Bryophyte constitute a group of non-flowering plants. They are non- vascular amphibious cryptogams which do not have true root system. Functions of the roots are performed by rhizoids. Cells are also capable to absorb moisture directly from the ground or atmosphere. Bryophytes are the second largest group of terrestrial plants. They have been considered as the first land plants as they appear first in plant succession. Bryophytes are found in moist and shady habitat. They are growing in different habitats like bark and leaves of trees, rocks, soil, house wall, old monuments and dead organic matter etc. They add beauty to the nature by their fascinating colours and grow luxuriantly between an altitude of 2500 to 3000 ft. In bryophytes, the haploid gametophyte generation is the dominant and persevering stage, whereas the unbranched sporophyte generation is diploid.
Bryophytes are well known for their horticultural uses s they serve as good cover for Bonsai, as mulching and root packaging material, for culture of Orchids. Some of the bryophytes are medicinally important. The most useful moss for the medical purpose has been the Sphagnum as it has better absorbent capacity than cotton along with antibiotic properties.
Bryological researches have received considerable attention since the inception of National Botanical Garden. Prof. K.N. Kaul, the founder Director was having keen interest in Bryology, which is clearly evident from his publications on the morphogenetic study of genus Marchantia L. He inducted Dr. K.P. Srivastava and Mr. Satish Chandra around 1960 for studies of bryophytes. Although the significant contributions were made on some Indian Hepatics, yet it was rather scattered up to the year 1980. Dr. T.N. Khoshoo, the then Director who renamed N.B.G. as N.B.R.I. promoted the research activities in all branches of basic Botany and Dr. Virendra Nath was inducted in the year 1980 at N.B.R.I. with the objectives to expedite bryological researches and to develop a strong Bryology group. Extraordinary efforts and inputs made during last 20 years not only strengthened the Bryological researches, but, also helped in organising an active Bryology group in the Institute, which is contributing for Bryology at International standards. The research activities in Bryology have been mainly focused on survey, collections and morphotaxonomical studies during 1980-1995, whereas subsequently a considerable progress has been made in applied studies on the bryophytes. In recent years, a commendable progress has been made on the genomic and microbial study of bryophytes.
Realising the urgent need to study the Indian Bryodiversity, bryophyte systematics, preparation of state and regional bryoflora of India, generic monographs and inventorization, extensive explorations in several bryogeographical regions of India and critical investigations have been made by the members of Bryology group.
