Bilal A. Tali

Ceratophyllum platyacanthum subsp. oryzetorum (Kom.) Les (Ceratophyllaceae): an addition to the flora of India from Kashmir Himalaya

Ceratophyllum platyacanthum Cham. subsp. oryzetorum (Kom.) Les (Ceratophyllaceae) is recorded for the first time from Kashmir Himalaya and India. The species differs from its closely related taxon, Ceratophyllum demersum, in having smaller leaves and the fruit with a facial spine. A comparison between Ceratophyllum demersum and C. platyacanthum subsp. oryzetorum , and the taxonomic description, photographs and distribution map are provided to facilitate its field identification in the region.

Weed flora of raised bunds and undulated lands growing along the rice fields of Kashmir Valley

For an effective weed management in the rice fields, it is crucial to identify the actual weeds as well as those growing on the raised bunds and undulated lands nearby rice fields. The present study was carried out with this aim to record the weeds growing on bunds and nearby undulated lands of the rice fields in Kashmir Valley, so that not only the actual weeds inside the rice field but also the nearby growing weed species that may pose future risk could also be targeted under the weed management practices. During the present study, 58 weed species belonging to 45 genera and 27 families were recorded along raised bunds and undulated lands of rice fields in Kashmir Valley. Of these, 38 weed species were terrestrial and 20 were semi-aquatic species; and it is the latter set of species that can become the future weeds of rice fields in the region.