pollinators were investigated in several mango orchards of Murshidabad. Insects were collected by capture with sweep net and visual observation followed. The principal insect pest of mango were 2 species of hopper and 1 species of mealy bug, inflorescence midge, fruit fly, scale, shoot borer, leaf webber and stone weevil. The leaf hopper, shoot borer and stone weevil are found to be major pest in Murshidabad mango based agroforestry area.- Brief Account of Sacred Groves of more than 50 Years Old along with an Assessment of their Biological Diversity from Murshidabad District, West Bengal
Authors
1 Department of Botany, Krishnath College, Murshidabad, West Bengal, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata 700 009, IN
3 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata, West Bengal, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 14, No Spl (2017), Pagination: 12-13Abstract
Sacred groves or traditional forest reserves are unique forest patches that have survived due to strong cultural forces. They are a biological heritage that has helped to preserve the representative genetic resources existing in the surrounding regions for generations.They may vary in size from a few trees to dense forests covering extensive tracts of land. But they are the ideal centre for biodiversity conservation preserving the local flora and fauna. The religious beliefs help to create an undisturbed patch of land with respect to the surrounding areas. Various plants and animals that are threatened in the forest are well conserved within these patches. These areas also provide habitat, water and nest-sites for many species of wildlife and birds. In fact, sacred groves are community based monuments of biological diversity. Culture and indigenous knowledge have played an increasingly important role in conservation and resource management approaches within sacred groves. In this present investigation a consolidated list of flora and fauna conserved in sacred groves of Murshidabad district of West Bengal, which are more than 50 years old, is communicated.- Non Timber Forest Products from Urban Forests:A Case Study of Bahadurpur Forest of Nadia-Murshidabad Forest Division, West Bengal, India
Authors
1 Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata 700 009, IN
2 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata 700 054, IN
Source
Journal of Environment and Sociobiology, Vol 14, No Spl (2017), Pagination: 13-14Abstract
Urban forests are economic assets. The role of urban forest in ameliorating urban habitats and improving quality of life is significant. Trees in urban system provide a variety of ecosystem services including biodiversity conservation, removal of atmospheric pollutants, oxygen generation and noise reduction. Carbon sequestration in growing trees is known to be a cost effective option for mitigation of global warming and global climate change. These urban forests are recognized for their social, cultural recreational and aesthetic values apart from conserving the biodiversity of the region and improving local climate. The urban forest has been acknowledged and valued for its services, but not really for its goods. The importance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in rural livelihoods in developing countries has become widely acknowledged over the last decade. However, often the urban forest is overlooked when considering NTFPs. In the present study NTFP from Bahadurpur Forest situated near Krishnagar, Nadia (23°26´19´´N 88°27´59´´E), atropical deciduous urban forest of Nadia-Murshidabad Forest Division, West Bengal was investigated. It was found that most of the locals of nearby villages are dependent on this forest for fuel using dry leaves and shoots of trees. Villagers also use this forest as grazing area of their cattle. The forest also served as source of medicinal plants and fruits for the locals. It was also a playing ground for the children. Numerous birds were found in this forest. The forest is also a famous picnic spot of the locals, being famous for its aesthetic values. However, Current and potential urban NTFPs and their possible uses and markets need further exploration.- Mango Field Gene Bank in Gurudas College, Kolkata, West Bengal
Authors
1 Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata 54, IN
2 Department of Botany, Berhampore Girls’ College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, IN
3 Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata-9, IN