Breeding system and graft compatibility in Prosopis cineraria and Prosopis juliflora
R. S. Dhillon and M. S. Hooda
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 105 - 107
Published: 01-06-2005
The floral buds began to appear in mid March and started to open from first week of April in Prosopis cineraria. From mid April to mid May was the peak period of flowering. In P. juliflora, on the other hand, floral buds began to appear in early March and began to open by end of march. Pollen viability of fresh pollen was more than 85 per cent in both the species. Observations on breeding behavior found predominance of cross fertilization; the degree of selfing was far below 1 per cent (in muslin cloth bags). Reciprocal crosses showed poor success, ranging fro 0.08 per cent in P. juliflora as female parent to 0.62 per cent on P. cineraria as seed parent. Reciprocal grafting using P. juliflora as scion showed cleft method somewhat better (16.1% successful), while T-budding was the poorest. However, grafts failed to sprout using P. cineraria as scion.
Clonal Propagation of Teak (Tectona grandis) by compositive treatment of Auxin with Thaimine
Sanjay Singh, Pramod Kumar and S. A. Ansari
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 108 - 111
Published: 01-06-2005
A pilot study was conducted in order to evaluate efficacy and economy of large-scale production of clonal plantlets of Teak. Semi-hardwood shoot cuttings taken from vegetative multiplication garden were treated with low doses of composite auxins (IAA, IBA and NAA) in combination with thiamine. Strong synergistic interaction between thiamine and auxins was observed for adventitious rhizogenesis, as the resultant increment in adventitious rhizogenesis due to combined auxin and thiamine application was several folds greater than from the independent application of auxins and thiamine alone. Treatment of 1200/800 ppm thiamine with a combined dose of auxins (250 ppm IBA, 125 ppm IAA and 125 ppm NAA) proved to be the most effective for rooting with increment of 4.85 and 4.79 times, respectively over the control. These treatments have been recommended for production of clonal planting stock of Teak on mass scale in open non-misting conditions.
Comparative study of transpiration rates by different Eucalyptus species under various soil moisture and climatic conditions
Ujala Singh
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 112 - 115
Published: 01-06-2005
The seedlings of 10 Eucalyptus species were grown in pots for about 46 weeks under variable soil moisture regimes. The average transpiration rate during November was 130 g day-1 plant-1, which varied significantly among different species. E. urophylla and E. grandis had the highest transpiration rate with 180 and 165 g day-1 plant-1, respectively. On the other hand, E. ochrophloia had the lowest value of 65 g day-1 plant-1. On an average, the water loss from E. urophylla and E. grandis was 2.0 to 3.0 times more as compared to E. ochrophloia. Almost the same trend was observed for transpiration rate during the month of June. However, value of transpiration rate was higher during June as compared to November. The significant effect of soil moisture on transpiration rate was also observed. In general, higher transpiration was recorded under flooding treatment and the same decreased continuously with decrease in soil moisture. Transpiration rate was closely related with total leaf surface area as noted during both the times observations.
Seasonal photosynthetic performance and nutrients relations of Butea monosperma Taub. in comparison to two other woody species of a seasonal deciduous forest in Se-Rajasthan and to planted trees in the area
Nilima Kumari, Vinay Sharma, Melanie Mikosch, Claudia Unfried, Arthur Gessler, Elke Fischer-Schliebs and Ulrich Lüttge
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 116 - 126
Published: 01-06-2005
Butea monosperma Taub. (Fabaceae) is a widespread dominant tree of seasonally dry open forest on rocky hill sites in SE-Rajasthan. It is of ecological importance for habitat-stabilization and of commercial value for its timber and pharmacological applications. Physiological ecology of photosynthesis and water use was studied in B. monosperma in comparison to two less abundant woody species, the tall shrub Capparis sepiaria L. and the straggling, scandent shrub Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels. In a natural forest reserve. Levels of essential nutrients in the soil and leaves of these species are presented. Comparisons are also made with a variety of planted trees. B. monosperma tended to have the highest apparent photosynthetic electron transport rates (ETRmax). It had a high capacity for non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Stable isotope signatures (13C, 18O) indicated flexibility for operating at a wide range of internal/atmospheric CO2 concentrations (ci/ca) and a high water use efficiency (WUE). Thus, ecophysiologically B. monosperma shows traits well suited for the arid rupestrian fields to which it is adapted. This explains its dominance in the area and makes B. monosperma a very suitable tree for afforestation and wasteland reclamation as well as a useful crop for a large variety of pharmacological and other applications.
Plant Diversity Evaluation in Shirkai sacred grove, Pune district, Maharashtra
D. K. Kulkarni and Mahesh Shindikar
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 127 - 131
Published: 01-06-2005
Shirkai sacred grove, one of the 31 sacred groves from Panshet dam catchment area, was studied with qualitative and quantitative approach. Quantitative evaluation of plant diversity in sacred groves is found to be an important aspect for in situ conservation programme. In the present study, 116 species from 54 families were collected in the post monsoon season. Wild germplasm of bamboo and rare endangered plants are special features of Shirkai. The vegetation is found to be diverse and evenly distributed with Shannon’s diversity index (1.67) and modified Hills ratio (6.45).
Effect of soil salinity on germination and seedling growth of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. and Melia azedarach L.
B. S. Yadav, Ravi Kumar and Neeraj Kumar
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 132 - 135
Published: 01-06-2005
A pot experiment using sandy soil was conducted under natural conditions of a screen house to assess the effect of different levels of soil salinity (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 dSm-1) on germination and vegetative growth of Albizia lebbeck and Melia azedarach with an objective to tet their tolerance on the basis of germination and seedling growth. The germination percentage of both the species reduced significantly with the increase in salinity level beyond ECe 2 dSm-1. There was substantial reduction in shoot, root growth and dry weight with the increase in salinity levels and M. azedarach was most adversely affected as compared to A. lebbeck. Saline treatment significantly reduces the dry weight of seedling and maximum per cent reduction was observed in M. azedarach suggesting sensitivity of this plant to high salinity. It is concluded that increase in salinity adversely affect the growth of seedling of both the tree species. Salt tolerance was better in A. lebbeck than M. azedarach as found from the germination and growth parameters.
Origin, present status and distribution of exotic plants in South Gujarat
Sanjay R. Kshirsagar
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 136 - 143
Published: 01-06-2005
In the present paper 108 exotic angiospermic plant species belonging to 37 families and 95 genera which are either naturalized or cultivated in South Gujarat, Gujarat state, India are enumerated with focus on their origin, present status and distribution and invasive impact. 11.45% flora is exotic in South Gujarat while 47.22% (51 out of 108 species) exotic flora comes from America alone. The maximum number of exotic plants (14 species) belongs to the family Compositae.
Degradation rate of leaf litter of Bruguiera parviflora of Mangrove Forest of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
Mahmood Hossain and Saberi Othman
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 144 - 149
Published: 01-06-2005
Two exposure methods, leaf litter on string and leaf litter in bag, were used for leaf litter loss due to feeding plus mechanical breakdown and microbial degradation during dry and wet months respectively. Leaves in bags exhibited 48% and 60% of dry weight loss at 120 and 30 days during dry and wet months respectively. Comparatively a higher degradation rate occurred in the initial period of dry and wet months followed by lower rates thereafter. Comparatively a lower rate of leaf litter loss due to feeding plus mechanical breakdown was observed during the initial 5 days of dry and wet months. Relatively higher percentage of leaf litter loss (52.61% to 69.33%) was attributed to feeding plus mechanical breakdown by crabs while the microbial degradation ranged from 30.67% to 47.39%. The rate of microbial degradation found to be affected by dry and wet months but not the litter loss due to feeding plus mechanical breakdown by crabs.
Abundance of collembolans and Mites in Albizia amara based Silvopasture in Bundelkhand
Sharmila Roy, A. K. Srivastav and M. M. Roy
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 150 - 155
Published: 01-06-2005
Population build up of soil inhabiting collembolans and mites in Albizia amara based silvopastures was studied. Temporal distribution pattern showed peaks of population build up during August. Lower population build up was observed during March-June. The mites constituted about 82 per cent of the total population, the major group being cryptostigmata (61%) followed by prostigmata (13%) and mesostigmata (8%). A significant negative correlation existed between air temperature and population of cryptostigmata and prostigmata. The various groups of mite and the collembolan population were positively correlated with soil moisture.
New Records of plants in Pachmarhi and Bori reserves, Madhya Pradesh
Gaurav Srivastava, Sarnam Singh, Surendra Singh and S. K. Srivastava
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 156 - 161
Published: 01-06-2005
Madhya Pradesh is among the States with high forest cover. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR) is uniquely located where Northern Moist Deciduous (Sal) and Southern Dry Deciduous (Teak) forests overlap. Several botanical excursions have been carried out fro enumeration of the flora of the Pachmarhi area in recent past. During recent plant surveys we have recorded 28 plants hitherto not reported from this protected area. Plants for which are records have been made are found in Madhya Pradesh and are expected to occur. Since PBR is moist important PA in Central India therefore these additions are worthwhile.
Efficacy of ArmicarbTM 100 Against Sirococcus clavaganti – Juglandacearum (A Butternut Canker Pathogen)
K. K. Srivastava, M. E. Ostry and Sunil Kumar
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 162 - 163
Published: 01-06-2005
The genus Juglans (Juglandaceae) consists of 20 tree species referred to as walnuts and it is sub-divided into four taxonomic sections. The section Trichycaryon in which buttermut is the only member. The fungus, Sirococcus clavaganti – juglandacearum is an important pathogen causing considerable losses in butternut plantations. The butternut trees with age groups were found susceptible to this disease. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to see the safer fungicides, ArmicarbTM 100 against the pathogen Sirococcus clavaganti – juglandacearum. The result exhibits that ArmicarbTM 100, 0.3 per cent was found best and inhibited completely the growth of Sirococcus as compared to other treatment in vitro.
Flemingia involucrata (Fabaceae): A new Record for Andhra Pradesh, India
A. Ragan, A. Samata and Vatsavaya S. Raju
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 164 - 165
Published: 01-06-2005
Flemingia involuctrata is reported as a new record for Andhra Pradesh. It is distinct from the other species of Flemingia in shortly-petiolate, digitately trifoliolate leaves, terminal and axillary capitatula densely covered with large, persistent and scarious bracts, and 1-seeded pods. The species is of phytogeography interest because of its discontinuous distribution. Sparse distribution nd inhabitation in grassland biome make the species vulnerable. Locally, its survival is threatened due to grazing by cattle.
Response of Aqueous extracts of Poplar (Populus deltoids Bartr ex Marsh.) Leaf on Germinating Wheat (Triticum astivum L.) and Maize (Zea may L.) Seeds
V. K. Chauhan and R. C. Dhiman
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 166 - 169
Published: 01-06-2005
Response of different doses of aqueous extracts of Poplar leaf was studied on germinating seeds and early seedling growth. Five doses comprised of distilled water (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml application of leaf leachates were treated. The effect of aqueous extracts was found inhibitive indicating a direct proportional relationship with increased application of leaf leachates for all the parameters studied. Each variety showed maximum extent of phytotoxicity at 2 ml leachates application in comparison to untreated control. The range of susceptibility to applied allelochemical among Wheat varieties was found in the order of ‘H.D. 2285’ > ‘Sonalika’ > ‘H.D. 2380’ > H.S. 295’, while in case of Maize varieties, lower phytotoxicity (resistance) was observed in ‘PSCL-3438’ and ‘Naveen’ in comparison to that in ‘Parvati’ and ‘Sartaj’ (susceptible to phytotoxicity).
Water Absorption and Leaching Loss of Leaf Litters Used as Manure in Central Himalaya, India.
R. D. Singh, K. S. Rao and S. Chandra
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 170 - 175
Published: 01-06-2005
To explore the influence of substrate type on water absorption and leaching loss, leaf litter of a deciduous broad-leaf species frequenting agricultural terraces – Bhimal (Grewia optiva Dumm. Ex Burret.), evergreen broad-leaf – Oak (Quercus incana L.), conifers – Deodar (Cedrus deodara Roxb.) and Pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) were compared in a laboratory study. Fresh leaf litter of these species was immersed for 16 days in deionized water at room temperature (-230C). Samples were taken at 2, 5, 18, 24, 48, 72, 96, 192 and 384 hours. Depending on the species the litter lost between 10.9 to 39% of initial dry mass, while water absorption values were between 157 to 307% of dry mass. Water soluble substances including minerals (ash) contributed maximum to the mass losses. Bhimal litter was distinguished by its high water absorption and high mass losses during leaching. In general, the conifers (Pine and Deodar) and broad leaved (Oak) trees from natural vegetation had low water soluble substances and exhibited mass losses in comparison to the Bhimal that grows only on agricultural fields.
Optimal Rotation of Teak (Tectona grandis) production: Tools for Economic Analysis
A. H. M. Mustain Billah
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 176 - 182
Published: 01-06-2005
Bangladesh has a long history of century for Teak plantation like other tropical countries. Management is one of the most important problems, besides budgetary constraints. Teak is moderately hard and heavy, extremely durable, resistant to insect and fungi, easy to work with good finish and has a good appearance of golden brown. It is one of the most important timber in the world trade, used chiefly for shipbuilding and heady constructions. Teak plantation is set for 60 years rotation for all sites in Bangladesh, which is not compatible with economics of forestry. Based on assessment of economic and silvicultural considerations Teak rotation practice is going to be reduced everywhere to achieve viable balance between financial returns and production of market quality timber. Considering the economic importance and long-term nature of investment, the crucial policy issue becomes important to determine the rotation of Teak plantation. The study made an attempt how to determine the optimal rotation of Teak plantation in order to make management efficient and long-term investment financially remunerative and attractive. The study under current management practices and based on certain assumptions found that ideal rotation for Teak plantations would be 20-21 years. In the study, it is recommended for further research to arrive more realistic and accurate estimate of rotation for appropriate management and felling policy prescriptions.
Variability and Character Association in Twisted and Normal Trees of Chirpine
R. N. Sehgal, K. C. Anand and Hari Paul Sankhyan
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 183 - 187
Published: 01-06-2005
Comparative studies were made to know the differences between twisted and normal trees found in high resin yielding stands. Field observations were made for different quantitative and qualitative traits and samples were analysed in the laboratory. Coefficient of variation, genetic parameters and correlation coefficients were computed. The two types of tree exhibit similar correlations among the characters but there were differences in the genetic parameters.
Interaction between trees and ground Flora in different aged Chirpine stands of sub-tropical region in India: II. Basal area of Herbage and LAI
Vaishnu Dutt and B. Gupta
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 188 - 194
Published: 01-06-2005
The study was conducted to investigate the phytosociological variations in herbage vegetation under different aged Chirpine trees at four locations, viz., Barog, Deothi, Dharampur and Tatul of Solan Forest Division, Himachal Pradesh, India. Each location had four sites representing sapling, pole and tree stage and open grassland. Herbage characteristics, viz. Basal area and LAI increased from July to August/September and declined up to November in all sites. Total basal area of different species was higher in open grasslands as compared to Chirpine sites. Monthly plant sampling in each site revealed the presence of ten grass species, two sedges, two legumes and two non-legumes in all. Among the different species, Themeda anathera; Panicum maximum; Chrysopogon montanus and Pollinia argentea were the major contributor to the baal area of herbage vegetation. LAI of herbage under Chirpine sites was less as compared to LAI of herbage in open grassland during different samplings. LAI of herbage was significantly related to the basal area of herbage vegetation.
Behavioural studies of alates and Colony foundation under laboratory conditions in Odontotermes distans Holmgren & Holmgren (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae)
Seema Dhawan, R. S. Bhandari and R. B. Singh
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 195 - 199
Published: 01-06-2005
The present paper deals with the swarming of alates, their associated activities (sexual dimorphism, dealation, calling attitude and tandem behaviour) and colony formation by the termite Odontotermes distans Holmgren & Holmgren in laboratory conditions. The female of O. distans initially lays about 25-28 comma shaped eggs, which hatches out after 48-52 days. The first batch of workers became active after 40-45 days. It takes 124 days from the date of swarming to the first gallery formation by the workers.
Gongylanthus indicus Sp. Nov. (Hepaticae) from Nilgiri Hills, India
S. C. Srivastava and P. K. Verma
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 200 - 205
Published: 01-06-2005
The genus Gongylanthus Nees (Arnelliaceae) is being reported as new addition to India with G. indicus sp. nov. as new to science. The plants grow in Naduvattam (Nilgiri hills), Tamil Nadu forming terricolous population. The genus is remarkable in having a well-defined positively geotropic cylindrical marsupium – a special protective device (shoot-calyptra) over the developing sporophyte. This species is characterized by perfectly connate and highly concave leaves, and feebly developed trigones in leaf cells and scattered rhizoids.
Oxytropis immersa (Baker ex Aitch.) Bunge Ex Fedtsch. (Fabaceae) – A New Record for India from Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh
K. Chandrasekar and S. K. Srivastava
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 206 - 207
Published: 01-06-2005
Oxytropis immersa Baker ex Aitch.) Bunge ex Fedtsch. (Fabaceae) is described as a new record for India from Pin Valley National Park, Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.
Boletopsis leucomelaena (Pers.) Fayod, A new record for India
J. R. Sharma, T. N. Lakhanpal and Ashok Kumar
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 208 - 209
Published: 01-06-2005
Boletopsis leucomelaena (Pers.) Fayod is described and illustrated for the first time from India.
Combretum razianum (Combrertaceae), A new species from Karnataka, India
K. Gopalakrishna Bhat
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 28 | Issue - 2 | Page No. 210 - 212
Published: 01-06-2005
Combretum razianum, a new species of Combretaceae is described and illustrated.