Enhancing the survival of cryptogams through <i>ex-situ</i> acclimatization under controlled conditions

The hilly regions of West Bengal are recognized as rich repositories of cryptogams, but they face threats from pollution, overexploitation, and other anthropogenic factors. Many cryptogams, which are generally used as laboratory specimens, are also facing threats in their natural habitats. An attempt has been made to cultivate various types of cryptogams in an artificial system, thereby supporting research and experimentation in botanical sciences. Nutrient supplementation for the cultivated specimens has been formulated based on the NPK ratio of the in-situ soil sample, characterized by low nitrogen, moderate phosphate, and elevated potassium levels (3:1:6). The system provides ideal growth conditions (light intensity 150-170 lux, humidity 85-95%, temperature 24-28ºC) for cryptogams. The macro- and micro-morphological and dry-weight assessment of system-grown plants exhibit attributes indicative of healthy physiological development. The moisture content of each selected species increased by 0.304 g, 0.047g, 0.05 g and 0.248 g per gram weight in Equisetum sp., Selaginella sp., Funaria sp. and Lunaria sp. respectively. The present study contributes significantly to the preservation of biodiversity and the safeguarding of endangered flora.