Paper Title
Saracaasoka (Roxb.)W.J. De Wilde: A Preliminary Study on its Conservation with Special Reference to the Genetic Diversity

Abstract
BACKGROUND Saracaasoka (Roxb.) De. Wilde (Family Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant used in both in Ayurveda and folkloric traditions of healthcare. Its use is widely recommended specifically gynaecological diseases. Natural distribution of the species is limited to India, Mayanmar and Srilanka. Within India, it is found in Moist forests of central and southern parts of Western Ghats and in Eastern states.IUCN classified the species under Vulnerable category and reports persistent decline in the adult populations.In response to threat perceptions, the species is conserved in some Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) includingJripada MPCA (N 19⁰ 51' 05.95", E 085⁰ 01' 47.36") in Khurda Dist. Odisha. Also, the species is known to be preserved in Sacred groves. A preliminary study was done in Jiripada MPCA assess the functional outcomes of conserving the Saracaasoca. For comparison purposes, observations were recorded in Punyagiri Sacred Forest (N 18⁰06'42.83"; E 083⁰06'43.15") also. METHODOLOGY The distribution pattern in both the sites is not conducive for typical models of forestry research don’t exist. Hence, subjective observations on the conserved populations are carried out. GBH was measured for all the plants in both the sites to assess the outcomes of conservation in terms of “natural regeneration”. Incidence of diseases and damage were recorded. Further, samples of leaflets were collected for DNA fingerprinting.The whole genomic DNA was extracted, and fingerprinting was done using ISSR technique. RESULTS A total of 128 plants of the target species were enumerated in 9 clusters at Jiripada MPCA. The GBH ranged between 3.40 cm and 29.3 cm. This range indicates that there is an active regeneration and the population spans across different age classes. Also total of 6 mature trees were found be to be damaged. In case of Punyagiri Sacred Forest site, 32 plants of S. asoka were enumerated in 3 clusters and they fall in GBH range of 42 and 7 cm. No damages were observed.The Dendrogram constructed from DNA study suggest that both the sites host different genotypes of Saracaasoka. Within the sites, the genetic diversity is narrow. CONCLUSION An effective conservation programme is expected to (a) demonstrate active regeneration trends for the target species (b) hosting the genetic diversity available in the region (c) minimal anthropogenic pressures. From this perspective both the sites seem to be well placed.