Cryptogam Biodiversity and Assessment

Current Status of Lichen Genus Usnea sensu lato in Kerala, Part of Western Ghats with Four New Records to the State

2025-11-17T13:26:58+0530

A detailed taxonomic study was conducted on the genus Usnea based on field collections from
different areas of Kerala, India. Over 180 samples were collected, examined and critically
evaluated for morphological, anatomical, and chemical features. The work resulted in the
enumeration of 42 species of Usnea sensu lato from the state. Four of these species are reported
for the first time from Kerala. The present paper highlights the necessity of further exploration
and documentation of lichen biota in poorly explored tropical regions.

Bryoplaca (Teloschistaceae), a new lichen genus record for India from Sunderdhunga Glacier Valley, Uttarakhand

2025-11-17T13:28:51+0530

The lichen genus Bryoplaca is recorded for the first time from India, which is represented by
B. tetraspora. The species is characterised by a muscicolous habitat, orange-brown apothecial
disc, 4-spored asci and hyaline polaribilocular ascospores. The specimen was collected from the
alpine region of the Sunderdhunga Glacier Valley, Uttarakhand. A detailed description, along
with figures, is provided.

Diversity and Distribution of Corticolous Lichens across Marine National Park and Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

2025-11-17T13:29:54+0530

This study investigates the diversity and distribution of corticolous lichens in the Marine Protected
Area (MPA) on India’s west coast, surveying 57 locations within the Marine National Park and
Sanctuary (MNPS) between 2015 and 2018. A total of 495 specimens representing 38 species from
6 families and 14 genera were collected. Roccellaceae was the largest family (45%), and Arthonia
and Opegrapha were the dominant genera (23.7% each). The majority of lichens were crustose
(87%), with a few foliose and one fruticose species (Roccella montagnei). Most specimens
were from islands (67%), with the remainder from coastal areas influenced by human activity.
Lichens were found on 26 host plants, with Salvadora persica supporting the most specimens
(25%). Only 16% of specimens came from three mangrove species. Notably, seven species new
to India were - Arthonia sexlocularis, A. varia, Lecanographa lynceoides, Opegrapha graphidiza,
O. microspora, O. rufescens and O. subcentrifuga and 20 species new to Gujarat. In addition,
three species were observed as rare, while four species as endemic to India. The study provides
a baseline for lichen diversity, emphasizing their role as bioindicators for environmental health
and their potential applications in medicine, industry, and pollution monitoring.

Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) Profiling of Bioactive Constituents in the Methanol Extract of Asterella wallichiana (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Grolle.

2025-11-17T13:30:33+0530

This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds in the methanolic thallus extract of
Asterella wallichiana (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Grolle is using gas chromatography–mass
spectrometry (GC-MS). Several phytochemicals with known pharmacological activities
were identified based on their retention times, peak areas, and mass spectral data, as
compared to the literature. The findings represent the first detailed chemical profiling
of this species, revealing the presence of compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial,
and therapeutic potential. These results highlight A. wallichiana as a promising source
for herbal drug discovery and future phytopharmaceutical research.

Scope of biofuel production from algae-derived biomass: A comprehensive review

2025-11-17T13:25:25+0530

Fossil fuel supplies are rapidly running out due to the world’s growing population and rising energy
sector needs. Fossil fuels release greenhouse gases, air pollution, and cause global warming,
which disrupt the ecosystem balance and puts human health at risk, it is important to utilize them
responsibly. This review article discusses various species of algae and cyanobacteria used to
produce solid, liquid and gaseous biofuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen, biogas,
biochar etc. It also described yield, and the key factors influencing the conversion of biomass
into fuel. This review also outlines the various methods and processes applied to algal biomass
for fuel production, along with their respective advantages and limitations. Moreover, algal
biofuels show great potential in addressing both environmental and energy challenges by offering
carbon-neutral alternatives and serving as a valuable resource for large-scale biofuel production.