The present article aims towards the development of procedure and criteria for selecting the CPTs of six fast growing Agroforestry species in State of Punjab. Superiority of growth rate of the selected CPTs was compared with the average of surrounding check trees and scores were assigned to each seleced CPTs for various silvicultural parameters indicating higher productivity and good health. The CPTs were further ranked on the basis of assigned scores, which helped in identifying the best suitable CPTs  for each selected species. A total 19, 16,15,14,8 and 11 CPTs were identified for Eucalyptus spp., Dalbergia sissoo, Albizia procera, Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica and Melia composita respectively through out the State. CPT No. 9, 14, 10, 1, 3 and 10 were ranked as the best among their group for Eucalyptus spp., Dalbergia sissoo, Albizia procera, Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica and Melia composita species respectively. Besides, superiority index of all the selected species was calculated, which is expected to further help in identifying the best individuals for the progeny trials and multi-locationals clonal trials.

Twenty two year old half-sib progenies of 58 plus trees of Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) grown in a progeny test at Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India, were evaluated. The estimated test mean for tree height and dbh was 12.43 m and 21.37 cm with current annual increment 0.93 m and 1.31 cm, respectively. Family mean for tree height varied from 8.04 m to 16.08 m and for dbh from 14.56 cm to 27.23 cm. The family differences were highly significant (P<0.001). Tree-to-tree variance within plot (σ²w) was the major contributor (more than 78%) towards the total phenotypic variance for all the growth traits studied. Narrow sense heritability of family means (h²f) ranged from 0.514 to 0.443 and was consistently higher than that calculated on individual tree basis (h²i) for each growth traits. A genetic gain of 13.37% in height growth and 12.04% in dbh at age 22 years is expected to be realized by selecting best 30% (18 out of 58) of families in combination with retaining best five of total ten trees in each family plot (50% selection intensity at within-family level) of these selected families.

This study was carried out in plantation Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) belonging to different age, site quality and stocking classes in Kerala, India.  Soil samples from surface layer (0-20 cm depth level) of pits were taken from fifty-two semi-permanent sample plots. From each sample plot leaf samples were also collected from ten trees. The soils were subjected for particle size separates, bulk density (BD), particle density (PD), water holding capacity (WHC), soil pH, organic carbon (OC), exchangeable bases (EB), exchange acidity (EA), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (BS), Total N, available P, K, Na, Ca and Mg. Leaf samples were also analyzed for N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents. The interrelationship between the leaf and soil attributes at 0-20 cm soil depth level was studied through canonical correlation analysis. Leaf Ca had a significant positive influence on soil Ca and BS in the surface layer. The canonical redundancy analysis showed that leaf nutrient status was greatly influenced by soil attributes. On the whole, canonical correlation analyses revealed intercorrelation exist between leaf and soil characters.

Natural forages play an important role in the livestock based rural economy in developing countries like India. In this paper an attempt has been made to divide whole of India in to four major natural silvipastoral cover that will help in forage resource planning and execution of various programmes for sustainable livestock production. These four silvipastoral covers are Ulmus-Grewia-Bauhinia-Alnus-Themeda-Arundinella in Himalayas, Prosopis-Acacia-Ziziphus-Ailanthus-Dichanthium-Cenchrus-Lasiurus in western India, Anogeissus-Albizia-Hardwickia-Sehima-Dichanthium in eastern Indo-Gangetic-Brahamaputra plains and Acacia- Madhuca-Gmelina-Phragmites-Saccharum-Imperata cover in peninsular India.

Five months old Teak drupes were subjected to following pre sowing treatments viz., soaking in water followed by drying (S-D) at 12 hr interval for 6 days, S-D for 5 days at 12 hr interval then 6th day soaking in different concentrations of Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2-2,4,6,8 and 10%), Potassium hydroxide (KOH -2,4,6,8 and 10%) and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH – 2,4,6,8 and 10%) solutions for 12 hr, compared to dry drupes served as control. The pre conditioned and control drupes were placed for germination in sand under open sunlight. An 28 days after sowing, the results revealed that the highest germination of 48% and seedling vigour of 983 was recorded with the drupes soaked in water followed by drying (S-D) at 12hr interval for 5 days then on 6th day soaking in 6% Ca(OH)2 for 12hr. The control treatment recorded only 12% germination and seedling vigour of 123.

The article highlights the regression models to estimate the biomass of twelve shrub species commonly found in the Western Himalaya. After analysis it was found that for most of the species log linear and curvilinear prediction equation gave coefficient of determination (R2) with higher value which, show the fitness of the equation to precision. However, for species like Leptodermis lanceolata, Justica adhatoda, Vitex negundo and Mimosa himalayana, girth and length are not good predictors for leaf biomass estimation. Thus both girth and length should be used to predict branch and total biomass of shrubs. The prediction equations developed in the present study can be used to provide the precise biomass estimate corresponding to any girth and length. This can be done by converting girth and length to a natural logarithm. The natural logarithm of biomass in grams can then be obtained by solving the equation. After measuring the girth and length of stems and using prediction equation the precise estimate of total yield of any shrub can be obtained.

The present paper on  biomass distribution pattern  of Mallotus albus Mull. under energy  plantation was carried out in Golaghat district of Assam, India. Biomass production up to 36 months was estimated by random stratified technique. Total dry biomass at the age of 12, 24 and 36 months was estimated to be 0.78, 18.65 and 42.57 t ha-1 respectively. The percent contribution of utilizable biomass (wood, branch and bark) increased from 32.6% at 12 months to 71.9% at 36 months. Genetic improvement of the species should be worked out and vegetative multiplication of improved material to be utilized for raising high density plantation.

The present study was conducted in established plantations of Eucalyptus tereticornis in Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni (Solan), Himachal Pradesh. Three plantations with 1200 (D1), 2800 (D2) and 5200 (D3) tree density/ha having LAI 1.08, 1.54 and 1.79 respectively were selected. In these plantations improved grasses Setaria sphacelata vars. Narok (S1) and Kanjungula (S2) and Panicum maximum(S3) were planted with plant to plant and row to row spacing of 30cm through grass-tufts in the beginning of rainy season. Likewise, these grasses were also planted in adjacent grassland (control). Survival percent of these grasses was 73.33 to 82.22 in grassland and it ranged from 63.33 to 83.34 under E. tereticornis. Mean density of the three grasses under trees S1, S2 and S3 was statistically at par with values of 33.58, 32.66 and 29.24 tillers/m2, respectively. The basal area (cm2/m2) of exotic grasses revealed that S. sphacelata var. Kanjungula had significantly higher (28.83) basal area whereas S3 had the least basal area (6.99). However the density and basal area of grasses was higher in grassland as compared to their values under trees. It was observed that growth of grasses S2 and S3 was favoured by D1 density of trees as the density and basal area of these grasses increased under trees as compared to grassland (control).

The present report gives an account of the results of research carried out on litter production, accumulation and nutrient return through rainfall, stem flow, throughfall and interception to soil litter fall, under Casuarina-Black Gram Agroforestry Models (age 4 years, density 650 trees/ha). It was found that of the total rainfall (497.9 mm) 1.2% was recorded as stem flow and 80% as throughfall while the interception accounted for 19 %. It is found that on an average annual basis, of the total uptake of various nutrients was retained in the non-photosynthetic biomass and the rest returned to soil. These results show that among the nutrients, maximum annual retention was accounted for potassium while, the minimum for nitrogen. This paper deals the nutrient accumulation in standing crop, nutrient concentration and return, rainfall interception, nutrient concentration in rain wash, nutrient return through rain wash and Nutrient retained, returned and uptake (kg/ha/yr) in Casuarina under Agroforestry System in detail.

The present investigation was carried out at the established plantations and laboratory of the Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during the year 2008-2009. The experimental site lies in the mid hill zone of Himachal Pradesh with an elevation of 1250 m above mean sea level. It is located at 30o 51' N latitude and 76o 11' E longitude. The study revealed higher nutrient contents at surface layer D1 (0-15cm) which decreased with increase in soil depths. Among different tree species Alnus nitida registered significantly higher amount of available nitrogen at different soil depths. Phosphorus and potassium varied significantly under different tree species and found highest again under Alnus nitida. Phosphorus was noticed maximum (41.92 kg/ha) at 0-15cm which decreased to 40.40 kg/ha at 30-45cm soil depths. Similar trend observed for potassium where it decreased to about 32.50% at D3 (30-45cm) than at D1 (0-15cm). Irrespective of soil depths, the magnesium content was found highest (330.40kg/ha) under Melia azedarach. Magnesium decreased from 329.70 kg/ha at D1 to 281.40 kg/ha at D3 registering about 15% reduction. Calcium behaved in similar manner which irrespective of depths was registered highest under Alnus nitida plantation. A slight decrease in soil pH was observed as the soil depth increased. It lowered to 6.4 at D3 (30-45cm) from 6.55 at D1 (0-15cm). Organic carbon decreased to about 50% at D3 as compared to its value to D1 depth. Similarly, the soil microbial biomass decreased to more than 50% at D3 than that of D1 depth. Irrespective of soil depths the highest (2.15?g/g) microbial biomass was observed under Alnus nitida.

Results are presented of a study on the morphology of the seedlings of Senna alata (L.) Roxb., S. occidentalis (L.) Link., S. siamea (Lam.) Irwin and Barneby, S. sophera (L.) Roxb. var. purpurea (Roxb. ex Lindl.) Singh, S. sulfurea (DC. ex Collad.) Irwin and Barneby, and S. tora (L.) Roxb. All the studied seedlings are of macaranga type. The most important characters that distinguished  the studied seedling taxa from each other are hypocotyl surface, shape of paracotyledon blade, leaf petiole, leaflets (number, shape and apex), and extrafloral glands (present or absent and shape). Among the six studied seedling taxa, five are with tetrafoliate first leaf except  Senna sulfurea with bifoliate first leaf. These diagnostic characters presented, permitted an elaboration of key of identification for these species. Line drawings and photographs have also been provided. The variations among studied seedling morphology have been discussed.

Studies on the pollen and spore deposition pattern in the moss cushion is one of the important parameters in the assessment of aerospora of a particular region. The samples of moss cushions were collected from various parts of the tropical dry evergreen forests of Madras Christian College, Chennai, between December 2007 and February 2008. The pollen and spore analysed from moss cushions samples revealed a total of 17 pollen types of Tropical Dry Evergreen forest taxa and fungal spores such as Alternaria, Curvularia, etc. In this study, the concentration of modern pollen taxa is dominant than the fungal spores during the month of January and February when compared to sample analysed during December. This data signifies the relationship between the pollen and spore deposition pattern during this period of the year.

Chemical compositions of host plants of the genus Albizia Durazz., viz., Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boiv., A. falcataria (L.) Fosberg,  A. lebbeck (L.) Benth. and A. procera (Roxb.) Benth. and on the growth and development of Spirama retorta Clerck was studied. The larvae of S. retorta, is a serious pest of forest nurseries and young plantations in central regions of India. It devours young leaves and growing shoots, resulted in retardation in growth or mortality of the plants especially young seedling in nursery stage. The larva moulted through 6 or 7 instars. The different host plants exhibited to influence significantly on the larval survival, mortality, larval period, size and weight of various life stages and fecundity during development. On the basis of quality and chemical composition of different grade of host leaves, Albizia lebbeck is proved to be the most preferred favoured host plant than the other three species for the survival of this insect pest.

A survey carried out in Moist Deciduous Forests (MDF) and Teak plantations in the Kerala part of the Western Ghats revealed high diversity of entomogenous fungi. Four hundred and one fungi were isolated from 341 insect cadavers, of which 316 were from MDF and 85 from Teak plantations. Fungi were isolated from insects belonged to 10 orders with the highest isolation from the order Lepidoptera (120) followed by Hymenoptera (105). Identified fungi belonged to 58 species and 24 genera. Majority of the fungi identified belonged to class Deuteromycotina. Insect cadavers from MDF and Teak plantations yielded 52 and 29 species respectively. A species each of Akanthomyces and Paraisaria identified from ants are new. Four genera of fungi identified were new records to India viz., Akanthomyces, Massospora, Paraisaria and Pleurodesmospora. Genera such as Aspergillus, Pencillium and Beauveria showed wide host range. Akanthomyces spp., Cordyceps sp., Massospora sp., Paraisaria spp. and Stilbella spp., were isolated only from ants. Fungi isolated from forest insect pests were a few. Epizootics were found to be seasonal and fungi obtained during the wet period was high (May - Oct). Abundance of fungi decreased with increase in altitude.

Teak (Tectona grandis L. f.), is largely determined by climate and soil type, it can be grown in almost every part of the country except the dry western zone. All the stages in the growth of Teak from seed to mature trees are damaged by insect pests. Among these, the most important leaf feeders is the Teak skeletonizer, Eutectona machaeralis Walker (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) and it causes severe damage to foliage in the nursery and during the growth period of trees. Because of the awareness on the detrimental effects of synthetic insecticides to the operator and the environment, bio- based management is gaining momentum. Availability, quantity and quality of the bio- products are complex and difficult. So, the present study aims to minimize the quantity of bio-products needed there by identifying the actual site of the activity of the insect pest to be controlled on a tree. Results of the present investigation on feeding and egg laying preference of the larvae and moths of E. machaeralis clearly indicated that the tender leaves (1 – 3 days old) are the most preferred stage. Hence, management practices can be adopted towards the tender foliage instead of the whole tree to control the population of E. machaeralis. This will not only reduce the cost of plant protection but increase the cost benefit ratio.

Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (A-A BR) is the 14th Biosphere Reserve of the country. It is an interstate biosphere comprises major part of Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh and with part Anuppur and Dindori districts of Madhya Pradesh states. The Biosphere Reserve is a paradise of faunal and floral diversity.  Recent survey made during the rainy season in Amarkantak range under Anuppur Forest Division of Madhya Pradesh, the buffer zone of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve revealed the occurrence of 12 species of butterflies (six species belong to family  Nymphalidae, two species belong to family Pieridae, one species belongs to family Danaidae, Erycinidae, Hesperiidae and Satyridae). Among the butterflies collected, Ypthima avanta Moore (Lepidoptera : Satyridae) is a new addition to the insect faunal composition of butterflies in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.

Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) G. Don (Convolvulaceae) is first time reported from Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. In India it was known to be present in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu as reported in 2002. A brief description, illustration and other relevant notes are provided.

Podaxis pistillaris (L.) Morse was recorded for the first time from tehsil Sunderbani of district Rajouri of Jammu and Kashmir State. Its taxonomic description, present status and distribution have been described in the present communication.

Altogether 38 algal taxa belonging to different classes were recorded from Lodoicea maldivica (J.E.Gmel.) Pres. (Double Coconut) and its surrounding area in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Howrah. Out of which 4 new taxa were reported for the first time from India belonging to Xanthophyceae (1), Euglenophyceae (1) and Chrysophyceae (2). Brief taxonomic description of each species are given in the paper along with photomicrographs.

The paper reports 18 species of 13 genera from district Poonch of Jammu and Kashmir State. The genera Coprinus, Flammulina, Auricularia, Sparassis, Gymnopilus, Fomitopsis, Lenzites, Pleurotus and Schizophyllum were represented by a single species each. Two species each of  Fomes and Trametes were recorded, while genus Ganoderma was represented by four species. Lepiota oregonensis var. lignicola was proposed as a novel variety.

Kudiraimozhi theri (KMT) is situated in Tiruchendur taluk, Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, South India at an altitude of about 30m. It lies about 10 km from the East Coast and the region is in the Southeastern part of the Peninsular India. It is a Psammophytic area, covered by red sand and sand dunes with varying thickness from 5 to 10m. A systematic survey of the area was made during the year 2003-2007.

Present paper deals with the new distributional record of 11 flowering plant species for Himachal Pradesh. The species are Crotalaria tetragona Roxb. ex Andrews [Fabaceae], Dalbergia sericea G. Don [Fabaceae], Leucas nutans (Roth.) Spreng. [Lamiaceae], Mitreola petiolata (J.F. Gmel.) Torrey & A. Gray [Loganiaceae], Paederia foetida L. [Rubiaceae], Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm. [Urticaceae], Plantago scabra Moench [Plantaginaceae], Spilanthes calva DC. (Asteraceae), Spilanthes ciliata Kunth [Asteraceae], Striga angustifolia (D. Don) Saldanha [Scrophulariaceae] and Syzygium venosum DC. [Myrtaceae].

Diplazium austrosylvaticum Fraser-Jenkins & Benniamin, hitherto known only from Tamil Nadu, is reported here for the first time from Kerala. Detailed description, illustration, photographs and relevant notes are provided for its easy identification.

The liverwort Radula multiflora, so far known to be distributed in Oceania, is recorded for India from the Silent Valley National Park in the Western Ghats. It is described in detail and illustrated.

Two species of Radula Dumort., R. acuta Mitt., and R. pandei Udar & Dh.Kumar, are described for the first time in Indian Himalayan bryoflora from West Siang and Anjaw districts respectively of Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Himalaya.

Rectolejeunea devendrae Sushil K.Singh, closely related to R. olivacea (Steph.) S.C. Srivast. & A Agarwal, is described as a new species from Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah in Gangetic Plains of West Bengal, India.

Epirixanthes elongata Blume, (Polygalaceae) from the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is reported as new to the flora of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Brief description and illustration is provided.