Botany

Are state forest officials being rewarded well-enough to protect India's forests?

Several states have raised concerns over declining forest-related revenue after the National Forest Policy was implemented.

The Weight of a Petal: In its latest edition, Marg magazine chronicles India’s botanical art

Once photography came in in the late 1800s, botanical artforms became less important. But their importance historically, archivally, is to remind us that these were scientific projects of documentation; that at the heyday of the imperial project, it was this art that pushed science forward as new species were being identified from the colonies, says Sita Reddy, who edited this issue of Marg magazine.

Scientists isolate fungi that can help plants survive in low-water environments

Better growth and health indicators were observed in the plants that were grown with fungi.

New fast-growing weed spotted in Karnataka, scientists warn farmers countrywide

The weed has only been reported in Karnataka so far, but capable of growing in other similar habitats.

Pay more for your vanilla Ice cream!

Trade journal The Grocer said Mexico and India have suffered poor crops this year. That has paved the way for traders to stock up early on the unaffected crop from Madagascar which produces around 2,000 tonnes of black vanilla a year.