Popularly known nun orchid or swamp orchid (Phaius sps.) is listed as endangered species under Schedule-I of Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Natural Phaius hybrids were not reported and present study is an attempt to develop a new Phaius species by using two native species viz., Phaius tankervilleae (Banks ex l'Heritier) Bl and Phaius flavus (Blume) Lindl. Result of present study suggests crossability and compatibility between these two species which helped in synthesize novel hybrid species. New Phaius hybrid produced flowers with dominating yellow-orange colour (RHS 17B/A) sepals and petals are bright crimson colour (RHS 175B) with elongated stripes on lip inside. First flowering of Phaius cross progenies was observed in Jan-Mar, 2017 with regular flowering habit in consecutive seasons. Comparison with parents indicated distinct nature in floral attributes. Unlike Phaius flavus, the sepals and petals of novel progenies have spreading nature. Flower size varies from 7-8 x 8.5-9 cm with mild fragrance on shiny and warm days. Sequential flowering in acropetal fashion with 8-10 florets observed on moderately strong spike with potted vase life > 40 days.

The biochemical and molecular basis of the defense in a mild tolerant (ICPL-332) and susceptible (ICPL-87) cultivars of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) due to Helicoverpa. armigera infestation was studied. We found that feeding by the larvae generated H 2 O 2 in a localized manner and activity was observed upto 12 h (hrs) of with a sharp decline within 24 h. Similarly, PPO activity was also detected till 12 h of treatment, which decreased after 24 h of feeding by larvae. The activity of trypsin inhibitor was detected in all the treatments when assayed at 12 and 24 h after larval feeding. The expression of defense genes like the Pre-hevein-like protein PR-4 precursor (PR-4), protease inhibitor/seed storage/LTP family protein (Ltp) were significantly up-regulated in ICPL-332 upon infestation after 12 h as compared to ICPL-87, whereas the endo 1, 4-β-glucanase (Kor-1) gene was expressed in both the cultivars after 24 h of infestation. Both the cultivars varied with respect to the induction of defense-related genes during larval feeding, both the PR-4 and Ltp genes appeared to be important for defense against H. armigera in pigeon pea. Thus, the present study revealed an insight of herbivore-induced biochemical and molecular changes in pigeon pea.

plants which grow in a variety of habitats throughout the globe, but they are very sensitive to habitat change. Understanding the prospects, horticultural and medicinal value, and the family is gaining much attention throughout the world to unfold the biology, evolution, taxonomy, cytology, chemistry, hybridization and cultivation etc. In North East India, many orchids are used for different

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