Open Access

In succession of terrestrial ecosystem, bryophytes, algae and lichens constitute the primary components. Not only phylogenetically but also physically they are related to each other, as they are also found in close association and intermixed with each other on same substratum. A chlorophycean alga Ulothrix zonata (Weber & Mohr) Kützing has been found growing as an epiphyte on moss Macromitrium sulcatum (Hook.) Brid.. The association is peculiar as the algal filaments form a close net over the surface of moss leaves and axis.

The present study is a compilation of moss flora of Western Himalayas (India). This compilation listed 745 species of mosses, belonging to 19 orders; 55 families and 230 genera. Out of these 17 species have been reported endemic from Western Himalayas. 196 species have been synonymized and status of 86 species is still doubtful i.e. unresolved name. At present out of 745 only 463 species are validly known from this mountain range of India

The present paper deals with the current status of mosses of Nilgiri hills. There is total of 157 taxa reported so far on the basis of all earlier records. In which 22 taxa new to Nilgiri hills. The socio-ecology of mosses of the Nilgiri hills is also discussed in the text.

The aqueous extract of Dumortiera hirsuta (Swaegr.) Nees, a bryophyte, was found to be effective against seven postharvest phytopathogens tested. The fungitoxicity of the extract was measured by percent spore germination inhibition and percent radial growth inhibition using poisoned food technique. The inhibition of spore germination by the Dumortiera extract was within the range of 400 to 550 ppm. In poisoned food technique, out of seven postharvest phytopathogenic fungi tested six were completely inhibited by the Dumortiera extract with concentration range of 550 to 600 ppm. The mode of action of extract (350 ppm) was examined in the case of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem. Distinct morphological changes were observed in treated hyphae in comparison to control . The treatment clearly showed anomalies in the hyphae; cell wall of became flaccid, cytoplasm started leaving the cell wall and became granulated.

Since the existence of Nilgiri hills, bryophyte- the miniatures of plant kingdom play an important and crucial role in the stabilization of Blue Mountains ecology. Unlike Himalayas, the landslides were rare in the area, but with the time and changing global environment it had become a common sight. Significantly ever increasing population and vehicular traffic is the prime reason for them, to cater the need, roads are periodically broadened by cutting road sides destroying the habitat as also the inhabiting species. Bryophytes, are efficient soil binders that regulate the soil moisture and provide substrate for future plant succession. The habitat loss and nudeness of substratum gives impetus to rapid soil erosion that further enhances the problem of their very survival. The present communication provides significance of these avascular cryptogams in environmental assessment, ecological balance and their role in decreasing the pore pressure to check land slides.