Studies to assess the floral diversity in Salix fragilis L. plantation in cold desert of Spiti valley of North-West Himalayas was carried during August 2005. The plantation and control sites were surveyed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance. Maximum plant diversity was recorded in plantation site and minimum in control site. Majority of the plant species were contiguously distributed in both sites. In biological spectra hemicryptophytes dominate the plantation site whereas therophytes dominate the control site. The findings of the present investigation indicate that Salix fragilis plantation definitely improve the micro-habitat conditions under their canopy and accordingly enhance the floral diversity in plantation site. So afforestation of cold desert areas through site-specific tree species will help in enhancing the floral diversity of the area.

An experiment was conducted to study nutrient status of soils under healthy as well as dead trees of Dalbergia sissoo on six different locations selected in Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar and nearby places with an objective to ascertain whether the mortality is caused by the deficiency of any plant nutrient. Soil samples from six different depth up to 150 cm were collected and analyzed for important nutrient like nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S). Total macronutrient such as N, P, K and available N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S were found higher in the soils under healthy as compared to dead trees and its concentration decreased with the increase in the soil depth at all the six locations. Nutrients were found higher under healthy trees as compared to dead trees and as the depth increased the nutrient concentration were also decreased. It is concluded that in all sites under study the nutrient concentration could not cause mortality in Shisham trees.

The present study was conducted in the Ramnagar Forest Division of Uttarakhand. Total 45 quadrats were laid by nested quadrat method for the phytosociological and ordination analysis of herb, shrub and tree layers. The data collected from the field was analyzed for frequency, density and abundance and finally importance values index (IVI) was calculated for all the species. The results of the study shows that Sal (Shorea robusta) was the most dominant plant species with 117 tree ha–1 density, 48.05 cm diameter and highest importance value (112.37) at tree layer and moderate contributor at shrub (IVI, 33.22) and herb (IVI, 32.94) layers. M. velutina with average diameter of 7.46 cm and density, 733 trees ha–1, was the other important species of the forest. The Principle Component Analyses (PCA) of the species shows that M. velutina was negatively associated with S. robusta, Anogeissus latifolia, Mallotus philippensis and Holarrhena antidysenterica and positively associated Cassia fistula and Diospyros melanoxylon. Population structure of the dominant species shows that S. robusta has started reviving from the losses due to mortality and it will start dominating these forests, once again, in near future.

Forest waste belonging to Pinus roxburghii, Cedrus deodara, Quercus leucotrichophora and Robinia pseudoacacia was chosen due to its wide abundance in local forest for solid state fermentation (SSF) by coculture of hypercellulase and xylanase producing bacteria i.e. Bacillus licheniformis and B. coagulans isolated from the forest soil. In order to enhance the accessibility of forest lignocellulosic waste to the degrading enzymes, various physico-chemical pre-treatments were given to it. SSF mode of fermentation was preferred due to its tremendous potential to enhance the biodegradation of plant residue. The conventional SSF of lignocellulosic material was compared by developing a technique by replacing the moistening agent water with modified basal salt medium. This modified technique showed the promising results for degradation of plant biomass where biodegradation of forest waste was increased to a record level of (802.24%).

Establishment of a forest watershed using bioengineering conservation measures resulted in gradual decrease in soil loss from 37 Mg ha -1 yr-1 to just 1.0 Mg ha-1 yr-1 during the period 1964 to 1985. This reducing trend however reversed after the invasion and proliferation of Lantana camara causing a change in vegetation during the period 1990-2000. Lantana camara and Murraya koenigii became the most dominant plants with highest Importance Value Index (IVI), while many native shrubs like Nyctanthes abortristis, Adhatoda vasica, Carissa opaca and Rubus biflorus drastically declined during this period. L. camara attained the highest biomass, causing drastic reduction in the grass biomass. The IVI of Acacia catechu and Caesalpinia sepiaria increased, while that of Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, and Acacia modesta decreased. There was a reduction in evenness index and Shannon index of diversity, while the Simpson index of dominance has increased during this period. The native vegetation like Randia dumatorum, Grewia optiva, and Acacia leucophloea showed a negative inter-specific interaction with L. camara.

In recent times, root trainers are being employed to produce the planting stock required to raise forest plantations. In the root-trainer raised nurseries, instead of soil, the potting medium is often vermiculite or compost. Though information on insect pests attacking conventional forest nurseries is available, we lack data on the nature and severity of pest attack in root-trainer raised nurseries. Data on this aspect was generated for three species – teak, eucalypts and acacias. In teak nurseries, the mite, Tetranychus sp. caused damage resulting in scorchy leaves and subsequent mortality in some cases. Other than the mite, the teak skeletoniser (Eutectona machaeralis), the Teak defoliator (Hyblaea puera) and the White fly (Aleurodicus sp.) were the insects recorded as feeding on teak foliage. An unidentified scolytid beetle boring the stem was the only insect problem noticed in Acacia auriculiformis. In the case of eucalypts, two leaf feeding beetles, Colasposoma sp. and Microserica sp. were observed to cause damage. These beetles are not reported earlier as attacking eucalypts. In general, the present observations indicate very less pest problems in root trainer raised nurseries than in conventional forest nurseries. Because of the lack of contact with soil, some of the soil insects like termites, white grubs etc. have not posed any problem in root trainer raised nurseries.

In the present study analysed the pattern of tree endemism in the evergreen biotype of Western Ghats part of Karnataka, a biodiversity hotspot. Sampling has been done in various forest types of evergreen biotype and the recorded species were evaluated to analyse endemic status. A total of 267 plots sampled randomly across various forest types in evergreen biotype revealed 340 tree species (girth at breast height 30 cm) of which 112 endemics to them. Overall tree endemism observed in the Western Ghats part of Karnataka is 33%. The forest types studied are Myristica swamps, Riparian fringing forests, Southern hill top evergreen forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests and West coast tropical evergreen forests. Myristica swamps had the highest number of endemic trees (45.10%) followed by Southern hill top evergreen forests (39.78%). More than 50% tree endemism was observed in 14 families of the recorded 33 families. Cluster analysis of endemic species revealed distinct species composition in Southern hill top evergreen forests.

The study was conducted to estimate the fuel consumption pattern and to evaluate various socio-economic factors affecting fuel consumption in Jammu & Kashmir. Multistage random sampling technique was used for the sample selection. The result showed that average family size, livestock holding land holding (in ha), annual income and fuel consumption (per family per annum) was 5.25, 6.97, 1.52 and Rs 45,817 respectively.  Per capita per annum consumption of fuelwood for the sample households ranged from 6.03 to 6.38 quintals. Family size and livestock have negative association with fuelwood consumption whereas land holding, number of trees and annual income have positive association with fuelwood consumption. These results are also supported with the help of multiple linear regression. The study will be helpful in the formulation of energy management plans for the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

A system was developed to obtain high frequency plant regeneration, genetic transformation and expression of foreign gene in leaf tissue of Himalayan poplar. High frequency shoot regeneration via direct organogenesis was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l-1 Kn and 0.2 mg l-1 IAA. High frequency root induction from in vitro shoots was obtained on the MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l-1 IAA. Plantlets were regenerated within two months. Agrobacterium – mediated gene transfer studies were carried out using binary vector (pBI 121) using npt-II and gus genes. After co-cultivation, transformed calli were selected on the selective medium containing 50 mg l-1 kanamycin. Most of the calli obtained from leaf explants on the selective medium were GUS positive expressing ß-glucuronidase enzyme activity. These results demonstrate the transformation of Himalayan poplar cells derived from mature plants and the potential for using Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer economically important genes to Himalayan poplar. To our knowledge this is the first report on the direct organogenesis and genetic transformation in leaf tissue of male plant of Populus ciliata.

To examine the critical level of arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) fungi for Prosopis cineraria under nursery seedling production, Glomus sp. was used at different spore levels (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 spores per seedling per polybag). Mycorrhizal inoculation increased plant height, dry matter yield, root length and per cent root infection. Eighty five per cent infections were found to be sufficient for optimum response by P. cineraria seedling. The critical level of spores was found to be 400 per polybag (1 kg soil).

Agroforestry system constitutes one of the major sources of livelihood and is an integral part of the economy of the inhabitants of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Ironically, very few studies are available on the agroforestry system of the IHR. A study focussing on diversity, nativity, endemism and economic importance of the trees and shrubs constituting the agroforestry system of the Dhanore region of district Rajouri of J&K State was carried out with a view to compile basic data for further studies. A total of 44 species, 30 trees and 14 shrubs, have been listed. The utilization pattern of these species has revealed that all these are used as fuel; 30 species are also used as fodder for cattle; 22 as edibles; 20 as curatives for various ailments and a few species for other purposes. Twenty nine species have multipurpose utility. Strategies and action plan for conservation management of these species have been suggested.

In the present study standardization of methods are described to ascertain nutritional status of existing mulberry varieties and to develop criterion for screening large scale seedlings population during selection cycle of breeding programmes. The present study suggests to take leaf analysis sample from various positions for different parameters viz. 1st-3rd leaf for moisture per cent and protein, 11th-12th leaf for photosynthetic rate and allied traits and 15th/16th leaf from main shoot for ascertaining minerals, fibres, sugars and starch content.

Effectiveness of four commercial products of Bacillus thuringiensis viz., Biobit WP®, Dipel DF®, Delfin WG® and Halt WP® were evaluated at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/l against first to fifth instars larvae of H. puera.  The test insect was highly susceptible to B. thuringiensis irrespective of products. Larval death started after 24h and maximum larval mortality occurred after 48h of continuous feeding of B. thuringiensis sprayed leaves. Among the tested products, all the products were found to be best in killing larvae at higher concentrations, i.e, 1.0 and 1.5 g/l. Higher larval mortality up to 100 per cent was observed irrespective of concentrations and products in younger larvae up to third instars than later ones.

Four diploid som genotypes viz., PB003, PB004, PB005, and PB006 along with four polyploid counterparts viz., PB009, PB010, PB011, and PB012 were evaluated through rearing of Muga silkworm from brushing till spinning during spring and autumn seasons under the agro-climatic conditions of Jorhat, Assam. Observations on leaf yield per plant, parameters for rearing performances and biochemical constituents such as crude protein, crude fiber, total carbohydrate, reducing sugar, total soluble sugar and moisture content were made. The results revealed that tetraploid som genotype namely PB012 is comparatively superior than other genotypes.

The present paper deals with an investigation of aquatic and marshland flora of Gola Gokarannath tehsil. A total of 164 aquatic and marshland species belonging to 104 genera and 54 families are reported from the area. Their ecological classification, phenology and field numbers are also dealt with. On the basis of dominance six associations viz. Nymphaea-Hydrilla, Nymphoides-Vallisneria, Ludwigia-Scirpus-Eragrostis, Ammannia-Carex-Cyperus, Eleocharis-Cyperus-Scirpus, Limnophila-Cyperus-Ludwigia are observed in aquatic and marshland vegetation of the study area.

Leaf blight in the seedlings and young trees of Dalbergia sissoo, an epidemic disease in nurseries and plantations, caused by Alternaria alternata is recorded from western Uttar Pradesh. The symptoms of leaf blight started from margins and progressively to the midrib and giving a brown and crispy appearance to the infected leaves. To find out effective chemical fungicide for disease management, eight fungicides viz. Indofil M-45 [Mancozeb] (0.2%), Chlorothalonil (0.2%), Cuman-L [Ziram] (0.2%), Ridomil [Metalaxyl] (0.2%), Indofil Z-78 [Zineb] (0.2%), Copper oxychloride (0.2%), Jkstein [Methyl Benzimidazole Carbonate] (0.1%) and Topsin M [Thiophanate Methyl] (0.1%) were sprayed on D. sissoo seedlings in nursery. The results indicated that all the fungicides significantly reduced the disease incidence as compared to control. However, Indofil M-45 treatment was found to be most effective which exhibited 80.87 per cent disease control over control experiment.

In the present study an attempt has been to understand the role of the salinity and pH on the distribution of mangrove ecosystems in Godavari estuary.

Persea bombycina Kost is a primary food plant of Muga silkworm, Antheraea assama Ww. Phenotypic and genotypic variability were studied in eight genotypes of Persea bombycina Kost for rooting percentage and their five contributing characters. A wide range of phenotypic variability was observed for rooting percentage, number of primary roots, number of secondary roots, length of the longest root, average length of the root and survivability. In different genotypes number of secondary roots gave highest estimate of genetic coefficient of variation followed by number of primary roots. Estimate of heritability was high in all the traits. Estimate of genetic advance was high in number of secondary roots, survival percentage and number of primary roots. Rooting was significantly correlated with number of primary and secondary roots, length of the longest root and survival percentage both at the phenotypic and genotypic level. The other characters were also significantly correlated to each other.

Pollen grains have helped the species of plants to adapt to life on land, be able to disperse its pollen, and fertilize the female eggs to produce new seeds that would give rise to new plants. Pollen morphology is closely related to its function. Pollen grains of Bauhinia variegata were found triangular in shape with three germ pores and remained viable at 4+1oC for more than six months. Pollen size varied from 47.61-95.22 µm. Maximum pollen germination occurred in 15.0 per cent sucrose solution.

Growth performance of foliage feeder, Spirama retorta Cram. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was measured in eleven sources of Albizia procera Benth. (Mimosaceae), scattered over the natural ranges of India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Tripura), following one day feeding by penultimate 1-day-old and last instar 1- and 5-day-old larvae. The weight gained by larvae were attributable to differences in seed source were statistically heterogeneous (P<0.05-P<0.01). The seed source of Agartala (Tripura) provenance exhibited minimum larval growth, whereas maximum growth was noticed in provenance, Bizadandi (Madhya Pradesh), irrespective of larval stages. The difference in parameter may be due to variations in foliage of A. procera sources which possibly altered the larval growth of the insect. Among the larval instars, larval weight gained was significantly (P<0.01) greater in 1-day-old last instar larvae followed by 5-day-old last instar and 1-day-old penultimate instar larvae. The results were discussed in the light of the present findings.

During mycorrhizal survey in Kashmir forests conducted from March to November, 2006, some of the collected macrofungi were found to be the new records from Kashmir which are described with photographs.

Ten taxa viz. Cyperus distans var. pseudonutans Kuk., C. exaltatus var. dives (Delile) C.B. Clarke, Eleocharis acutangula (Roxb.) Schult., E. dulcis (Burm. f.) Trin. ex Hensch., Fimbristylis alboviridis C.B. Clarke, F. littoralis Gaudich., F. merrillii J. Kern, F. tenera Schult., Lipocarpha squarrosa (L.) Goetgh. and Pycreus stramineus (Nees) C.B. Clarke are reported for the first time from Goa.

Insects play a major role in pollination of teak. Insect visitation was observed to commence in the morning and continued till noon after which the activity decreased. Maximum insect visit coincided with the anthesis, which occurred from 8 AM to 12 PM. Insects observed on the teak florescence belonged to the orders Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera, and Hemiptera. Of these, maximum number of species belonged to Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. Based on the quantity of pollen carried and potential to effect pollen transfer, the solitary bees, Halictus tectonae Narendran & Joberaj, Nomia ellioti Smith, Anthophora niveocincta Smith and A. zonata Lin. as well as the wasps Eumenes flavopicta Blanch. and Rhynchium brunneum (Smith) were ranked as the most efficient pollinators. When the approach of the pollinators to the teak inflorescence was prevented using nylon nets and cloth bags, that inflorescence showed marked reduction in fruit setting, which indicates the role of insects in pollination of teak.

Non-judicious application of various fertilizers to the plants adversely affects not only the soil fertility but also micro, macro flora and fauna. Though Mulberry occupies only a small area of 0.26% of the total cultivated area in the country, but the big cause of worry is that the use of fertilizers and chemicals greatly affect the soil and water resources. It can be overcome by organic farming. The study conducted at Regional Sericultural Research Station, Sahaspur, Dehra Dun by adopting different organics in Mulberry cultivation has shown that the application of organics, leaf quality can be improved. The leaf produced by application of different organics was found improved total soluble Protein (14.90%), fiber (10.80%) against 13.98% and 10, 34% in control besides enhancement in leaf yield from 18.99t/h/yr in treatment plot as against 8.26 t/h/yr in control. The cocoon quality was also improved by feeding the leaves to silkworms produced by application of organics in comparison to control. The silk ratio percentage was recorded higher 20.22% in tree in comparison to 18.54% in controls respectively. It was also observed that the nutrient status of the soil was improved (organic C% 0.82 % from 0.72%; P 62.40 kg/ha from 38.08 kg/h; K 460 kg/h from 448.0kg/h) after microbial colonization and continuous application of organics. The silk yarn quality was also improved by recording more non-breakable filament length (NBFL) 850 m (757-1073 m) as against 750 m (629-1037m) in control. This package of practice is eco-friendly and leaf yield recorded also increased, hence it is recommended for field.

The termites are known to cause extensive damage to forestry, agriculture, horticulture, and all kinds of wood work of buildings, etc. However, they have also been reported to nibble on the outer covering of the cables, and cause significant damage to adhesive coatings used at the joints of the cables. Two samples of armored optical fibre cable were received from Ministry of Railways, New Delhi for testing their durability against termites in the laboratory as well as in the field. In the laboratory, cable samples were tested against termite species, Microcerotermes beesoni Snyder and in the field, samples were exposed to a mound building termite, Odontotermes obesus (Rambur). The outer covering of the cable samples exhibited nibbling by the termites. However, under actual field conditions, cumulative effect of other factors such as fungal decay, weathering conditions and certain micro-organisms collectively make condition conducive for termite attack, which determines the service of the material.

Presence of S, P, Fe, Ca, Co, Cr and Cu has been estimated in vegetative thalli (plant tissue) of Marchantia paleacea Bert. and the soil on which it grows indicating there by that this liverwort serves as a good accumulator of mineral elements present in the soil and may act an indicator of both aerial pollution and mineral enrichment in soil.

Groutiella tomentosa (Hornsch.) Wijk & Margad. of Orthotrichaceae is reported for the first time from the Peninsular India.

Panicum plenum Hitchc. & Chase (Poaceae), a species predominantly American in distribution is described here as a new record for India, based on a collection from Coimbatore Tamil Nadu. Panicum garadei Sunderaragh. & Karth. was found to be conspecific with this species and has been treated here as a new synonym.

The studies were conducted at Chhindawara Forest circle to find out the relationship of weather parameters on the activity and infestation of Hyblaea puera Cramer on teak seedlings. During 1999-2000 mean percent incidence and population of teak defoliator, H. puera, ranged respectively, between 3.69% to 19.20% and 2.35 larvae per quadrate to 13.07 larvae per quadrate.  Infestation started from 23rd SMW to 35th SMW. It was at maximum in 26th SMW. It disappeared after 35th SMW. In 2000-2001, H. puera infestation ranged from 3.28% to 20.93%. It initiated from 23rd SMW, gained its maximum in 26th SMW and continued till 35th SMW. The incidence and population of the larvae showed trends related to the meteorological parameters, but the correlation coefficient of incidence and population of H. puera Cramer, vs maximum, minimum temperature and relative humidity of the corresponding period was found statistically non-significant during both the years.

A new species, Didymocarpus sivagiriensis, is described and illustrated. The species differs from its closely allied species, D. wightii (C. B. Clarke) Gamble, in having longer leaves, presence of glandular hairs, longer and dichotomously branched scapes, bluish corolla, puberulous style and longer capsules.

The paper enumerates 55 taxa as new to the flora of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Correct nomenclature with citation, family name, habitat, locality, field number and flowering and fruiting period of each taxon has been provided.

A taxonomic account of the genus Eragrostis P. Beauv. of family Poaceae in Hamirpur (including Mahoba) district U.P. with up-to-date nomenclature, key for identification, brief description, phenology and ecology of each taxon is provided. The genus in the district is represented by nine species of which seven species are new additions to the district.

A new species, Biophytum puliyangudiense is described and illustrated. The species differs from its closely allied species, B. longipedunculatum Govind., in having smaller size, longer bract, very short pedicel, longer petals and lobed stigma.

Isotachis japonica Steph., a taxon so far known from China, Japan and Philippines is described for the first time in Indian bryoflora from East Sikkim. A key to the Indian species of the genus is also provided.

The present investigation was undertaken to study the structural parameters of woody elements in Sangla valley of district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Dominant, Co-dominant and associated species in each transect (12) were worked out in accordance to their IVI values. Study concluded that the occurrence of overall dominating species were Cedrus deodara, with Betula utilis as the co-dominating and Juniperus recurva as the associated species. The study is helpful in developing a strong data base for estimating the present status of woody element diversity.

Scleria lithosperma (L.) Sw. var. linearis Benth and scleria psilorrhiza C.B. Clarke are reported here as new records for Karnataka.