Physiological attributes of lichen, Phaeophyscia hispidula in heavy metal rich sites of Dehra Dun, India.

Phaeophyscia hispidula (Ach.) Moberg, foliose lichen is widespread in Garhwal Himalayas and grows luxuriantly on different substratum in polluted as well as non polluted sites, where no other macrolichens are able to colonize. The elemental concentration and biochemical parameters in P. hispidula collected from Dehra Dun city were analyzed to assess its tolerance to heavy metals. The major source of pollution in the city is automobiles. Among the biochemical parameters protein was significantly and negatively correlated with pigment concentrations (r= -0.3838 (Chl.b); -0.5809 (Carotenoid); -0.5034 (OD)) however it is significantly positively correlated with Cd (r = 0.6822: P<0.01). Among heavy metals, Cd was negatively correlated with Cu (r = -0.4639), Fe (r = -0.2676), and Zn (r = -0.0549). It was observed that the chlorophyll and protein content increased parallel to the level of metallic pollutants indicating the mechanism of stress tolerance in P. hispidula. The study shows that P. hispidula is tolerant to inorganic pollution and a useful tool for biomonitoring of air quality in the Himalayan region.

Bio-waste from tobacco industry as tailored organic fertilizer for improving yields and nutritional values of tomato crop.

The dried tobacco waste was mixed in proportions of 1%, 2% and 3% in soil and filled in earthen pots of 6 kg capacity. Three replicate pots for each soil concentration were used. Tomato saplings of cultivar Bezosheetal were transplanted age of 20 days (signifying stage before flowering), 25 days (signifying stage at the start of flowering) and 45 day (signifying just at the onset of fruiting). The morphological parameters like plant height, number of leaf, flower plant(-1), number of fruits and yield plant(-1) were recorded. Nutrient parameters like moisture, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity vitamin C, reducing sugar proteins, pectin and lycopene were analyzed in tomato fruits. Experiments revealed that the yield of tomato fruit and critical nutritional parameters showed significant increase. For higher yield (183 g plant(-1)) of tomato, the best option is the use of 3% tobacco waste after 45 days of transplant. Alternatively, use of 2% tobacco waste with 45 days of transplant provides a higher quality tomato. The yield obtained here would be significantly higher than control but not as high as with 3% tobacco waste.

Heavy metal accumulation in lichens growing in north side of Lucknow city, India.

Accumulation of Pb, Fe, Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu and Hg metals in six common lichen species growing on Mangifera indica trees in mango orchard surrounding the north side of the Lucknow city, were analyzed. The study revealed the higher concentration of Pb (3.3 - 15.6 microgg(-1)), Cr (25.6 - 137.5 microgg(-1)), Zn (49.4 - 219.7 microgg(-1)), Cu (10.2 - 66.6 microgg(-1)) and Fe (1748 - 19374 microgg(-1)).

Fungicidal elements accumulated in Cryptothecia punctulata (Ascomycetes lichen) of an arecanut orchard in South India.

Different nutrient elements were analyzed in the lichen Cryptothecia punctulata collected from the arecanut trees which were exposed to several sprays of a fungicide Bordeaux mixture. The study revealed the accumulation of fungicidal elements such as Cu, Ca and S in higher concentration of 575.4, 10,000 and 21,000 microg g(-1), respectively.

Pollution monitoring with the help of lichen transplant technique at some residential sites of Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh.

Samples of foliose lichen, Dirinaria consimillis (Fr.) Awasthi were transplanted at six residential sites of Lucknow city for monitoring the concentration of Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd metals at two vertical positions. The concentration of chromium and copper were more at the higher vertical position than the lower one. The maximum zinc was at lower vertical position than the upper one. Lead and cadmium were not detected in the present study.