Legumes are in constant dynamic interactions with rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi which mutually benefi t the partners. Legumes provide the carbon energy to the microbes, and they in turn provide the nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The growth of these symbionts largely depends on the secretions of the legume roots which include both high and low molecular weight compounds. These molecules also act as cues in plant-microbe signaling and recognition. A cascade of reactions take place between the legume and the microbe before specifi c refi ned symbiotic partnership manifests mutually benefi ting both the partners. Here, we provide an overview of the functions of legume root exudates with emphasis on the interactions between legume and rhizobia.

A new species, Begonia ahooensis P.L.Sherpa, Aditya Pradhan & Arun Chettri, is described from Sikkim, India. A detailed description along with an illustrative photo plate is provided. Affinity with the allied species B. grandis is discussed.

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The monotypic ginger genus Stadiochilus R. M. Sm. with S. burmanicus R. M. Sm. earlier known from Myanmar is reported here as a new record for India from the state of Nagaland. A detailed taxonomic description along with photographic illustrations of S. burmanicus is given. For conservation purposes, the IUCN status of this species has been evaluated as Endangered. The present field study ascertained that extraction of timber and non-timber forest products, forest fires and shifting cultivation are the major threats to the species in the locality in Nagaland reported here.

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