The State of Art Phytolith Research

Abstract

Indispensable parts of the plant, microscopic in nature and composed of SiO2 are called the Phytoliths. The term Phytolith is a Greek word meaning “plant stone” ; Phyto= Plant and Lithos= Stone. Also know as “Plant silica” or” Opal silica” Phytoliths are rigid bodies that take the shape and size of the cells in which they are formed.

Phytoliths are mostly found in the intracellular and extracellular location of the plants. Phytolith production is wide spread in both monocotyledon and dicotyledon. These microscopic skeletal impressions of silica are diagnostic in nature and useful proxies in various interdisciplinary studies. Unlike pollens, spores and diatoms Phytoliths survive in extreme conditions for thousands of years. The lecture intends to give an insight into this offbeat science.

With the pioneering work initiated by Sir Charles Darwin and Prof. Ehrenberg in 1830’s the Phytolith science has gone far ahead with time. Archaeologist, Geologist, Ecologist and Botanist have worked hand in hand to explore the hidden mysteries of the fine silica particles.

Phytolith science has proved to be useful in understanding the past at large ; especially in the areas of paleoenvironment, plant exploitation, stratigraphy and man land relationships. Phytoliths can be extracted from the minerogenic deposits, which are usually less suitable for the reconstruction of the past vegetation through microfossils such as pollen and spores.

The lecture discusses a wide range of application of Phytolith research and gives a short review of the current status of Phytolith research in the global context. It also highlights the scope for Phytolith research in the Indian context. This fascinating subject is full of curiosity and ingenuity which remains an important drive behind first-rate research.

Speaker

Dr. Sanjay Eksambekar, Phytolith Research Institute, Pune

Organisers

Department of Ecology, French Institute of Pondicherry.

Venue

Jawaharlal Nehru Conference Hall, French Institute of Pondicherry, 11, Saint Louis Street, Pondicherry - 605 001.

Time

4.30 pm