Provenance variation in growth characteristics of Acacia catechu Willd. in Himachal Pradesh, India
Chander Lekha and Kulwant Rai Sharma
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 275 - 279
Published: 01-12-2009
The present study was conducted in the provenance trail of Acacia catechu raised at Regional Horticulture Research Station, Jachh, Himachal Pradesh, India (32o18’N and 75o55’E, 428 m above mean sea level alt., 1000-1250 mm rainfall. Significant variations (P<0.05) were observed for height, diameter (DBH), sapwood, heartwood percentage and above ground biomass among the provenances. Wide ranges in the means were exhibited by height (6.76 m to 9.74 m), DBH (10.20 cm to 15.25 cm), sapwood (41.60-67.72%), heartwood (21.13-47.91%), above ground biomass (20.20 kg to 54.49 kg per tree) of tress. The highly significant and positive correlation (0.6632) was found between diameter and above ground biomass of trees. The highly significant and negative correlation (-0.9752) was recorded between heartwood and sapwood percentage. The heritability estimates (98%) were highest for height and lowest (13.1%) for bark percentage. The genetic gain and genetic advance were the highest (42.81%, 24.31%) for sapwood and least (4.82%, 0.46%) for bark percentage. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 6.19% to 23.89%, and 6.43% to 34.54%, respectively for different parameters. The variations are useful for breeding work on this important multipurpose tree of subtropical regions.
Identification of high yielding oak tasar silkworm hybrids
L. Somen Singh, N. Ibotombi Singh and K. Chaoba Singh
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 281 - 284
Published: 01-12-2009
The rearing performances of twelve selected oak tasar silkworm hybrids were estimated based on the multiple trait evaluation index (E.I.) method in two trial rearing for the eight yield contributing traits, viz., fecundity, hatching percentage, cocoon yield per disease free laying, effective rate of rearing (ERR), cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio, filament length. In the first trial rearing, the hybrid PRP12 x Blue recorded the highest E.I. value (54.77), followed by B6 x PRP5 (54.55), BY1 x PRP5 (53.72), BY1 x PRP12 (52.77), PRP3 x BY1 (51.40) and BY1 x Blue (50.31). In the second trial rearing, B6 x PRP5 manifested the highest E.I. value (64.11) followed by BY1 x PRP12 (64.07), BY1 x Blue (55.21) and PRP12 x Blue (55.21). It is observed that the four hybrids, viz., PRP12 x Blue, B6 x PRP5, BY1 x Blue and BY1 x PRP12 exhibited consistent high E.I. values of above 50 in both the trial rearing. Therefore, these four hybrids can be used in future breeding program and commercial production of cocoons.
Seed traits and half-sib family variation for seed germination and early seedling vigour in Suragi (Mammea surjga Buch.-Ham. Ex Roxb), an important aromatic tree species of the Western Ghats
Rajesh Panduranga Gunaga and R. Vasudeva
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 285 - 290
Published: 01-12-2009
The present study was undertaken at College of Forestry, Sirsi, Karnataka to study the variation in seed traits, germination and early seedling vigour among half-sib family of Mammea suriga. Species exhibits andro-dioecious breeding system consisting of pure male trees and trees bearing bisexual flowers. It is pollinated through thrips and produces copious amount of pollen grains. Seeds are recalcitrant and show slow germination. Greater variation was recorded among twenty-four families for seed traits and seed germination. Seed germination ranged from 1.0 (KMT-08) to 90.0 per cent (KMT-21) with an overall mean of about 52 per cent among twenty families. Statistically significant differences were recorded for all seedling growth parameters studied, except number of leaves per plant. Half-sib families such as KMT-01 and KMT-13 performed better with respect to early growth parameters. Seed germination, seedling height and root length were recorded maximum heritability values and suggesting that these characters could be considered for further selection programme.
Biological spectrum of the flora of the Indravati Tiger Reserve, Dantewada, Chhattisgarh
Anand Kumar and Achuta Nand Shukla
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 291 - 293
Published: 01-12-2009
The paper gives an account of the biological spectrum of the flora of the Indravati Tiger Reserve, Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. Studies revealed that the plant climate is therophytic due to the highest percentage of therophytes.
Clonal propagation of Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. - A critically endangered medicinal plant of Western Ghats
P. A. Jose, A. G. Pandurangan and Abdul Azeez Hussain
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 295 - 298
Published: 01-12-2009
Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr., a critically endangered medicinal plant of Western Ghats, is a potential substitute for Berberis chitria because of its berberine content. The destructive harvest of the plant for both stem and root has resulted the paucity of reproductive individuals in their distributional range and subsequent arrest of natural regeneration. The present study is therefore conducted to raise clonal genetic stock of the species by inducing rooting in different aged stem cuttings and through air layering using auxins such as IAA, IBA and NAA with concentrations ranging from 250-2000 ppm. The juvenile plants of 2-3 year old has resulted a maximum stem rooting of 60% and air layering success to 90% by the use of NAA at 1000 ppm. The clonal propagation methods standardized in C. fenestratum is a first report of its kind and could be an ideal propagation technique for the mass multiplication that will lead to conservation and sustainable utilization of this rare species.
Effect of different pre-sowing treatments on germination and seedling parameters in Berberis aristata seeds
Majid Ali and Kulwant Rai Sharma
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 299 - 304
Published: 01-12-2009
The P5 (GA3, 300 ppm) has shown maximum values for germination per cent and seedling parameters. Minimum values for germination per cent, plant height and vigour index has been seen when seeds are treated with NAA 400 ppm (P15). Minimum values for collar diameter, fresh and dry shoot weight, fresh and dry root weight, total biomass and SQI are recorded when seeds are not treated P0 (Control) at all.
Preliminary studies on the effect of pruning on growth and yield of Jatropha curcas L.
Kirandeep Kaur, G. P. S. Dhillon, Baljit Singh and H. S. Brar
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 305 - 307
Published: 01-12-2009
Two studies were conducted during 2006-2008 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to evaluate the effect of pruning on growth and yield of Jatropha. Five (control, secondary branch cutting at 15 cm, 30 cm, 45 cm and 60 cm) and three (control, pruning to half height and two third height) pruning treatments were applied on 4-5 year old plants in first and second study, respectively. The pruning resulted in significant increase in number of branches and branch length in both studies. In first study, no fruiting was observed in pruned plants during first season after pruning. The flowering and fruiting during next season (September-October) was also significantly less in all pruning treatments than those of control. The highest seed yield in second study was obtained in control (1690 g/plant) with significantly lower values in pruned plants.
Diversity of Ampelocissus Spp. (Fam. Vitaceae) and it's importance
S. G. Patil and S. P. Karkamkar
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 309 - 314
Published: 01-12-2009
Ampelocissus spp. (Family Vitaceae) collected from various of Indian forests, conserved, identified taxonomically and evaluated for morphological characters, cytological relationship, fungal diseases, insect and pest, drought and salts tolerance and phytochemicals, etc. Ampelocissus spp. are climbers, which grow only in monsoon and remain dormant in winter and summer. The species are mainly found in dry deciduous or in moist evergreen forests. Ampelocissus martini Planch. is endemic to Andaman. Evaluation of the species for various characters has importance in grape improvement programme with help of advanced tools of biotechnology otherwise in preparation of various Ayurvedic Drugs.
Studies on the seed germination in Bentinckia condapana Berry Ex Roxb. - An endangered and endemic palm of Western Ghats
Seventhilingam Kaliamoorthy
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 315 - 319
Published: 01-12-2009
Bentinckia condapana Berry ex Roxb., is represented to be an endangered and endemic Palm of Western Ghats. It is reported that over exploitation of this Palm species as food by the natives and wild elephants, and habitat destruction were considered to be the major barriers for its restricted diversity in nature. However, in spite of the above, it is believed that seed dormancy might also happen to be one of the major factors for its restricted diversity. A quick and reliable germination technique has been developed. Initial scarification followed by GA3 treatment at 300 ppm for 96 hours resulted in achieving a maximum of 83% of seed germination. The advantages of seed pretreatment methods, viz., initial water soaking, scarification, and GA3 application on seed germination in B. condapana are discussed.
Clonal propagation through air layering in four endemic trees of Western Ghats
P. A. Jose, N. Mohanan and Abdul Azeez Hussain
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 321 - 324
Published: 01-12-2009
The endemic plants of the Western Ghats of Peninsular India are facing severe threat of endangerment due to various physical and biological reasons. Many of these plants especially the trees are lacking any kind of propagation and multiplication strategies and are under brink of depletion even without keeping an alternate genetic stock. In this context, as part of the study on the development of propagation profiles and restoration of economically important endemic plants of the Western Ghats, four economically important endemic trees, viz., Antidesma montanum Blume, Humboldtia vahliana Wt., Lagerstroemia macrocarpa Wt. and Syzygium mundagom (Bourd.) Chithra, were investigated for their clonal rooting ability. Ring air layering on the lateral branches of the young stands of 3-5 year age was achieved with 50-60% success for the first time on NAA and IBA applications at 1000-1500 ppm, during the months of August-September. The success of air layering thus is recommended as a low cost and viable propagation method for multiplication and subsequent restoration and conservation, which in turn ensure the availability of materials for resource base utilization without affecting natural populations of the species in the long run.
Twin seedlings in Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.), an important evergreen bamboo species of India
Rajesh Panduranga Gunaga, A. D. Rane, P. G. Ahire and S. G. Bhave
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 325 - 326
Published: 01-12-2009
The paper describes the occurrence of the twin seedlings in Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.), an important evergreen bamboo species.
Medicinal plants used for treating Jaundice (Hepatitis) by the tribals in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala
S. Binu
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 327 - 330
Published: 01-12-2009
Six plants species, used by the tribals and Pathanamthitta district of Kerala for curing Jaundice are enumerated in this paper. The use of Briedelia scandens in treating jaundice is being reported for the first time.
Relocation and extended distribution of some little known endangered plants from Velliangiri Hills, the Western Ghats of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India
M. Murugesan and V. Balasubramaniam
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 331 - 336
Published: 01-12-2009
The present paper records the relocation and extended distribution of certain little known endangered and endemic plant species such as Crotalaria longipes Wight & Arn. (Fabaceae), Hedyotis eualata (Gamble) A.N.Henry & Subram. (Rubiaceae), Helichrysum wightii C.B.Clarke ex Hook.f. (Asteraceae), Senecio lessingianus (Wight & Arn.) C.B.Clarke (Asteraceae), Lilium neilgherrense Wight (Lilianceae) and Eriocaulon ensiforme Fischer (Eriocaulaceae) of angiosperms collected from Velliangiri hills, a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu. The above said species are restricted only to the hill ranges of Southern Western Ghats. Correct status, nomenclature, brief description, distribution with phenological data and critical notes are given for further collections.
On farm evaluation of buckwheat Fagopyrum Spp. genotypes in Himalayan region for stability analysis
Arun Gupta, V. Mahajan, B. Chaudhry and D. D. Singh
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 337 - 339
Published: 01-12-2009
Genotype x environment interactions for four characters, viz., days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height and grain yield of seven buckwheat genotypes in six varied hill environments were studied. Variations due to genotype, environment and genotype x environment interaction were highly significant for all the characters. Both linear and non-linear omponents were significant in genotype x environment interaction except for plant height where large portion of interaction was accounted by the linear regression on the environment index. The study revealed that the genotype Sangla B 1 was the most stable genotype for grain yield and ideally adapted to varied hill.
Genetic variation for stay green trait and its association with yield and yield traits in Jatropjia curcas
Swarnalata Das, A. K. Mohapatra, R. K. Pattnaik, A. K. Patra and B. P. Gantayat
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 341 - 345
Published: 01-12-2009
Sixteen genotypes of Jatropha curcas collected from four states of India were evaluated in a replicated trial to find genetic variability for stay green (SG) trait and the association between stay green trait and yield component traits. Stay green was evaluated by visual observation. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation along with heritability was high (>90%) for SG trait correlation study showed that say green trait had significant positive association with seed yield/plant (r=0.88), fruits/plant (r=0.81), fruits/bunch (r=0.71) and seeds/fruit (r=0.60), but its association with 100 seed weight was positive and non-significant. This investigation revealed that substantial variation exists for SG trait and this trait could be used as an effective selection criterion for yield improvement in Jatropha curcas.
Clonal propagation of Tylophora subramanii A.N.Henry in Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve in India
A. John De Britto and R. Mahesh
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 347 - 350
Published: 01-12-2009
Tissue culture system was established from shoot tips of the Tylophora subramanii A.N.Henry. Shoot proliferation was achieved with MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with KI (Kinetin) with different concentrations. Stocking of shoot cultures was obtained by repeating subculture in the same medium at 40 day intervals wherein the rate of multiplication was maintained. For rooting the individuals shoot was implanted on root induction medium consisted of MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/l NAA. 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. Within two weeks of incubation 70% rooting was evidenced. Complete plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transplanted to natural habitats.
Extended distribution of species of Bambusa Schreb.
Pushpa Kumari and Paramjit Singh
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume - 16 | Issue - 4 | Page No. 351 - 358
Published: 01-12-2009
Bambusa cacharensis R.B.Majumdar considered as endemic to Assam earlier is being reported from Meghalaya and West Bengal as well. Bambusa affinis Munro, B. jaintiana R.B.Majumdar and B. polymorpha Munro are also reported from West Bengal whereas B. oliveriana Gamble is collected and reported from Sikkim for the first time.