Nine new grass species, including one genus, have been discovered by Gujarati researchers in the grasslands of the Dahod district. These nine species have just been added to Gujarat's grass flora.
An extensive study of the grasslands within the Baria forest division in the Dahod district of Gujarat was recently conducted by Sujit Kumar Prajapati, an assistant professor at Government Science College in Limkheda and Rohit Kumar Patel, an assistant professor at Government Science College in Dhanpur. The state department of forests funded the study.
Dimeria deccanensis Bor, Dimeria hohenackeri Hochst. ex Miq, Eragrostis aspera (Jacq.) Nees, Eragrostis zeylanica Nees, and Mey are among the nine new additions to Gujarat's grass flora. Schizachyrium exile (Hochst.) Stapf, Panicum walense Mez, Tripogon bromoides Roem. and Schult, and Microchloa indica (L.f.) P. Beauv.
According to researchers, Michrochloa R. Br belongs to the genus that was discovered in Gujarat. According to the study, during September and December of 2021, when grass was actively growing, the most specimens were collected. To do this, they frequently travelled to Rampura Grassland and other locations in the Dahod district.
“We collected all the required grass specimens for further analysis and also took adequate photographs of them. The grass specimens that we collected were appropriately dried and processed with blotting papers and newspapers for future diagnosis and for the preparation of herbarium. Collected grass specimens were critically diagnosed for features, description, and were photographed. Spikelets - a crucial part of grass used to establish their identity - were dissected carefully and identified with the available literature,’ Rohit Kumar Patel said.
According to the literature that is currently in circulation, Gujarat is home to about 290 different types of grass. According to researchers, this investigation has already included nine new species of Gujarati grass flora.
According to the literature that is currently in circulation, Gujarat is home to about 290 different types of grass. According to researchers, this investigation has already included nine new species of Gujarati grass flora.
According to the researchers, the grasslands are the backbone for the pastoral communities. The grassland-based income generation activities like milk production and beef contribute 27% and 23%, respectively, indicating its significant role in the economy by providing livelihood to about 1 billion people.