The present investigation is aimed at to study the impact of plantations of exotic species of varied age groups on the edaphic properties in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve (NBR), Tamil Nadu. It is observed that the soils, under natural forest possess the high pool of energy contents, organic carbon (3.46% to 5.20%), available nitrogen (0.295% to 0.399%), available phosphorus (0.006%), water holding capacity (105.2% to 115.6%) with proportionate values of porosity and cation exchange capacity. Results further exhibit that the same soils, when brought under monocultures of exotic species belonging to the genera Eucalyptus, Acacia, Pinus, Casuarina, Araucaria and Tectona, etc., they lose their acquired characteristics rapidly. Such results are more apparent in matured (aged) species; however, in young stages these species in association with quickly renewable ground flora help the soils in their gradual recovery. Against soil’s acquired characteristics, their inherent characteristics are excessively loaded with silica contents, sesquioxides and iron oxide. Soils reactions are either slightly or moderately acidic but with aged monocultures pH becomes exceptionally acidic. The vital edaphic characteristics which get highly affected by such plantations are, soils energy materials, soil proteins, pH, water holding capacity, porosity, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable calcium and available phosphorus. Besides, the ecosystem loses its existing water regime permanently at its source. However, results again show that mixed plantation of Eucalyptus globulus + Casuarina equisetifolia + Acacia nilotica proved better in promoting desired edaphic properties.

Seeds were collected from 42 seed sources and a part of the seeds were used to study seed length, seed width, 100-seed weight, germination, germination value, and germination energy index under laboratory condition. Seeds were sown in the nursery in randomized block design with four replications during June 1999. After six months of growth in the nursery, data were recorded on 10 randomly selected seedlings per treatment for field germination, seedling height, collar diameter, needle length, dry shoot weight, total carbohydrates, total sugar, starch, reducing sugar, non reducing sugar, phenols and amino acids. The study revealed that all seed traits, laboratory germination traits, morphological traits and all biochemical traits showed significant variation. Highest heritability estimates in conjunction with high genetic gain of field germination are more reliable in predicting the resultant genetic progress through selection.

An experiment on Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) based silvipastoral system indicated higher fodder yield below the Khejri tree canopy which reduced sustainally in between the tree rows and in sole Dhaman grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). The study has shown an increase in organic carbon, available N, P, K content in Khejri based silvipastoral system over non-Khejri soil, advocating retention/plantation of Khejri trees in pasture land to higher fodder production and to meet requirement of food, fodder, fuel and small timber.

An experiment was conducted to test the rooting ability of Padauk from the stem cuttings. Stem cuttings were collected from young tree and grouped in to small (1.0-1.3 cm diameter) and medium (2.0-2.3 cm diameter) with the length of 25-30 cm. The cuttings were treated in IAA and IBA in the concentration of 100, 200 and 400 ppm for 24 hrs besides dipping in rooting mixture and water soaked control. The results revealed that the medium sized cuttings treated with IBA 100 ppm exhibited maximum rooting per cent (62.0), which is on par with IBA 200 ppm, IBA 400 ppm and IAA 400 ppm. The similar trend was observed in small sized cuttings but it was comparatively less. The longest root length (28.0 cm) and shoot length (38.3 cm) was observed in IBA 100 ppm treated cuttings.

Study on winter buds of twenty prominent Poplar clones viz., G3, G48, D121, D163, S7C1, S7C4, S7C8, S7C15, S7C20, PP5, L12, L14, L24, L34, L49, L52, Udai, Kranti, Bahar and P65, was carried out to identify different clones. Winter buds differ in shape, colour, bud apex, presence and absence of resinous exudation and shape of leaf scar. Study reveals that morphological markers are important to identify different Poplar clones.

Genetic variability among 15 fruit characters in 120 one-parent families of Gamboge tree (Garcinia gummi-gutta L.) was studied. The mean squares differed significantly for all the characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean was observed for length of fruit beak, weight of individual fruit, volume of individual fruit, weight of fruit rind, weight of flesh, rind: flesh ratio, weight of dry fruit rind and index of seed. Hydroxy citric acid content had high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percentage of mean. Hydroxy citric acid content exhibited significant positive genotypic associations with weight and volume of individual fruit, girth of fruit, thickness of fruit rind, weight of wet and dry fruit rind, recovery percentage of dry rind and number of seeds per fruit.

The biological spectrum of Chandur, a tropical dry deciduous forest of Arambagh range under Howrah Forest Division, West Bengal, reveals that per hundred species of its flora no less than 46.20 are phanerophytes, 20 chamaephytes, 8.97 hemicryptophytes, 4.83 cryptophytes and 20 therophytes. These involve 143 species of angiosperms and one species each of pteridophyte and angiosperm. The phanero-chamaephytic phytoclimate with dominance of phanerophytes indicates adequate protective measures in vogue while the relatively higher value of chamaephytes reflects the care taken to maintain their existence from adverse factors like grazing and trampling. The decline in the number of hemicryptophytes is a matter of concern given the role they play in eco-restoration, particularly in preventing soil-erosion.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in different components of Bruguiera parviflora were analysed at seedlings, saplings and trees stage during the intermediate (March), dry (July) and wet (November) seasons in Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Malaysia. Leaves and buds of B. parviflora contained higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium than the woody components (branches and stems). Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in different components of B. parviflora seedlings, saplings and trees showed seasonal fluctuation and comparatively high contents were observed during the intermediate seasons (March 02 and 03). Moreover, N, P and K in different components of seedlings, saplings and trees showed positive correlation with their respective concentrations in the soil.

Populus deltoides was inoculated with Glomus constrictum, Glomus mosseae, Glomus fasciculatum, Gigaspora gilmorei and Acaulospora levis in nutrient deficient sterilized soil. Plants inoculated with these mycorrhizal fungi encouraged plant height, collar diameter, total number of leaves and mycorrhizal colonization. Among these, Glomus fasciculatum responded best for Populus deltoides, thereby indicating the need of mycorrhizal inoculation to derive maximum benefit for growth in Populus deltoides.

Seeds were collected from different direction and distance in the vicinity of cement factory. The seeds collected were tested for their germination parameters, to determine response of cement deposition. It was observed that the seeds collected from sites where cement deposition was higher were having lesser germination parameters compared to those which were collected from control sites.

Cedrus deodara (Deodar) has a good seed cycle year, normally after an interval of 4-5 years and hence it becomes necessary to collect abundant quantity of seed during good seed year for their use during lean periods. Besides it, the problem of seed collection in the species also gets compounded by the fact that as soon as the cones mature they break up on the tree itself and the seeds being winged are flown away to long distances, thereby making their collection difficult from the identified mother trees. Under these circumstances it becomes necessary to know the exact time of cone ripening and seed maturity so that they are harvested from the trees itself before their dispersal. In order to understand these problems the present investigation was conducted in Jammu and Kashmir in three regions, i.e. North Kashmir, South Kashmir and Jammu. Seed collection clearly showed wide variation in maturity of cone and seeds amongst different sites depending upon the geographical features and climatic conditions at the time of maturity. Moist, humid and cold environmental conditions were found to delay cone maturation whereas hot and dry conditions hastened cone maturation and dispersal. Cone colour also served as an indicator of maturity because at all the locations, it was dark brown (chocolate colour) in colour with dark green patches at maturity. Another important aspect of maturity indices confirmed during the course of study was the decreasing cone weight and specific gravity with the advancement of maturity. Seed weight and seed germination percent increased with the ripening of seeds and maximum seed weight and germination was recorded prior to dispersal at maturity.

The Rhizobium strain isolated from A. lebbeck nodules performed significantly as compared to other rhizobial strains isolated from Delbergia sissoo and Acacia catechu. There was increase in growth parameters viz., plant height (41%), collar diameter (12%), nodule formation (200%) and biomass yield (199%), with rhizobial strain (R3) in comparison with control. The maximum IAA, NH3 excretion and nitrogenase activity was noticed in Rhizobium strains isolated from A. lebbeck and D. sissoo and the lowest was recorded in A. catechu isolate.

Present paper deals with detailed description, phenology, note on the status, conservation and cultivation of Bidaria khandalense (Sant.) Jagtap and Singh.

The ecological and ethnobotanical surveys in different localities of Himachal Pradesh revealed that Herniaria incana Lam., is a good soil binder, and confined to the Pangi subdivision of Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh. Phyto-sociological analysis of this herb in the natural habitat suggests that it forms a single strand rather than associated with other herbs. It has also been observed that the plant is not a palatable herb to livestock as it is found intact in grazed area. The ethnic knowledge reported here on H. incana Lam. is hitherto unknown.

A checklist of bryophytes collected from the Vellarimala situated in the Western Ghat mountains of Kozhikode District, Kerala is presented. Preliminary survey shows the occurrence of 53 species of mosses and leafy liverworts. The need for conservation also is discussed.

In the present communication Vascellum endotephrum (Pat.) Demoulin & Dring known incompletely from India and a new record from Western Himalaya is described in detail and illustrated.

A new species Euonymus barberi (Celastraceae), collected from the Agasthiyamalai of Tamil Nadu in Peninsular India, is described and illustrated.

Some interesting specimens belonging to family Poaceae, collected from different localities in Uttaranchal are recorded for the first time in N-W Himalaya. These are described below for their easy identification.

Mulberry is the sole food plant of Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). The success of Silkworm depends on the Mulberry leaf quality and climate. Damp and humid condition of the Doon valley promotes the development of pathogenic fungi. A survey on the incidence and severity of foliar fungal diseases of Mulberry during autumn period was conducted in the Doon valley at RSRS, Sahaspur, Dehra Dun. Incidences of major diseases viz., powdery mildew (Phyllactinia corylea), leaf spot (Cercospora moricola), leaf rust (Cerotelium fici), and leaf blight (Fusarium solani) were recorded during autumn season (September to November). Leaf spot disease was found mainly (PDI, 8.7 and DI%, 32.0%) in October, 2003 during autumn season at RSRS, Sahaspur, Dehra Dun and followed by September (PDI, 7.5 and DI%, 19.7%). Leaf rust was also observed during September as minor disease (PDI, 1.6 and DI%, 5.3%), whereas the same disease was found as major disease in other traditional areas like Karnataka and West Bengal. The severity of powdery mildew disease was observed in the month of November (PDI, 34.9 and DI%, 79.9%). Disease severity and weather parameters have also been discussed.

Efficacy of nine plant products (leaf and oil cake extracts) was investigated in suppressing the colony growth and sporulation of Fusarium solani (causing wilt disease in Dalbergia sissoo) and F. oxysporum (causing wilt disease in Gmelina arborea) in vitro.  Extracts of Azadirachta indica, Vitex negundo, Lantana camara, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Neem and Jatropha oil cakes were applied against F. solani whereas former 3 products along with Calotropis procera, Tagetes erecta and mustard oil cake were applied against F. oxysporum.  All above mentioned plant products significantly reduced the growth and sporulation of both the pathogens over control. Extracts of E. tereticornis and A. indica at 10 % conc. were found to be most effective in inhibiting the growth of F. solani and F. oxysporum respectively. Extract from A. indica leaves also reduced sporulation in both the pathogens significantly.