Rejuvenation of Ecosystem using Axenic Culture of Octoblepharum albidum HEDW.

Abstract

Ecosystem is a delicate balance between living and non-living system and hence is prone to disturbances by natural calamities and human disturbances. Ecosystem tries to revive itself but in some cases, restoration of ecosystem has to be done. Re introducing native species or enhancing their numbers can substantially decrease the time required for ecosystem revival. Bryophytes form an important group of land plants that play a vital role in primary and secondary succession. Axenic culture of bryophytes can be a source of inoculum for ecosystem restoration as the material is available throughout the year and biomass can be scaled up to the required amounts. In the present work axenic culture of Octoblepharum albidum has been developed and was inoculated to rotting wood logs. Octoblepharum developed on these logs and were similar to the natural corticolous population. There was significant improvement in production of secondary metabolites in axenic plants when they were transplanted and grown in natural ecosystem.