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Extraction of nucleic acids in pure form from organisms is of paramount importance for DNA based identification and other molecular studies. Over the past few decades, DNA-barcoding has emerged as a powerful technique, facilitating species identification across various 'difficult to identify' life-forms. Fungi, being an immensely diverse group of microorganisms, contribute significantly to global biodiversity, with estimates ranging from 2.2 to 3.8 million species. However, a vast majority of this diversity remains unidentified, and many fungal species are considered cryptic. Therefore, numerous large- and small-scale DNA-barcoding projects are being conducted worldwide to unravel this rich biodiversity. However, the rigidity and high complex polysaccharides content of fungal cell-wall presents a significant obstacle, making the extraction of high-quality genomic DNA a challenging task across varied fungal organisms. In this study, we employed a modified CTAB based method to isolate and purify high-quality PCR-amplifiable genomic DNA primarily from lichens and tested it on other fungal life forms as well, including, mushrooms, endolichenic fungi, and parasitic fungi. Remarkably, the isolated DNA proved successful as a template in PCR reactions, serving the purposes of DNA barcoding, RAPD as well as for metagenomic analysis effectively. This versatile protocol demonstrated its utility across all the fungal life forms investigated in this study, offering a universal, cost-effective, and efficient approach for fungal DNA isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological status of medicinal and aromatic plants species (MAPs) in the alpine region of the Western Himalaya was assessed to identify the current threats on these MAPs. Of the 400 MAPs reported from the alpine region of Uttarakhand, 50 highly used and commercially exploited MAPs were prioritized for assessment. A semistructured questionnaire survey was used in the representative sites (50) of the alpine landscape based on the information, parts used, locality of occurrence, and socioeconomic status. Field surveys were conducted using Rapid Mapping Exercise (RME) (4 plots of 1 × 1 m at every 50 m distance, total 40 plots in one transect) along the elevation and habitat gradient to assess the population status of species. The intensity of threat was evaluated using a rapid threat assessment (RTA) approach using eight criteria viz., plant parts used, life forms, habitat, endemism, population size, use pattern, trade, and threat status. The recorded magnitude of threats revealed that Angelica glauca, Nardostachys jatamansi, Aconitum heterophyllum, and Rheum australe were the most vulnerable. Roots/rhizomes (68%) were the most frequently used plant parts of MAPs, followed by inflorescence/fruit (19%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kumaun Himalaya is a home to various threatened medicinal and aromatic plants. Picrorhiza kurroa is a threatened medicinal plant useful in curing many diseases in Indian Himalayan region. Due to overharvesting from the wild its population is decreasing at an alarming rate. The present study attempted to assess its availability and predict highly suitable areas for in situ conservation in the alpine region of Kumaun. Availability of P. kurroa across various meadows was evaluated through rapid mapping exercise. MaxEnt model was used to predict the geographical distribution of the species using various environmental and physiographic parameters, and 29 primary distribution points. The results reveal that potential habitat of P. kurroa is located near forest fringes. Of the 3,828km2 area (vegetated) of the alpine region of Kumaun, about 202km2 is recorded highly suitable, 489km2 less suitable and the rest not suitable for the species. It is also revealed that Napalchu nala, Panchachuli base, Chhipla Kedar, Rongkong, Ralam, Milam, Dwali, and Pindari areas are highly suitable areas for distribution of P. kurroa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on population assessment and threat categorization in selected populations of Malaxis acuminate D. Don., a rare, terrestrial, endangered medicinal orchid of Himalayan region and an important "Astverga" plant were undertaken. Status was determined on siteto- site basis as well as for entire Kumaun region. Based on species occurrence in selected areas, the species were identified as critically endangered to endangered in different sites studied. The results also revealed that natural distribution of the species was narrowing down due to habitat destruction and over exploitation. Immediate remedial measures are needed for the conservation of natural sites to ensure sustainable mode of utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]