Genetic variability in wood and oleoresins traits of twenty six high resin yielders (HRYs) and ten check trees of Pinus roxburghii was studied. These traits were quantitatively measured for bark percentage of wood, specific gravity of wood, tracheid length, cold and hot water soluble extractives, alcohol-benzene extractives, lignin and holocellulose percentage of wood, number of resin ducts, diameter of resin ducts, needle length, needle thickness, turpentine percentage, specific gravity of turpentine, relative flow rate of turpentine, rosin percentage, specific gravity of rosin and ash percentage of rosin. The highest heritability was observed for hot water soluble extractives, lignin percentage of wood and rosin percentage followed by bark percentage of wood, cold water soluble extractives and turpentine percentage. The maximum genetic advance was recorded in rosin percentage followed by lignin percentage of wood. The highest genetic gain was obtained in bark percentage of wood preceded by number of resin ducts whereas, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was highest in number of resin ducts followed by bark percentage of wood. Hence, bark percentage of wood, tracheid length, cold and hot water soluble extractives, lignin percentage of wood, number of resin ducts, diameter of resin ducts, needle length, turpentine and rosin percentage should be considered as effective parameter for the selection of high resin yielders (HRYs) in Pinus roxburghii Sargent.

Macrophytic species diversity was studied in crude oil contaminated and non-contaminated sites within the Upper Burhidihing Reserve Forest. Species richness was 57 and 86 in contaminated and non-contaminated sites respectively. On the basis of importance value index (IVI), Cynodon dactylon (13.92), Cyperus cyperoides (12.75), Imperata cylindrica (10.01) were dominant ground-flora herbs in former sites. The IVI value of Axonopus compressus (7.90) was high in non-contaminated land. The distribution of most of macrophytes in contaminated areas was contiguous, in contrast to regular distribution of most of ground flora in other sites. The value of concentration of dominance (C) of the macrophytic flora at both sites was lower and index of diversity (H) was higher. The index of dissimilarity between the vegetation groups was high indicating the effect of crude oil contamination on vegetation.

The response of 10 locally isolated ectomycorrhizae belonging to 9 genera alongwith 2 unidentified ones was assessed in in vitro for mycorrhizal colonization and plant growth in Kail pine (Pinus wallichiana). The studies revealed that typical ectomycorrhizae were established on inoculated plants within 3-4 weeks of inoculation. Maximum plant height and better mycorrhizal root colonization was noticed by Pisolithus tinctorius followed by Hebeloma crustuliniforme and Suillus sp. isolate 2. Maximum shoot and root dry weight of 265.0 and 36.5 mg plant-1 was recorded in P. tinctorius inoculated plants followed by H. crustuliniforme (229.3 and 29.8 mg), Suillus sp. isolate 2 (199.0 and 25.5 mg) and M-G1 (180.7 and 22.9 mg). The acid phosphatase activity of the isolates tested ranged from 140 to 330 m moles ρ nitrophenol phosphate g-1 with highest activity by P. tinctorius and lowest activity by Cenococcum granifrome.

For evolving an eco-friendly, non-toxic and practically feasible method of minimizing attack of the most serious insect pest, the Teak skeletonizer Eutectona machaeralis (Walk.), four egg parasitoids viz. Trichogramma brasiliensis Ashmead; T. chilonis Ishil.; T.  pretiosum Riley and T. japonicum Ashmead, were tested in laboratory conditions. The result proved that T. brasiliensis was a potential species to parasitise maximum number i.e. 58 to 61 per cent of host eggs in laboratory.  Field evaluation of the wasps of T. brasiliensis in different quantity proved that introduction of this egg parasitoid @ 1.25 to 3 lakhs wasps/ ha was equally and highly effective to minimize the attack of Teak skeletonizer, E. machaeralis.

Genetic parameters were estimated from 7-yr old open pollinated progeny test of Shisham. The results indicated presence of significant amount of genetic variation in the materials studied. Height, diameter and basal area were found to be under the control of additive gene action as evidenced by their high values of individual tree heritability. The genetic gain values followed a similar trend. Height, diameter and basal area exhibited positive and significant genetic correlation. Of the 25 clones tested 13 (UPGONP-74, UPGONP-29, UPGONP-149, UPGONP-56, UPGONP-46, UPGONP-94, UPGONP-152, UPGONP-165, UPGONP-35, UPGONP-61, UPGONP-168, UPGONP-78 and UPGONP-53) were found to be the best general combiners for height, diameter and basal area.

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing species amongst the number of multipurpose tree species. It is socially acceptable with broad adaptability because of its versatile and multifarious uses which contribute valuably towards the human economy providing variety of goods. Looking to the global scenario of the increasing demand and decreasing supply of Bamboo for industrial as well as commercial purposes, cultivation of Bamboo through Agroforestry practices seems to have high economic return. The paper focusses on economic analysis of Agroforestry models of Bamboo cultivation through flute methods. In the present study the NPV, BCR and IRR are obtained as Rs.72550, 2.93 and 47.85 respectively at 10% discounted rate of interest.

Acacia auriculiformis grown as plantation in Sirsi, Karnataka, India has been evaluated for anatomical properties and basic density of wood in eight, ten and thirteen year old trees. Among different anatomical properties studied vessel element length, fibre length, fibre lumen diameter and percentage of vessel and rays showed significant differences in all the three age groups. Basic density was negatively correlated with fibre lumen diameter for all the age groups. Additionally significant correlations, both positive and negative were found between certain anatomical properties, ratios and factors. Basic density was negatively correlated with flexibility co-efficient and F%/ V% and positively correlated with shape factor that are useful for predicting the paper and pulp quality. Anatomical data suggest its usefulness in paper and pulp industry.

An unequivocal observation on the damage caused by the grubs of Grey weevil; Myllocerus discolor (nr.) Boheman, to the roots of Teak seedlings in Maharashtra has been reported. The infested seedlings succumbed to the injury and died. Period and pattern of infestation, incidence level and description of grub, pupa, and adult with their possible control measures have been discussed. This is the first evidence of curculionid, M. discolor grubs infesting on forest tree host.

A nursery trial of Pinus wallichiana and Cupressus torulosa with nine different sowing dates spread over autumn, winter and spring was conducted during 2002-2003. Germination in case of Pinus wallichiana was better where seeds were sown in the month of February, but in Cupressus torulosa germination during December, February and first fortnight of March was uniform. Survival percentage of seedlings was more in seeds sown in the month of February. Time taken for completion of germination decreased as sowing proceeded from autumn to spring. Seedling development in terms of height and diameter was better in seeds sown on 15th of November (autumn), but seedlings obtained from 1st February sown seeds are also of comparable good quality. The study concluded that in order to get good germination, better survival, good quality seedlings and cost effective nursery seeds should be sown in the nursery in the first fortnight of February (winter), instead of sowing in autumn season as is normally practiced.

Based on rainfall, interception, runoff, evapotranspiration, capillary contribution, deep percolation and soil moisture storage in 1.5 m profile, water balance of three forest species namely, Acacia nilotica, Dalbergia sissoo and Leucaena leucocephala was estimated for the months during 2003-04, in their initial growth stage in fragile Shivalik foothill of Haryana. All these species survived well with 80-100 per cent survival rate. It has been found that all the three species extracted moisture up to 90 cm depth in initial 2-3 years of growth. Deep percolation losses from 1.5 m profile were significant during monsoon due to high incident of rainfall and high saturated hydraulic conductivity of light textured soil in that area. However, considerable capillary upward movement was noticed during summer. Dalbergia sissoo profiles hold more moisture than other two species.

Life-forms analysis of the vegetation in Bhitarkanika National Park was carried out based on the data collected from field studies. Of the five life forms, phanerophytes (47.31%) were dominant followed by therophytes (19.89%), cryptophytes (13.44%), chamaephytes (12.37%), and hemicryptophytes (6.99%). The number of therophytes was observed to be higher in littoral scrub and fringe areas of the park due to anthropogenic pressure. Biological spectrum of the study area has been compared with Raunkiaer’s normal spectrum to know the phytoclimate of that region.

This study investigates the effect of anthropogenic disturbances on tree community structure and their regeneration in Anaikatty hills, Western Ghats. The study was conducted in the reserve forests of Anaikatty hills and the adjoining Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) Campus. Three habitats namely undisturbed, moderately disturbed and highly disturbed stands were identified on the basis of various signs of disturbances such as lopping, cattle grazing, nearness to human habitation, collection of non-woody forest produces etc. The study revealed a higher level of disturbance, altered diversity and other characteristics. The community structure showed a picture of floristic change from Albizia amara - Cordia monoica - Canthium dicoccum to Pleiospermium alatum - Ehretia ovalifolia - Maba buxifolia to Chloroxylon swietenia - Prosopis juliflora - Albizia amara in different disturbance regimes. In all the stands, vegetation showed a trend of change from its original community structure. The regeneration of the area was affected badly in all the three stands.

Nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn) content at different stages of leaf litter degradation of B. parviflora were studied by the litter bag method during the dry and wet months in the mangrove forest of Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Malaysia. About 63 and 86% of dry weight were lost after 150 days during the dry and wet months, respectively. The initial content of Mg, Fe and Zn increased significantly (p<0.05) as degradation proceeded. On the other end, the initial content of P, K and Ca decreased significantly (p<0.05) after 150 days during the dry and wet months, respectively, and K lost more rapidly compared to P and Ca.

Tectaria zeilanica (Hout.) Sledge was rediscovered from the sacred grove of Vilavancode, Kanyakumari District, Southern Western Ghats after a lapse of 138 years. A detailed description, illustrations and relevant notes are provided.

Acacia robusta, a multipurpose tree species produces hardcoated and dark brown colour seeds. Seed has physical dormancy due to hardiness of testa. Suitable pretreatment to break the dormancy was investigated. Germination was enhanced from 36.80% (untreated) to 92.00% (mechanical scarification). Although mechanical scarification treatment gives early, uniform and highest germination but it is not practicable in large-scale purposes. Therefore, hot water soaking for 24 hours or sulphuric acid for 15 minutes soaking is recommended.

Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Giridih District of Jharkhand State. The Sanctuary covers an area of about 48 km2 with many irregularly shaped rocky peaks (4480ft) the Parasnath hill in the Jharkhand State. After the notification of Parasnath hill as a Wildlife Sanctuary, a comprehensive flora of the Sanctuary was felt essential for sustainable utilization and effective conservation measures. The extensive plant collections during 2003-2006 revealed 538 species under 346 genera belonging to 98 families as floristic composition of Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

The paper reports the floristic composition of four regenerating forest stands in the Kandhamal District of Orissa, India. Highest number of species (69) was observed in 2 years regenerating stand, which declined with increase in age. The number of species was 55, 55, and 51 in 4 years, 6 years and 10 years stands respectively. Altogether 87 species under 71 genera and 32 families were recorded in the forest stands. The change in the number of species with age is mainly due to the elimination of herb species in the undergrowth. Tree and shrub species maintain their number in all the stands.

This is an illustrated account of three pleurocarpic mosses viz., Calyptothecium wightii (Mitt.) M. Fleisch. (Neckeraceae), Fabronia schensiana C. Muell. (Fabroniaceae) and Pelekium gratum (P. Beauv.) Touw (Thuidiaceae) recorded for the first time from Peninsular India.

During a recent study plant of Fabronia secunda Mont. have been encountered from Govindghat (Valley of Flowers) for the first time, which is a new addition to the bryoflora of Western Himalayas. Plants usually grow on tree trunks and are characterized by its minute size, occurring in dense cushions with creeping stems, possessing uniformly foliate branches, oblong- lanceolate leaves, narrowed into a hair like point, margin dentate below; costa single, reaching up to the middle of leaf; seta smooth, capsule erect, ovoid; spores coarsely papillose with occasional lamellate marks.

Hyptis capitata Jacq. is collected for the first time from Goa and reported here as a new record for Northern Western Ghats.

Juncus harae Miyam. & Ohba and J. sherei Miyam. & Ohba hitherto unrecorded from India, are reported from Sikkim Himalaya as new record for India. Critical notes are provided for distinguishing J. harae Miyam. & Ohba from J. duthiei (C.B. Clarke) Noltie.

Walnut Weevil Alcides porrectirostris Marshall is a potentially important pest occurring at Karnah belt of Kashmir valley. The pest causes serious damages with varying levels at different places in Karnah. The grubs bore through the soft shell of the Walnut fruit, feed on the nut meat turning it into a black powdered mass. The grubs undergo pupation inside the fruit during first generation while as 2nd generation pupated in the rind of the fruit. The severity of damage recorded between 38.39% at Bogh Bhalla and 32.96% at Tangdar. The pest over winters as adult in plant debris.

Soluble protein, sugar, phenolics and the SDS – PAGE protein profiles from the seeds of Psidium guineense and P. guajava were carried out to understand their biochemical and genetic diversity. Though the phenolic contents of both the taxa were found to be same, a significant difference in their sugar and protein levels indicates species diversity. The soluble seed protein profiles of the two species show both homology and diversity at the genetic level and the data has been analyzed as well.

Diacalpe aspidioides Blume and Diplopterygium blotianum (C. Chr.) Nakai belonging to the pteridophytic flora, recorded for the first time from the Singalila National Park, West Bengal and hence constitute new records for the state, are described and illustrated.