ID: 50947
Title: Above ground productivity and carbon sequestration potential of Eucalyptus hybrid in Punjab
Author: A.S. Dogra and S.C.Sharma
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 135, January 2009, No 1
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Eucalyptus hybrid, Above ground biomass, Carbon sequestration potential, Punjab
Abstract: Eucalyptus hybrid has been planted in Punjab in linear strips along roads and canals, in small forest blocks and on farmer ' s fields in association with agricultural crops under agroforestry systems. The number of Eucalyptus and Poplar trees growing outside forests exceeds 28 million. Such tree planting practices have expanded the opportunity to increase wood production and slow down CO2
concentrations in the atmosphere.Data on diameter at breast height, tree height, fresh weight of different tree components (timber, small wood, fuel wood, leaves) of 95 Eucalyptus hybrid trees with diameter at breast height ranging from 7.1 - 56.3 cm and height from 10.0 - 42.0 m across Punjab state in seven forest divisions were collected to develop prediction equations for weight (fresh and air dry) of different tree components and estimate carbon stock and amount of CO2 removed from atmosphere . The logarithmic model Y = b1 Db2 Hb3 with two variables, diameter and tree height, was found to be the best fit with a high R 2 (0.99, P<0.01). Based on sampled trees, Eucalyptus hybrid grown under Punjab ' s climatic conditions attained an average air dry timber density of 550 + 28 kg/m3.A conversion factor of 0.524 + 0.026 to convert fresh weight to air dry weight of small wood and fuelwood was also estimated . From the best-fit equations, user-friendly tables for above ground biomass , carbon stock and amount of CO2 removed were also developed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50946
Title: Collection and Conservation of major Medicinal plants of Arunachal Pradesh
Author: S.Hussain and D.K.Hore
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Arunachal Pradesh, Collection, Conservation
Abstract: Arunachal Pradesh has been identified as one of the "Biodiversity Hotspot" areas in the world. The tribes inhabiting the state recognize over 500 species of plants as having medicinal properties. The authors have conducted field trips in different areas of Arunachal Pradesh covering six western districts during March, 2004 - October 2005. In this attempt , they have collected 64 accessions of medicinal and aromatic plants belonging to 46 species distributed over 45 genera and 36 families. The local people were interviewed to get the ethnobotanical information on collected material, including live plants, rhizomes, cuttings, suckers, seeds, etc. The collected materials were also introduced in the Field Gene Bank of the NBPGR Regional Station, Umiam (Meghalaya) for their multiplication and subsequent characterization. The ethno-medicinal aspects of medicinal and aromatic plants, covering their botanical name, local name, habitat, family and uses with active principles, of all the 46 species are presented in the paper. The authors have also emphasized in -situ as welll as ex -situ conservation strategies for medicinal plants.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50945
Title: Diversity of Mangrove fungi of North Malabar, Kerala (India)
Author: Gayatri R. Nambia and K.Raveendran
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Mangroove Fungi, Diversity, North Malabar, Kerala
Abstract: Scientific knowledge on the structural and functional characteristics of mangroves and natural processes operating in the mangrove ecosystem is rather poor. Microflora especially fungi play an important role in the biodegradation in the mangrove habitat. A total of 23 marine fungi including 16 Ascomycetes, 1 Basidiomycete and 6 Mitosporic fungi were isolated from the mangrove forest of Mahe and Dharmadam (Kerala). Lignincola longirostris and Halocyphina villosa were the dominant species obtained. Aniptodera haispora, A.mangrovei, Biatriospora marina and Halosarpheia retorquens were found to be the rare species.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50944
Title: Comparative biology of Clostera fulgurita (Walker) (Lepidoptera : Notodontidae ) on different clones of Poplar (Populus deltoides) in Punjab
Author: K.S.Sangha and A.S.Soni
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Biology, Clostera fulgurita, Poplar clones, Punjab
Abstract: The studies on bioecology of Poplar leaf Defoliator, Clostera fulgurita (Walker) (Lepidoptera : Notodontidae ) on Poplar were carried out at Entomological Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Lundhiana. Biological studies revealed that the clones PL1, PL5 and PL7 had no effect on the duration of eggs, larvae , pupae and adults longevity. The egg, larval, pupal stage and adult longevity ranged from 3 to 6.42, 14.61 to 43.30, 6.50 to 55.50 and 4.93 to 7.35 days respectively. The defoliator had ten generations/ year and the time taken to complete a generation varied from 27 to 94 days. Measurements of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults varied from 0.52 to 0.59 mm, 3.37 to 41.31 mm, 15.85 to 17.88 mm, and 2.87 to 3.87 cm (wing expanse) and 1.53 to 1.55 cm (body length) respectively. Pupation occured in thin hairy cocoon between two leaves held together by silken thread. Fecundity varied from 268 - 669 among the clones. Maximum adult emergence and mating took place during 5.00 -9.00 hours.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50943
Title: Occurrence of Tiger Beetles (Cicindelidae: Coleoptera) in Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
Author: Manish Bhardwaj, Vinay K.Bhargav and V.P. Uniyal
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Tiger beetles, Cicindelidae, Biodiversity indicator, Chilla WLS, Rajaji NP, Uttarakhand
Abstract: Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) are proposed as a good indicator group for identifying area for biodiversity monitoring. The present study documenting twelve species of Tiger beetles in five different habitat types in Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary of Rajaji National Park. Riverine habitat was found to be appropriate habitat for eight Tiger beetle species.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50942
Title: Wood Micro-structural studies of Indian Rutaceae . Part II: Tribe citreae
Author: Nisha Bhardwaj and Sangeeta Gupta
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Wood Anatomy, Indian Rutaceac, Tribe citreae, Aegle, Atalantia, Citus, Feronia, Limonia, Paramignya
Abstract: The present study deals with the detailed wood anatomy of the 10 Indian species of 6 genera viz. Aegle correa, Atalantia correa, citrus Linn., Feronia Linn., Limonia Linn and Paramignya Wight. belonging to the tribe citreae of the family Rutaceae. The results are summarized in the tables and identification key has been developed for the separation of all the 10 species of this tribe. Photomicrographs have been given for the diagnostic features. The woods of this tribe are suitable for small knife handles, penholders, mathematical instruments, house building, naves of wheels, oil crushers and engraving purposes. The wood anatomical parameters suggest that the tribe Citreae is a homogeneous tribe characterized by diffuse porous woods; growth ring distinct due to marginal bands of parenchyma; simple perforation plate; coalescent aperture in few vessels; fibres non-septate. Almost all type of parenchyma are covered in these species. Rays homogeneous to heterogeneous. Prismatic crystals are present in fibres of all the general except Citrus and feronia. Crystals in rays and parenchyma present in all the genera. Silica bodies in rays and parenchyma in only one genus Paramignya. New reports include coalescent aperture in the entire family. Crystals in fibre of Aegle, Limonia and Atalantia; crystals in rays of Aegle, Citrus and Limonia; silica bodies in rays and parenchyma of Paramignya. These features are reported for the first time in this tribe.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50941
Title: Performance of Maize (Zea mayas L.) varieties under different spacings of Poplar (Populus deltoides Marsh.) in lower Western Himalayas
Author: V.K.Chauhan, A.K.Jhosi and V.K.Dholta
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Agri-silviculture, Zea mays, Populus deltoides, Tree-crop interaction, Plant parameters, Lower Western Himalayas
Abstract: An investigation was carried out in the summer season of 2002-2004 to evaluate comparative Maize (Zea mays L.) performance under various tree spacing of Poplar (Populus deltoides Marsh) including control plot (no tree). Increase in distance between tree rows resulted higher growth in height, diameter at breast height , crown diameter and crown length of tree and grain yield in maize crop. The negative influence of tree spacing on Maize growth and yield parameters was in the order of 8m x 3m <6m x 4m < 5m x 5m < 4m x 6m.The trend in grain yield reduction in different maize varieties was in the order of ' Sartaj ' (35.22%) > ' Parvati ' (26.47%) > ' PSCL - 3438 ' (25.52%) > ' Naveen ' (21.66%) grown under 4m x6m spacing of Poplar.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50940
Title: Half-Sib Progeny Evaluation in Pinus roxburghii Sargent
Author: R.N.Sehgal, H.P.Sankhyan and R.S.Shrama
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Pinus roxburghii Sargent, Half-Sib Progeny Evaluation, Himachal Pradesh
Abstract: Studies were undertaken to evaluate half-sib progenies in Pinus oxburghii Sargent at the age of about 12 years. Thirty three families were taken for study randomly out of a total of 58 families planted in the test n randomized complete block design to identify the promising selections to be used in future improvement programme. Eight growth characters viz., plant height, diameter at breast height, current year height increment, mean internodal lenght, specific gravity of branch wood, fresh weight of spur, dry weight of spur and percent dry matter in spur were studied. Heritability (within family, half-sib family and individual tree basis) and genetic gains (family selection and within family selection) were also determined. Significant differences in all traits at half-sib and within families levels were observed except for the mean internodal length. Charet Mansu P4 (34) family showed overall best performance and may be used for further improvement work. Genetic gain of within family selection (Gw ) was found to be more than genetic gain of family selection (GF) for almost all characters. Most of the half-sib families exhibited better growth rates than predicted by yield tables for Pinus roxburghii at best sites which indicates that all the selected families are superior in growth traits.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50939
Title: Bioprospecting with reference to medicinal insects and tribes in India: An overview
Author: N.Senthilkumar, Nizara D.Barthakur and M.Lokshwara Rao
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Entomophagy, Medicinal Insects, Tribes , North-East India
Abstract: Entomopahgy (i.e. use of insects as food) is practiced in many parts of the world including India but the use of insects, as medicine is done in very few parts of the world and we are fortuanate that North-East people of India are rich in this traditional medicinal knowledge . Tribes of North-East India have been using several insect based traditional drugs to cure several diseases. Over 500 species of insects are used as medicine to cure common ailments to complicated ailments in the North-East from time immemorial. Some valuable information regarding traditional medicinal uses of common insects by folk doctors has been summarised.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50938
Title: Production and Processing of Industrial Hemp ( ' Bhang ' ) fibre and its future potential in textile/ cordage industry
Author: Abhay Bahuguna, Nisha Tripathi, Anshul Chandra and S.T.S. Lepcha
Editor: Dr.V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2008
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 134, December 2008, No 12
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Industrial Hemp ( ' Bhang ' ), Fibre, Production and processing, Textile/cordage industry
Abstract: Industrial Hemp, commonly known as ' Bhang ' , is an underutilized biomass found in Uttarkhand. Its stem shows fibre properties ie., cellulose, hemicellulose and ligin. Samples ' A ' and ' B ' of Industrial Hemp fibre (Bhang) were made and sample ' A ' was chemically treated with washing soda and ' B ' with Boric acid. These chemically treated fibre samples were carded and spun in Nandprayag (weaving cluster developed by Uttaranchal Bamboo and Fibre Development Board - UBFDB). The spun fibre showed less breaking percentage and its appearance was white hence it can be used in textile/cordage at cottage entrepreneurship level. However due to lack of awareness, development of processing methods for fibre, Industrial Hemp and its use in textile/cordage industry these remain undevelped and unexplored in Uttarkand. Hence, UBFDB is undertaking continuous efforts to establish this Industrial Hemp fibre at commercial level to provide employment to local people of Uttarkhand.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50937
Title: Impact of climate change on hydrological extremes: Floods and droughts
Author: K.D.Sharma and Pratap Singh
Editor: Dr.Himanshu Joshi
Year: 2009
Publisher: Hydrology Journal, Volume 30, Number 3-4, July- December 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Hydrology
Keywords: Floods, Droughts, Glaciers, Rainfall, cyclones
Abstract: The two most important hydrological extremes are floods and droughts.These events pose serious hazards to human populations in many parts of the world. India is a flood prone as well as a drought prone country. These water related disasters are caused because of large diversity in climate and topography of the country. The most common issues related to climate change are : accelerated melting of glaciers, sea level rise, submergence of islands/ coastal areas and deviant rainfall patterns. Lilkely impacts include a greater annual variability in the monsoom rainfall, leading to more intense floods and droughts. Thus, climate change in future is expected to have severe implications on river flows in South Asia including India. Global climate change is likely to result in severe droughts and floods in India , with major impacts on human health and food supplies. Developing countries of temperate and tropical Asia already are highly vulnerable to the extreme cliamte events such as floods, droughts and cyclones. Climate change and variability would exacerbate these vulnerabilities. Annual and seasonal changes in climate would alter the frequency and severity of major droughts. Changing temperature and evaporation rates would alter soil moisture conditions and the amount of runoff from the catchments into reservoirs. There are some evidences of increases in the intensity or frequency of some of these extreme events on regional scales throughout the 20th century. The abnormalities generated due to climate change are likely to trigger shifts in existing biodiversity patterns and demands for totally new set of land uses.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50936
Title: A Comparative evaluation of three popular irrigation systems for tomato cropping in a semi-arid region of Kenya
Author: Richard M.Kanui, Deepak Khare, K.Sonamani Singh and S.K.Mishra
Editor: Dr.Himanshu Joshi
Year: 2009
Publisher: Hydrology Journal, Volume 30, Number 3-4, July- December 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Hydrology
Keywords: Water management, drip irrigation, semiarid areas
Abstract: This paper compares the widely used three irrigation systems, viz., drip, spinkler and furrow, using the data observed in a laboratory farm located in the semi-arid region of Kenya. For these irrigation systems, the total irrigation requirements were 479.50, 610.55 and 783.50, respectively, but with same 428.95mm of net irrigation requirement (NIR). The respective application efficiencies for the three systems were 89.72%, 70.31 and 54.54%, indicating the drip irrigation system to be more efficient than the others in this study.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50935
Title: Ionic composition and hazards of poor quality waters for irrigation in Southwestern part of Punjab
Author: V.K.Verma, P.K. Sharma and R.K.Setia
Editor: Dr.Himanshu Joshi
Year: 2009
Publisher: Hydrology Journal, Volume 30, Number 3-4, July- December 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Hydrology
Keywords: Ground water, EC, RSC,Irrigation
Abstract: The quality of water is of immense important because poor quality of ground water is not only a limiting factor in crop production but also its constant and indiscriminate use causes secondary salinization. Therefore, a qualitative water quality survey was carried out to diagnose the salinity or sodicity hazards in ground waters in relation to their suitability for irrigation in Faridkot district (Punjab) having two blocks namely Faridkot and Kotkakpura. The total concentration of soluble salts in ground waters varied from 0.31-7.53 dS m-1. On splitting the analytical data block wise , it was observed that ground waters of Faridkot block pose high salinity hazards than that of Kotkapura block. Among the anions, concentration of HCO-3 hazards than that of Kotkapura block. Among the anions, concentration of HCO-3 varied from 0.5-21.5 me l-1, whereas that of Cl- and SO2-4 ranged from 1.00-51.30 and 0.83-48.33 me l -1 , respectively. The highly saline waters were dominant in SO2-4 and Cl- ions rather than CO3 2- and HCO-3 ions. Na+ was the dominant cation and its value ranged from 1.74-83.93 me l-1. The mean sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of Kotkapura block (17.53 me l-1)0.5 was higher than that of Faridkot block (15.06 me l-1)0.5 indicating more sodicity hazards. The mean residual sodium carbonate (RSC) of ground water indicated that Kotkapura block (4.96 me l-1)had more alkalinity hazard than Faridkot block (2.55 me l-1). The continuous use of such waters can cause secondary salinization/sodification. At any particular salinity, sodium was always more than other cations and the slope values for Na + for the district revealed that increase in concentration of Na + was steeper than other ions. Regression equations were used to predict salinity by using ion concentration as independent variables. Multiple regression analysis indicated that predictability of the relationships between EC and ion concentration improved when Ca+Mg was included along with Na. Among anions, dominance of SO2-4 ion was found in under ground waters. Keeping in view the quality of ground water and site specific salinity and sodicity, improved cultural practices including land and water management have been recommended which have direct and positive impacts on the yield of crops.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50934
Title: Transport of fines/ wash load through channels-A review
Author: N.K.Khullar
Editor: Dr.Himanshu Joshi
Year: 2009
Publisher: Hydrology Journal, Volume 30, Number 3-4, July- December 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Hydrology
Keywords: Catchment, streambed, bed-material load,fines,wash load
Abstract: A lot of wash load comes to the streams during the rainy season due to the erosion of soil from the catchment and know to flow practically without settling on streambed. The presence of wash load is known to affect the resistance to the flow. The effect of its presence on transport of bed-material load is not well known. The present paper is devoted to a review of the studies regarding concept of wash load, changes in resistance to flow due to the presence of wash load, the effect of presence of fines in suspension on the transport of bed-material. The presence of excessive amount of fines in the stream bed adversely affect the spawning of salmon and other species of fish. So, the literature is also reviewed regarding deposition/ infiltration of fine sediments within the pores of a coarse bed channel and the wash load carrying capacity of rigid and alluvial bed channels. The review brings out clearly the areas in which the research should be carried.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 50933
Title: Inter-comparison of neural network and conventional techniques for estimating evapotranspiration
Author: V.K.Bhatt, A.K.Tiwari, Y.Agnihotri and R.K.Aggarwal
Editor: Dr.Himanshu Joshi
Year: 2009
Publisher: Hydrology Journal, Volume 30, Number 3-4, July- December 2007
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Hydrology
Keywords: Neural Network, multiple linear regression, evapotranspiration
Abstract: The evapotranspiration is one of the basic components of the hydrologic cycle and is essential for estimation of irrigation water requirements. This paper shows the utility of artificial neural network (ANN) for estimation of daily reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) and compares performance of ANN with conventional techniques like pan evaporation method and multiple linear regression. In this study out of many feed forward neural network architectures, multilayer perceptron has been considered. The neural network were trained with daily mean climatic data (solar radiation, maximum and minimum temperature, mean relative humidity, wind speed and sunshine hours) as input and ETo estimated by FAO56 Penman-Monteith (PM) model as the desired output. The best ANN architecture was selected on the basis of mean absolute error, mean square error and maximum correlation coefficient. The ANN architecture 5-4-1 (five four and one neurons in the input, hidden and output layers respectively) was trained and tested. Same data set, which was used in ANN, was used for developing multiple linear regression (MREG) model and also for validation. Based on the results it can be concluded that ANN can estimate ETo better than the conventional techniques. Based on ANN model, evapotranspiration requirements of major crops can be estimated using crop coefficients as provided by Dooronbos and Pruitt (1977).The developed ANN model will be of immense use for estimaing water requirements of different crops of north-western Shivalik foothill region of India.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None