Issue 2, June 2001

Based on time series of average annual current prices of teak (Tectona grandis Linn.f.) in girth-classes 1 (logs having mid-girth, under bark, 150 to 184 cm), 2 (100 to 149 cm) and 3 (75 to 99 cm) in Kerala State, India, future prices were predicted with 95% confidence limits for the years up to 2015-16 using autoregressive integrated moving average models. The price forecasts for teak in girth-classes 1, 2 and 3 per m3 for the year 2015-16 at current prices are Rs. 90,000, Rs. 71,000 and Rs. 67,000 respectively.

Vital information on flowering, fruiting, planting material (seeds, fruits and propagules) and germination in different species of mangroves has been provided. Information is based on the detailed observations, field studies and experiments conducted by the author in the Middle Andaman.

Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth., an Australian species, introduced in India is widely used in social forestry because of its quick growth, adding fertility to soil and rich yield of fuel-wood and fodder. Two such stands near Varanasi, site-I at Phulwaria (Shivpur) and site-II at Saresar (Mughalsarai) have been studied for various ecological parameters, of which this paper gives only the plant diversity and seasonal changes in phytosociology. Phulwaria is richer in diversity throughout the year with higher frequency and better density and abundance values. In relative terms and based on relative frequency, R. density and R. abundance and Importance Value Index have been computed. Seasonal trends show best performance during the rainy season, followed by winter and least in summer.

The present study reports the influence of Tectona grandis (Teak) and Duabanga grandiflora (Kokhon) plantations on physical, chemical, biochemical and microbiological properties of soil. Statistical analysis of data has revealed that there was a general trend of improvement of soil properties in both the plantation sites over control. However, between two plantations kokhon plantation resulted in greater improvement on soil properties such as bulk density, water holding capacity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, microbial population numbers, enzyme activities, litter dry mass production and release of nitrogen from the litter. This indicate that the continued maintenance of kokhon plantation over a period of 20 years has little or no adverse effect on soil properties.

Investigation on the planting stock influence on performance of Bauhinia variegata seedlings in degraded hill lands reveals that planting stock below 0.5 cm in collar diameter should not be selected for out planting. Best results are obtained with large sized (1.00-1.50 cm collar diameter) seedlings. Longer shoot (6 cm and above the collar) and unpruned root portion should be retained to afforest the degraded hill lands.

The study was undertaken to estimate the amount of genetic variability present in different root characters of selected clones of Poplar. Significant values of Mean Sum of Squares for different root characters depict good scope for their improvement. All the root characters exhibited higher values for phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) over the GCV, indicating environmental effect on these characters.

An exploratory study on the indigenous hill farming system, locally known as the ‘Jhum’ of the Marma tribe of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bangladesh) was conducted over a period of 6 months in 1998. The Jhum cultivation is the foundation of the economic structure in the ethnic community and is the principal source of livelihood. Virtually no major study exists on the Jhum in this part of the world. The research focusses on various dimensions of the farming system including the planting and harvesting practice, cultural operations, particular indigenous knowledge related farm management and the problems to such issues as on an average each farmer manages a total area of 0.7 ha/year for Jhum cultivation. The presence of dense bamboo jungles and earthworm hole as indicators of soil fertility were the criteria considered for selection of the new Jhum lands. Burning was the cheapest and easiest way of clearing lands and farmers were aware of the positive and negative effects of burning. Sowing was done on the onset of monsoon, when mixed seeds of different crops were dibbled or broadcasted. Weeding was the only cultural operation practiced to reduce competition for nutrients. Harvesting of crops started from July to October sequentially. Lower fertility of soil associated with increased soil erosion, crop damage by insects and wild animals were the major problems identified.

Genetic variability in seed characters of 18 seed sources of Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.) was studied. Mean squares differed significantly for all the characters. High variability was observed almost in all the seed characters. Heritability was high for all the characters except tetrazolium test, while high genetic advance was observed for dehydrogenase activity, germination percentage, root length, seedling length, vigour index-I and vigour index-II. Hundred seed weight was found to be positively correlated with the other remaining characters individually.

Acacia auriculaeformis was studied under various spacing and fertilizer levels for harvested biomass and production of lac by Kusmi strain of Kerria lacca (Kerr.) (Homoptera: Tachardiidae) during winter crop season. Various plant densities had no adverse effect on plant growth attributes as well as yield index (kg./plant); however, maximum values were obtained in case of lowest plant density (S3), excepting plant height and total shoot length. Application of fertilizers have resulted in a significant increase in plant growth attributes except plant height and canopy spread, north to south (N-S). Significant differences were also recorded in the yield index with increasing levels of fertilizers, however, broodlac and sticklac yield index was found to be at par in all fertilizer levels, though significantly higher over the control. Interaction of spacing and fertilizer levels on biomass and lac yield per hectare cleary indicated that the higher density levels and fertilizer level produced maximum yield of biomass, broodlac and scraped lac to the tune of 19.06, 3.35 and 1.34 tons per hectare respectively and may be recommended for raising plantations of A. auriculaeformis for lac production view point.

Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are the major Indian states growing poplar either as pure plantation or as part of agroforestry systems. A large number of exotic poplar chones have been tried in these states, Uttar Pradesh having the largest number of them. Apart from the established clones of G-3, G-48 and D-121 many more clones like S7C4, S7C8, S7C15, S7C20, 2503, 69/55, L12/82, L72/84, L215/84, 65/27 and 3201 have shown promise for these areas.

Pollen morphological studies of certain Acanthaceous plants belonging to 18 species of 15 genera have been carried out. An array of pollen types are observed, they include 2-8 Zonicolporate types showing different ornamentation pattern, number of colpi and nature of mesocolpium. The pollen types are categorised according to 'NPC' system of classification. Specific pollen keys are drawn in certain genera under the investigation.

Evaluation studies of fifteen multipurpose tree species (MPTs) for survival, growth and biomass production conducted under rainfed conditions at Agroforestry farm, Regional Research Station, GAU, Sardar Krushinagar indicated that at the end of 138 months, neem (Azadirachta indica) followed by rohida (Tecomella undulata), Siris (Albizia lebbeck), israel babool (Acacia tortilis) and khejri (Prosopis cineraria) recorded the highest survival under arid conditions of North Gujarat. Bakemneem (Melia azaderach) could not survive beyond ninth year. Israel babool followed by nilgiri (Eucalyptus tereticornis) and siris attained the maximum height, whereas rohida (Tecomella undulata) and deshi babool (Acacia nilotica) were slow in growth. Albida (Acacia albida) recorded the maximum collar diameter. Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) had the highest above ground as well as underground biomass. Based on survival, growth parameters (height and collar diameter), biomass production and utility as fodder, fuel, timber and cash earnings from tree products, neem and khejri were identified as promising MPTs for agroforestry systems in dryland agriculture.

The present investigation on leaf architectural studies of Terminalia species reveals the presence of pinnate camptodromous (brochidodromous) type. Number of secondary veins found to be varies within the species. Intersecondary veins are of composite type except in T. bellirica where it was simple. Marginal venation were looped in all the species. Maximum areoles were found in the middle part of the lamina. A great overlapping pattern in the size of the areoles was observed. Statistical analysis of quantitative characters indicated the closer affinities between T. citrina and T. bellirica.

The soil with thick mat of litter and humus and root zone of pasture soil contained remarkably fair number of symphylids, Scutigerella immaculata and Symphylella sp. Their number reached to greatest complexity and abundance in undisturbed habitats, where the climate, vegetation, soils and litter type combined to supply a suitable humidity, temperature and food. As high as 788 individuals/m2 were collected in August, wherein Scutigerella immaculata showed comparatively higher densities followed by Symphylella sp. Physiochemical nature of the litter soil and grass showed positive correlation with their abundance.

The effect of forest soil (2.5 kg/pit) and mine spoil alone (control) on performance of three nitrogen fixing trees, viz., Acacia mollissima, Leucaena leucocephala and Robinia pseudoacacia in limestone mine has been studied. The study reveals that Robinia pseudoacacia gave maximum survival (97.92%), whereas, height growth was observed maximum (3.98 cm) in Acacia mollissima. The addition of forest soil positively influenced the survival, height and biomass of all the above species, however, diameter and root: shoot ratio was more in mine spoil alone (control).

The flowering time and its relation with geographic origin of 162 mulberry accessions comprising 90 exotic and 72 indigenous genotypes were studied for three years during their regular flowering season (Jan. - Apr.). Time of flower initiation and the duration for floral maturation were recorded. Flower initiation in tropical exotic genotypes started in the 2nd week of February and continued till the 1st week of April whereas in indigenous tropical genotypes, flowering started in the 2nd week of January and continued till 1st week of April. In case of temperate genotypes, flowering was extended till the 2nd week of April. Thus, there is a clear relation between the time of flowering and the geographic origin of the genotypes. This relation could be utilized to plan breeding programmes in mulberry as well as to find out the origin of the genotypes in mulberry.

The growth performances and economic returns of Soybean (Glycine max) growing as intercrop in bamboo plantations are discussed. Soybean intercropped in 1:1 rows at 3 x 3 m spacing with 1111 plants per ha, out of which only 35% of plants were established. Productivity of Soybean in the intercropped stand was found to be lower (1400 kg/ha.) compared with pure Soybean plantation (1700 kg/ha.). Similar results were observed in Bamboo. The land equivalent ratio (LER) of bamboo producing culms (dry weight) with Soybean intercrop found in the ratio of 1:2. The results of the investigations indicated that on an annual basis a net amount of Rs. 8300/= can be obtained. It can be recommended that Soybean may be grown as intercrop in the initial stages of bamboo plantations over red lateritic soils in tropics.

‘Standpak’ is a computer simulation package developed by the New Zealand Forest Research Institute and can be used to predict the quantity and quality of wood yield from a managed forest stand. The package is comprehensive and is organised in modules to facilitate the evaluation of forest stands by predicting the effects of site, stocking and silvicultural treatment on stand growth, log yield and grades, understorey grazing and cash flow. This paper presents the flow of information between the modules of ‘Standpak’ in general, and examine in detail sets of models used in the Stand Growth and Diameter Distribution modules. The benefit of, and opportunities for applying the Standpak modelling framework to predict the performance of tropical moist forests will be explored.

Response of cutting height, viz., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m was examined on growth, development and biomass productivity of four multipurpose tree species of NW Himalaya. All the growth and development characters evinced significant influence due to species, cutting height and their interaction effects. Morus alba accumulated maximum leaf + branch biomass followed by Grewia optiva, Celtis australis and Bauhinia variegata, respectively. The productivity of leaf, branch and their total improved with increase cutting height up to 2.0 m under all species.

On the basis of detailed observation, Flemingia stricta Roxb. var. pteropus Baker has been raised to the status of a subspecies, viz., F. stricta Roxb. subsp. pteropus (Baker) K.K. Khanna & Anand Kumar. Further, the taxon is also reported here as a new record for India.

A new variety Trichodesma indicum (L.) R. Br. ex Lehm. var. betulense K.K. Khanna & Anand Kumar (Boraginaceae) is reported from Betul District of Madhya Pradesh, India. Latin diagnosis, detailed description and illustrations are provided.

Cryptic mimicry, a curious and interesting phenomenon observed among the Indian members of the family Viscaceae is discussed. Detailed examples collected during recent field work are also provided.

A brief discussion on the interesting phenomenon of hyper-parasitism among the Indian members of the family Viscaceae is presented. Detailed examples, definitions and probable reasons are discussed.

A new leaf spot disease of Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R. Br. Caused by Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt.) Wei was recorded from forest nurseries and a young planted stand at Lacchiwala and Satyanarayan in and around Dehra dun. About 15-40% of the leaf area was damaged by the pathogen. The disease may be controlled by foliar application of a mixture of Dithane M-45 (0.2%) and Bavistin (0.1%).

Macrofungal diversity observed during a survey tour to Pindari Glacier in the month of September-October 1999, has been described. About 24 collections of fungi belonging to 13 species of the family Russulaceae are also described in brief.

In the current work, study of algal diversity of Najafgarh drain, which runs through Delhi, has been undertaken. Najafgarh drain starts from Haryana and ends in Yamuna. This heavily polluted drain receives effluents from different (Agricultural, Industrial and Domestic) sources and contributes 60% of the total wastewater and 45% of the BOD (Biochemical oxygen demand) load being discharged from Delhi into the Yamuna. Five spots over the stretch 40 km. of the drain in Delhi have been selected for the analysis. Algal species were studied qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 32 genera and 68 species were recorded. Out of the total 68 species, 6 belong to Chlorophyta division, 2 to Englenophyta division, 17 to Chrysophyta division and 43 to the Cyanophyta division. Hence, the species of Oscillatoria and Microcytis of the division Cyanophyta, followed by the Bacillariophyta division mainly dominate the drain. The result shows that the drain is excessively eutrophic (rich in organic pollution). Thus, BGA (Blue Green Algae) is mainly found here because of its high degree of tolerance.

Erthesina fullo bugs were found entombed with Beauveria basssiana on Melia azedarach in Kalsi and New Forest, Dehra Dun during July-August 1994. Entomogenous fungi isolated from insects was identified as Beauveria bassiana. The virulence of B. bassiana isolated from E. fullo bugs was tested in the laboratory and field.

West Himalaya supports rich plant diversity of ethnobotanical importance. The native communities use this rich diversity in various forms. In the present study an inventory of 344 species of wild edibles belonging to 219 genera and 117 families was made and information on taxonomic description, life forms, method of propagation, utilization, etc., was gathered. These edibles were analyzed for diversity, sensitivity and economic value. The maximum diversity (159: 46.22%) exists in the zone 1001-2000 m and lowest (19: 5.53%) in the zone 4001-5000 m. Thirty two species (9.30%) fall under rarity class 1, 31 (9.01%) under rarity class 2, indicating their threatened status and 161 (46.80%) under rarity class 8 suggesting availability of a large resource base for the sustainable utilization of the inhabitants. Thirty four species are source of income generation and 26 species are of multiple utility. Conservation and management of these species is focused.

The paper describes eight species of Bryophytes, viz. Homomallium simalaense (Mitt.) Broth., Frullaria muscicola St., Mnium cuspidatum Hedw., M. rostratum Shrad., P. caespitans (St.) Hatt., Porella gracillaima Mitt., Pseudoleskella catentula (Brid. ex Shrad.) Kindb. and Rhodobryum roseum (Hedw.) Limpr., from the Great Himalayan National Park, Kully district, Himachal Pradesh.