I BSC II SEMESTER CBCS BOTANY PAPER-II

Plant ecology, Phytogeography, Plant Pathology

SREE SIDDAGANGA COLLEGE

OF ARTS, SCIENCE and COMMERCE
B.H. ROAD, TUMKUR

(AFFILIATED TO TUMKUR UNIVERSITY)

BOTANY PAPER-II

STUDY MATERIAL

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Plant ecology, Phytogeography, Plant Pathology

UNIT-1 (2 Hr)

Introduction and Scope of Ecology

The branch of Biology that deals with the study of interrelationships and interdependence
between biotic and Abiotic factors in an environment is called “Ecology or “Environmental
biology”.
In 1886 German Zoologist Ernst Haekal coined the term ‘Ecology’. It is derived from Greek
words where ‘Oikos ‘means ‘home’. And ‘logos’ means ‘to study’. Odum Defines Ecology as
“The study of structure and function of nature”.

The term ‘Environment is derived from French word where ‘Environer’ means ‘to encircle ‘or ‘to
surround’. “The study of interactions of man with the living and non living components of
environment and interdisciplinary field study is referred as “Environmental studies”.

SCOPE OF ECOLOGY

1. Study of Ecology provides knowledge for proper maintenance of natural resources.

2. It helps to understand the harmful effects of pollution, need for its control.
3. It provides knowledge about population, their interactions with environment. And
necessity of maintenance of delicate balance between living and none living
components of nature.
4. It provides Knowledge on Biodiversity, their types, reasons of depletion, their
importance and methods of conservation.
5. It helps to take suitable steps to prevent the extinction of species and protect
endangered (Species towards extinction) and endemic (Species restricted to a particular
geographical region) species.
6. It gives knowledge about the need for sustainable development.
7. It helps to understand process of evolution.
8. It helps to discover new sources of food and energy.
9. It provides the importance of following laws of nature, Values, natural balance,
management and Coexistence.
10. It helps in finding jobs as Environmental officers, research scientists, and clean
technology entrepneurers.

2 marks questions

1. What is Ecology?
2. What is meant by Environment?
5 marks Questions

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1. Write a note on Scope of Ecology.

2. Mention the importance of Environmental studies.

UNIT-2 ( 10 Hrs)

Ecological factors-Climatic factors-light,Temperature, Wind, Precipitation and Atmospheric

humidity. Edaphic factors-Soil factors- Soil Profile, Types of Soil, soil Humus, Soil water, Soil
PH, Soil organisms and Soil temperature. Biotic factors- Positive and Negative interrractions.

INTRODUCTION

The branch of Biology that deals with the study of interrelationship between the organisms and
their environment is called ‘Ecology or Environmental Biology’.

SUB- DIVISIONS OF ECOLOGY

Ecology includes 2 Sub-divisions. They are I) Aut Ecology II) Syn ecology.
I. AUT ECOLOGY : Study of an individual or individuals belonging to same species in relation to
their environment is called ‘ Aut ecology’. Individuals of same species constitute’population’.
Study of population in terms of Growth and reproduction is called ‘Population ecology’.

II. SYN ECOLOGY: Study of individuals of different species in relation to their environment is
called ‘Syn ecology’. It includes following types: -
a) Habitat ecology b) Community ecology c)Ecosystem Ecology.
a) Habitat ecology : Study of individuals of different species in relation to their habitat such as
fresh water, marine , Grass land , Forest etc are called ‘ Habitat ecology’.
b) Community ecology: Population of different species in a common habitat is called
‘Community ‘. Study of members of community in relation to their environment is called
‘Community ecology’.
c) Ecosystem ecology : A biotic and Biotic components in an area interact and constitutes
an ‘Ecosystem.’ Study Biotic communities in relation to their environment is called
‘Ecosystem ecology’.

ECOLOGICAL FACTORS
The environmental conditions which bring about adaptations in organisms are called ‘Ecological
factors’. They are classified into 2 groups 1. A biotic factors or Physical factors. 2. Biotic factors.

A ] ABIOTIC FACTORS OR PHYSICAL FACTORS The non-living components of the environment

constitute an abiotic factors. It includes 2 types 1) Climatic factors 2) Edaphic factors.

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[ I ] CLIMATIC FACTORS
Factors of the atmosphere such as Precipitation, Light, Temperature, Humidity, and Wind
constitute Climatic factors. The proportion of these factors in a given locality at a particular
time is called ‘Climate’. It varies from region to region.

WATER:- Water is an important ecological factor in plant’s life. It is an universal solvent. In

nature it is found in 3 forms. They are Precipitation, Atmospheric moisture, soil moisture.
. 1. PRECIPITATION ( Rainfall) :-
Precipitation is the chief source of soil moisture. Clouds consist of water vapors which condense
and precipitate out of the atmosphere. This is known as ‘Precipitation’. It occurs in various
forms as follows: -
Drizzle: minute droplets floating in air.
Rain: Large drops of water. It is the main source of water for plants.
Snow: Moisture in solid state. It is injurious to plants because it breaks tender shoot, branches,
flowers fruits, but melting of snow is the source of water to soil.
Dew/ Frost: Formed due to condensation of moisture on objects.
Hail: Balls of Ice. It causes damage to aerial parts of the plants.
Rain is the main source of soil water, it is caused by monsoon. Amount of Annual rain fall
decides the type of vegetation. In India vegetation is diversified.
Evergreen forest: - Above 80” throughout year.
Deciduous forest: Annual rainfall between 40- 80”.
Grass land – Annual rainfall between 40 -20”. Desert : Annual rainfall below 20”.

2. ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE[ HUMIDITY]

Water is present in the atmosphere in invisible form called Humidity. Actual amount of water
vapor or moisture in the atmosphere is called ‘Absolute humidity’. Percentage of moisture
present at a particular temperature is called’ Relative Humidity ‘. It is measured with the help of
Psychomotor. Moisture in visible form is called Fog or Cloud. These are formed by cooling of
air to a temperature below its dew point.Clouds are formed due to upward movement of air
from land towards cooler sides of atmosphere. Fog is caused due to cooling of air at or near
land surface .
At higher atmospheric humidity rate of transpiration is slow. At low humidity rate of
transpiration it is high. Humidity is the chief source of water for Orchids.

3. TEMPERATURE
Plants require definite range of temperature to perform physiological activities. Generally
temperature range of 26 to 32 C is suitable for many plants. Based on tolerance to heat plants
are classified as follows: -

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a) Megatherms :- These plants require high range of temperature ie.,40 C . Ex: Xerophytes.
b) Mesotherms: These plants require neither high or low range of temperature ie.,20 C to 40 C .
c) Microtherms:- These plants require very low temperature ie., 0 to 20 C .
d)Hekisthotherms:- These plants require extreme low temp..Ex: Alpine vegetation, bacteria.

“Some plants require low temperature for flowering. Cold treatment of plants to induce early
flowering is called ‘Thermoperiodism’.It is also called ‘Vernalisation ‘. Lysenko used the term
Vernalization”.

4. LIGHT
Light is an ecological factor that affects the distribution of plants. Radiant energy released from
sun on reaching earth surface constitute light. It is essential for development of Chlorophyll,
Photosynthesis, opening and closing of stomata, growth, flowering etc.
Based on quantity& intensity of light requirement ,plants are ecologically classified into 2 types.
I) Heliophytes: Plants growing best in full sun light.
II) Sciophytes: Plants growing best in low light intensity. Length of the daily light period to
which plants are exposed has effect on the vegetative growth as well as flowering of the plants.
The influence of light on the flowering process in plants is called ‘Photoperiodism’. Based on
their light requirement for flowering, plants are classified into 3 types:-
I] Short day plants:- Plants which flower when day length is short( Between 12- 14 hours) are
called’ Short day plants’. Ex: - Aster, Dhalia, Tobacco,Chrysanthimum, Datura, Salvia.
2] Long day plants : Plants which flower when day length is length is long are called’ Long day
p lants’.Ex: Potato, Wheat, Spinach, Radish.
3] Day neutral plants:- Plants in which flowering is not affected by length of the day are called
‘Day neutral plants’. Ex: Pea, Tomato, Balsam,Sunflower, Cucumis, maize.

5. WIND
Air in motion is called ‘Wind’. It is an important ecological factor of the atmosphere. It brings
about many physical, physiological and anatomical effects on plants.
PHYSICAL EFFECTS
1.Breakage and uprooting:- High velocity of wind may cause breakage of living branches of
trees and even sometimes uproot trees.
2. Deformation:- Strong wind from constant direction may cause permanent alteration in form
and position of shoot.Ex: Trees growing on ridges and along coast.
3. Lodging:-Violent wind cause flattening of shoots. Ex:Grass, maize, wheat, sugarcane.
4. Abrasion:- Wind carry particals of soil or Ice which act as strong abrasive force, by which
buds and other parts of the plants may get eroded.Ex: Crops grown in sandy soil.
5. Erosion and deposition:- Wind removes top layer of the soil exposing roots of plants. areas

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where additional soil is deposited become unsuitable for plants growing there.
6. Salt spray:- Strong wind along sea coast carry salts of water which have injurious effect for
plants growing there.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL EFFECTS OF WIND

1.Compression of wood: - Wind deformation in tree boles develops dense, reddish type of
xylem called ‘Compression wood’ on the compression side. Or in herbs it may stimulate
collenchyma formation in wind deformed side.
2. Desiccation:- Strong wind cause an increase in rate of evaporation and transpiration. Thus
suffer from desiccation. Plants with crowded branches escape such damage.
3. Dwarfing:- Plants growing under the influence of drying winds suffer from dehydration,loss
of turgidity. Their organs become dwarfed.Ex: trees on sea coast, Artic and Alpine timber lines.

[II ] EDAPHIC FACTOR

Part of earth’s crust that supports living organisms, particularly plants is called ‘Soil’. It is
formed by weathering of rock. It is composed of Mineral matter, Soil water, Soil air, Soil
organisms, Horizons etc.

1.MINERAL MATTER
weathering of rock results in mineral particles , which varies in size . depending on their size ,
mineral particles are of following types:-

NAME OF PARTICLE DIAMETER ( mm)

Clay Less than 0.002
Silt 0.002 to 0.020
Fine sand 0.020 to 0.200
Coarse sand 0.200 to 2.000
Fine gravel 2.000 to 5.000
Coarse gravel Above 5000
Soil texture is determined by relative proportion of mineral particles of different sizes present
in the soil. Based on this soil is classified into following types:- a) Sandy soil:- This type of soil
has 85% coarse particles , 15% of Clay,or silt.It has good aeration ,poor water holding capacity.It
supports growth of Xerophytes.it is called Physically dry soil. b) Loam soil:- This type of soil has
50% of sand, 50% of clay or silt and humus. It has good aeration, good water holding capacity,
rich in organic nutrients and best for growth of all kinds of plants .c)Clay soil:- This type of soil
has more percentage of clay than sand. It has good water holding capacity, poor aeration.It is
suitable for crop plants and vegetables. d) Silt soil:- This type of soil has moderate amount of

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silt and clay. It has good aeration, good water holding capacity. It supports all types of
vegetation.

2 .ORGANIC MATTER [ SOIL HUMUS]

Decomposed dead plants , Animals and their excreta in the soil constitutes soil humus. It is a
source of mineral nutrients, which binds soil particles into aggregate structure increasing water
infiltration, aeration and water holding capacity. All organic debris fallen recently to the ground
is called ‘Litter’. Just beneath litter is partly decomposed organic matter called ‘Duff’. The
amount and chemical nature of litter depend upon the type of vegetation. Based on chemical
and biological status it is classified into 2 types. They are Mull humus and MOR humus.
1) Mull humus:-It is porous, loose mass composed of mixture of humus with mineral soil.
PH is 5, rich in microbial activity, earth worms are plenty.
2) Mor humus:- It is non porous humus with very low organic matter content, present like a
carpet on the top of mineral soil. PH is less than 4. Decomposition is slow, earth worms are
absent. Vegetation is dominated by mosses, Ericaceae.
In Grasslands organic matter is is formed by roots as aerial shoots are grazed. In Aquatic plants
salts are absorbed from mud, rich in nitrogen.

3. SOIL SOLUTION
Soil solution is water present in the soil with dissolved necessary minerals like carbonates,
sulphates, nitrates, chlorides, and organic salts like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium,
etc. The chemical nature of solution depends on the nature of parent matter through which
water has percolated.
Based on the PH value of soil solution soil can be grouped into 3 types:-
a) Acidic soil:- Acidic soil has PH value is less than 7. It is less in calcium. Plants growing in acidic
soil are called ‘Calciphobus ‘ or’ calciphytes’. Ex: Cotton, Jowar, Maize, Grond nut.
b)Alkaline soil:- Acidic soil has PH more than 7. Plants growing in alkaline soil are called
‘Calciphilous’. It is physiologically dry soil, supports growth of halophytes few mosses, ferns etc.
c) Neutral soil:-Neutral soil has PH 7. It is composed of moderate proportions of acids and
bases. It supports growth of all kinds of plants.
Soil borne diseases such as root rot of cotton; root rot of tobacco, potato scab can be
controlled by lowering PH of the soil. Diseases of potato tubers, Club root of crucifers can be
controlled by increasing the PH values.

4. SOIL AIR
Spaces between soil particles are known as Pore spaces. These are occupied by soil solution and
gases. Space between the soil particles consists of air .it constitutes soil air. gases present are
similar to those present in the atmosphere. But it has less oxygen and more carbon di oxide.

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Soil air is essential for growth of root, seed germination, and microbial activities. Poor aeration
suppress root hair development and reduce rate of absorption of water and mineral salts.

5. SOIL MOISTURE [SOIL WATER]

Main source of water for plants is atmospheric precipitation. Water content in the soil is called
‘Soil water’. It is present in 3 forms. They are as follows: -
1) Hygroscopic water:- Water present over tightly held soil particles is called Hygroscopic
water. It is not easily available for plants.
2) Capillary water:- Water present between soil particles in the form of capillaries is called
Capillary water. It is suitable for growth of plants.
3) Gravitational water :- Water that moves down wards through moist soil in response to
gravity and reach water table. Is called ‘Gravitational water’. The water in deep saturated zone
of soil is called ‘Gravitational water’, the upper surface of this is called ‘Water table’. It is not
available for plants.
In sandy soil, particles are larger with larger pore spaces which are unable to hold more water,
much water percolates to deeper layers due to gravitational attraction. Thus water is not
available for plants. Such soil is called ‘Physically dry soil’. In some soil, although water is
present in great amount, due to high degree of salinity it is rarely used by plants. Such soil with
salinity is called ‘Physiologically dry soil’.
Total amount of water present in the soil is called Holard. Amount of water absorbed by plants
is called Chresard. Water which is not absorbed by plants is called Echard.
Based on water content of the soil, ecologically plants are classified into 3 types. They are :-
a) Hydrophytes: - Plants adapted to aquatic environment.
b) Xerophytes: - Plants adopted to grow in dry lands where water content in soil is low.
C) Mesophytes [ Terrestrial] Plants adopted to grow in normal water conditions ie., soil which
has neither excess nor deficiency of water.

6. SOIL TEMPERATURE
Solar radiation is the main source of temperature. Microbial activity also generates heat which
contributes to soil temperature. Soil temp. Affects physiological activities like rate of absorption
of water and solutes, growth, seed germination etc. Low temperature influence dwarfness.

7. SOIL ORGANISMS
The organisms inhabit soil, playing a vital role in the growth of plants are called ‘Soil organisms’.
Ex: Flora (Plants) includes Bacteria, Fungi, Actinomycetes, and Algae. Fauna (Animals) includes
Protozoa, Nematodes, Mites, Insects, Earth worm, Rats etc.
Soil organisms play important role in the life of plants .Their chief roles are as follows:-
1) Soil microbes like saprophytic bacteria and fungi bring about decay and decomposition of

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organic matter .Thus increase soil fertility.

2) In poorly aerated soil chemical products of decomposition like toxins as aldehydes, Vanillin
etc. are very harmful to higher plants. Soil organisms show antagonistic effects among
themselves.

3) Some bacteria and fungi secrete growth promoting substances, such as Indole acetic acid.
4) Some bacteria and Blue green algae fix atmospheric nitrogen and maintain soil fertility.
Ex: Bacteria such as Azatobacter , Clostridium , Rhizobium, Blue green algae such as Nostoc,
Anabaena, Oscillatoria etc.
5) Soil inhabiting fungi enter roots of higher plants. These are called Micorrhiza. They provide
growth factors to it.
6) Some Blue green algae and bacteria produce mucilaginous excretions which help in binding
soil grains into aggregates.
7) Rodents, worms, insects bring about soil mixing; burrowing worms make passages which
increase soil aeration resulting in water penetration and root elongation.
8) Some fungi and worms may also cause injuries and infections to root.

SOIL PROFILE
Soil layer horizontal to the surface is called ‘Soil Horizon’. The superimposed horizons
constitutes ‘Soil profile’. Smallest volume of soil which gives the total picture of all horizons is
called ‘Pedon’.

Fig:

Soil profile differs in their physical, chemical, biotic characteristics .all horizons are not always
present in each profile. The soil profile consists of 4 main horizons. They are :-
1) ‘A’ Horizon: - It is the topmost layer . This has mineral matter with humus, clay, Aluminium
organic colloids this horizon is sub-divided into sub layers A A A A from
upwards to downwards. It is well developed in Forests and absent in grasslands.
A region: - It is well developed in forests, consisting of fresh leaf material and other organic
detritus which has not undergone decomposition. A region: - It is below A region. It contains

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organic matter in variable state of decomposition called ‘Duff’. A layer :- It is dark, as organic
debris is mixed with the mineral matter from overlying humus. A Layer:-It is light colored with
maximum leaching and without chemicals. A A are called’ mineral soil’ or ‘Solum’.
2)’B’ Horizon :- This is below A horizon. It is coarse textured; deep colored, mineral matter has
Aluminium, Iron with rich clay. This zone has maximum collection of materials.
A and B horizons together constitutes ‘Top soil’.
3) ‘C’ Horizon:- This is also known as ‘Sub –soil’. It is thick, consists of large masses of
weathered mineral matter.
4) ‘D’ Horizon:- This is the lowest horizon of soil profile composed of un weathered rock.

Relationship among organisms of Biotic community

Individuals in a population interact which may be beneficial to both interacting organisms or
beneficial to only one partner and harmful to one or both the interacting organisms. Beneficial
interactions are called ‘Positive ‘and harmful interactions are called ‘negative ‘interactions’.
A]POSITIVE INTERACTIONS
The interactions between organisms where both the interacting organisms or only one
interacting organism is benefited without harming other is called ‘ positive interaction’. These
include 1)Mutualism 2) Commensalism 3) Cooperation.
1) Mutualism:- Mutualism is a type of positive interaction where both the interacting organisms
and mutually benefited . Ex: 1. Lichens:In Lichens Algae and Fungi are in close permanent,
obligatory contact where Algae synthesize food and supply to fungi, Fungi provides shelter for
algae. 2. Nitrogen fixers: Rhizobium bacteria lives in roots of leguminous plants fix gaseous
nitrogen, makes it available to plant and obtain food from legume plant. Blue green algae such
as Nostoc , Anabaena in corolloid root of Cycas.3. Mycorrhizae: Fungi form mycorrhizal
structure inside roots of orchids and members of Ericaceae and outside surface of Pines, oaks
and help in absorption of water, minerals or provide harmones.4. Dispersal of fruits and seeds:
Fruits are eaten by birds and animals. Seeds in them are dropped at various
places.4.Pollination: Bees, moths, butterflies derive food from nectar or other plant product
and in return bring about pollination. 5. Algae Zoochlorellae live in outer tissue of sponges,
Coelenterates, Molluscs. Algae produce nitrogenous compounds beneficial to host and in
exchange they obtain materials released by metabolism of host.

2)Commesalism:- Commensalism is a type of positive interaction where only one partner is

benefited and other is neither benefited nor harmed. Ex:1. Lianas: These are woody climbers
rooted in the ground , maintain erectness of their stem by climbing on other trees.2. Epiphytes:
These are not rooted in the ground. They grows perched on other plants, use other plants only
for support but not for food and water. ex: Orchids.
3) Myrmicophily[Protocooperation]: It is a primitive type of co operation between an Ant and
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plants. Ants live in association with plants, gets food & shelter from it. In return they protect
plants from external agencies.ex: Association between Ants and trees such as mango, Acacia.

B] Negative interaction
The interactions between organisms where both the interacting organisms or only one
interacting organism is harmed is called ‘ Negaitive interaction’. These includes following types:
1)Antibiosis 2) Competition 3) Parasitism
1) Antibiosis:-Antibiosis is a type of negative interaction where one interacting organism is
benefited & the other is neither benefited nor harmed. Ex:
a) Many members of Actinomycetes fungi, number of lichens produce substances inhabits
molds and bacteria.
b) Algae Chlorella vulgaris in cultures inhibits growth of Diatom.
c) Blue green algae Mycrocystis produce toxins hydroxyl amine which causes death of microbes
d)Juglans produce toxin in the soil that affects herbs.
e)Bitter almond produces potassium cyanide that inhibits germination of poppy seeds.

2) Competition :-Competition is a type of Negative interaction where both the interacting

organisms are harmed. Ex:
a)In ecosystem individuals of the same species or different species compete for space, light,
food etc. for their survival.
b)In soil Fung, high degree of competition saprophytic ability is shown.( For colonization on
dead substrates).
3) Parasitism:- Parasitism is a type of negative interaction in which one of the interacting
organism is benefited and other is harmed.
a)Cuscuta is a total parasite on green plants. It sucks food, water from host plants through
haustoria.
b) Some Bacteria live parasites in plants, animals and human beings. Ex; Citrus canker, Mango
leaf spot. They cause diseases to the host.
C)Fungi such as Albugo, Puccinia, and Cercospora etc.live as parasites on economically
important crops, causing diseases bring about heavy loss.

[III] BIOTIC FACTORS

Organisms live together influencing directly or indirectly each other’s life in terms of growth,
reproduction, nutrition. Such interactions results in Pollination, dispersal of fruits and seeds,
grazing, symbiosis, parasitism etc. Influence of life forms on vegetation is called ‘Biotic factors’.
Role of Biotic factors is divided into Role of plants, Animals, Micro organisms, Human beings.

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1.ROLE OF PLANTS The vegetation in an environment is influenced by Biotic factors like other
plants. Plants belonging to the same species or other species, plants of one community over
other community compete with each other for their survival. Ex: Herbs, shrubs, trees, Climbers
grow together in a forest. They compete for light, space, water and minerals.
A] Effects of trees: In a forest, tall trees are profusely branched, forms canopy which prevents
sun light to fall on to the forest floor. This results in inhibitory effect on growth of Heliophytes(
Light loving plants). And encourages the growth of Sciophytes (Shade loving plants). Like
Bryophytes and Pteridophytes.
B] Effects of climbers: Climbers are weak stemmed plants which need support of other plants
to grow erect. These may pull down branches or plant and destroy them. Ex:
In Forests Root climbers like pothas .Betel, Alocasia develops adventitious roots which clasp the
supporting plant to get sun light. In Tendril climbers, Tendrils are thin, long, coiled, wiry
structures which help to climb. Ex: passion flower, Antigonon .In Woody climbers, Stem are
woody, twine around the stem of supporting tree and reach the canopy .EX: Lianas.
C] Effect of parasites: Parasites lead heterotrophic mode of Nutrition. They develop button
shaped structure called Haustoria which penetrates into the host, reach the vascular bundles,
absorb nourishment from it and ultimately destroy the host. Ex: Bacteria, Fungi, Flowering
plants like Striga, Santalum,Cuscuta , Viscum.
D] Effect of New species: - The new species in their earlier stages of development in a new
locality face many problems due to change in climatic and edaphic factors. When once they
adjust, become dominant, destroy other prior existing plants. Later whole locality will be
covered by new species.Ex: Lantana, Parthenium, Eicchornia, Acacia produces toxic substances
which kill surrounding plants.
E] Effect of Symbionts:- some plans grow in or on the surface of other plants .From this
association both the partners are mutually benefited. Ex: In Lichens Algae & Fungi are in close
permanent, obligatory contact where Algae synthesize food and supply to fungi, Fungi provides
shelter for algae. Nitrogen fixers: Rhizobium bacteria lives in root nodules of leguminous plants
fix gaseous nitrogen, makes it available to plant ,it obtain food from legume plant. Blue green
algae such as Nostoc,Anabaena in corolloid root of Cycas. Mycorrhizae: Fungi form Mycorrhizal
structure inside roots of orchids and outside surface of Pines, oaks help in absorption of water,
minerals or provide harmones.

2. ROLE OF ANIMALS : The interaction of animals with plants is of following types :-

A] Grazing animals: Eating of grass is called ‘grazing’. Continuous grazing by these animals
converts the vegetation field into a barren area. If it is unchecked, it leads to formation of
Desert called ‘Desertification’.Ex: Domesticate animals like cattle, sheep, goat, Cow .B] B]
B]Browsing animals:- Eating of tender branches of plants is called ‘Browsing’. They not only

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destroy plants but also kill small herbs, creepers, by hooves and paws .Ex: Sheep, Goat, Ass
Horse, and Cow. They lay huge quantity of dung and destroy dung hating plants (Caprophillos
plants). Unrestricted browsing within a short period convert forest into scrubby jungle with
thorny plants like canthium, Acacia, Zizipus, cacti etc.
C] Insects and worms feed on parts of plant, obstruct their development or cause diseases to
the plants & destroy them.
D] Pollination by insects and animals: Insects while feeding on nectar bring about cross
pollination .Flowers of orchids, Salvia are modified to attract insects. Some flowers emit
fragrance, some flowers are variously colored to attract particular insect. Some animals also
facilitate cross pollination.
E] Dispersal of fruits and seeds: Dispersal of fruits, seeds by animals is responsible for easy
spreading and even distribution, and increase of vegetation on this planet.
F]Carnivorous plants: Some plants growing in marshy area suffer from deficiency of nitrogen.
Such plants fulfill their nitrogen requirement by depending on insects. These are called
‘Insectivorous or Carnivorous plants’.
G] Myrmicophily: It is a type of protocoperation between Ants and plants, where Ants live in
association with plants, get food and shelter from it, in turn they protect plant from external
agencies.

3. ROLE OF MICRO ORGANISMS:- Micro organisms play very +ve and –ve role in plant life:-

A] Positive role: Saprophytic Fungi & bacteria bring about decay,decomposition of dead bodies,
clean earth surface , enrich soil with nutrients.Symbiotic Blue green algae likeNostoc,scytonema
etc, and Bacteria such as Azatobacter, Clostridium fix molecular Nitrogen and enrich soil. Fungi
live in association with higher plants, helps in water absorption and provide growth hormones.

B] Negative role: Denitrifying bacteria by Denitrification decreases nitrogen content of soil.

Parasitic Bacteria and Fungi lives in body of other living organisms, cause diseases to them. Ex:
Cholera, Typhoid, Citrus canker, and Kole roga, Rust, Leaf spot etc.

4. ROLE OF HUMAN BEINGS:- Role of human beings on vegetation is both useful and harmful
but harmful effects are more than useful.

A] Harmful effects;- Increasing urbanization , Civilization, industrialization has negative effect

on vegetation as it leads to indiscriminate felling of trees, over exploitation, of natural
resources, pollution and climate change. Cutting of Trees not only destroy Twiners but also
destroy Epiphytes, Climbers, Sciophytes, Insects, Animals and Birds which feed on fruits.
It leads to the disappearance of particular species. Irresponsible human activities may cause

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forest fire leading to destroy of fauna and Flora of that area. Progressive civilization and
increase in urbanization leads to exploitation of plant wealth ,creates imbalance in an
ecosystem, promote soil erosion , disturb humidity , Climate which leads to disappearance of
rare species.
B] Beneficial aspects: - Lay farming, A forestation, Reforestation activity of Human being is
responsible for conversion of barren area into vegetation field or forest. Plant breeding
experiments in crop plants by man has resulted in good yielding, disease resistance varieties,
protection of endangered species, Conserve Biodiversity. Construction of dams has made
increased cultivated land and production of new species. Domestication and distribution of
economically important ,commertial plants has beneficial role.

QUESTIONS 2 marks

1. What is Aut ecology and Syn ecology?

2. Define photoperiodism .
3. What is meant by Thermoperiodism?
4. Differentiate between Heliophytes and Sciophytes.
5. What is Velamen? Mention its significance.
6. What is Myrmicophily?
7. What is Antibiosis and Symbiosis?
8. Define Mor and Mull humus.
9. What is Grazing and Browsing?
10. What is Vernalization?

5 marks
1. Describe Light & wind as climatic factor or Precipitation& Temperature as Climatic factor.
2. Explain soil profile.
3. Give an account of any two edaphic factors.
4. Describe positive interaction.
5. Describe Negative interaction.
6. Give an account on biotic factors.
10 Marks
1. Give an account on any 4 Climatic factors.
2. Describe Edaphic factors.
3. Explain biotic factors.

UNIT:3 (10 Hrs)

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Ecosystem- Concepts, Components, Study of Marine ,Grassland and Forest Ecosystem, Food
chain, Food web, Ecological pyramids, Production and Productivity,( Primary and secondary),
Biologeo chemical cycles- Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorous

ECOSYSTEM

Introduction A Biotic community lives in an environment which provides materials , energy

requirements and forms an interacting system called “ Ecosystem”. The term Ecosystem was
introduced by A.G. Tansley in 1935.

An Ecosystem can be defined as “A Structural and Functional unit of Biosphere consisting of

living organisms and their environment both interacting and exchanging materials between
them”. An ecosystem can be distinguished into 2 types. They are:-

1) Natural ecosystem 2) Artificial ecosystem.

Ecosystem

I] Natural 2] Artificial

A] Aquatic B] Terrestrial Ex: Cropland

1] Fresh water 2]Marine Ex: Forest ,Desert Dams

a)Lentic b) Lotic Ex: Ocean,Esturies Grassland

Ex:Pond, Lake River

STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF AN ECOSYSTEM

An Ecosystem consists of 2 components. They are: -I] A Biotic component II] Biotic component.
I] A Biotic components :-
The Non living elements of an Environment constitute Abiotic component.They are as follows:-
a) Climatic factors:- It includes light, temperature, Precipitation, Humidity, Wind etc.
b) In organic substances:- It includes carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, oxygen, Phosphorus,
Sulphur, Carbon dioxide Magnesium, Boron etc.
c) Organic substance: - It includes Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids.

II] Biotic components:-

The living organisms like Plants, Animals, Micro organisms of an environment constitutes Biotic
components. These are classified into 3 groups Such as Producers, consumers, Decomposers.
1] PRODUCERS: - Producers are Autotrophs .Ex: Green plants. Chlorophyll present in green

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plants converts solar energy into chemical energy to prepare organic food using carbon dioxide
and water during photosynthesis. Such plants are called ‘Autotrophs’. These occupy first
Trophic level. [T ].
various steps through which energy flow in an ecosystem are called ‘ Trophic level’.

2] CONSUMERS:-Consumers are ‘Heterotrophs’. I.e., these depend on producers for their food.
These are of 3 types. They are Primary, Secondary, tertiary.
A) Primary consumers:- Animals which feed on green plants are called ‘Primary consumers’.
These are herbivores, occupy second trophic leve[T ]Ex: Cow Sheep,deer,Elephant,Rabbit etc.
B) Secondary consumers :- Animals which feed on Green plants &primary consumers are called
‘secondary consumers’. These are Carnivores, occupy third trophic level.[T
]Ex:Cat,Fox,Bird,Frog
C) Tertiary consumers:- The animals which feed on Primary consumers and Secondary
consumers are called ‘Tertiary consumers’. These are strictly Carnivores, cannot be preyed
further, occupy forth trophic level [T ]. Ex: Lion, Tiger, Eagle etc.

3]DECOMPOSERS:-Decomposers are Saprophytes ,They obtain their food by decomposing

dead bodies of producers, consumers. These occupy fifth trophic level [T] & often called’ Micro
consumers’ as they are microscopic OR Reducers as they decompose and remove dead bodies.
Ex:- Saprophytic Bactria, Fungi.

PLANTS

I] AUTOTROPHS II] HETEROTROPHS

Green plants which synthesize Non green plants which are not able to synthesise food.

Food by photosynthesis a) Parasite: These obtain food from other living organisms.

b) Saprophyte: Obtain food from dead bodies.

TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM

Ecosystem developed on land is called as ‘Terrestrial Ecosystem’ Depending upon the type of
land it is classified into 3 types.They are

1) Forest Ecosystem 2) Grassland Ecosystem 3) Desert Ecosystem

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GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM

Grassland ecosystem is a type of terrestrial ecosystem developed in areas with annual rainfall
between 10 to 40 “. It covers 19% of the earth’s surface. It is composed of Biotic and abiotic
components.

I .Abiotic factors :- All nonliving components of an ecosystem constitute abiotic factors. Ex :

Light, Temperature, Rainfall, soil air, soil water, soil humus, minerals.etc.

II. Biotic factors: All living components of an ecosystem constitute biotic factors.

1) PRODUCERS: - Producers are Autotrophs .Ex: Green plants. Ex: Dicanthium,Desmodium,

Cynodon, Elephant grass, Bamboo’s etc. Few herbs such as Primula, Fritillaria, Iris,

2] CONSUMERS:-Consumers are ‘Heterotrophs’. I.e., these depend on producers for their food.
These are of 3 types. They are Primary, Secondary, tertiary.
A) Primary consumers:- Animals which feed on green plants are called ‘Primary consumers’.
These are herbivores, occupy second trophic leve[T ]Ex:Grass hopper, Deer, Rabbit, Bison,
Mouse etc.
B) Secondary consumers :- Animals which feed on Green plants and primary consumers are
called ‘secondary consumers’. These are Carnivores, occupy third trophic level.[T ]Ex: Frog,
Lizard, Wild dogs, Snake, Bird. Etc.
C) Tertiary consumers:- The animals which feed on Primary consumers and Secondary
consumers are called ‘Tertiary consumers’. These are strictly Carnivores, cannot be preyed
further, occupy forth trophic level [T ]. Ex: Wolf, Eagle, Hawk etc.

3]DECOMPOSERS:-Decomposers are Saprophytes ,These obtain their food by decomposing

dead bodies of producers, consumers. These occupy fifth trophic level [T] these are often called
Micro consumers as they are microscopic. And also as Reducers as they decompose and
remove dead bodies. Ex:- Saprophytic Bactria, Fungi.

FOREST ECOSYSTEM

Forest ecosystem is a Terrestrial Ecosystem. In India it occupies 19% of the total land area
.major forest found in India are as follows:-

1. Tropical Rain forest: - Tropical Rain forest is developed in regions with Annual Rainfall above
180cms, it is found in silent valley, Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar islands.

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2. Tropical deciduous Forest: Tropical deciduous Forest: - Tropical deciduous forest is

developed in regions with Annual Rainfall is between 15-150.It is found in Bandipur ,
Bannerughatta forests.

I) Abiotic factor: - This forest characterized by daily rain, High Humidity, High temperature,
Black, Porous humus rich soil.

II) Biotic factor:- The living organisms like Plants, Animals, Micro organisms of an environment
constitutes Biotic components. These are classified into 3 groups Such as Producers,
consumers, Decomposers.

I) Producers: - Producers are Autotrophs .Ex: Green plants. Chlorophyll present in green
plants converts solar energy into chemical energy to prepare organic food using carbon dioxide
and water during photosynthesis. Such plants are called ‘Autotrophs’ T

Top storey is composed of Evergreen trees which grow to 40-50 mts. height, middle storey
consists of trees with 20-40 mts height. Lower storey is composed of plants with 10-20 mts
height. On ground are masses and Sciophytes.

2) Consumers: - Consumers are ‘Heterotrophs’. I.e., these depend on producers for their food.
These are of 3 types. They are Primary, Secondary, tertiary.

A) Primary Consumer:- Animals which feed on green plants are called ‘Primary consumers’.
These are herbivores, occupy second trophic levehese are Bison, Deer, Elephant, and Rabbit.

B) Secondary consumer: - Animals which feed on Green plants &primary consumers are called
‘secondary consumers’. These are Carnivores; occupy third trophic level Fox, wild dog, Frog.

C) Tertiary consumer: - :- The animals which feed on Primary consumers and Secondary
consumers are called ‘Tertiary consumers’. These are strictly Carnivores, cannot be preyed
further, occupy forth trophic level Lion, Tiger, Cheetah.

3) Decomposer: - Decomposers are Saprophytes ,They obtain their food by decomposing dead
bodies of producers, consumers. These occupy fifth trophic level [T] & often called’ Micro
consumers’ as they are microscopic OR Reducers as they decompose and remove dead bodies.
Ex:- Saprophytic Bactria, Fungi.

MARINE SYSTEM
Marine ecosystem includes salt water mass of seas and oceans that covers 70.8% of the earth’s
surface. Based on their depth ocean is classified into 4 zones.
a) Littoral zone: It is the shore line between land and ocean. This zone possesses plenty of

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nutrients, subjected to extremes of physical turbulence, waves, fluctuations of temperature

and light intensities.
b ) Neritic zone:- It is the zone of shallow water with the depth ranging from 200mts.it
constitutes 7.5% of the total area of sea. It is the best fishing water zone.
C) Pelagic zone:- It is zone of open sea with the depth of more than 200 mts. poor in nutrient
content. It constitutes 90% of total area of the sea. It is poor in nutrients.
d) Benthic zone:- It is the zone that extend from edge of continental shelf to the deepest
trenches and crevices of ocean floor. It does not receive light, dissolved oxygen is low,
dominant organisms are heterotrophs.

Abiotic factors

The factors that influence marine life are light, temperature, Pressure of 1 atmosphere at the
surface to 1000 atmosphere at depth, Salinity due to chlorides, sulphates, carbonates,
bicarbonates and bromides of sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium. Tides afnd currents.

II. Biotic factors

Sea biota is not abundant but, contains well marked diversity. It includes Producers,
Consumers, and Decomposers.

1) PRODUCERS: - Producers are Autotrophs .Ex: Green plants. Ex: Planktonic Diatoms, and
Dinoflagellates, Green algae, Brown algae, Red algae.

2] CONSUMERS:-Consumers are ‘Heterotrophs’. I.e., these depend on producers for their food.
These are of 3 types. They are Primary, Secondary, tertiary.
A) Primary consumers:- Animals which feed on green plants are called ‘Primary consumers’.
These are herbivores, occupy second trophic leve[T ]Ex: Crustaceans, Molluscs, Fish.
B) Secondary consumers :- Animals which feed on Green plants and primary consumers are
called ‘secondary consumers’. These are Carnivores, occupy third trophic level.[T ] Ex:
Carnivorous fishes ( Herring , shad).
C) Tertiary consumers:- The animals which feed on Primary consumers and Secondary
consumers are called ‘Tertiary consumers’. These are strictly Carnivores, cannot be preyed
further, occupy forth trophic level [T ]. Ex: Fishes like Cod, Haddock.

3]DECOMPOSERS:-Decomposers are Saprophytes ,These obtain their food by decomposing

dead bodies of producers, consumers. These occupy fifth trophic level [T] these are often called
Micro consumers as they are microscopic. And also as Reducers as they decompose and
remove dead bodies. Ex: - Saprophytic Bactria,

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FOOD CHAIN
Flow of food energy from producers through series of organisms with repeated eating and
being eaten by others is called ‘Food chain’. Less number of links in food chain more will be
available energy.
Types of Food chain:-
There are 3 types of food chain. They are:-
1. Grazing food chain
2. Parasitic food chain
3. Detritous food chain

I). Grazing food chain: - (predators food chain)

In Grazing food chain there is flow of Energy in the form of food from green plants to
primary, secondary and tertiary consumer.
Ex:-1] Food chain in Grassland Ecosystem

Producer-Primary consumer-Secondary consumer-- Tertiary consumerQuaternary con

Grass-----Grasshopper--------Frog------------------------Snake-----------------Howk

2. Food chain in Forest Ecosystem:-

Higher plants-------Deer, Elephant------Lion, Tiger

3. Food chain in Aquatic Ecosystem:-

Phytoplanktons----------Zooplanktons-----------Small fish----------Large fish

II) Parasitic food chain

In parasitic food chain there is flow of Energy from plants through consumers to parasites.It is a
shorter Food chain.

Ex: - Tree fruits Tree birds Ticks and Mites.

Grass----------Sheep------------Liver fluke.

III) Detritus food chain: -

In Detritus food chain there is flow of Food Energy from plants to Detritus made up of dead
organic matter to micro organisms, then to Detrivores(crabs) and their predators( fishes)

Ex:- Mangroove leaves---- Detritus---- Microorganisms------Crabs-------Fishes

FOOD WEB

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Net work of food chains which are interconnected at different trophic levels to form complex
web is called “Food web”. OR An interlocking of food chain is called as ‘Food web’. An n
organism may be eaten by number of different organisms due to diverse food habit of
consumber.Thus food chains are interlocked.

Food web operates according to taste, Food preferences of organisms and Availability of the
food source, Food web opens several alternate path ways food energy, it allows an organism to
obtain food from more than one type of organism at lower tropic level. This helps in keeping
different organisms under check. If a link in food chain or Food web is disturbed, Ecosystem will

be imbalanced.
Ex:-In an area if all frogs are killed, its prey insects will increases, its predator Snakes decrease
due to unavailability food. If number of Snakes decreases number of rat will increase.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FOOD CHAIN AND FOOD WEB

1. In an Ecosystem food chain indicate the pattern of flow of food energy through different
trophic levels. Whenever energy flow s from one to another link about 80 to 90% of the
energy is lost.
2. Availability of energy is more in food chain with less number of links. And available energy
will be less in food chain with more links.
3. It maintains Ecological balance. Because each trophic level controls population of the
previous trophic level and is control by next trophic level.Ex: frogs control population of
Grasshoppers and Snakes control population of Frogs.
4. Producers from first link for all food chain, they have to be protected for survival of other
organisms.
5. Each link in food chain is important. If one link is lost, it leads to the loss of entire food chain
and organisms involved in it.
6. Organisms’ will have options to get food from other links due to food web.

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ECOLOGICAL PYRAMID
The graphic representation of the structure and functions of various trophic levels of
organisms is called “Ecological pyramid”. producers forms the base , while successive
trophic levels forms the steps one above the other and top carnivores form tip of the
pyramid. It was devised by British ecologist charls Elton
TYPES OF ECOLOGICAL PYRAMID
Ecological pyramid is of 3 types .they are 1) Pyramid of Number, 2) pyramid of Biomass,
3) Pyramid of energy.
1. Pyramid of number; - Graphic representation of structure and function of various trophic
levels of food chain in terms of numbers of organisms is called “Pyramid of Numbers”. OR
graphic representation of number pf individuals per unit at various trophic levels is called
“Pyramid of Number”. It denotes the relationship between population and density of
organisms in food chain.
In a Grassland ecosystem and pond ecosystem , pyramid of Number is upright, with largest
number of producers at the base, supporting less number of primary consumer, lesser
numbers of secondary consumers and least number of tertiary consumers at the apex of
pyramid.
In parasitic food chain, the pyramid of number is inverted. Ex: Single large tree is a producer
at the base. Primary consumers like fruit eating birds, insects are more in number.
Secondary consumers like Ectoparasites are biggest in number.
In Forest Ecosystem pyramid of number is inverted, the large trees form producers and
their number is less, number of consumers like insects, birds will be more. Further number
of carnivores like Lizards, snakes will be less; further number of top carnivores will be least
like hawks.

2. Pyramid of Biomass:- The graphic representation of the structure and function of various
trophic levels of food chain in term of Biomass is called “ Pyramid of Biomass”. OR

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Graphic representation of total organic matter per unit area of different trophic levels is
called “Pyramid of Bio mass”.
In Forest or Grass land ecosystem pyramid of biomass is upright. Producers like Trees and
grasses from huge biomass, primary consumers form less biomass than producers, Biomass
of further trophic level reduces gradually. Hence it is upright.

3. Pyramid of Energy:- the graphic representation of the structure and function of various
trophic level of food chain in terms of flow of energy is called ‘ Pyramids of energy’.OR
The graphic representation of rate of energy flow at successive trophic levels in an
ecosystem is called as ‘Pyramid of energy”.
Producers occupy the base of the Pyramid with largest amount of energy, availability of
energy decreases at higher levels because there is loss of energy of about 80% to 90% at
each trophic level .and only 10 % of energy passes from one trophic level to another.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ECLOGICAL PYRAMIDS:

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1. The graphic representation of the structure and function of various trophic levels. Any
change in the in this may result in collapse of pyramid and thereby entire ecosystem.
2. Producers form the base of pyramid. This indicated the importance of producers. More
the number of producers and Biomass stronger will be the ecosystem.
3. Flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional and fallows Law of Thermodynamics.

NITROGEN CYCLE: The cyclic movement of Nitrogen between organic and inorganic form
to maintain its balance in nature is called” Nitrogen cycle”.

Nitrogen cycle involves fallowing steps:-

1. Air is a reservoir for nitrogen. It is made available for plants during lightning and rain fall by
physical means and through soil microbes by biological nitrogen fixation.
2. Nitrates are utilized by green plants to synthesise nutrients. [proteins].
3. Animals feed on plants, Nutrients are passed to animals. These excrete nitrogenous
wastes. These are converted into Nitrites by Ammonification.
4. Dead bodies of plants and Animals are decomposed into nitrogenous wastes.
5. Nitrites are converted into nitrates by nitrification.
6. Nitrates are converted into gaseous nitrogen by denitrification[ bacteria pseudomonas
denitrificans , Thiobacillus bring about Denitrification].
7. Gaseous Nitrogen is made available for plants through nitrogen fixation by physical
and biological methods.Thus Nitrogen cycle goes on continuously in nature.

Carbon cycle.

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The atmospheric carbon dioxide is virtually the only source of carbon which is the basic
constituent of all the organic compounds.
This gas is used by all plants in photosynthesis and the end products (organic
substances) of this complex process are used in two ways.
One fraction is used in the construction of more living matter. The carbon and oxygen so
supplied by CO2 remain in living matter until death.
Decay subsequently returns CO2 to the atmosphere, and this completes one possible
carbon cycle. Another fraction of the organic substances is used as fuel in respiration by
both plants and animals.
This process releases CO2 as a by-product. Such CO2 may now be used in photosynthesis
again, or it may return to the environment, completing the second possible carbon cycle
. Thus, photosynthesis and respiration are the two major processes that drive the global
Carbon Cycle, with CO2 as the main vehicle of flux between atmosphere, hydrosphere
and biota.
The CO2 content of the atmosphere is replenished not only through biological oxidation
(respiration), but also through non-living combustion i.e., forest fires and burning of
industrial fuels release CO2 into the air. Occasionally volcanic eruptions also add CO2 to
the atmosphere.
It is clear that terrestrial plants utilize atmospheric CO2 as their carbon source for
photosynthesis, whereas aquatic plants use hydrosphere carbon i.e., dissolved
carbonates.

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These two sub-cycles are linked by CO2 exchanges between the atmosphere and ocean as
follows:-

Phosphorous cycle.

Basic source and the great reservoir of phosphorus are the rocks or other deposits which have
been formed in the past geological ages. These are gradually eroding, releasing phosphates to
ecosystems. But much phosphate escapes into the sea where part of it is deposited in the shallow
sediments and part of it is lost to the deep sediments.

The means of returning phosphorus to the cycle are inadequate to compensate for the loss.

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Much phosphate becomes lost to this central cycle by physical processes, such as sedimentation,
which take it out of the reach of upwelling and major water circulation. Biological process, such
as the formation of teeth and bone.

The fish and marine birds are also important in phosphorus cycle. The latter have apparently
played an important role in returning phosphorus to the cycle.Although man harvests a lot of
marine fish about 60,000 tons of elementary phosphorus per year is returned in this manner,
compared with one to two million tons of phosphate rocks which are mined and most of which
are washed away and lost.

For their nutrition plants absorb water dissolved inorganic phosphates from the soil either as di-
hydrogen phosphate (H2PO4) or as hydrogenphosphate (HPO4) and convert these into organic
phosphate.The latter is transferred to animal consumers and decomposers.
Decomposers return phosphorus to the soil as the phosphate ion. Phosphate absorbed from the
soil is returned to it in dead plant and animal organic residues, which are converted to humus by
the action of soil microorganisms. Much of the phosphate in the soil is fixed or adsorbed on to
soil particles but some is lost through leaching out into watercourses.

In fresh water, the floating algae or phytoplankton rapidly absorb soluble inorganic phosphates
and convert them into organophosphates .Algae provide food for zooplankton which in turn are
consumed by other animals. All plants and animals eventually die and in due time their organic

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remains or debris decay through the action of microorganisms, and phosphates are released into
the water for recycling. In aquatic plants, phosphorus, limits plant growth.

Certain specialized fungi play an important role in phosphorus cycle. plant species have
mycorrhizae (fungus roots), a mutualistic relationship between a non-pathogenic fungus and
living plant root cells These mycorrhizae play an important role in soil nutrient cycling.

Natural phosphate cycle can be very much affected by pollution. Agricultural fertilizers
containing superphosphate or triple superphosphate which are now frequently used in the fields;
and sewage, even after treatment, contains phosphates derived from excreta and detergents.

These phosphates can eventually reach freshwater streams and rivers through the land run-off
and effluent discharge. Phosphate pollution of rivers and lakes has caused excessive growth of
algae, which depletes the dissolved oxygen content of water and disrupts the natural food chains.

2 marks questions

1. What is an Ecosystem? Mention its types. 2. What is Lentic and Lotic Ecosystem?
3. List components of Ecosystem. 4. What is Food chain and Food Web?
5. What is an ecological pyramid? Mention its types. 6. What is Bio geo chemical cycle?

5 marks questions

1. Describe components of Ecosystem.

2. Explain grassland Ecosystem/ Marine Ecosystem.
3. Explain forest ecosystem. 4. Describe Food chain.
5. Explain Pyramid of Number/ energy.
6. Describe Nitrogen cycle phosphorous cycle.

10 marks questions

1. Explain concept of Ecosystem with reference to Grassland.

2. Give an account of Ecological Pyramid.

UNIT: 4 (14 Hrs)

Ecological Adoptations- Hydrophytes, Xerophytes, Halophytes, Epiphytes and Parasites.

Ecological Succession - Definition, Process of Succession, Xerosere and Hydrosere.
Polluiton- A brief account on Air, water and Soil. Global issues- Green house effect, Ozone
depletion, nuclear winter, Solid waste management.

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ECOLOGICAL ADOPTATIONS

Change in structure of plant parts to survive in the existing environmental condition is called
Ecological Adaptation. Based on the habitat they grow they are classified into 3 ecological
groups such as 1) Hydrophytes, 2) Xerophytes, 3) Halophytes etc.

HYDROPHYTES:-Plants which grow in water or soil covered with water are called Hydrophytes.
They are classified into 4 types as follows:-

1. Free floating hydrophytes: -These plants float freely on the surface of water and remain
in contact with air and water but not soil. Ex: Azolla, Pistia,Eichhornia, Jussiea etc.
2. Rooted floating hydrophytes: These plants are rooted in the soil at the bottom of
water, but leaves have long petioles which makes them float on the surface of water.Ex:
Nymphaea, Nelumbo,Trapa.etc.
3. Submerged hydrophytes:-These plants are floating, completely submerged in water but
not rooted in soil.Ex: Hydrilla, Nepenthes.
4. Emergent hydrophytes:- These plants are partially submerged in water ,rooted in soil
and partially exposed to air on surface ofwater.Ex: Sagittaria,Ranunculus,,Polygonum.

Adaptations in Hydrophytes

Various types of hydrophytes (Free floating, Rooted floating, submerged, emergent

hydrophytes) may differ from each other on which they grow in the nature, but shows similar
morphological and Anatomical adaptations. They are as follows:-

Morphological ( External) Adaptations in Hydrophytes

1. Roots may be absent as in Wolffia or poorly developed as in Hydrilla or well developed with
root caps as in Ranunculus.
2. Root hair is absent or poorly developed.
3. In some plants like Eichhornia root caps are replaced by “Root Pockets”.
4. In jussiaea aerial, floating, spindle shaped roots which help in floating are developed.
5. Stem In free floating forms are thick, short, spongy as in Hydrilla and long, slender, flexible
in submerged forms.
6. Vegetative reproduction takes place by runners, Stolon, Offset or Tubers.
7. Leaves are flat, large with their surface coated with wax, and petioles are long, flexible,with
mucilage as in Nymphaea or swollen ,spongy as in Eichhornia.

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Anatomical (Internal) Adaptations in Hydrophytes

1. Cuticle is absent or poorly developed.

2. Epidermis is single layered, in leaf of submerged forms stomata are absent, in floating
forms they are present only in upper epidermis.
3. Cortex is well developed with Aerenchyma.Vascular tissues are poorly developed, and
lack bundle sheath.4. Mechanical tissues are generally absent.
XEROPHYTES

The plants that grow in dry habitats (area where the availability of water is less) is called’
Xerophytes’.On the basis of their morphology, physiology and life cycle pattern Xerophytes are
classified into 3 types. They are:-

1. Ephemeral annuals ( Draught evaders or draught escapers) :-These xerophytes are annuals,
complete their life cycle within a short period, of 6-8 weeks, avoid dry season and not with
stand dry seasons. Ex: Argemone.
2. Sacculents: - These plants are having fleshy root, stem and root which store water during
brief rainy season.Ex: Opuntia, Aloe, Bryophyllum, and Yucca.
3. Non succulent perennials:-These are true xerophytes because they possess number of
Morphological, anatomical, Physiologicalcharacteristicsto withstand critical dry
conditions.Ex: Acacia, Calotropis, Zizipus, Nerium, casurina.

Ecological Adaptations in xerophytes Plants growing in habitat with high temperature,

Scarcity of water, and high rate of transpiration show adaptations both externally and internally
as follows:- Morphological(External) Adaptations.

1. Root system is very well developed with extensive branches, Root hairs & root caps.
2. Stem is stunted, woody, dry, hard, covered with bark.
3. In some plants like Opuntia stem becomes fleshy, green, leaf like called Phylloclade, In
Asparagus it branched with one internode called Cladode.
4. Leaves are reduced small scales in Asparagus,or modified to spines as in Opuntiato check
transpiration. Leaf surface is glazed to reflect light and heat.
Anatomical(Internal) Adaptations
1. Root may be fleshy to store water as in Asparagus.
2. Cuticle is thick; Epidermis is well developed with thick wall& sunken stomata.
3. Hypodermis is several layered, and sclerenchymatous.
4. Vascular bundles are well developed, heavily lignified with several layered bundle sheath.
Mechanical tissues and Bark are well developed.
5. Oil and Resins are often present.

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6. In non-succulent xerophytes leaves become rolled so that stomata are hidden and reduce
rate of transpiration.

Halophytes

The plants that grows in physiologically dry saline habitat are called ‘Halophytes’. Saline soil
have high concentration of salts of Sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and magnesium
sulphate.
Types of Halophytes: warming in1909 classified Halophytic communities into 4 types. They are
1.Lithophylous:The plants that grow on saline surface of rock are called ‘Lithophylous’.
2.Psammophilous: The plants that grow on saline sandy soil are called Psamophilous.
3.Pleophilous: The plants that grows on saline mud i.e., waterlogged saline soil.
4.Helophilous: The plants that grow on swampy soil are called Helophilous. It includes salt
desert and Littoral forest (mangroove).
Adaptations in hydrophytes:- Plants growing in saline habitat shows following adaptations;

1. Plant s shows stunted growth with thick, leathery leaves and may develop stilt roots.
2. Rhizophora, Sonneratia develop special roots called Pneumatophores which grows
vertically above soil, develop pores called ‘lenticels’ on its surface which helps in
respiration .These are also called Respiratory roots are Breathing roots.
3. The seeds of these plants germinate when they are still attached to the mother plant .This
is called ‘Vivipery’.
4. Cork is several layered, cells of cortex and pith are filled with oil and Tannin, and walls are
lignified.
5. In leaf Epidermis has thick cuticle and cells with calcium oxalate crystals. Stomata are
sunken, only in lower epidermis. Mesophyll is well differentiated.
Epiphytes
The plants which grow perched on other plants are called ‘Epiphytes’. They are
Autotrophic, do not have food relation with plants on which they grow; they absorb water
from rain or moisture in the air.
Epiphytes grow abundantly in dense Tropical rain forest, eastern and western Himalayas.
Epiphytic flora range from Thallophytic plants to flowering plants. Epiphytic lower plants
are Lichens, Mosses and Ferns. Flowering Epiphytes are Vanda ( Orchidaceae), Pothas
(Araceae) Dischidia( Asclepiadaceae). Epiphytes develop 2 types of roots. They are :-
1) Clasping Roots:-These roots fix the plant firmly to the bark of the tree.
2)Hanging Roots:-These roots are long , thick, shiny, hang freely in air, have many layered
spongy tissue called ‘Velamen’outside epidermis . These cells are dead, have holes in their
walls and absorb water from rain or humid air like a sponge. They also absorb water and

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minerals from wet soil collected in tree fork. Next to Vela men is thick walled supersized
cells called’ Exodermis’. Some cells in this layer are thin walled called passage cells. These
cells permit passage of water from Vela men to cortex.
Adaptations in Epiphytes :-Epiphytes shows Xerophytic characteristics to cut down
water loss during dry weather . They are:-
1. Leaves are thick and sacculent.Ex: vanilla.
2. Many layered Epidermis.EX: Ficus rametacea(Moraceae).
3. Leaves are reduced or absent.EX: Polyrrhiza. or cuticle is thick with sunken stomata.
4. Shed their leaves during dry weather.

PARASITES

The plants which derive food from other plants to which they are attached are called Parasites.
Parasitic adaptations:
I] Based on Nutritional requrements:- Based on this aspect Parasites are classified into 2 types.
They are: - Holoparasite and Partial parasite. a) Holoparasites :-The parasite which entirely
depend for its food upon host plant to which it is attached is called Holoparasite.
Holoparasites develops adventitious roots called Haustoria which penetrates into the host,
establishes contact with conducting elements absorb water and inorganic salts from Xylem and
food from Phloem. Ex: Cusccuta, Lathraea. b) Partial Parasite:-The parasite which is partially
dependent upon the plant to which it is attached is called Partial parasite. It develops haustoria
that establish contact with the Xylem of host, absorb water and inorganic salts from it. These
contain chlorophyll & can prepare their food. . EX: Viscum , Loranthus.

II] Based on part of host plant on which it develops:- Based on this aspect parasites are
classified into 2 types. They are Stem parasite and Root parasite. a) Stem parasite :- The
parasite which depends on the stem of other plant for its nourishment is called ‘ Stem
parasite’. Ex: Cuscuta. b) Root parasite:- The parasite which grow on roots of other plant for
nourishment is called is called ‘ Root parasite’. Ex: Striga grows on root of Sugar cane,
Orobranchae grows on root of crop plants, and Santalum album (Sandal wood) is a partial root
parasite. Its root develops haustoria which enter roots of neighboring plants.

Ectoparasite and Endoparasite : - These parasites obtain food from their host and cause
diseases to them. The parasite which grow on the green plants are called ‘ Ectoparasite’.
The parasites which grow inside the green plants are called ‘Endoparasite’. Ex:-Bacteria, Fungi.

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ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION:
The plant community in an area is in equilibrium with the environment .The environment
constantly changes due to interaction with the plants or due to inherent reasons. As a result
existing plant community disappears and another community is established. It is a natural
process by which the same locality becomes colonized by different communities of plants.
Definition: Successive colonization of an area by different plant communities till relatively
stable community is established.
TYPES OF SUCCESSION: Based on the area on which plant succession takes place and organisms
involved plant succession has been classified into 2 types. They are:
1.Primary succession: Succession that begins in a barren area which was not previously occupied by any
vegetation is called Primary succession. The plants that begin the colonization are called ‘Pioneers’.
2.Secondary succession: Succession that begins in an area which was previously occupied by vegetation,
but destroyed due to environmental factors is called ‘secondary succession’.
The factors may be climatic such as Draught; Wind, Snow, Fire Floods etc. or Biotic factors such as
Grazing by animals, diseases caused due to pathogens fungi, Bacteria. Changes in land area by human
activities. or Physiographic factors such as soil erosion, emergence of new land surface and
submergence of existing land by natural calamities etc.
PROCESS OF SUCCESSION: The process of succession can be classified into 2 types .They are
1) Autotrophic succession: It is characterized by early and continued dominance of green plants. Energy
flow is maintained indefinitely. Ex: Hydro sere, Xerosere.
2) Heterotrophic succession: It is characterized by early dominance of heterotrophs such as bacteria,
fungi and animals. The process of Primary autotrophic succession involves following sequential steps: -
Nudation, Migration, Ecesis, Aggregation, Competition and reaction, Stabilization.
1.Nudation:- A bare area may develop due several factors such as erosion, deposition, land slide.
2.Migration :- The seeds ,spores , propagules are of plants are carried by air , water, animals, man to the
bare area. This is called Migration.
3 Ecesis:-The germination, growth, development, reproduction of migrated seeds and propogules
results in their establishment in bare area.
4. Aggregation:-Successful growth and reproduction lead to increase in number of individual’s .This is
called Aggregation. Time to time new species continue to reach new area and establish .This is called
Invasion.
5. Competition and co-action:- Aggregation of large number of species in limited area results in
competition for nutrition,space,etc.Individuals affect each other .This is called Co-action.
6.Reaction:- Colonizers bring about changes in soil, water, temperature etc. which becomes unsuitable
for existing community and it will be replaced by another community. This is called reaction.
7. Stabilization(Climax):-Changes in the environmental factors results in characteristic vegetation in
which becomes more or less established for a longer period of time and is not replaced .

HYDROSERE:

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The plant succession that begins in water is called ‘Hydro sere’ .The steps are well studied in
ponds, pools or lakes. They are:-

1) Phytoplankton stage, 2) submerged stage3) Floating stage, 4) Reed-swamp stage, 5) sedge

meadow stage6), Wood land stage, 7) Forest stage.

1) Phytoplankton stage: Microscopic, free floating plants are called Phytoplankton’s. These
constitute pioneers of Hydro sere. Some Blue green algae, like Nostoc, Scytonema,
Spirulina, green algae like chlamydomonas, Volvox, Spirogyra etc. Golden brown algae
Diatoms, bacteria are first organisms to colonize in the primitive medium. The soil is very
much reduced with a PH value of more than 5. They multiply and grow for some time. The
accumulated dead bodies of these mix with silt eroded by rain decrease the depth of the
pond. Now this habitat favors growth of submerged plants.

2) Submerged stage :-The new habitat will be little shallow ,where light penetrates easily and
favors’ growth of rooted submerged hydrophytes like Hydrilla, Vllisnaria,Elodia,
Utricularia,Myriophyllum etc.
These plants further build up substratum as a result of their death and decay.water level
decreases, pond become shallower.New habitat is now suitable for growth of floating
plants.
3) Floating stage :-The new habitat become still shallower .It is suitable for growth of rooted
floating plants such as Nelumbo,Nymphaea,Trapa,Monochoria,etc.and also free floating
plants such as Azolla, Lemna,Wolfia, Pistia etc.
These plants colonize the habitat with their rhizome. The water level becomes much

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decreased. The decomposing organic matter further builds up substratum making pond
shallower. Floating plants disappear from the area.
4) Reed swamp stage:- The new habitat is now suitable for the development of Amphibious
plants such as Typha, Sagittaria, Scirpus,Phragmitis etc. These plants have well developed
rhizome that form dense vegetation decreasing water level, become unsuitable for
amphibious plants.
5) Sedge –meadow stage:- The new marshy habitat is suitable for members of Cyperaceae
and graminae such as Carex, Juncus,Cuprus, Eleocharis . They form dense mat like
vegetation towards center. High rate of transpiration, exposure of mud to air, addition of
nutrients makes marshy vegetation to disappear gradually.
6) Wood land stage;-Soil becomes drier, area become invaded by terrestrial plants namely
shrubs such as salix, Cornusetc, trees such as Poplus, Almus. Accumulation of humus with
rich flora of micro organisms favors arrival of new tree species.
7) Forest stage (Climax stage):- The growth of pioneers of Forest community depends on local
climatic factors. In tropical climate with heavy rainfall, favors tropical rain forest. In
temperate region mixed forest of Acer, Ulmus ,Quresdevelops.In regions with moderate
rainfall, tropical deciduous forest establishes. Forest canopy do not allow light rays to
penetrate and favours Sciophytes( shade loving plants).Heliophytes ( Sun loving plants)
adopt epiphytic life. Thus, Climax community is established which interact with the
environment, remain stable for longer period.

XEROSERE OR XERARCH :

Successive colonization of plants in an area with minimum moisture is called Xerosere or

Xerarch. It can be classified into 3 types’ namely :-
1)Lithosere :- Colonisation of plants on rocks .
2) Psammosere:-Colonisation on sand.
3)Halosere:- Colonization in saline soil or saline water.
Lithosere: Lithosere is a type of Xerosere , originating on bare rock surface, where the original
substratum is deficient in water, lacks organic matter with minerals in disintegrated unweathered state.
Various stages of Lithosere and their plant species are as follows:-Crustose lichen stage, Foliose lichen
stage, moss stage, Herbs stage, shrub stage, forest stage.
1 .Crustose lichen stage: -Crustose lichens are pioneers of Litho sere.(xerosere).Ex;Rhizocarpon,
Rhinodina, lecanora grows there. They produce some acids which bring weathering of rocks. The dead
organic matter of lichen mix with small particles of rock. These habitats become suitable for foliose
lichen.
2. Foliose lichen stage: In this new habitat foliose lichen such as Parmelia, Dermatocarpon grows. These
have leaf like thallus, fixed to substratum with hair like rhizinae which bring weathering of rock by

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lichenic acids. They are able to absorb and retain moisture, accumulate dust particles mix with humus,
results in development of soil. Thus habitat is suitable for mosses.
3.Moss stage:- In the new habitat Mosses such as Polytrichum, Tortula, Grimmia grows .They are erect ,
prevent sunlight reaching substratum leading to lichen disappearance. Due to their death and decay
there is further addition of organic matter and thickness of soil layer increases.
4.Herb stage:-The changed habitat favors growth of herbaceous rooted grasses such as Poa,
Solidago,Festua ,aristidia . Their growth, death and accumulation of humus in soil with further
weathering of rock xeric condition decreases favors shrubs.
5 .Shrub stage:-The new habitat is suitable for shrubs such as Rhus, Phytocarpus .They over shadows
herbs, soil is enriched with dense shrubs, microbes, with increased humidity, water holding capacity
which supports forest vegetation.
6.Forest stage:-The new habitat support xeric trees. Gradual further weathering of rock, increase humus
content favors mesophytic vegetation. Thus finally complex forest establishes which remain stable and
maintain balanced ecosystem.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
An undesirable change in physical, chemical or Biological characteristics of Air, water and
land that affect life forms and create imbalance in the nature. It is a serious problem which is
manmade. It can be also be natural caused by volcanic eruption, emission of natural gases,
floods, forest fire, Cosmic rays etc. The substances which cause pollution are called ‘Pollutants’.
They can be classified into 2 types as Biodegradable and non- biodegradable.
1) Biodegradable pollutant :- The substances which are degraded by the activity of Microbes
are called ‘Bio-degradable pollutant’.Ex:Organic substances, Sewage, Paper etc.
2) Non-degradable pollutant:- The substances which never degrade by the activity of
Microbes are called ‘Non-biodegradable pollutant’.Ex: Glass, DDT, BHC,Mercury.
Types of pollution ;- There are several kinds of pollution . Major types are Air pollution, Water
pollution, Soil pollution, Marine pollution, Noise pollution, Thermal and radioactive pollution.

I] AIR POLLUTION
An undesirable change in physical, chemical or Biological character of air which are harmful to
life forms and environment is’ Air pollution’.
Air pollutants are Exhaust gases like carbon monoxide, Sulphur oxides, Nitrogen oxides,
Hydrocarbons, Hydrogen sulphides, smoke dust, radioactive isotopes, pollen grains, Microbes .
Causes: Exhaust gases
1. Combustion of fossil fuels like petrol, Diesel, used in Automobiles release toxic gases like
carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, Hydrocarbons.
2. Cement, Iron and Steel, Graphite industries release smoke and dust. Oil refineries, chemical
industries release carbon di oxide, CO, sulphur dioxide, etc. Fibers from textile industries.

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3. Burning of plastic produce poly chlorinated biphenyl.

4. Agriculture burning, Forest fire, Domestic fuel, burning of urban wastes release smoke.
5. Ionizing radiations from atom bomb, reactor, and explosion release radioactive pollutants.
Effects:-

1. Carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin of blood, form caboxy hemoglobin which
reduce oxygen carrying capacity in blood, inhaling cause nervous disorder.
2. Sulphur dioxide cause sore throat and eye irritation. In plants it inhibits metabolic activities,
and cause chlorosis.
3. Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen oxide oxidize to Sulphuric acid and nitric acid .These dissolve in
rain water and reach ground as ‘Acid rain’. It has corrosive effect on buildings, metals, marbles,
makes water bodies acidic, which is not tolerable by planktons. Molluscs.
4. Hydrocarbon cause cancer .Tobacco smoke contain ‘Benzopyrene’ which cause lung cancer.
5.Nitrogen oxides in sun light combine with gaseous hydrocarbon to form photochemical
oxidants PAN. (Peroxy acyl nitrate). These with dust and fog form smog (Smoke +fog). It causes
eye irritation and bronchial disorders. In plants it causes Silvering, Bronzing, and Necrosis.
6.Chlorofluro carbon (CFC) used in refrigerators, aerosols deplete Ozone layer . It exposes earth
to increase ultra violet radiations which cause mutation, Skin cancer.
7. Green house gases like Carbon di oxide, Methane, CFcs, increase in atmosphere lead to rise
in global temperature, by 2 to 3 c. This is called ‘Green house effect’. (Global warming). It
change the rain fall pattern, cause melting of Glacier, Polar ice cap. Which cause flooding of low
lying plains and coastal cities.
8. Fly ash, Metal dust cause head ache, Dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness.
9. Inhale of dust in cotton ,mine and Flour industries workers suffer from ‘Pneumoconiosis’,
inhale of dust by workers in stone grinding industry suffer from’ Silicosis’, inhale of Asbestos
dust by workers in asbestos industries suffer from’ Asbestosis’.
10. Spores, pollen grains, Bacteria in air cause Allergy or Hay fever.

CONTROL MEASURES
Air pollution can be controlled by educating people to develop sense of ecological conscience
by adopting fallowing methods: -
1. Use of compressed natural gas in Automobiles.
2. Use of Solar energy and wind energy.
3. Use of filters, Scrubbers, Collectors. Electrostatic precipitators in industries
4. Use of catalytic converter filter in Vehicles to convert nitrous oxide to Nitrogen.
5. The unburnt hydrocarbon in auto emission can be reduced by use of efficient engines.
6. Industrial areas are to be shifted away from populated areas and installation of tall chimneys.
7. Promote Afforestation.
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II] WATER POLLUTION

Undesirable change in physical, chemical or biological characteristics of water that destroys
aquatic life and threatens terrestrial life is called ‘Water pollution’.
CAUSES: -
1. Domestic sewage: - Domestic sewage from residential areas, hotel contain organic wastes,
Animal wastes, fecal matter, food residues, cleaning agents, detergents. It reaches ponds,
pools, lakes through drainage and pollutes water.
2.Industrial wastes:- Waste water from paper industries, Sugar mills, metallurgical industry,
food processing plants contain suspended solids, heavy metals like Nitrates, Phosphates.
3. Agricultural sources Excess of pesticides used to eradicate pests:- contain chemicals such as
chlorinated Hydrocarbon, metallic salts etc . wash away in rain water, reach water body and
pollute it. Artificial fertilizers used to get high yields contain Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Sulphur,
Potassium etc. through agricultural runoff reaches water body and pollute it.
4. Oil spill:- Crude oil leaked into water body . During transport, loading and unloading at
harbor or accidents pollute water.
5. Radioactive isotopes reach water body through rain and cause pollution.
6. Water used for cooling operation in industries release hot water into ponds, pools & affect
life forms.

EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION

1. On human health: -a) Water polluted with sewage contains Virus, Bacteria that cause
cholera, Typhoid, dysentery. b) Consumption of mercury contaminated fish cause Minamata
disease (Crippling deformity).c) Cadmium contaminated water cause Itai Itai disease.
d) Lead contaminated water cause Anemia, loss of muscle power.
2.On Aquqtic system:- Organic and inorganic substances in water decrease dissolved oxygen
content of water . The demand for oxygen increases. This is called ‘Biological oxygen demand’.
3. Eutrophication:-The process of Nutrient enrichment of water leads to species diversity in
water body. It is called ‘Eutrophication’.
4.Biological magnification:- Accumulation of Non-degradable pollutants increasing
concentration in tissues of living organisms along food chain is called ‘ Biological magnification’
EX: Regular spray of DDT for few years to check Mosquito population in an island in USA
declined fish eating birds, if human eat such fish it cause cancer.
5. Ground water pollution:- Ground water get contaminated due to seepage from agricultural
runoff or industrial waste. a) Excess of Fluoride in drinking water cause teeth deformity,
hardening of bones. b) Excess of nitrates in drinking water cause Blue baby syndrome in infants.
CONTROL MEASURES

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1. Industrial effluents are to be suitably treated, made harmless and then release to the water body.
2. Minimize use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
3. Hot water released from cooling operations should be cooled before its discharge.
4. Oil spills can be cleaned with the help of bregoli. (Saw dust) byproduct of paper mills.
5. Water hyacinth absorbs toxic chemicals, heavy metals and purifies it.
6. Sewage is suitably treated by removal of larger, suspended particles by sedimentation, bacterial
decomposition, and chemical oxidation.

SOIL POLLUTION
An Undesirable change in physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil that affect
the life forms and reduces its productivity is called ‘Soil pollution’.
Causes:- 1.Industrial wastes:- It includes toxic chemicals like lead, copper, Zinc, Cadmium etc.
2. Pesticides sprayed to plants may reach soil in powder form or along with rain water.
3.Fertilizers contain various salts which increase salt concentration in the soil, decrease useful
bacteria and reduce productivity.
4. Discarded materials like glass, leather, metals, concrete, synthetic yarn, and solid wastes.
5.Radioactive wastes released from mining, nuclear power plants alter composition of soil.
EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION
1. Pesticides in the soil reduce useful microbes and decrease fertility of the soil.
2. Chemical fertilizers kill bacteria, increase salt concentration& reduce the productivity of soil
3. Excreta contain pathogens that cause diseases in life forms.
4. Radioactive wastes affect normal metabolic activities of plants and animals in the soil.

CONTROL MEASURES
1. Minimize use of chemical fertilizers by use of Biofertilizers.
2. Reduce use of pesticides by adopting biological pest control.
3. Animal refuse and agricultural waste can be utilized for production of bio gas.
4. Dumping of solid waste in transfer stations constructed at various points in cities.
5. Improvement of mining technique to avoid mine dust.
6. Ban of toxic non degradable chemicals like DDT, BHC.
6. Separation of biodegradable and non bio degradable wastes before dumping.
7. Recycling of non degradable wastes.
SOUND POLLUTION [ NOISE POLLUTION]
Sound is a normal feature of life which is means of communication and entertainment.
Loud unpleasant sound that causes discomfort is called ‘noise’. Release of noise in the
atmosphere is called ‘Noise pollution’. The unit of sound level is decibel (db).the intensity of
normal conversation varies between 35 to 60 db.

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Sources:- 1. Industries like textile mills, Engineering works, printing press.

2. Domestic gadgets like mixer, fans, and air conditioners.
3. Entertaining equipments like TV, radio, record player etc.
4. Vehicles, Crackers, Construction works, stone crushers etc.
EFFECTS
1. Sudden loud noise or prolonged exposure to noise of 80db or more may damage ear drum.
2. Noise above 120db cause hormonal imbalance, increase heart beat rate, constriction of
blood vessel, cholesterol level, blood pressure.
3. Noise cause anxiety. Detracts attention, emotional disturbance, and upset mood.
4. In animals it may damage heart, brain and liver.
CONTROL MEASURES
1.Replace noisy machines by sound proof installed machines.
2. Proper lubrication and machine maintainence.
3. Installation of decibel meter in industry.
4. Fixed intensity of sound in fixed hours of day for use of loud speakers.
5. Silence zones around hospitals, educational institutions and residential areas.

GLOBAL ISSUES

Human activities like pollution, Industrialization, extensive deforestation, results in the increase
of carbon-di-oxide, depletion of ozone, shortage of potable water ,etc. All these leads to global
scale environmental changes that affect life forms in Biosphere. Some of the Global warming,
green house effect, Ozone layer depletion, acid rain.

Climate change: The average weather conditions and Variations in specific geographical region
over along period of time (About 30 years) is called “Climate change”.

The inter governmental Panel on climate change has observed the earth’s temperature increase
considerably which may cause periodic draught, famine, floods at unexpected places. This
damage agriculture and other productive activities of mankind. Effect of Climate change is
represented as follows:-

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Climate change Impact on Human and

Temperature change Natural system
Sea level rise Adaptation
Food and water resources
Precipitation change
---------------------→ Ecosystem and Biodiversity
Draughts and floods
Human settlements
Adoptation Human health

Socio economic
Emission and development paths
concentration
Green house gases Economic growth
Aerosols Technology Population
Governance

GLOBAL WARMING AND GREEN HOUSE EFFECT

Warming of the earth’s troposphere due to blanketing effect of high carbon di oxide ,
methane and other gases in the Stratosphere is called ‘ Global warming’. OR
[ The increase in the Global mean temperature due to increase in the concentration of carbon
di oxide, Methane and other gases is called ‘Global Warming’.]

Green house Effect:-

CONCEPT
The gaseous mantle around the Globe allows solar radiations to enter earth which absorbs it
and radiates back infrared and heat waves.
Green house gases form blanket in the Stratosphere. It checks back passage of infra red and
heat waves from earth crust to space and keep the Global warm. The phenomenon is similar to
Green house where Glass panels of the green house allows light, controls the heat from
escaping and keep the plants warm to live in water . This is known as “Green house effect’.

CAUSES
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1. Increase in carbon di oxide concentration due to burning of fossil fuels, Deforestation

constitutes 60% of Global warming.
2. Increase in Methane concentration due to anaerobic decomposition of organic matter
contributes 20%.
3. Increase in Chloro fluro carbon used in refrigerators, Air conditioners, solvents leak to
atmosphere contributes 14%.
4. Increase in N2 O concentration in the atmosphere contributes 14%.
5. in 20 century Global mean temperature has increased by 0.6 C.

EFFECTS
1. Extreme heat waves due to Global warming cause death of life forms.Ex: In 2003 deaths in
Europe were 20,000. In India it was 1000.
2. It may decline Artic polar ice cap. This raises the sea level resulting in floods which would
destroy coastal countries.
3. It brings about disruption of habitat like Coral reefs, Alpine meadows, resulting in extinction
of many species of plants and animals.
4. Colder places welcome positive effects of Global warming i.e. Warm temperature.

5.Increase in temperature increases Plant diseases and pests which decreases crop production.

Control measures
1. Global warming can be controlled by afforestation as plants use carbon di oxide for
Photosynthesis.
2. Limited use of Nitrogen fertilizers in Agriculture which reduces N2O .
3. Limited use of chloro fluro carbon and developing alternative source for it.
4. Limited use of Fossil fuel and use of alternative source like solar energy and wind.

OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

Ozone is a form of Oxygen present in Stratosphere ( between 20 to 26 km above sea level). It
protects life forms from ultra violet radiation of Sun.

Ozone is a variant of oxygen. UV radiation from sun causes photodissociation of Ozone into O2 and O.
But these recombine to form O3. Ozone is constantly being made by the action of sun light on oxygen
.This dissipitates the energy of UV rays as heat. There is equilibrium between O3 formation and
destructions leading to steady state of concentration of ozone layer.
The concentration of Ozone changes with season. It is highest in spring season (Feb- April).
Lowest during fall season. ( July- Oct). The thickness of Ozone if condensed averages 0.29 cm
above equator and may exceed 0.40 cm above poles at the end of winter. The decline in spring
time Ozone layer thickness is called Ozone layer hole. It was fist recorded in 1985 by farmer

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over Antartica.
During 1956-1970 in Antarctica Spring time Ozone was between 280 to 325Dobson units. In
1979 it was decline to 225 Du. In 1985 to 136 Du. in 1994 it was declined to 94 Du.
CAUSES FOR OZONE DEPLETION
1.Chloro fluro carbon used in Air conditioners, Aerosols, Refrigerators destroy Ozone layer.
2. Combustion of Fossil fuels and Organic matter.
3. Excessive use of Nitrogenous fertilizers. 4. Nuclear tests.
5. Sulphate aerosols emitted through volcanic eruptions.

EFFECTS
1. Rise in skin cancer in human beings.
2. Damage to eyes causing cataract.
3. Reduces functioning of Immune system.
4. In phytoplankton’s it inhibits Photosynthesis.
5. Reduce fish productivity. 6. Plants exposed to UV rays shows reduction in growth and
chlorophyll content.
CONTROL MEASURES

1. Ban of Chlorofluro carbon [Banned in Australia or USA].

2. Use of Alternatives to CFS’s.
3. Carbon tetrachloride used in dry Cleaning, Methyl bromide used as insecticide has to be
banned as they are found to be ozone depleting.
4. Create awareness .Every every year September 16 is observed as world ozone day.
5. International agreement, Montreal protocol was signed by 30 countries which limit
production and use of Ozone depleting substance.

ACID RAIN

The phenomenon in which rainfall has PH less than 5.6 is called ‘Acid rain’. Increase in
concentration of C O ,S O, N O gases in the atmosphere combine with moisture to form acids
and fall out of the atmosphere, deposits on the earth in 2 forms namely Wet and Dry.
A] Wet deposition:- It is the acidic water that reaches the earth through rain, fog, snow .
B] Dry deposition:- These are acidic gases and particles that reaches the earth by wind blow
and deposits on buildings , cars, trees. It can be washed from rain storms.

CAUSES
1. Acid rain is formed when oxides of Nitrogen, Sulphur and Carbon dioxide combine with
moisture in the atmosphere resulting in Nitric acid, Sulphuric acid and Carbonic acid
respectively.

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2. Automobiles are the main source of Nitrogen emissions, factories are source of sulphur,
combustion of fossil fuels is the source of carbon dioxide emission.

EFFECTS
1. Acid rain cause leaves to lose cuticle, thus expose plants to infections.
2. Deforestation of leaves, reduce rate of photosynthesis. (It tends to release toxic substances
such as Aluminium from nutrients which prevent use of Nutrients by plants).
3. It acidifies fresh water resources and cause death of aquatic organisms like Molluscs,
Planktons and fishes.
4 It damages Marble, Lime stone, Sand stone, metals, Paints, Textiles, Carvings & monuments.5.
In human beings it causes respiratory problems .6. It kills soil microbes leading to loss of fertility
and bio diversity.
CONTROL MEASURES

1. Use of alternative energy sources like solar, wind, geo thermal energy.
2 .Increase in vegetation cover.
3. Use of catalytic converter in vehicles which convert Nitrogen oxide into Nitrogen.

NUCLEAR WINTER

The winter cold and low temperature condition on the earth due to nuclear or atom bombs
explosion is called ‘Nuclear winter’.
Nuclear winter is a hypothetical global climatic condition that is predicted to be possible
outcome of nuclear war. The concept of Nuclear winter was first introduced in 1983 through
TTAPS study.ie,. Scientists Turco, Toon, Auckerman, Pollack, Carl Sagan.

CONCEPT
After Nuclear bomb explosion huge fumes of smoke, soot and dust would be produced. This
form thick black cloud at height of 15 km from the surface of the earth. This layer prevents
entry of 90% of the solar radiation and results in fall of temperature by 20 to 25 C causing
peculiar type of cold condition as in winter. This is called ‘Nuclear winter’.
EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR WINTER
Effects of Nuclear winter would be as follows:-

1. Nuclear explosions would ignite uncontrolled fire over cities and forests within their
range.
2. It would interrupt plant photosynthesis and destroy earth’s vegetation.
3. It would cause death of animals and human beings.

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4. This could lead to destruction of industrial, medical transportation, infrastructure along

with food supplies.
CONTROL MEASURES:
1. Imposition of Ban on use of Nuclear weapons. (It is estimated that USA, Russia, China,
Pakistan, England, Germany, India etc, have 10,000 mega tons of Nuclear weapons
which have ability to destroy earth several times. Hence proliferation of Nuclear
weapons is dangerous).

SOLID WASTE MANAGAMENT

INTRODUCTION;-

Increase in Population and civilization has led to the formation of solid substances which are of
no use called “Solid waste”. Each person generates 200 to 500 gms of Solid waste per day.

TYPES OF SOLID WASTE:-

Depending upon the source Solid wastes is classified as follows:-
2. Domestic Waste:- Unused food stuff, Broken glass, Leather , old paper, Old cloths, Plastic
bags, Ash , empty metal boxes constitutes Domestic wastes.
3. Road side waste:- Fallen leaves, flower branches, fruits, Excreta of animals thrown out
substances constitute Road side wastes.
4. Market and industrial waste:- Packing materials, rotten fruits, vegetables, empty shells of
eggs , plastic bags, defective parts of machine, metal scrap, constitutes market wastes.
5. Hospital waste:- Unused and expired dated medicines, tablet cover, Bandage cloth, used
syringes, fluid bottles, pipes etc constitutes Hospital wastes.
6. Building waste:-Concrete, cement, broken bricks, furniture’s etc constitutes Building
wastes.

CLASSIFICATION OF SOLID WASTE

Solid waste can be classified into 2 types as follows:-

1. Bio- degradable Waste: - Solid waste which undergoes decay and decomposition by
the action of saprophytic Bacteria and Fungi are called Bio degradable waste. Ex: Food
stuff, cloths, paper, leaves.
2. Non-degradable Waste:-Solid waste which cannot be degraded by Bacteria and fungi
are called Non – degradable waste. Ex:- Plastic, Glass, Porcelin, Metal.

EFFECTS OF SOLID WASTE;

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1. Heap of Solid waste emit fowling smell during decomposition, provide place for
Pathogenic microbes which cause diseases such as Cholera, dysentery, Cholera etc. and
affects Aesthetic beauty of the place.
2. Unused food is packed in plastic bags and thrown out. Cattles eat it along with food that
leads to the death.
3. Burning of wastes releases gases which release carcinogenic gases. Dust and Smoke may
cause Asthma, and respiratory problems.
4. Leaching of solid wastes causes soil pollution and water pollution.

METHODS OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT:-

Safe disposal of segregated solid waste to Safe place is known as “ Solid waste management”.
It includes following methods;-

1. Separation of Solid waste into a) Dry waste such as Paper, plastic, Metal, Rubber, Cloth. This
type of waste should be given for recycling for production of useful substances.
b) Wet waste such as unused food, Kitchen waste. This undergoes decomposition, from
compost used for plants, good quality manure for vermiculture.
C) Toxic waste such as expired Medicines, Battery shells, Paints, infected cotton, injection
tubes. This waste has to be safely disposed far away from water source and burnt in safe
places.
2. Building waste and industrial waste can be disposed in land fill sites.
3. Waste has to be disposed in places away from human habitation with concrete base.
4. Adopt Eco friendly life styles to reduce amount of solid waste.

2 marks Questions

1. What is Haustoria? Mention its significance.

2. What is meant by Vivipery? Where do you find it?
3. Mention green house gases.
4. What is Global warming? Mention any 2 effects.
5. What is Biomagnification? Mention its effects.

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6. Mention types of solid wastes.

7. What is Eutrophication? List its effects.
8. Write 4 adoptations of Halophytes.
9. What is velamen? Mention its significance.
10. What is Pneumatophore? Mention its function.
11. What is ecological Succession? Mention its types.
12. What is nuclear winter? Mention its effects.
5 marks questions
1. Give an account of adaptations In Hydrophytes.
2. Describe Morphological and anatomical adaptations in Xerophytes.
3. Explain parasitic adaptations.
4. Explain process of Ecological Succession
5. Give an account of Soil Pollution.
6. Write a note on Solid waste management.
7. What is Acid rain? Write note on its causes, effects control measures.
10 mark questions
1. Describe process of Hydrosere.
2. Explain succession on barren rock(Xerosere)
3. What is Air pollution? Explain causes, effects and control measures of Air pollution.
4. Give an account of causes , effects and control measures of water pollution

BOTANY II SEMESTER CBCS K.S.Gitanjali.SSCASC TUMKUR

UNIT:5 (10 Hrs)

Plant biodiversity- Definition, types, Values of Biodiversity, conservation- Soil conservation,

Social forestry, Hot spots, endangered species, Red data book. Phytogeography-
Phytgeographical regions of India, Vegetational types of Karnataka.

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INTRODUCTION

Diversity of life forms i.e. Microbes, plants, Animals and human beings found on all parts of
world are called Bio diversity. The term ‘Biodiversity was coined by Rosen and Walter in 1985.It
refers to difference present within the members of species which is due to differences in genes.

TYPES OF PLANT BIO DIVERSITY

Plant biodiversity can be classified into 3 types. They are as follows:-

7. Genetic diversity:-The Variation in genes within species is called “Genetic diversity”. It is

basis for speciation. It has key role in maintenance of diversity at species and community
level.
A species having more genetic diversity can adapt better to the changed environmental
conditions. A species with lower diversity takes time to adapt to changed environment and
more susceptible to diseases. Ex: Genetically similar crops developed by scientists are more
prone to fungal diseases or insect attacks than the wild varieties which have better genetic
diversity.
8. Species diversity:-The Variety of species present with in a region is called “Species
Diversity”. Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. It forms a link in the food
chain.
Species diversity is measured by its richness.ie,. Number of species per unit area. The
number of species increases with the area of site. Greater the species number, greater is
the diversity.
The species that are important in determining the ability of large number of other species
to persist in ecosystem is called “Keystone species”. If Keystone species is lost from an area,
numerous other species from an area are lost.Ex: Ficus bengalensis (Banyan tree) is a
keystone species because many insects, birds depend on it for survival.
9. Ecosystem diversity:-The different kind of ecosystems present in a region is referred as
“Ecosystem diversity”. It is of 2 type’s namely Aquatic ecosystem and Terrestrial ecosystem.
Ecosystem diversity has 3 types, namely
1) Alpha diversity:-The diversity of organisms sharing the same habitat is known as “Alpha
diversity”. In a habitat combination of species richness and evenness represent alpha
diversity. It changes with change in habitat or community.
2) Beta diversity: - The rate of replacement of species along a gradient of habitat is
known as “Beta diversity”. Environmental gradients like altitude, moisture, etc results in
differences in species composition.

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3) Gamma diversity: - The diversity of habitats over the total landscape or geographical
area is known as “gamma diversity”. Number of ecosystems present in a region is a
measure of diversity.
VALUE OF BIODIVERSITY
In 1900 Mc Neely has classified Economic Values of Biodiversity as follows:-
4. Consumption Value:- Consumptive uses include the products that can be harvested and
consumed like Food, Drugs, fiber etc.
a) As Food;- Human beings depend on only Rice , Wheat, Corn and Potato for food.
About 80,000 edible plant species have been reported from wild. The forest is store
house of wild varieties of agricultural crops. These unutilized species may have more
Nutritional values than the current utilized species. These wild varieties are potential
sources of genetic material to obtain desired trait such as high yield, Disease resistant
etc.
b) Druga and Medicines:-75% of the world population depends on plants or plant
extracts for medicine. 30% of the medicines are of plant origin. In Ayurvedic system
use of medicinal plants is popular. Ex; Neem, Tulsi, Aloe vera etc. Substances with
therapeutic properties are obtained from plants are as follows:-
Sl. No Medicine Plant Curable disease
1 Morphine Papaver Analgesic
2 Quinine Cincona Malaria
3 Penicillin Penicillium Antibiotic

5. Productive Value: - Products of commercial value are manufactured utilizing Biodiversity.

a) Furniture; Furniture’s like Chairs, Tables, Doors, Windows ,Cots etc are made from Teak,
Acacia, cane and Jack wood.
b) Fuel: - In Rural areas plants are sources of fire wood. Fossil fuels like Petrol, charcoal,
Diesel derived from plants.
c) Scent Products: - Plants like jasmine, Sandal, champak ,Rose are sources of Perfume.
d) Fibers: - Cotton yield hard, elongated fibers used in Textile industries. Jute, Coconut,
Agave, etc yield fibers used in Coir industry in the manufacture of Carpets, Bags, and
Ropes etc.
e) Dye; - Different parts of plants like Flower, Leaf, Bark, Seeds and animals yield Dye.

6. Social Value:-Biodiversity has cultural and religious beliefs. Some plants and Animals are
recognized as symbol of National pride and cultural heritage and national pride. Ex:
Oscimum( Tulsi), Lotus, . Eagle Marmelose. ( Bilva patrae) are believed to be Sacred plants.
Cow, Peacock, Elephant, Lion, Tiger, Snake are to be considered sacred and worshipped.

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Neem ( Baevu) Peepul(Aralei), are restored to inculcate the religious sentiments and sense
of reverence towards tree. Sacred Forest are traditionally conserved patches of Forests
dedicated to local deity.
7. Ethical Value:-Recent research shows close link between Ecological system and Ethical
system. It puts, moral principles to preserve, protect Biodiversity.
8. AestheticValue:- Biodiversity has great Aesthetic value. Roses, cornation flowers, orchids,
colorful wings of birds, majesty of Lions, and Elephants are permanent source of joy and
happiness. It provides good deal of fun, recreation, Eco tourism bird watching, wild life
watching, Pet keeping, Gardening etc.
9. Optional Value:-Biodiversity has potential of becoming important in future as source of
useful genes, or as food. Any plant or animal may provide product or service in future of
man.
10. Ecosystem services:-Biodiversity is essential to keep natural cycles going and make itself
sustain unit A) Biodiversity maintain gaseous composition of atmosphere. B) Soil formation
and Protection) Climate control by Forest ecosystem and ocean ecosystem. C) Nutrient
cycling. E) Conservation and Purification of water.

CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY

“Management of Biosphere, so that it gives maximum benefit to the present generation

maintaining its potential to meet needs of future generation” is called conservation ecology.
There are 2 strategies of Bio- diversity conservation .They are as follows:-

IN-SITU CONSERVATION :Conservation of endangered species in its natural habitat by

eliminating factors which are harmful to their existence is called “IN-SITU conservation”. It is
done by setting National park, Sanctuaries, Bio sphere reserves etc.

1.National park :- National park is a protected habitat meant to maintain Bio diversity through
legal and effective method. Here Hunting, grazing, fire wood collection, Timber harvesting,
habitat manipulation, Private ownership is not permitted. Tourist activity is permitted on
outskirts, but not in interior. In India there are 89 National parks. Some of them are as follows:-

National park Location Animals found

Bannerghatta Karnataka Elephant, Tiger, Crocodile
Khaziranga Sibsagar, Assam One hirned Rhinoceros, Ring tailed fishing eagle,
Tiger, Bison, Wild Buffalow
Rajiv Gandhi Nagarahole , karnataka Tiger, Flying sqirril

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Corbett Nainital, Uttarnchal Sloth bear, Tiger, Panther, Elephant.

2.Santuries:- Sanctuary is a protected area reserved for only animals. In Sanctuaries harvesting
of timber, collection of minor forest products, private ownership is allowed, provided they do
not affect animals. In India there are 492 wild sanctuaries.

Santuary Location Aniamls found

Bhandra Chikkamagalur Elephant, Leopard
Karnataka
Annamalai Coimbatore, Tamil nadu Tiger, Elephant, spotted deer, Wild dog
Nagarjun sagar Andra pradesh Panther, Wild beer, Samber, Tiger
3.Biophere reserves :- Biosphere reserves are Scientifically managed , special category of
protected areas where people are part of the system. In 1975 UNESCO formulated this concept.
Here attention is given to research and conservation of gene pool. In India there are 13
Biosphere reserves. They are as follows :-Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve( Uttar Pradesh),
Sunder bans( West Bengal), Nilgiri ( Tamil nadu, Kerala, Karnataka), Manas (Assam), Nackik(
Meghalaya) Munnar Khari ( Tamil nadu) , Great Nicobar and Pimptilal ( Orissa).

Advantages of IN-SITU conservation

1. IN –SITU conservation reduces cost of maintenance.
2. Protect large number of Fauna and Flora.
3. Storm, Draught, Rain, Snow, Fire, and Pathogen play major role provides opportunity for
organisms to evolve into better adopted forms.

EX-SITU CONSERVATION :-Conservation of Bio diversity at places away from their Natural
habitat under controlled condition is called EX-SITU conservation. Ex: Zoo, Nurseries, Botanical
gardens etc.

1. Zoo and Botanical gardens :- Endangered species are captured and maintained in Zoo and
Botanical gardens. Animals are allowed to breed in captivity. Ex: Long tailed Macaca found
in Western ghats is hunted for tasty flesh and medicinal value. Their number has decreased
.Now they are introduced to various Zoos.
2. Animal translocation:-Animals’ translocation involves transfer of animals from one locality
to another when their number increase beyond capacity of habitat or if it becomes nuisance
to human life, health and property. Ex: Golden Lion tamarins a squirrel sized monkey
endemic to forest of Rio de Janerio was translocated to safer place.

3. Animal reintroduction:- Animal reintroduction involves release of animals into an area

from where they are disappeared or caught in infancy, grown in captivity. It is practiced

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when species is a victim of pet trade or hunted for its product or threatened to disease,
natural disaster. Ex; Bison, eagle, Owl, White tailed eagle.
4. Gene or Germplasm bank:- Genetic resource is present in seed, bud, tissue is called
Germplasm. Storage of germplasm of wild and cultivated or domestic animals at low
temperature in frozen state is called ‘Cryopreservation’. By this method germplasm can be
stored for longer duration.

SIGNIFICANCE OF BIODIVERSITY

1. Conservation of old relatives of crop plants provides breeders with ready source of genetic
material.
2. Plants and Animals conserved in Zoo, Botanical garden etc. can be used to restore
degraded land. Restock depleted population.

CONSERVATION ECOLOGY

Conservation ecology deals with the preservation of natural resources to maintain balance in
an ecosystem. Natural resources can be classified into 2 types.
1. Non–Renewable resources: Natural resources which cannot be restored against their loss
are called’ Renewable resources’.Ex:-Coal, Uranium, Bauxite, Gold, Petroleum products
2. Renewable resources: Natural resources which can be restored against their loss are called
‘Renewable resources’. Ex: Soil, Water, forest, Wild life.

OVER EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

In recent decades man has achieved progress in scientific, industrial, technological field. But he
has ignored, tried to control & dominate the nature by it’s over exploitation ignoring the basic
principles that govern the ecosystem. Thus delicate balance is disturbed & altered.
CAUSES:- man made causes for over exploitation are as follows:-
1. Urbanisation:- Natural increase in population and immigration results in scarcity of space for
housing , Agriculture, inadequate food etc. This leads to urbanization which is a consequence of
industrialization.
2. Expansion of Agriculture: - Population growth, demand for increased food production,
modern methods of agriculture leads to the destruction of forest.
3. Deforestation;- Deforestation is due to developmental activities of human for food, fodder
and fuel.
4. Mining activity: - Excavation of Non-renewable resource for economic purpose sets major
ecological problem.
5. Poaching: - Hunting and indiscriminate poaching of wild animals for their skin, horn, ivory,

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nail etc. is responsible for extinction of wild life.

6. Pollution:- Human activities cause undesirable change in air, water, soil, alter its composition
and harmful effect.

EFFECTS OVER EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

1. Urbanization, expansion of agricultural land leads to deforestation& depletion in natural
resources.
2. Deforestation leads to Global warming, Soil erosion, Floods, desertification, low rainfall.
3. Air pollution bring about Ozone layer depletion, Smog , Acid rain, Water pollution cause
diseases, mutation, Biomagnifications.
4. Soil pollution destroys microbes by toxic chemicals decrease fertility.
5. Poaching reslts in extinction of wild species.

CONTROL MEASURES Natural resources can be preserved by following methods:-

1. Restrictions are to be imposed against use of Non renewable resources.
2. Alternative source are to be find out for fast depleting Non-renewable resource.
3. Planned utilization with provision for regeneration.
4. Use of solar energy, wind energy instead of fossil fuel.

SOIL EROSION

Soil is the top most layer of earth crust formed of weathered rock and organic debries. It
supports life forms. The term ‘Soil’ is derived from Latin where ‘Solum’ means ‘Earthy
material’.
The removal of fertile top most layer of the soil resulting in disturbed soil structure is called ‘Soil
erosion’. It may be caused by natural factors such as wind, water and with human intervention
through deforestation, modern agricultural methods.
Types of soil erosion The process of soil erosion can be classified into 4 types. They are: -
I. Geological erosion:- Geological is a natural process in the geological activity of the earth.
There is equilibrium between soil erosion and soil formation.
II. Accelerated erosion: - The rapid soil erosion by wind or water when soil is denuded of
vegetation is called Accelerated erosion.
A) Wind erosion: - Removal of soil particles by wind in the form dust or heavier particles by
surface creep when an area is denuded of vegetation is called’ wind erosion’.
B) Water erosion:- Removal of soil by water is called Water erosion. It takes place in various
forms as follows: -
1. Sheet erosion :- The process of removal of uniform layer of soil in barren area during heavy
rain fall is known as’ Sheet erosion’.

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2. Rill erosion: - The process of removal of soil forming finger shaped depressions by runoff
water is called ‘Rill erosion’.
3. Gulley erosion:- The process of removal of wide and deeper channels by rills is known as
‘Gulley erosion’.
4. Land slide or Slip erosion:- The process of sliding of section of soil down the hills during
heavy rainfall is called ‘ Slip erosion or Land slide’.
5. Stream bank erosion: - The process of erosion of bank of the river by waves or floods is
called Stream bank erosion.

EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION

1) Soil erosion results in loss of top fertile soil.
2) On hill slopes it destroys vegetation.
3) It leads to reduced productivity of soil.
4) Siltation at the bottom of water body reduces water storage capacity.
5) Sand particles carried by wind het deposited over adjacent crop lands, ponds, pools, lakes
which increases aridity and gives to desert conditions.

SOIL CONSERVATION

Prevention of soil erosion to maintain soil fertility is called ‘Soil conservation’. The term
‘conservation’ is derived from latin where ‘Con’ means ‘together’ and ‘serve’ means ‘guard’. In
India it is supervised by Central soil conservation board.
TYPES OF SOIL CONSERVATION
Soil conservation is classified into 2 types. They are: -
I. Biological methods: Soil conservation by plants and its organic materials is called ‘Biological
soil conservation’. II. Mechanical methods: Soil conservation by other methods to increase
water holding capacity, decrease velocity of runoff is called’ Mechanical soil conservation’.

I. Biological methods: -
Soil conservation by plants and its organic materials is called ‘Biological soil conservation’ .They
are grouped into 2 types. They are A] Agronomic methods. B] Agrostological methods.

A] AGRONOMIC METHODS OF SOIL CONSERVATION

It includes crop rotation, Mixed cropping, Mulching, Tilling, Contour farming, Strip cropping,
1) Crop rotation:- The process of growing 2different types of crops alternately in the same land
to replace lost minerals and organic matter . It conserves soil, helps to break plant diseases and
insect cycle. EX: - Growing Cereals and legumes.
2. Mixed cropping: - The process of growing 2 different crops in the same land at the same
time. Ex; Banana crop with Areca and Coconut. Millet with Black gram and pigeon pea.

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3. Mulching:- The process of covering the soil with grasses , leaves, crop residues, litter etc.
It helps to retain moisture, decrease runoff, increases humification.
4. Tilling:- The process of tilling the land removes weeds, increases water percolation , water
holding capacity and conservation of Soil.
5. Contour farming: - The processes of ploughing land at right angle to the slope where plants
are grown on ridges which check excess of runoff water and conserve soil.
6. Strip cropping: - The process of dividing the land into alternate bands of tilled and untilled
strips and growing crops in the tilled strips along the slopes checks soil erosion.

B] AGROSTROLOGICAL METHODS OF SOIL CONSERVATION

It includes Lay forming and a forestation and Reforestation).

1. Ley forming: - Cultivation of grass in heavily eroded area along with legumes is called ley
forming. It checks soil erosion, enrich soil makes soil productive.
2. Aforestation and Reforestation:-Growing of trees for the first time in tree less region is
called’ Aforestation’. Growing of trees in areas which was previously occupied by trees but
destroyed due to Fire, Flood or over grazing is called ‘Reforestation’.

II MECHANICAL METHODS OF SOIL CONSERVATION

Soil conservation by Mechanical or Engineering methods to increase water holding capacity,

decrease velocity of runoff is called’ Mechanical soil conservation’. It includes Basin listing, Sub-
soiling, Terracing, trenching, Bank protection.
1. Basin listing:- In basin listing small basins are made with the help of Basin listers . It holds
water and stabilizes downward moving water.
2. Sub- soiling:- In Sub-soiling large soil particles are broken into fine particles with sub soiler to
increase absorption.
3. Terracing: - In terracing along the steep hills series of platforms are made like steps of a stair
case to check runoff and to decrease velocity of wind. vegetation is grown on these platforms.
4. Contour trenching: - In Trenching series of small, shallow pits are dug across the slope. These
hold water; above trenches tree seedlings are grown.
5. Bank protection:- In bank protection banks of rivers and channels are constructed with
concrete and stones to protect them.
6.Contour bunding:- In contour bunding small bunds are built up on the edges of field to check
sheet erosion and retain moisture.

SOCIAL FORESTRY :-

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Planned development of useful plants to fulfill essential needs of human being is called
‘Agriculture’. Agriculture has reached essential output due to Agro technology & advancement
in use of fertilizers, crop physiology, pest control and genetic engineering.

EFFECTS:-
1. Small land holders, land less agricultural labourers migrate to cities & are forced to live in
slums.2 Infrastructure of cities cannot cope up with influx and results in overcrowding.
3. Disturb social balance in human society.

Benefits of Social forestry

Land surface with dense mat of trees is called ‘Forest’. Its products meet large number of
human requirements. They are:

1. Wood as Timber, fuel and Char coal. 2. Wood pulp in paper mills, rayon.
3. Gums, resins, Tannin, Camphor. 4. Fibers for cordage.
5. Leaves in lunch, plates, Bee dies, Cigarettes. 6. Edible fruits.
7. Forests maintain ecological balance, climate, prevent soil erosion, landslides, attract rain
bearing clouds.
Indiscriminate felling of trees, over grazing leads to soil erosion, disturb ecological balance,
reduces rainfall.

CONSERVATION OF FOREST :

Forest can be conserved by following methods: -

1. A forestation: - Growing of tree seedlings for the first time in the tree less region is called
‘ ‘Aforestation ‘.
2. Sylviculture:- Planned development of forest is called ‘ Sylviculture’. It includes natural
regeneration and thinning. In natural regeneration ecological conditions prevailing in the
forest are studied, altered to regenerate and establish requires species. In thinning to avoid
competition and to promote proper growth some plants are removed from overcrowded areas.
Cleaning, weeding, climber cutting is also practiced.
3. Social forestry:- Cultivation of trees in village common land is called ‘ Social forestry’. The
species selected for this purpose should not demand too much nutrition, should grow fast. The
wood could be used in the manufacture of Agricultural implements, carts, etc. and as fire wood
4. Establishment of grazing grounds :-In village, common land is used for cultivation of species
which provide food for cattle’s. It prevents and protects the forests from indiscriminate grazing.

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Forest wealth is protected by ecologists in Bedthi Karnataka. Silent valley in kerala.Nelambur in

Kerala has maintained teak plantation. In Madhya Pradesh mixed forest with teak and Bamboos
are maintained.

HOT SPOTS: “The Hot spots are richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and Animal life
on earth. In1998 Norman Myers developed Hot spot concept to designate priority areas for
determining for IN-SITU conservation.

Criteria for determining hot spots are as follows:-

1. An area should contain 1500 endemic species or 0.5 endemic species of the world.
2. Threat of habitat loss is above 70%.
Over the world 25 Hot spots have been identified. These occupy 1.4 5 of earths land
area. 20 % of population lives in Hot spots.

HOT SPOTS OF INDIA : Among 25 Hot spots of the world 2 Hot spots are found in India. They
are:-1) Western Ghats and 2) Eastern Himalayas.

1. Western Ghats: - Western Ghats lies parallel to Western coast, Indian peninsula for 1600
km, spread over in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Kerala.

It has 490 Taxa of which 308 are endemic .Ex: Rowolfia serpentine, (Sarpagandha), GArcinia,
Loris, Macaca silensus. The 2 centers of Biological diversity are: -
1) Agastyamalai hills and silent valley. 2) Amambalam reserve.

2. Eastern Himalayas:- Eastern Himalayas extend to North eastern India, Bhutan, Deep and
Semi isolated valleys are present here. Due tp rich diversity of flowering plants it is referd as
“Cradle of Speciation”. It is represented by 63%, mammals 60%, Birds 2, Endemic Lizard
genera, 35 endemic Reptile species, 2 Turtle, 65 Amphibians of which 20 are endemic.
ENDANGERED SPECIES OF INDIA

The uncultivated plants and undomesticated animals in their natural habitat are referred as
wild life. Wild life has suffered from Human activities Like Industrialization, Urbanization,
deforestation, construction of reservoir, dams etc various species have become extinct.

A species is considered to be extinct when no member of the species is alive anywhere in the
world. Wild life biologists have classified wild life that is facing possible extinction into 3
groups. They are 10 Endangered. 2) Threatened. 3) Rare.

1. Endangered species:- A taxon is considered as Endagered when its number is very low,the
habitat is reduced or damaged,that they are in danger of extinction near Future.

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In India, At present Among animals 150 species of birds,are considered to be endangered. Some
of them are as follows:-

Endagered plants :- orchid species,Sandal wood,Sango paln,Sarpagandha,Pitcher

plant,Rhododendron.

Mammals :- Tiger,india Lion,Indian wolf,Sloth bear, Red fox,Dugong,Golden cat,Striped hyena.

Reptiles:- Crocodile,Indian rock python,golden sea,Turtile,Tortoise.

Birds: - Peacock,Pelicon,Horn bill,Siberian white crane,spotted owl.

Primates:- Lion tailed Macaca,Capped monkey,Golden monkey,Nilagiri longur.

IUCN (International union for conservation of Nahure and Nahural Resources) maintain ‘Red
data Book’ which provides recorded of plants and animals which are in danger.

2) Threatened species:- A Taxon is considered to be threatened or vulnerable when it’s number

is decreasing and are likely to become extinct with medium term future

3) Rare :- A Taxon is considered to be Rare when a Taxon live in small population localized with
in restricted geographical area.Human activities do not endanger or threat it but they are at
risk.

RED DATA BOOK

The species whose number is at critically low level and whose habitats are drastically reduced
or damaged that they are in danger of extinction is called endangered species.

IUCN (International union for conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) founded in 1964 is
the world’s comprehensive inventory of global conservation of status and biological specimens.
It publishes a book called” Red Data Book “It contains a list of threatened species in groups of 3
categories. A pink page publishes critically endangered species, green pages are used for
species that were endangered, but now have recovered. Ex:- Lepidagathis barber,
lepidaganthis diffusa of karnataka has entered to red list. Madhuka tree( Madhuka insignis)
,Pink headed duck, grass pink orchid.

Criteria considered for entry in Red data book;- 1) Reduction in population > 90% over last 10
years.2) population size , number less than 50 mature individuals 3) Qualitative analysis
showing probability of extinction in wild in at least 50 % in the 10 years. 4) It is therefore
considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in wild.

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India in 2014 had 973 species entered in red data book. In 2015 it has added 15 species. Thus
India has 988 species on red list as of 2015.

Phytogeography

vegetational types of Karnataka.

Karnataka has a geographical area of 19.18 million hectare constituting 5.83 of the total area of
the country. The state can be divided into 2 regions namely, malnad (Hilly) region and maiden
(plain) region. The rain fall varies from 450mm in drier northeastern plateau to 3,200 mm in the
Western Ghats. Summer and Winter temperatures vary from 26 c 35 c respectively. Some
important crops of the state are Coffee, Rice, Jower, Millet, Ground nut, Sesame oil seeds.The
vegetation of Karnataka is varied due to varied climatic and varied edaphic factors. According to
the forest survey of India report of 2001, the forest area is 38, 724, 00 ha which constitutes
20.2% of the geographical area of the state. The Reserve forest constitutes 73.8%, protected
forest 10.2% and unclassed forest 16%. The state ranks fourth among al the states and union
territories n respect of area under tree cover.It has 5 major forest types situated in a belt
running from north to south starting from Belgaum and ending in Mysore. Major forest types
are:-

1. Tropical wet evergreen forest: - It is seen in areas with Temperature of 10-32 C, Annual
Rainfall -2000 to6000mm& Altitude of 75to870m.Distibuted in Udupi, Belgaum,Hassan,
North Karnataka etc

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2. Tropical semi evergreen forest:- - It is seen in areas with Temperature of 5C -33 C,

Annual Rainfall 2500 to5000mm &Altitude of 65-1607m. Kodagu ,dakshina kannada,
Hassan,Shimoga.
3. Tropical moist deciduous forest- It is seen in areas with Temperature of 18-37 C, Annual
Rainfall 625-2500mm&Altitude of125-2100m. Distributed in Uttarakannada ,Shimoga
Chikkamagalur, Mysore. Mandya,Bandipuretc.
4. Tropical Dry deciduous forest :- - It is seen in areas with Temperature of 10-35 C,
Annual Rainfall 600-300 mm&Altitude of600-1800m.Disributed in Kolar,
Chamarajnagar,Devarayana durga,Bannerghatta,Chikkamagalur.
5. Tropical Thorn forest :- - It is seen in areas with Temperature of 7-42 C, Annual Rainfall -
350to450mm, altitude 500 to1100m. Distributed in Bijapur Bellary ,Chitradurga
,Dharwad etc.

Phytogeographical regions of India.

Clark, Chategeri, Clader, Hooker were main phytogeographeres worked for phytogeographical
studies of India. To study Flora of India, It is classified into 9 Phytogeographical regions. They
are namely: Western Himalayas, Eastern Himalayas, Indus plain, Assam region, Gangetic
plain, Central India, Malabar region, Deccan plateau, Andaman region

1. Western Himalayas: - This region includes North and south Kashmir, Part of Punjab, This
region is dry with less rainfall, more Snow. Vegetation shows 3 Zonations. They are Sub
tropical, temperate and Alpine. In Sub-tropical Zone rainfall is 80 to 200 cms, summer is dry,
and winter is cold with frost. Snow does not occur, vegetation contains continuous belt of
Shorea Robusta forest and xerophytic plants.In Temperate zone Annual rainfall 100 cm,
winters are cold with snow. Vegetation contains Coniferous forests of Pinus, Quercus,
Taxus,Cedrus. In Alpine zone Annual rainfall is low, Area remains covered with snow. In
major part of the year. Source of water is melting of snow. Wind blows in high speed.
Vegetation contains Timber line forest of Betula, Abies, Pyrus etc. meadows of sedum are
found.

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Eastern Himalayas :-This region extends from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh. It receives high
rainfall, low snow fall, high temperature.In this region Vegetation is abundant, varied,
divided into Tropical, Temperate and alpine zone.In Tropical zone evergreen forest are
found. In Temperate zone Coniferous forests are found, in alpine zone forests and herbs are
found.
2. Indus plain:- This region includes Plains of Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. In Desert area
rainfall is between 5 to 12 cms, in moist area between 50- 75 cms. This region is
represented by Date palm, Acacia, Capparis
3. Gangetic plain:-This region includes Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Part of Orissa. It
is the most fertile region. Based on Vegetation types it is divided into 3 sub divisions like
Upper gangetic plain consists of Forest of Shorea Robusta.Lower gangetic plain consists of
Cocas, Calamus, and Areca.
Sunder Ban region barders Bay of Bengal, Common plants are Xylia Xylocara, Elephant
grass, Avecinia.
4. Assam region:- This region includes Valleys of Brahmaptra and Sub-himlayan regions of
Assam. In this region Annual rainfall is above 200 cms. It include large number of hills,
plains, Rivers & marshes. Chirapungi in kasha hills receive annual rainfall of 10 to 800
cms. It is the rainiest spot of world. In this region vegetation is luxuriant with evergreen
forests, Pine forests.
5. Central India:- This region includes Madhya Pradesh, part of Gujarat and Orissa. It is
represented by mixed deciduous forests and Thorny forests. Common plants are Teak, Rose
wood, Bauhinia, Madhuca indica etc.
6. Malabar region:-This region includes west coasts of India from Kanyakumari to Gujarat. It
consists of series of hills called Western Ghats with annual rainfall of 200 to 300 cms. This
region has rich vegetation of evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests, deciduous forests,
Mangroves.

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7. Deccan plateau:- This region includes part of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andra Pradesh
Bihar, Tamilnadu, Karnataka.In this region topography is uneven. It has fertile plain, dry
rocks, Wet hills, and Sandy area with average rainfall of 100cms.This region is represented
by deciduous forests, mangroves’. Common plants are Acacia, Casuarina, Capparis,
Terminalia, Hardwicikia, Shorea, etc.
8. Andaman region: - This region includes group of several islands of Andaman and Nicobar.
This region receives heavy rainfall and is represented by evergreen and mangroves, coral
reefs, Grasses etc.

2 marks questions

1. What is bio diversity? Mention its types.

2. What are Endemic species? Give example.
3. What is significance of Biodiversity conservation?
4. Mention any 4 values of Biodiversity.
5. What is IN-SITU and EX -SITU conservation.
6. Mention significance of Social forestry.
7. What is Biodiversity conservation? Mention its types.
8. What are endangered species? Give example.
9. What is Red data book? Mention its significance.
10. Mention biological methods of soil conservation.
11. What is meant by Aforestation and Reforestation?
12. Mention vegetaional types of India.
13. What is soil erosion? Mention its effects.

5 marks questions

1. Explain Types of Biodiversity.

2. Give an account of Soil erosion.
3. Describe biological methods of soil conservation.
4. Write Mechanical methods of Soil conservation.
5. Benefits of soil conservation
6. Describe social forestry.
7. Explain soil erosion.
8. Explain mechanical methods of Soil conservation.

10 marks questions

1. Explain Values of Biodiversity.

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2. Give an account of IN-SITU and EX-SITU conservation. /Biodiversity conservation.

3. Give an account of method of soil conservation.
4. Give an account of Vegetation of Karnataka.
5. Give an account of Vegetation of India

Unit-6 : Plant pathology – Introduction and classification of plant

diseases based on pathogens.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Phytophthora areca andP.infeston.
Koleroga of Arecanut
The disease is caused by fungal pathogen it is also called fruit rot. It is most common in rainy
season during the month of june - september.Causal organism : Phytophthora arecae
Symptoms :-
1. The symptoms are first infected on nuts. The infected nuts are discolored and covered
with a white fungal mycelium.
2. Infected nuts shows water- soaked area towards base, Which results in loss of green
color.
3. The pericarp of the nut Shrivelled and seed kernel gets destroyed.
4. The infection may even spread to the crown of the tree and the plant dries up and it
leads to wither such condition is called crown rot.
Control measures :-
1. By spraying Bordeaux mixture of 1% before mansoon and pre- mansoon.
2. By removing, destroying and burning the infected diseased nuts to prevent the spread
of disease.
3. Spraying of 0.25% perenox is also effective.
Late blight of potato
It is a most serious fungal disease in potatoes. It spreads rapidly in the winter especially in
January.
Causal organism : Phytophthora infestans
Symptoms :-
1. Small water-soaked, light brown patches appear on the leaf.
2. In humid and cloudy weather, the patches(lesions) enlarge in size and become black
rounded with concentric markings.
3. A white growth of fungus arises on the lower surface of the infected leaf.

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4. Appearance of rusty Brown patches on the infected tubers and later they rot.
Control measures :-
1. The seed tubers should be obtained from diseased free area.
2. By close examination infected tubers should be rejected and healthy tubers should be
selected for planting.
3. Dusting the foliages with copper-lime in the early morning is a promising method. Foliar
spray with 1% Bordeaux mixture, perenox, Blitox-50 helps to control the disease.
4. Growing disease resistant varieties will help us to control the disease. Kufri swarna, Kufri
kuber etc. are resistant to late blight disease.

2.Grain smut of sorghum

This is seed borne disease. smut disease of jowar is most common in Karnataka, Andra Pradesh
and Tamilnadu.
Causal organism :-Sphacelotheca sorghi
Symptoms-
1. The fungus infects only at the time of grain formation in the ear.
2. The fungal mycelium get converted into spores replacing the ovary with sorus.
3. The smut sori are larger than the normal grains. They are oval to cylindrical, broad and
dirty grey in color.
Control measures :-
1. Collection of seeds for cultivation from smutted plants should be strictly avoided.
2. Seed dressing with 0.5% formalin for two hours or with 0.5-3% CuSo4 for 3-5
minutes, before sowing them in the field.
3. Treating seeds with sulphur dust before sowing.
4. By removing, destroying and burning the infected plants.
5. Growing disease resistant varieties like SPV 115, CJH-5, Nandyal etc.

3. Blast disease of Rice

The disease is most destructive and reported from all the rice growing countries of the
world. In India, this disease is more commonly found in southern rice growing areas.
Causal organism :- Pyricularia oryzae
Symptoms :-
1. The fungi attacks all the aerial parts of the plant.
2. The characteristic, isolated, necrotic lesions with water-soaked appearance are formed
on the leaf blades.
3. Symptoms on the leaves appears as spindle shaped spot, Bluish-green in the centre, and
remains surrounded by brown zones.

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4. When the neck of the panicle is infected at the base it becomes blackened and
shriveled. Hence this stage is black neck or neck blast or rotten neck disease.
5. In case of severe attack the entire field presents a blasted or burnt appearance.
Control measures :-
1. The seeds obtained from disease free crops are used for raising the crop.
2. The most economic method is cultivation of resistant, high yielding varieties. Ex:- TKM-
1, CO 30.etc.
3. By spraying Bordeaux mixture has been proved quite effective against neck and node
infection.
4. By treating seeds with copper fungicides and organomercuriales.
5. The plant debris should be collected and destroyed.

4. Red rot of sugarcane

It is a fungal disease, appears after rainy season.
Causal organism :- Colletotrichum falcatum
Symptoms:-
1. The first symptom of red rot is the discolouration of young leavesin the field.
2. The cane starts shriveling, the rind shrinks and becomes longitudinally wrinkled.
3. The stem shows longitudinal red streaks crossed by white patches.
4. As the disease advances, the entire stem rotsand central tissues become soft with
large cavities filled grayish mycelium.
5. At the final stage,acervuli appear on the wrinkled areas of the canes.
Control measures:-
1. Healthy, disease free setts are planted in the plant.
2. By dipping the cut ends of seed setts in1% Bordeaux mixture.
3. The diseased leaves and canes should be collected from the field and destroyed by
burning.
4. By growing disease resistant varieties.
5. Crop rotation in every two or three years keeps the pathogen in control in the fields.

5. Citrus canker
It is a bacterial disease produces lesions and cankers on citrus plants.
Causal organism :-Xanthomonas citri
Symptoms :-
1. The disease first appears as a yellow spot on the lower surface of young leaves.
2. The lesions becomes raised and turn brown in color.

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3. All green parts and maturing fruits become more or less covered with brown scabby
spots surrounded by dark brown glossy margins.
Control measures :-
1. By removing the infected branches.
2. Spraying the plants with 1% Bordeaux mixture.
3. Disease free nursery stock should be planted.
4. Disease resistant varieties should be cultivated.
5. Spraying the suspension of Neem cake at t 1Kg in 20liters of water.
6. Spraying of antibiotics like streptomycin

It is a fungal disease, appears in important commercial crop Coffee plants.

7. Coffee rust
CLASS: Basidiomycetes ORDER:Uredinales FAMILY: Pucciniaceae
Causal organism: - Hamelia Vastatrix.

Symptoms:-
1. Disease is restricted to leaves, and rarely on berries. Yellowish spots appear on ventral
surface of leaves.
2. Yellowish spots enlarges, develop brown patches on upper surface of leaves due to
production of orange colored uredospores.
3. As diseases advances leaves dry up, becomes dark brown and leaves drop off.
Control measures: - Coffee rust can be controlled by following methods:-
1. By dipping the cut ends of seedlings in Boradeaux mixture.
2. Destroy of Diseased leaves by burning.
3. By growing disease resistant varieties.
4. Rotation of crops after 2 to 3 years.

Biopesticides :
Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals,
plants, bacteria, and certain minerals
Biochemical pesticides are naturally occurring substances that control pests by non-toxic
mechanisms. Microbial pesticides consist of a microorganism (e.g., a bacterium, fungus,
virus or protozoan) as the active ingredient. Microbial pesticides can control many
different kinds of pests.

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 Biopesticides are usually inherently less toxic than conventional pesticides.

 Biopesticides generally affect only the target pest and closely related organisms,
conventional pesticides that may affect organisms such as birds, insects and mammals.
 Biopesticides often are effective in very small quantities and often decompose quickly,
resulting in lower exposures and largely avoiding the pollution problems caused by
conventional pesticides.
 When used as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs,
biopesticides can greatly reduce the use of conventional pesticides, while crop yields
remain high.

Neem biopesticide: Biopesticides are a good alternative to the synthetic pesticide. Both leaves
and fruit of neem plant are known to have bitter taste having fungicidal, insecticidal and
nematicidal properties
Pest and disease control
Neem is a key ingredient in non-pesticidal management (NPM), providing a natural alternative to
synthetic pesticides. Neem seeds are ground into powder that is soaked overnight in water and
sprayed onto the crop.
To be effective, it must be applied repeatedly, at least every ten days.
Neem does not directly kill insects on the crop. It acts as an anti-feedant, repellent, and egg-
laying deterrent and thus protect the crop from damage.
The insects starve and die within a few days.
Neem also suppresses the hatching of pest insects from their eggs.
Neem-based fertilizeres have been effective against the pest southern armyworm.
Neem cake is often sold as a fertilizer. [19]
Neem oil has been shown to avert termite attack as an ecofriendly and economical agent. [20]

Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem (Azadirachta indica),
an evergreen tree which is endemic to the Indian subcontinent and has been introduced to many
other areas in the tropics. It is the most important of the commercially available products of
neem for organic farming and medicines.
BENEFITS OF NEEM PESTICIDES
Neem based pesticide is suited for mixing with other synthetic pesticides and infact
enhances their action.
No other synthetic pesticides need to be used it reducing the pollution load. Neem
consists of several compounds hence development of resistance is impossible.
Neem doesn’t destroy natural predators and parasites of pest thereby allowing these
natural enemies to keep a check on the pest population. Neem also has systemic action

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and seedlings can absorb and accumulate the neem compounds to make the whole plant
pest resistant.
Neem has a broad spectrum of action active on more than 200 species of pest.
Neem is harmless to non-target organisms like pollinators, honeybees, mammals and
other vegetables
neem compounds, especially Azadirachtin entered in the body of insect larvae, and
suppressed and the larvae and ultimately died.
The neem compound produces something similar to vomiting sensation; because of this
sensation the insect does not feed on the neem treated surface
The neem oil also reduces pest not by allowing the female to deposit eggs on stored
grains and after treatment the insect will not feed on them.

Trichoderma
Trichoderma is a very effective biological mean for plant disease management especially the siol born
It is a free living fungus which is common in soil and root ecosystem .It is highly interactive in root, soil
and foliar environment
General Characteristics
 Conidiophores are highly branched and thus difficult to define or measure, loosely or compactly tufted,
often formed in distinct concentric rings or borne along the scant aerial hyphae.

 Main branches of the conidiophores produce lateral side branches that may be paired or not.

 The branches may rebranch, with the secondary branches often paired and longest secondary branches
being closest to the main axis.

 All primary and secondary branches arise at or near 90° with respect to the main axis.

 Conidia typically appear dry but in some species they may be held in drops of clear green or yellow liquid.

 Conidia of most species are ellipsoidal,

 Chlamydospores may be produced by all species, but not all species produce chlamydospores.
Chlamydospores are typically unicellular subglobose and terminate short hyphae.

Benefits of Trichoderma

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1. Disease Control: Trichoderma is a potent biocontrol agent and used extensively for soil born diseases. It
has been used successfully against pathogenic fungi
2. Plant Growth Promoter: Trichoderma strains solubilize phosphates and micronutrients. The application
of Trichoderma strains with plants increases the number of deep roots, thereby increasing the plant's ability
to resist drought.
3. Biochemical Elicitors of Disease: Trichoderma strains are known to induce resistance in plants. Three
classes of compounds that are produced by Trichoderma and induce resistance in plants are now known.
These compounds induce ethylene production, hypersensitive responses and other defense related reactions
in plant cultivars.
4. Transgenic Plants: Introduction of endochitinase gene from Trichoderma into plants such as tobacco and
potato plants has increased their resistance to fungal growth. Selected transgenic lines are highly tolerant to
foliar pathogens as well as to the soil-borne pathogen.
5. Bioremediation: Trichoderma strains play an important role in the bioremediation of soil that are
contaminated with pesticides and herbicides. They have the ability to degrade a wide range of insecticides:
organochlorines, organophosphates and carbonates.

Biocontrol mechanisms of Trichoderma:

The Trichoderma may suppress the growth of the pathogen population in the rhizosphere through
competition and thus reduce disease development. It produces antibiotics and toxins such as trichothecin
and a sesquiterpine, Trichodermin, which have a direct effect on other organisms. The antagonist
(Trichoderma) hyphae either grow along the host hyphae or coil around it and secrete different lytic
enzymes such as chitinase, glucanase and pectinase that are involved in the process of mycoparasitism.

Trichoderma Enhances yield along with quality of produce. Boost germination rate. Increase in shoot &
Root length Solubilizing various insoluble forms of Phosphates Augment Nitrogen fixing. Promote healthy
growth in early stages of crop. Increase Dry matter Production substantially. Provide natural long term
immunity to crops and soil.

Method of application:
1. Seed treatment: Mix 6 - 10 g of Trichoderma powder per Kg of seed before sowing.
2. Nursery treatment: Apply 10 - 25 g of Trichoderma powder per 100 m2 of nursery bed. Application of
neem cake and FYM before treatment increases the efficacy.
3. Cutting and seedling root dip: Mix 10g of Trichoderma powder along with 100g of well rotten FYM per

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liter of water and dip the cuttings and seedlings for 10 minutes before planting.
4. Soil treatment: Apply 5 Kg of Trichoderma powder per hector after turning of sun hemp or dhainch into
the soil for green manuring. Or Mix 1kg of Trichoderma formulation in 100 kg of farmyard manure and
cover it for 7 days with polythene. Sprinkle the heap with water intermittently. Turn the mixture in every
3-4 days interval and then broadcast in the field.
5. Plant Treatment: Drench the soil near stem region with 10g Trichoderma powder mixed in a liter of
water.
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