Issue 3, September 2008

Field studies were conducted on Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) under Subabul hedge row intercropping system. 40-50 days old nursery raised seedlings of Rauvolfia serpentina were planted in three spacing 45 x 30 cm, 45 x 45 cm, 60 x 45 cm and four levels of fertilizer dose were given to plants viz. N0 P0 K0 Kg/ha, N20 P20 K15 kg/ha, N40 P40 K30 kg/ha, N60 P60 K45 kg/ha. Growth and yield parameters such as plant height (m), root length (m), fresh weight of root (kg/plant) & total root yield (on air-dried basis) (ton/ha) were measured at harvest time. Sarpagandha in a spacing of 60 x 45cm with the fertilizer application of Nitrogen 60 kg/ha, Phosphorus 60 kg/ha and Potassium 45 kg/ha registered maximum value for plant height (0.88 m), root length (0.56 m), fresh weight of root (0.32 kg/plant) & total root yield (on air-dried basis) (1.866 ton/ha) under Subabul trees.

This paper attempts to assess Bamboo resources in Agroforestry home gardens of Kerala during 2004-2005 and to examine the extent of its decline between 1987-1988 and 2004-2005. Total standing crop of bamboo in home gardens in Kerala was estimated as 13.61 million culms and its green weight was 0.331 million tonnes during 2004-2005. There are six species of Bamboo, including reed, available in Agroforestry home gardens of which Bambusa bambos is the dominant species, accounting for 96 per cent. A comparison of the growing stock of Bamboo during 1987-1988 and 2004-2005 indicates that there was a reduction in the growing stock by about 0.077 million tonnes (37 per cent) from 0.408 million tonnes during 1987-1988 to 0.331 million tonnes during 2004-2005. The study also highlights that due to massive harvesting of Bamboos in recent past, availability of matured clumps was not high in the State. Some socio-economic reasons of the decline in Bamboo resources are also cited in the paper.

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a valuable plant resource of cold desert, occurring between 2500 to 4000 m amsl and bearing actinorhizal association. Frankia Strain isolation was done with section culture from three ecological areas viz. Lari, Shego and Lingthi. Growth of strain body protein was the highest in S3 (Lingthi) in comparison to other strains when grown on media with different sources of C & N. Average days   to nodulation was 23 and extend of nodulation was also highest in S3 (96%). Growth of Seabuckthorn seedlings after nodulation was observed highest in isolated strains in comparsion to other strains used as strandards. Results show that Frankia has no clear infective specificity to Seabuckthorn. The study concluded that it is important to select strains with high infective ability and high nitrogen fixation activity. Lingthi ecological area has shown significant impact over other strains selected and isolated. Lingthi (S3) strain selected on river side plantation of Seabuckthron is recommeded for nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh.

Present communication highlights the current population status of Arnebia euchroma (Royle ex Benth.) Johnston in cold desert areas of Himachal Pradesh.  In order to assess the population structure of A. euchroma, various ecological surveys were carried out in the entire Spiti sub-division of Lahaul-Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh, where it is found naturally distributed in two different protected areas namely Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Population density (individuals/m2) and frequency (%) estimated using random quadrat sampling were observed higher in Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in comparison to Pin Valley National Park. A comparison of the present data with the earlier reports from the study area shows a significant decline in the population of this valuable species.

Nothapodytes nimmoniana has attained international focus recently due to the occurrence of an important group of alkaloids, camptothecin and its derivates. Efforts are being made to domesticate this species for its large scale cultivation for realization of economic utilization by the industries. However, there is a paucity of information on the degree and extent of genetic control for any traits in this species. In this background an experiment was conducted to assess the variation for fruits and seed traits among half-sib families. Half sib families obtained from ten open pollinated individuals of N. nimmoniana from a natural population at Joida, Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, South India were studied.  Significant among-family variation was recorded for all the seed traits studied. Half-sib families also showed significant difference for seed germination and seedling vigour characteristics. Families with large and bold seeds showed higher germination and better seedling growth. Largest genotypic co-efficient of variation was observed for plant height (45.25%), while percent seed germination recorded maximum heritability (H2= 0.92). The results suggested that there is ample scope for genetic improvement of Nothapodytes nimmoniana through family selection.

A survey in different areas of South Assam / Barak Valley was conducted in different seasons of the year to identify the non-conventional edible plants. The present paper deals with 72 edible plants belonging to 46 families of the flowering and non-flowering plants. The use of these plants varies from place to place. Different parts of the plants are used for different purposes and by adopting different methods. The plant species are arranged alphabetically and for each species botanical name, vernacular name and uses are given.

This paper communicates a brief account of the medicinal plants of Mothronwala Fresh Water Swamp of Doon valley. The study revealed that about 112 species belonging to 100 genera and 48 families of angiosperms possess medicinal properties. Maximum numbers of species (11) belong to family Asteraceae whereas members of Fabaceae constitute another largest group having eight species. During the study it was noted that Mothronwala Fresh Water Swamp is the source of those medicinal species, which are more in demand in national and international drug market.

Extensive surveys and field trips conducted in different seasons for a period of two years during year 2004 – 2006; in the selected tribal pockets inhabited by Baiga, Bhariya, Bhil, Bhilala, Gond, Korku, Kol and Pardhi tribes in the Districts of Bhopal, Sehore, Chhindwara, Betul, Seoni, Mandla, Dindori and Hoshangabad resulted in recording ethno-medicinal uses of 40 plant species The tribal communities are preparing different formulations from these 40 plant species and their parts used in cure of ailments such as anti - diabetic, as carminative to check flatulence, cure of tumor and cancer, diarrhoea, baldness, eliminate impotency and sexual weakness.

Parasnath Hill is situated in Giridih District of Jharkhand. The extensive plant collections between 2003-2006 revealed that 568 species under 360 genera belonging to 101 families as floristic composition of Parasnath Hill (Wildlife Sanctuary). Out of these, 138 species under 105 genera of 49 families are reported to be new additions to the flora of Parasnath Hill. The present communication includes the enumeration of 109 species belonging to 81 genera of 38 families. Correct nomenclature with a brief description, phenology of each taxon is given.

The present paper aims to focus on the traditional usage of plants that may prove worthy to the modern world. One least thought about, yet important issue is the menace of plastic bags and how to find out an effective alternative to do away with plastic bags. The answer to this is using plants for packaging and wrapping. There is an age old practice of the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya, India who use bioresource viz. plant parts like leaves and petiole-sheaths which are biodegradable, as one of the substitutes for plastic bags (Low Density and High Density Polyethylene). Use of the natural plant wraps can reduce soil and water pollution, thus reducing the threat to the existence of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems including all species which thrive upon it.