bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triassic flora of India-a transition
Authors: Srivastava S.C. , Manik S.R.
Published: September 2022

Extensive floral modifications occurred from Late Palaeozoic to Triassic (Early Mesozoic) Period. Differentiation of Permian and Triassic strata in the Indian subcontinent has been done mostly on lithological, palaeontological and palaeobotanical grounds, but recent investigations on Triassic succession in the Damodar Basin (Panchet Formation), South Rewa Basin (Tiki and Parsora formations), Satpura Basin (Mahadeva Formation) and Pranhita-Godavari Basin (Maleri Formation) have demonstrated gradual changes in palaeofloristics from Early Triassic to Late Triassic. The concept that there was a sudden change in the composition of megaflora from the Late Palaeozoic to Early Triassic reflecting a floral break is modified in the light of palaeofloral data accumulated from various Triassic formations.

In Peninsular India, the megaflora of Late Permian Period is usually dominated by glossopterids and their representative taxon Glossopteris continued further in Permo-Triassic contact associated with some newly emerged forms like the genus Dicroidium, which dominated the vegetation and thrived for nearly 30 million years. In the early part of Triassic, Dicroidium appeared in a very low frequency in association of Lepidopteris but towards the

mid-part of Triassic it exhibited overwhelming dominance and superseded the Glossopteris flora. As a result the seed-bearing plants possessing pinnate leaves appeared on the floristic scene and lasted throughout the Triassic time. They started declining in the Late Triassic giving way to the cycadean and coniferous forms which later constituted a considerable part of plant community during Jurassic-Cretaceous period. Dicroidium, its associates, and the seed taxon Savitrispermum, which were prolifically represented in the Gondwana continents during Triassic, vanished out. Pterophyllum, Pagiophyllum and Elatocladus were represented in abundance during Late Triassic, whereas the pteridospermous forms registered a decline. The presence of zamoid seed cones and archegoniate seeds became most distinguishing feature for the Late Triassic floral deposits. Gymnosperms were the main components of the flora associated with some lower plant groups. Seed plant groups attained potential value in defining the floral regions of this period. Thus, the Early Mesozoic flora contained new taxa, as well as those continuing from the Palaeozoic times. Systematic analysis has now shown that the transition from Permian-Early Triassic-Late Triassic was a gradual one.
Life and time of Indian Williamsonia
Authors: Banerji J.
Published: September 2022

The Williamsonia plant, belonging to the order Bennettitales, consists of stem -Bucklandia Presl, leaf-Ptilophyllum Morris, male flower- Weltrichia Braun and female flower- Williamsonia Carruthers. This plant was perhaps a small, much branched woody tree of xerophytic environment. It co-existed alongwith extremely variable and rich flora including highly diversified plant groups from algae to gymnosperms. In India, it appeared during the marine Jurassic, proliferated and widely distributed in the Lower Cretaceous and disappeared from the vegetational scenario of Upper Cretaceous Period with the advent of angiosperms.
The Palaeogene vegetation of peninsular India (Megafossil evidences)
Authors: Bande M.B.
Published: September 2022

The Palaeogene represents the age of spread and diversification of angiosperms in the Indian sub-continent. A comprehensive knowledge of the Palaeogene flora of peninsular India is, therefore, necessary to decipher the history of the modern flora of India. The Palaeogene plant megafossils of this region can broadly be considered under (i) Deccan Intertrappean flora, (ii) Eocene flora of Kutch, (iii) Eocene plant fossils described from the Fuller's earth deposits near Barmer in Rajasthan, and (iv) Eocene plant records from Meghalaya.

The flora as a whole is characteristically tropical in character. It consists of taxa belonging to marine, estuarine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitat with both evergreen and deciduous forms. It is suggestive of an equable warm and moist tropical climate over the whole of peninsular India during the Palaeogene. The existence of this type of climate was the result of (i) a more or less equatorial position of peninsular India during the Palaeocene-Eocene period, and (ii) a warm sea which not only surrounded the peninsula from all the sides but also intruded into the landmass.

Most of the plants recovered from the Palaeogene localities of peninsular India still continue to grow in various forests of this region. Part of this flora, thus, can be considered to be the ancestral stock for the present-day flora of India. Occurrence of some African, Madagascarian, Australian and South American elements in this flora suggests India's past connections with these Gondwanaland countries.
Neogene vegetation of peninsular India
Authors: Guleria J.S.
Published: September 2022

The Neogene vegetation of peninsular India has been analysed on the basis of which some broad conclusions have been derived. During the Neogene Period the whole of peninsular India was covered by luxuriant tropical evergreen to deciduous forests. Occurrence of Dipterocarpaceae from East to West and North to South alongwith other common elements suggests a more or less uniform warm tropical climate throughout the peninsula. A gradual decrease in rainfall during Neogene due to northward shift of the Indian peninsula from equator and growing continentality caused by the rise of Himalayan mountains is decipherable. Further decrease in rainfall towards the end of Neogene is evidenced by the complete eradication of dipterocarps and the appearance of dry or desertic conditions towards the end of Pliocene in the western (Gujarat and Rajasthan) and south-eastern (Cuddalore) part of the peninsula is noticeable. Large scale migration and admixture of floras took place between the Indian peninsula, south-east Asia and Africa due to establishment of land connections by the Neogene. Widespread occurrence of Dipterocarpaceae and dominance of legumes together with Sapotaceae, Ebenaceae and Rosaceae, etc. distinguishes the Neogene flora of peninsular India from the Palaeogene.
Neyveli lignites and associated sediments-their palynology, palaeoecology, correlation and age
Authors: Saxena R.K.
Published: September 2022

The Neyveli Formation is a subsurface stratigraphic unit, containing thick workable lignite deposits at its top, and is unconformably overlain by the Cuddalore Formation. The age of the lignite has remained a subject of controversy and therefore effort has been made here to date it by means of palynological evidence. Rich palynofloras have been recorded from the Neyveli Formation encountered in the Neyveli Mines-I and II in South Arcot District and Jayamkondacholapuram well-12 in Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu. These assemblages contain pteridophytic spores, angiospermous pollen and algal and fungal remains with angiospermous pollen being predominant. Based on the present day distribution and habitat of the families represented, a tropical climate with plenty of rainfall has been inferred during the sedimentation of the Neyveli Formation. The environment of deposition for these sediments has been deduced as coastal, ranging from back mangrove to mangrove, with a short transgressive phase before the deposition of lignite. The Neyveli Formation is divisible into three biozones, viz., Neocouperipollis spp. Cenozone, Triangulorites bellus Cenozone, and Trilatiporites sellingii Cenozone. These are identifiable by their characteristic significant and restricted palynotaxa and correlatable with the Late Palaeocene to Middle Eocene biozones of Kutch, Rajasthan, Bengal Basin, Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and Cauvery Basin. A Late Palaeocene to Middle Eocene age has therefore been assigned to the Neyveli Formation.
Holocene history of mangrove vegetation in India: a palynological interpretation
Authors: Khandelwal Asha
Published: September 2022

Mangroves are defined as the tropical intertidal plant community which thrives both on the eastern and western coasts in India. Considerable work has been carried out on the floristics and economic potential of mangrove vegetation. It has been recently realised that the major part of coastland is transformed into the bareland, though no definite single reason can be assigned for the extermination of mangroves from the Indian coasts.

In view of problems, related to the causes of degradation and extermination of mangroves, the awareness amongst palaeobiogeographers and palynologists is well exemplified by undertaking palynological investigations of estuarine sediments. It has been observed that the eastern and western coasts of India are not comparable; rather they differ greatly in the vegetational composition. The investigated areas are: Gangetie-Sunderbans, Mahanadi- Brahmani, Godavari and Cauvery deltas on the eastern coast and back water sediments from Kutch, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Karnaraka on the western coast. A synthesis and interpretation of available palynological data, has been given in order to reconstruct the palaeofloristics and translate them in terms of various events and episodes which had occurred during the Holocene Epoch. The causes of mangrove deterioration in time and space and coordinated scheme for greening the coastland have also been discussed.
Coevolution and species interactions
Authors: Agrawal M. , Raghubanshi A.S. , Singh J.S. , Roy B.K.
Published: September 2022

Ecosystems are characterized by a network of interrelationships among species and species group which leads to community homeostasis. Occasional mutations or recombination in one component of the coevolving species pair may lead to a new set of defense characteristics making it possible for that component to enter a new adaptation zone from which evolutionary radiation might follow. The other component of the pair through genetic feedback might evolve to develop morphological, behavioural or biochemical features to overcome the new characteristics of the other component. Selection would carry this population to new adaptive zone allowing it to diversify further. Coevolution thus is a manifestation of selective evolutionary interactions between species or species group with a close ecological relationship. Coevolutionary instances are illustrated in plant-herbivore, host-parasite, plant-pollinator and several similar relationships. In coevolution, the biotic environment plays an active role within a relatively passive physical environment. however, change in the physical environment might favour or disfavor one component of the coevolved pair more than the other component. This differential response might lead to disruption of the relationship and may even result in loss of species.
Cuscuta form and function-evolutionary implications of its bizarre development
Authors: Mahadevan S.
Published: September 2022

During its evolution from an autotrophic ancestor, parasitic Cuscuta has lost roots, cotyledons, expanded green leaf, and cambium and has gained haustorium and heterotrophy. Though the expression of thousands of genes is expected to be permanently altered during this transformation, the extensive morphological alterations resulting from certain Single gene mutations in plants suggest that evolutionary alterations in just a few higher order regulatory genes acting either early in embryogenesis or at 'developmental forks' may have sufficed to initiate the change. Possible turning points and candidate genes associated with loss of organs and functions are identified based on similar effects in other plants. The suspected homology between root and haustorium, suggested by ontogenetic and hormonal considerations, can now be directly tested by modern recombinant DNA methods.
Conifer wood from the Upper Jurassic of Utah, USA-Part II: Araucarioxylon hoodii sp. nov.
Authors: Tidwell William D. , Medlyn David A.
Published: September 2022

The new species, Araucarioxylon hoodii, collected from the Brushy Basin member of the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation in South central Utah, USA is compared to other species of Araucarioxylon and Dadoxylon, Dadoxylon (Araucarimylon) japonicum Shimakura from Japan being the closest. They differ by the round to elliptical crossfield pits in A. hoodia having round apertures, lacking oppositely arranged tracheary pitting and having larger tangential pits of A. hoodia whereas Dadoxylon (A.) japonicum has circular pits with obliquely elongated lenticular, included apertures. Opposite tracheary pits are often present in the latter species, and its tangential pits are smaller than A. hoodia. Araucarioxylon hoodia is the first member of the genus to be described with assurance from the Jurassic of the Colorado Plateau, USA. Associated fossil plants and the anatomical structure of A. hoodia suggest that it grew under a fairly equable damp climate in which its growth rings were not well developed.
Further observations on the structure and affinities of Monocotylostrobus bracteatus Lakhanpal, Prakash & Bande from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of India
Authors: Bande M.B.
Published: September 2022

Based on some more specimens recovered from the Deccan Intertrappean chert of Mohgaonkalan. The fossil inflourescence. Monocotylostrobus bracteatus Prakash & Bande 1982 has been restudied. Many new characters have been observed and added to its diagnosis given earlier. On the basis of new observations, a reconstruction of the inflorescence has been attempted and the affinities reassessed.
Carbonised woods of Sterculiaceae and Sapindaceae from Middle Miocene sediments of Kerala Coast
Authors: Srivastava Rashmi , Awasthi N.
Published: September 2022

Two carbonized woods from Warkalli sediments (Middle Miocene) of Kerala basin have been described. One of them belongs to genus Heritiera Dryand of the family Sterculiaceae and the other two xylotomically allied genera- Euphoria, Litchi and Otonephelium complex of the family Sapindaceae. Occurrence of the wood of Heritiera resembling H. fomes and H. littoralis. provides evidence that the Warkalli beds at Meenkunnu in Kannur District were laid down in coastal environment. These taxa also provide further evidence of the prevalence of tropical warm and humid climate in the area during deposition.
A tribute to Vishnu-Mittre (1924-1991)
Authors: Gupta H.P.
Published: September 2022

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New cyanophycean remains from the Blaini formation (terminal neoproterozoic sequence) of Mussoorie syncline, Lesser Himalaya, India
Authors: Maithy P.K. , Babu Rupendra , Kumar G. , Mathur V.K.
Published: September 2022

A new algal form, Blainiella gen. nov., comparable in its morphological aspects to the modern form Hyella, is recorded from the Blaini Formation, Mussoorie Syncline. The fossil shows linear filament formed of rectangular cells placed end to end; reproduction by endosporulation, thick globular endospores formed towards terminal end of linear filaments, baeocytes formed within endospores by cytoplasm desmochesis and released by wall dissolution of endospores, each baeocyte forms linear filament by vegetative reproduction. This new genus represents different stages of life cycles of microbiota reported earlier from the same formation by Joshi et al., (1988).
40th Sir Albert Charles Seward Memorial Lecture: Some environmental aspects of present distribution of plants
Authors: Rau M.A.
Published: September 2022

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The fossil record-2 by M.J. Benton
Authors: Chandra Anil
Published: September 2022

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Permian-Triassic palynofloral succession in subsurface from Bazargaon, Nagpur District, Maharashtra
Authors: Srivastava S.C. , Bhattacharya A.P.
Published: September 2022

The palynofloral contained in Bore-core DGW-6 from Bazargaon area near Nagpur is divisible into three palynozones. Palynozones 1 and 2 are characterized by Densipollenites magnicorpus and Crescentipollenites fuscus respectively are equivalent to the Raniganj palynofloral while palynozone -3 marked by Falcisporites stabilis, compares with the Panchet palynofloral. The sedimentary sequence between 236.15 to 526.30 m is equivalent to Raniganj Formation (Late Permian) and includes the coal-bearing horizon. The strata between 236.15 to 108.4 m (Lower Member) and sediments upto 108.40 m from top (Upper Member) belonging to the Kamthi Formation are considered to represent the Early Triassic (Scythian).
Bryophytic remains from the early Permian sediments of India
Authors: Chandra Shaila
Published: September 2022

Bryophytic fossil remains in the Permian Gondwana formations are extremely rare. The rarity of fossil bryophytes is generally attributed to their delicate nature and small size of the plants. Fossil bryophytes so far reported are few as compared to vascular plants but they have been adequately recorded to indicate early existence of mosses and liverworts. It is also likely that bryophytes have just not been recognized in ancient sediments by palaeobotanists and they may not be so rare as are believed today. Most of the fossil specimens reported from India as bryophytes are either doubtful records or unidentifiable up to generic level, Indian Permian reports are considered doubtful while Triassic and younger records are not so meagre and are reasonably well reported.

It is for the first lime a good assemblage of bryophytes has been recovered from the Early Permian sediments of India as impressions along with the typical Glossopteris flora. Both the groups Hepaticae and Musci are represented by newly designated form genera and species. The assemblage is represented by an indeterminate genus - Bryothallites talchirensis, hepatic genus- Hepaticites umariaensis, and three moss genera- Talchirophyllites indicus, Saksenaphyllites saksenae and Umariaphyllites acutus. Remarks on the naming of the fossil bryophytes, their probable possibility of preservation, spore distribution, probable habitat and evolutionary aspects also have been given and discussed.
Early Permian plant fossils from the Barakar formation of Auranga coalfield, Bihar
Authors: Srivastava A.K.
Published: September 2022

Plant fossil assemblage of Auranga Coalfield recovered from the Fireclay of Barakar Formation being mined in Murup and Datum areas of Palamau district, Bihar is represented by various species of the genera Neomariopteris, Gangamopteris, Glossopteris, Saportaeae, Rhipidopsis and Ginkgoites. Glossopterid-ginkgopsid association is the characteristic feature of this flora. Which is closely comparable with the Glossopterid-ginkgopsid association of the Hura Coalfield, Rajmahal Hills, Bihar.
Origin of the Cathaysia flora in Asia
Authors: Keqin Sun
Published: September 2022

Some obvious changes in floral components of the Cathaysia area occurred during the transition from Early Carboniferous to Late Carboniferous, which resulted in extinctions of many typical plant elements of the Lepidodendropsis flora, and began occurrences of a number of forerunners of the Cathaysia flora. Therefore, the Cathaysia flora did not originate from the Euramerica flora; it derived from the global identical Lepidodendropsis flora of the Early Carboniferous. From the beginning of the Namurian A, the Cathaysia flora gradually separates from the Lepidodendropsis flora. It can be recognized as an independent flora in the early Late Carboniferous (Namurian B to C). The flora is characterized by a variety of oriental species of lycopods and many endemic elements of ferns and pteridosperms, etc. It ranges from the beginning of early Late Carboniferous to the end of Permian.
Palynological investigations of tertiary lignite and associated sediments from Cannanore, Kerala Basin, India
Authors: Rao M.R. , Rajendran C.P.
Published: September 2022

The palynofloral recovered from the Tertiary lignite and associated sediments exposed along Cannanore and adjoining area of Kerala Basin consists of 50 genera and 73 species. Of these, 13 genera and 20 species are represented by pteridophytic spores and 36 genera and 52 species to angiospermous pollen. Ten species have been proposed as new. Some significant constituents of the assemblage are- Lygodiumsporites, Dictyophyllidites, Crassoretitriletes, Intrapunctisporis, Cheilanthoidspora, polypodiisporites, Retimonosulcites, Quilonipollenites, Lakiapollis, Tricolpites, Gemmatricolpites, Tricolporopollis, Dermatobrevicolporites, Margocolporites, Retitrescolpites, Meliapollis, Ctenolophonidites, Myricipites, Triporopollenites, Clavaperiporites and Malvacearumpollis. Quantative dominance of angiospermous pollen is a conspicuous feature of the assemblage. Ecological analysis of the assemblage identifies several palaeoassociations of low-land, fresh water swamp and water edge, sandy beach, montane and back mangrove vegetation. The recorded palynological assemblages indicate the prevalence of wet semi-evergreen type of vegetation with warm and humid tropical climate and plenty of rainfall during sedimentation. The brackish-water environment of deposition is indicated by back-mangrove elements (Palaeosantalaceaepites, Mavacearumpollis) and dinoflagellate cysts. On the basis of comparison of the present assemblae with the known Indian Tertiary palynoassemblages, Miocene age has been assigned.
On the Indian origin of Ocimum (Lamiaceae): a palynological approach
Authors: Kar R.K.
Published: September 2022

Heaxacolporate pollen grains recovered from a bore-hole core no. K12 drilled by the MECL at Kuchaur-Benia area, Bikaner district, Rajasthan closely resemble the extant pollen of Ocimum spp., by their size range, shape, pluricolumellate reticulation and presence of columella in lumina. The palynological assemblage from where these grains were recovered indicates an Early Eocene age. Since this is the oldest record of fossil Ocimum pollen known so far it is postulated that the genus Ocimum originated in India.
Palynozonation of Middle Pali Member in Sohagpur coalfield, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Ram-Awatar
Published: September 2022

Three palynological assemblages have been identified in a Bore-hole SPB-18 (26.0-163.80 m depth) in the Middle Member of the Pali Formation. The older two assemblages contain the abundance of striate-disaccate pollen, i.e., Faunipollenites and Striatopodocarpites which are followed by Crescentipollenites. Besides, Gondisporites, Corisaccites, Lunatisporites and Chordasporites are other important genera which indicate a Late Permian age of the horizon. Presence of Leiospherids at the top of the sequence (Assemblage-I) suggests a probable marine influence in the area. In the Assemblage-II, a new disaccate pollen- Protoeusaccites has been recorded which exhibits a transitionary phase from protoeusaccate to eusaccate in the development of saccus.
Palynostratigraphy and Palaeoecology of Early Eocene palynoflora of Rajpardi lignite, Bharuch District, Gujarat
Authors: Kumar Madhav
Published: September 2022

The palynoflora recovered from carbonaceous clay, shale and lignite samples of Rajpardi lignite mine is represented by angiospermic pollen belonging to palms and arborescent dicotyledons, pteridophytic spores and fungal fruiting bodies. In all, 35 genera and 46 species are recorded which are dominated by dicotyledonous pollen. The present assemblage also comprises some significant taxa, viz., Matanomadhiasulcites maximus, Retimonosulcites ovatus, Lakiapollis ovatus, Tribrevicolporites eocenicus, Tricolporopilites robustus, Dermatobrevicolporites dermatus, Laevigatopolycolpites rotatus and Lanagiopollis spp., etc., in which some of the palynotaxa have been assigned to various extant families. On the basis of similarity with modern taxa, it is envisaged that these fossil palynotaxa were the representative of tropical to subtropical vegetation belonging to swamp habitat. This assemblage is correlated with Naredi Formation, Kutch as well as other contemporaneous deposits of India and an Early Eocene age has been assigned. The stratigraphic significance and botanical affinity of the palynofloral have also been discussed.
Biopetrological study of coals from Ramagundam coalfield, Godavari basin, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Sarate O.S.
Published: September 2022

A detailed petrographic study of eight coal seams from Ramagundam Coalfield, Andhra Pradesh is presented here. The top section of the coal seam I A, I, II, III A, III and IV contains workable thickness. Reflectance study has revealed that the seams IA (middle), III B, III A, III (top) and IV contain coal of high volatile bituminous C rank. Coal seams I A (top and bottom parts), I, II and III (middle) seams/part thereof are constituted by alternate coal bands of high volatile bituminous C and high volatile bituminous B rank. Besides, coal seam III and coal bands present below I seam have attained intermediate stage (high volatile bituminous C to sub-bituminous A) and high volatile bituminous C rank. Index seam is represented by coal of high volatile bituminous C and intermediate stage of the rank. The maceral study has revealed that the different seams are characterized mostly by the dominance of collinite maceral. Occasionally cracks in the vitrinite bands are filled either by clay or pyrite (grains/framboids) inerals. Exinite is represented by the microspore and megaspores of variable shape and size, sporangia, seeds, resin bodies, tenui and crassi-cutinites and algal elements. Inertinite Group is characterized by fusinite, semifusinite, inertodetrinite, sclerotinite and pyro-and degrade-fusinite macerals. Transition from vitrinite to semifusinite and semifusinite to fusinite is frequently observed. The microlithtype analysis has shown that the shaly coal, bright and dull coal have characteristic composition. These coals have been grouped under three categories as vitric, fusic and mixed (vitro-fusic and fuso-vitric) type. It is inferred that the sight of deposition has been a tectonically controlled slowly sinking basin.
Pteridophytes during the Tertiary period of south India as revealed by their characteristic sporomorphs
Authors: Ramanujam C.G.K.
Published: September 2022

The Tertiary deposits (subsurface and/or surface) of south India show 31 genera and 66 species of pteridophytic spores referable to Lycopodiaceae, Gleicheniaceae, Osmundaceae, Ophioglossaceae, Hymenophyllaceae, Schizacaceae, Parkeriaceae, Pteridaceae, Cyatheaceae/Dicksoniaceae and Ploypodiaceae. Both in numbers and diversity the pteridophytes were much more abundant during Neogene (Miocene) than in Palaeogene. Schizacaceae and Polypodiaceae constitute the predominant families. Schizaeoisporites and Polypodiisporites are the best represented genera. However, Lygodiumsporites, Crassoretitriletes, Neyvelisporites, Schizaeoisporites, pteridacidites and Polypodiisporites taken together, may be considered as characteristic of the Miocene palynoassemblages.
Studies in fossil gymnospermous woods - Part VIII. A new species of Araucarioxylon - A. wejgaoense from Lower Gondwana of Chandrapur District, Maharashtra
Authors: Agashe S.N. , Shashi Kumar M.S.
Published: September 2022

Recent palaeobotanical field work carried in Lower Gondwana exposures of Chandrapur District has brought to light several petrified woods with good preservation. Most of them were found in nalas. Amongst them, a new species of Araucarioxylon has been described in this paper.
Ultrastructure of the "cuticular membrane" in two Late Triassic corystospermaceous taxa from India
Authors: Maheshwari H.K , Bajpai Usha
Published: September 2022

Ultrastructure of the cuticular membrane in two types of corystospermaceous pinnae, referred to Dicroidium gouldii (= D. corlaceum sensu Pal 1984) and Dicroidium sp. (= D. zuben sensu Pal 1984) has been studied. It is observed that while the epidermal pattern in the two species shows only minor variation, at the ultrastructure level the cuticular membranes of the two species show significant differences.
Palynofossils from the Tertiary (Barail Group) of Nagaland Palaeoecological interpretation and age
Authors: Mandal J.
Published: September 2022

The palynofloral assemblage from the sediments of Barail Group exposed on the Moriani-Mokokchung Road, Nagaland contains 43 genera and 52 species. Spores of Parkeriaceae and Polypodiaceae dominate the assemblage, whereas Tricolporopilites, Lanagiopollis, Lakiapollis and palm pollen are the major angiospermic elements. The assemblage compares well with that of the Kopili Formation of Assam and Bengal Basin and Harudi Formation of Kutch Basin. The palynoassemblage indicates an Upper Eocene age. The presence of Barringtonia and Parkeriaceae indicates swampy environment of deposition.
Tertiary evolution of Caribbean vegetation in the context of geologic and nearshore marine events
Authors: Graham Alan
Published: September 2022

Estimates of SST (sea surface temperature) during the Cenozoic are complicated by uncertainty as to the presence, extent, and effect of glaciers in the Paleogene, and by an emerging re-evaluation of the accuracy of foraminifera  to precisely record changes in equatorial ocean water temperatures in the Neogene, especially at the last glacial maximum (18,000 years B.P.). If Paleogene marine temperatures were as warm as at present, Early Tertiary floras deposited at the ocean-continent interface should record vegetation comparable in ecological import to that of the present. The middle (?) to Late Eocene Gatuncillo flora from Panama (9° N latitude) is similar to the modern vegetation along the north (Atlantic) coast of southern Central America. This argues for the presence of limited glaciers, probably on Antarctica, to account for the increasing 18O in the marine waters. Assuming that any cooling of low latitude SST’s in the late-glacial extended into early glacial times, at least to some extent, Neogene floras should reflect these cooler conditions. The Middle Pliocene (N20; 4-5 Ma) Paraje Solo palynoflora from coastal southeastern Mexico (~18° N latitude) suggests a MAT (mean annual temperature) at least 2°-3°C cooler than at present. The cause(s) likely involved continued decline in CO2 concentration, threshold changes in ocean water circulation, upwelling, deposition just prior to closure of the Isthmus of Panama (~3.5-2.5 Ma) which strengthened poleward transport of ocean heat, and also orbitally induced global lowering of temperatures. The temperature change suggested by the Middle Pliocene Paraje Solo palynofloral is about mid-way between the calculated ~5° C cooling by 18,000 yrs B.P., based on the 18O/16O ratios and strontium evidence from Barbados corals, and the CLIMAP (Climate Long-range Investigation and Mapping Program) estimated of stable equatorial SST about as warm as at present.
Aspect and appraisal of Late Quaternary vegetation of Lower Bengal Basin
Authors: Chandra Sunirmal , Hait Arghya K.
Published: September 2022

Available information, including the latest ones, on palynological investigations of Late Quaternary deposits of Lower Bengal Basin revealed the existence of brackish water swamp forest similar to the present day mangrove forest of Sundarbans in four different periods, viz., ca. 32,000 ca. 22,000, ca. 14,500 and ca. 7000 yrs B.P, established by radiocarbon dating. Consideration of present day environment of mangroves of the Sundarbans reflects their intertidal habitat. Sea-level changes in the Lower Bengal Basin demonstrates recurrent mangrove forest through the Late Quaternary using pollen analytical method and study of logs of woods in semi-decomposed state. Attempts have been made here to collocate the fossil data with Carbon 14 dating.

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A palynological study on Upper Palaeozoic sediments in the palaeosuture zone area (W. Yunnan, China) and its phytogeographical significance
Authors: Weiping Yang
Published: September 2022

Several important findings of Late Palaeozoic palynomorphs in the different blocks of West Yunnan have been made in the present palynological investigation. The Granulatisporites frustulentus assemblage (Playford, 1976), typically distributed in Gondwana subcontinent, has been found in Sipaishan, Gengma. It could be roughly divided into the Grandispora spiculifera assemblage (Tournaisian) and the Anapiculatisporites largus - Lycospora pusilla (Visean) assemblage respectively, which have been correlated with those in West Europe and Australia. An attempt has been made to correlate these Gengma assemblages to the standard West Europe miospore zones of BP, PC(?) and Pu. Some Early Permian miospores have been recovered in Haibang, Ali and Kongshuhe, Tengchong respectively. The miospores found in Haibang are characterized by some Carboniferous relict genera, such as Lycospora, Densosporites, but dominated by Protohaploxypinus, Striatopodocarpites, which are the typical representatives in Gondwana palynological province. Jayantisporites pseudozonatus and Microhaculispora tentula, typically distributed in the Lower Permian of the Collie Basin, Western Australia, and Karoo Basin in South Africa, have been found in Kongshuhe, Tengchong. Therefore, it is obvious that the Gondwana microflora had once arrived in Tengchong and even in the Changning-Menglian belt in West Yunnan during Early Carboniferous and Early Permian. In Simao block, North Hemisphere palynomorphs were dominated in Late Carboniferous Namurian section and Late Permian Dengkong section without the mixture of Gondwana-type palynomorphs.

The miospore similarities of western Yunnan with both West Europe and Australia in Early Carboniferous and with Australia solely in Early Permian indicate that West Yunnan was perhaps located much further to the west (Early Carboniferous) and south than the previous continent reconstruction. Such a miospore conclusion seems to coincide with the palaeomagnetic data analysis.
Permian phytogeography of China
Authors: Jun Wang , Guanglong Shen
Published: September 2022

Based on the characteristics, developing history and geotectonic position of different floral localities, the Permian flora of China may be divided into 13 phytoprovinces which belong to five phytoareas of four phytorealms, respectively.
Evolutionary stages of Triassic flora in Siberia (Angarida)
Authors: Mogutcheva N.K.
Published: September 2022

The Triassic flora of Siberia has been studied from three series of Triassic system in continuous sections. Therefore, its successive alterations and stages in the evolution throughout Triassic from the P/T boundary may be traced. Due to alternation of floristic complexes and marine deposits, the age of floristic complex may be precisely determined. The most ancient complex is studied from Induan deposits. In a single section Permian cordaitean flora is replaced.

In Siberia, the Early Triassic flora is heterogeneous. Two major floras, occupying different ecological niches, are distinguished: the lycopod flora (dominated by Tomiostrobus and Pleuromeia) being confined to marine plain, and the conifer fern (Korvunchanskaya) flora is distributed within intracontinental areas where intense volcanism had occurred at that time. The Middle Triassic flora is scanty in Siberia. The Early Ladinian flora differs from both the Early Triassic and Late Triassic ones, while the Late Ladinian flora is closely related to the Late Triassic flora.
Floral change across the Permian-Triassic Boundary in Damodar and Auranga Valleys
Authors: Banerji J.
Published: September 2022

Megafloral change across the Permian-Triassic boundary is distinct but not very abrupt. The general composition of the flora is more or less similar in the Upper Permian-Lower Triassic time slice except for the appearance of a few significant taxa in the Lower Triassic, such as Lepidopteris and Dicroidium. The size of Glossopteris leaves becomes smaller in the Panchet beds. Dicroidium appeared a little later than Lepidopteris in the uppermost part of the Lower Triassic. Palynological studies of Panchet beds (Maitur Formation) indicate that striate disaccate rich mioflora gradually declines accompanied by the emergence of some new elements like-Decisporis, Verrucosisporites, Playfordiaspora and Arcuatipollenites (Lunatisporites). The megaspores - Banksisporites, Maiturisporites and Pantiella are confined to Panchet Formation only.
Physical and biological changes across the Jurassic/Cretaceous Boundary in northwestern Kutch Basin
Authors: Dubey Nageshwar , Chatterjee B.K.
Published: September 2022

In the northwestern part of the Kutch Basin, Lower Cretaceous shales and trigonid-bearing / bioturbated/barren sandstones, overlie the glauconitic Upper Tithonian Virgatosphinctes-bearing "Umia Ammonite Bed" (138±20 Ma). During the lithofacies studies of this sequence, lithology, physical and biogenic sedimentary structures, bed geometry, palaeocurrent and fossil contents were given special attention. Laboratory investigations of heavy minerals, rock fragments and clay minerals revealed two distinct assemblages, one for the lower (Jurassic) and other for the upper (Cretaceous) part of the sequence. Lower part of the sequence is rich in low energy sedimentary structures, biogenic structures of sediment and deposit feeder, heavies and rock fragments of the metamorphic province and clay minerals of marine origin. On the other hand, the upper part is rich in high energy sedimentary structures, biogenic structures of suspension feeders, heavies and rock fragments of the granitic province and clay minerals of fresh to brackish water origin. These differences are of vital importance in delineating major changes such as shoreline orientation, changing provenance, relative sea level and tectonics during Jurassic/Cretaceous period in the northwestern Kutch Basin.
Change of micropaleontological assemblages at the Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary in Western Siberia
Authors: Podobina V.M. , Kabanova V.M. , Kseneva T.G.
Published: September 2022

The foraminiferal and spore-pollen complexes were studied at the boundary of Maastrichtian-Danian (CretaceousPalaeogene) in Western Siberia. Terrigenic-argillaceous rocks with admixture of carbonaceous material from the upper part of Gankinsky Suite and lower layers of Talitsky Suite belong to this stratigraphical interval. Carbonaceous secreted and secreted agglutinated shells predominate among benthic Foraminifers. Planktonic forms were seldom and consist of representatives of the genera - Rugoglobigerina and Guembelina in the Maastrichtian and genera Globigerina and (rarely) Globorotalia in the Danian. At the Cretaceous-Palaeogene Boundary, palynocomplexes consist of group of angiosperm pollen. The flora producing Triprojectacites - type pollen became extinct in Late Maastrichtian. The active settling of western Siberia by "Norma" flora was confined to the beginning of the Palaeogene. Parallel with Normapolles representatives of Myricaceae, Fagaceae, Ulmaceae, Juglandaceae, Betulaceae, etc. originated and formed. They forced Out the short-lived group of large-pollen "Norma" by the end of Paleocene.
Palynological changes across subsurface Palaeocene-Eocene sediments at Barmer, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Tripathi S.K.M.
Published: September 2022

Palynofloras recovered from core samples from two bore-holes MK 327 and MK 332 drilled near Kapurdi, Barmer, Rajasthan are rich and diversified. Restricted occurrence of Matanomadhiasulcites maximus and Triangulorites pachyexinus alongwith other long-ranging taxa demarcates the Palaeocene sediments from those of Eocene. Presence of Eocene sediments in the studied bore-holes is indicated by the restricted occurrence of Meliapollis pachydermis, M. symplex, Lygodiumsporites lakiensis and Foveotricolporites reticuloidus. Two palynological zones, Assemblage Zone A indicating Late Palaeocene age and Assemblage Zone B indicating Early Eocene age, have been identified in the bore-hole sequences and sediments representing these zones have been correlated with Akli and Mataji Ka Dungar formations, respectively of the Barmer Basin.
Early Cretaceous Athyrium Roth from Northeastern China
Authors: Fen Chen  , Shenghui Deng  , Keqin Sun
Published: September 2022

Four species of the Early Cretaceous genus Athyrium viz., A. cretaceum Chen et Meng, A. fuxinense Chen et Meng, A. hulunianum Chen, Ren et Deng and A. hailaerianum Deng et Chen from Northeastern China have been systematically studied by scanning electron microscope. The palaeoecology of the Early Cretaceous Athyrium has also been discussed in detail in this paper.
Plant tissue culture and biotechnology
Authors: B.M. Johri  , P.S. Srivastava  , Madhumati Purohit
Published: September 2022

Plant tissue culture has progressed steadily ever since its inception in 1902. The initial experiments related to various tissues that could sustain prolonged in vitro conditions. The differential response of the cultured tissues under variable chemical milieu provided the necessary impetus to utilize the technique in a profitable manner. Over the years efficacy of the technique became apparent when noticeable in vitro morphogenic responses could be used to unravel the mysteries of growth and differentiation. Expectedly, therefore, any morphogenic event expressed in vitro could be correlated to the specific components of the nutritive medium.

By the 1970s the applicability of the technique came to be realized with the possibility of exploring somatic hybridization, micropropagation of recalcitrant species, haploid, and triploid plants, and finally genetic manipulations. Today, plant tissue culture has become an integral part of biotechnology and is being routinely employed for the improvement of crops and legumes- the backbone of human nutrition that can also aid in the amelioration of malnutrition of millions of sufferers. The ultimate success with the transfer of 'nif’-gene to non-leguminous plants would help save millions of dollars in chemical fertilizers which can then be profitably used for the welfare of the human race.
Evolution and Ecology of the Cathaysia flora
Authors: Keqin Sun , Chandra Shaila
Published: September 2022

The Cathaysia flora, one of four famous floras of Late Carboniferous and Permian periods in the world, is mainly distributed in Asia, such as China, Korea, Japan, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. China is one of the most important countries for the Cathaysia flora, which derived from the identical Lepidodendropsis flora of the Early Carboniferous on a global scale. From the beginning of the Namurian A, the Cathaysia flora gradually separated from the global Lepidodendropsis flora and it could be recognized as an independent flora in the early Late Carboniferous (Namurian B to C). According to the succession of the Cathaysia flora of different geological ages, the flora may be divided into seven fossil-plant assemblages from early Late Carboniferous to late Late Permian so as to reflect the characteristics of floral evolutionary stages. From the early Late Carboniferous to the early Late Permian, the typical elements of the Cathaysia flora gradually increased. The Cathaysia flora ranged from the beginning of the early Late Carboniferous to the end of the Permian in age. The most obvious changes of dry climate and tectonic movement caused the extinction of the Cathaysia flora by the end of the Late Permian. The Cathaysian floral province, located in the equatorial region under tropical climatic condition during the Carboniferous and Permian, was characterized by lycopods, ferns, pteridosperms, sphenopsids and cordaitean gymnosperms. The vertical structure of floral communities included arbores, tree ferns, shrubs and herbs.
Palynofossils from the Early-Middle Miocene deposits of Kachi-1 Well in Block II, Yellow Sea Basin, Korea
Authors: Sangheon Yi
Published: September 2022

A palynofossil assemblage of twenty-nine species is described from the Early-Middle Miocene sediments of the Kachi-1 Well. The assemblage consists of two species of bryophytes, one of pteridophytes, six gymnosperm pollen and eighteen angiosperm pollen. The palynoflora of Magnastriatites-Fupingopollenites Assemblage Zone (468-492 m) compares closely with that of the Neogene sediments of eastern North China. This interval is characterised by the predominance of age-diagnostic taxa: Magnastriatites granulastriatites and Fupingopollenites minutus which represent Early to Late Miocene and Middle Oligocene to Middle Miocene respectively in Chinese strata. The flora indicates a sedimentary environment of a lowland swamp surrounded by slopes which were occupied by deciduous broadleaved trees under a predominantly humid warm-temperate climate.
A new inaperturate pollen genus from the Late Miocene sediments of Site 218 of DSDP Leg 22 in the Central Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean
Authors: Saxena R.K. , Kumar Madhav , Chandra Anil
Published: September 2022

A new pollen genus Varisculptinaperturites has been described from the Late Miocene sediments of Site 218 of DSDP Leg 22 in the Central Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean. The genus accommodates inaperturate pollen ornamented with two types of sculpture, smaller spines and gemmae and larger clavae/baculae.
Vagaries of the summer monsoon rains
Authors: Das P.K.
Published: September 2022

Summer monsoonal rains are very important for agriculture in our country. Fluctuations in monsoonal performance often create wide variations in crop production. In the present paper, the predictability of monsoon rains in the context of Professor Lorenz's recent work has been discussed. Variations in sea-surface temperature and snow cover and their impact on monsoonal rains are also discussed. Recent work on, the ENSO event and monsoons is described. The article covers the statistical methods for long-range prediction of rains. The limitations of the current 16-parameter regression equation are mentioned. In conclusion, the cost benefits, which can be assessed by methods based on probability are discussed.
Lower Cretaceous plant fossils from Bairam-Belkher area, District Amravati, Maharashtra and District Betul, Madhya Pradesh and their significance in stratigraphy
Authors: Srivastava A.K. , Banubakode P.D. , Kale V.M. , Patil G.V. , Manik S.K.
Published: September 2022

A plant fossil assemblage comprising of Matonidium indicum, Sphenopteris sp., Cladophlebis indica, Ptilophyllum cutchense, P. acutifolium, Taeniopteris spatulata, T. vittata, Pagiophyllum sp., Brachyphyllum sp., Araucarites cutchense, Elatocladus tenerrinus, E. sp., E. kingianus and Elatocladussp. A has been described from a new locality of the Bairam-Belkher area in District Amravati, Maharastra, and District Betul, Madhya Pradesh. Ptilophyllum and Matonidium are the most abundant genera in this assemblage. An attempt has also been made to compare the present assemblage which shows an affinity with the Lower Cretaceous assemblages of Peninsular India, i.e. Himmatnagar, Gardeshwar, Gollapalle, etc. On the basis of various taxa belonging to Bennettitales and Filicales, a warm and humid climate has been interpreted.
Chunnilal Khatiyal Award 1998 awarded to Amit K. Ghosh
Authors: Sinha A.K.
Published: September 2022

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