ID: 57667
Title: Standardised principal components for vegetation variability monitoring across space and time
Author: T R Mathew
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Africa, Savanna, NDVI, variability, standardized principal components
Abstract: Vegetation at any given location changes through time (e.g., annual and seasonal changes) and in space (in response to climatic or landscape factors). Knowledge of the change in vegetation, not only how much has changed but also where and when changes have occurred, can help land managers identify sources of ecosystem stress. as well as prioritize management efforts. The present study considers the dynamics of savanna vegetation across spatial and temporal scales in Kruger National Park (KNP) through the use of satellite remote sensing for the time period 1984-2002. Spatial variability of vegetation is a key characteristic of savanna landscapes and its importance to biodiversity has been demonstrated by field based studies. Stronger understanding of the nature of change requires information to be obtained at regional scales and over longer period of time. The data used for the study were sourced from the US Agency for International Development where AVHRR derived Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) images are made available at spatial resolutions of 8 km and at dekadal scales. The study area was extracted from these images available for southern Africa, for the time period 1984-2002. Maximum value composites were derived for individual months resulting in an image dataset of 216 NDVI images corresponding to individual months. Vegetation dynamics across spatio-temporal domains were analysed using standardised principal components analysis (SPCA) on the NDVI time-series, where each individual image ' s contribution to variability in the time-series is considered. Results demonstrate teh variability of vegetation in the study area across space and time. In addition, it becomes possible to map the landscape changes that have taken place in KNP over the 1984-2002 time period on to individual principal components (PC). PC 1 shows that time integrated NDVI response for the study area and offers support the longitudinal zonation of the park into a granitic west and a basaltic cast. PC2 illustrates the dominant factor of seasonality in savanna and accounts for 0.35% of the variance. PC3 with 0.23% of the variance alternates between positive and negative values pointing to a sub-component of seasonality, not explained by PC2, PCs 4, 5 and 6 together account for 0.35% of the variance and highlight individual processes operating in the landscape. From the management perspective, the results demonstrate the utility of SPCA in isolating the influence of ecosystem process/agents so that site-specific interventions can be initiated. Furthermore, the results highlight the diversity of landscape. From the management perspective, the results demonstrate the utility of SPCA in isolating the influence of ecosystem processes/agents so that site-specific interventions can be initiated. Furthermore, the resutlts highlight the diversity of landscape conditions in the peak, where vegetation changes in operation in a given zone differ from other zones not only in magnitude, but also in pattern. The resutls support the ecological zonation of the park and indicate that the park is a constantly changing and evolving ecosytem.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57666
Title: Implications of trawling on marine ecosystem of West Bengal
Author: Mahua Das
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Trawling, Marine ecosystem, Mangrove ecology, species loss, threats, sustainable development
Abstract: Commercial fishing plays an important role in the economy of West Bengal, providing a profitable source of employment and an indispensable animal protein to Bengali diet. The productive marine ecosystems of West Bengal including the mangrove ecosystems of the Sundarbans are rich in fisheries wealth. Greater demand for fish caused intensification of trawling activities along the coast. This paper highlights a case study of Shankarpur-Digha fishing zone where modern bull trawlers use to drag bigger trawl nets through ocean botton to obtain huge commercial catch destroying under-sea habitat of many micro-species. Methodology followed experimental sampling of benthic fauna at the depth of 35 and 38 feet offshore of Shankarpur and Digha, identification of discards and assessment of impact on marine food chain. commercial trawling has destroyed many ecologically important marine juveniles belonging to primary and secondary trophic levels of marine food chain. Loss of these species seems to have already created big crisis of food for a large number of predators in tertiary trophic level. The ecological implications of trawling opens up the biodiversity and developmetn paradigms, proving the economic development gained at the cost of biodiversity loss. Wild spawn collection illegally by digging chouko along coast Freshergunj has also been recorded and the resultant massive destruction of seedlings seems to be the root cause for the decline of commercially valuable fish species such as Chandana and Hilsa. This paper also discusses effective Environmental Management Plan to implement restriction on trawling, substitution with trammel net, ban on wild collection of spawns, proper economic rehabilitation to local aborigines, etc. In order to make balance between ecology and economy ensuring conservative use of marine resources towards sustainable development of littoral and infra-littoral habitat ecology of West Bengal.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57665
Title: Temporal valuation of forests ' contribution to local economy and environment: Kerala
Author: V Govindaru
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Western Ghats, Forest valuation, market goods, forest product
Abstract: The present study documents the goods and services of forests in Kalkoonthal revenue village Idukki district, located in the Western Ghats Region of Kerala. While carrying out this, the study keeps aside the contribution of forests to the regional/national and global economics. Estimations made on the basis local people ' s dependency on forests for various forest produce and services indicate that dependency is increasing over a period of twenty years. Forests contribution to local economy in the form of major produces accounts more than 54 percent of the total value of forest. However, role of forests in preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil erosion is attaining more importance. It is reflected on money spent for maintaining soil health and nutrition by the farmers. The additional money spent for preserving soil health and nutrition is in increasing trend. This recalls the need to preserve forests for the benefits of future generation.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57664
Title: In vitro propagation and conservation of Dioscorea wild species
Author: V Deepa and M Unnikishnan
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Dioscorea, in vitro propagation, conservation
Abstract: The genus Dioscorea L benogs to the monocotyledonous Dioscoreaceae, the most prominent family within the Dioscoreales. More than 600 species are exist world wide. Dioscorea species are famous for their production of tubers, bulbils, rhizomes etc. They are used as food in many countries. The wild species of Dioscorea are famous for their production of steroidal sapogenin, the precursor in the commercial synthesis of sex hormones and corticosteroids. In the present study, nodes of Dioscorea-D. bulbifera, D.tomentosa and D. glabra were inoculated into modified MS basal medium. (4% sucrose, 0.8% agar, 0.1% activated charcoal, 0.1 ?M NAA, 0.5 ?M BAP and 0.1 ?M GA3). In vitro tuberisation was observed in D. bulbifera and D. tomentosa. The in vitro developed nodes were inoculated into modified MS medium containing different sugars (sucrose, maltose and market sugar) and sugar alcohols (mannitol and sorbitol). Effect of sugars differ with the species and the type of sugar used. Among them sucrose and market sugar responded well with higher subculture periods. Maltose supplemented media was found to be better suited as the conservation media for Dioscorea. The sugar alcohols sorbitol and mannitol showed poor response on the three Dioscorea species. Along with the study, effect of Kinetin and activated charcoal on in vitro developed bulbils of D. bulbifera was also studied at different Kinetin concentrations.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57663
Title: Phytochemical investigations on the endangered medicinal plant Nervilla aragoana Gaud
Author: C Beena and V V Radhakrishnan
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Nervilia, TLC, Finger printing, Orilathamara
Abstract: Plant biodiversity conservation is nowadays one of the major priorities for many nations including India and a complete knowledge of our natural resources is necessary for conservation, protection as well as value addition of ouir valuable plant resources. Nervilla aragoon Gaud., the plant well known in malayalam as Orilathamara is a medicinally important small tuberous terrestrial orchid with wide therapeutic potentials. The plant belongs to Orchidaceae family. It is reported to be near threatened in Karnataka,endangered in Thamilnadu and vulnerable in Kerala and is included in the negative list of exports notified by Govt. of India. It is foiund in India especially in the higher altitudes of Western Ghats. Nervilia has got many uses in traditional and folk medicine. Its leaf paste is used against head ache, leaf decoction as women tonic and tubers for postnatal care and also to induce lactation. Leaves and tubers are the major medicinal parts. Phytochemical investigation revealed that the plant mainly contains flavanoids, sterols, glycosides and tannins.The aqueouis extract of the plant showed a milkish green flourescene under UV 365 nm and a good yellowish green flourescene under UV-254 nm confirming the presence of chromophores. The TLC finger prints developed gave 6 specific flourescent bands. The salinent features observed in the study are documented as means of authentication. The specific TLC fingerprint developed in the study will be help in the correct identification of the genuine drug samples and also help to distinguish the plant from its related adulterants.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57662
Title: Deuteromycetous fungi in a tropical rainforest ecosystem of the upper Brahmaputra valley
Author: Barnali Barbaruah and P Baruah
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Tropical rain forest, Deuteromycetous fungal flora, Assam
Abstract: The present study investigates some data on Deuteromycetous fungal flora of a tropical rainforest ecosystem. The soil samples from various depths of a tropical rainforest ecosystem at disturbed and undisturbed stands were analyzed. Altogether 28 species of Deuteromycetous fungi were isolated from the site. The highest fungal counts were found in the top soil layer in all seasons except during the rainy season when the population was greater in the subsoil. It was found that their number decreased with increasing depth of the soil i.e. from 0-100 cm soil depth. Fungal population was the highest Autumn (2.1 x 104/g at top soil undisturbed stand) and lowest during Summer (0.8 x 104/g at top soil undisturbed stand). Aspergillus and Pencillium were the most dominant genera at the two stands and an different depths. Soil organic carbon (1.40% at top soil and 1.25 % at 100 cm depth at undisturbed stand) and total nitrogen percentage decreased with increasing depth of the soil.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57661
Title: Influence of synthetic plant growth stimulant, miraculan on the survival and developement of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Author: Shiwani Bhatnagar, Arvind Kumar and A K Karnatak
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Spodoptera litura (Fab), Miraculan
Abstract: Plant growth stimulants ' Miraculan ' gradually decreased survival of the larvae of Spodoptera litura from 86.67 to 46.67 percent at 3.22 to 100 ppm. Similar trend was also observed in adult emergence. Growth indices were lower in all treated diets as compared to control. The results of the experiment showed that artificial diet fortified with different levels of Miraculan (plant growth stimulant) has adverse effect on the survival and development of Spodoptera litura. Reduction in percent pupation, adult emergence and larval survival of S. litura indicates the role for these growth regulators in IPM.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57660
Title: Non timber forest products used for mother and child health care in tribal and remote areas of Himachal Pradesh
Author: Anita Kumari, Dinesh Sharma, Rajan Bawa and P Kaushal
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Mother and child health, tribal areas, Nutritional supplements
Abstract: Modern healthcare system has negligible accessibility in the interior, remote and harsh areas of the northwestern Himalayas. People residing in these areas still depend upon traditional healthcare system. The study carried out in tribal and non tribal communities located in Kinnaur, Lahul, Bharmour and Pangi (tribal areas) Shilai, Churah, Parvati valley and Chhauhara (non tribal but remote areas) in Himachal Pradesh revealed that 9 species are used as tonic and as nutritional supplements by the expecting mothers. Species like Betula utilis and Dioscorea deltiodea for birth control Bunium persicum and Thymus serphyllum for relief from post delivery pain, similary Cannabis sativa, Papaver somniferum and Selinum vaginatum are utilized as pain killers. Chenopondium album is used for the curve of chicken pox, Bombax ceiba during small pox and for urine problems, Arctium lapa and Capsella bursa pastoris are used specially in case of infants. It was also observed that due to illicit trade of the much demanded medicinal and aromatic species, many species namely Aconitum hetrophyllum, Podophyllum hexandrum, Rheum australe, etc. are on the verge of extinction. Thus there is dire need to eduate the rural people to conserve their rich wealth for their own utilization.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57659
Title: Studies on the moisture uptake behaviour of root wood
Author: Tasarruf Ahmad, Sachin Gupta and Kishan Kumar V.S
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Root wood, stem wood, moisture uptake, dimensional stability
Abstract: The dwindling resources of our forests are forcing the wood based industries to switch over to other raw material by taking into consideration the cost cutting values. The rootwood of trees is one such raw material which has not been explored in detail for its moisture uptake properties so that it can be brought into proper utilization. In the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the moisture uptake property of root wood and compared with that of stem wood. It was fouind that in general root wood of Populus deltoides exhibit lesser moisture uptake when exposed to 75% humidity conditions at 350C. From the utilization point of view, products made from root wood of this species would be dimensionally more stable than those made from its stem wood. Popularization of the use of this root wood would contribute to saving of the stem wood materials of this species, which is a popular raw material with the plywood industry.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57658
Title: Bamboos of Himachal Pradesh
Author: Richa, M L Sharma and N K Sharma
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Himachal Pradesh, Bamboo, uses, identification
Abstract: Himachal Pradesh is blessed with extraordinary vegetation and floral assemblages, which can be attributed to the wide altitudinal range coupled with local variations in edaphic and climatic factors. Eight species belonging to 5 genera of bamboo are distributed in the state, occupying an area of 60 sq km. This paper presents a brief account of these bamboos together with a key to their identification in the field.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57657
Title: Impact of plant weeds on grass availability in Gaur (Bos gaurus H Simth, 1827) foraging areas of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Southern India
Author: M Ashok Kumar, R Nagarajan, R Ilayaraja, S Swaminathan and Ajay A Desai
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Gaur, Lantana camara, Chromolaena ordorata, grass availability
Abstract: Invasive species are regarded as one of the largest threats to biodiversity but little is known about the invasion of exotic plants into the tropical forest. The percetn grass availability in gaur (Bos gaurus H. Smith, 1827)) foraging areas in three different habitats namely dry deciduous forest, moist deciduous forest and thorn forest in relation to weed category areas viz., Lantana camara invasion areas, Chromalaena odorata invasion areas, ' both weeds invasion ' and ' weed - free ' areas were investigated in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve between November 2003 and April 2004. The overall mean percent grass availability was 28.52 + 26.81/m2 (n=7343). The overall mean density of L. camara and C. odorata were 2.2+ 5.75/50m2 (n=8090) and 10.7+ 14.6/50m2 (n=8090) respectively. Among the habitats, the dry deciduous forest had maximum availability of grass (%) followed by thorn forest and moist deciduous forest. The percent availability of grass was highest in the weed free areas of dry deciduous forest (54.0227.28%) and lowest in L. camara areas of thorn forest (14.52+ 14.45%). In all the habitats there was a significant variation among the weed category areas with reference to the percent availability of grass. The densities of L. camara and C. odorata negatively influenced the percent grass availability. The Standardized Partial Regression Coefficients of multiple regression equation model indicated that the C.odorata had the primary influence on the grass growth followed by L. camara.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57656
Title: Influences of biotic factors on productivity of homegarden agroforestry system
Author: M V Durai
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Biotic factors, productivity, agroforestry, homegarden, interaction, responses
Abstract: In a study of influences of biotic factors on the productivity of homegardens biotic factors were classified into three classes viz., complementary, supplementary and intervening factors. It is fouind that structure, composition, management and productivity of home gardens depend upon several interlinking socio-economic-cultural, ecological and policy and institutional factors. Intervening factors are the foremost deciding factor in the homegarden management system and its survival. Sustainability and stability of homegarden is ensured, when the positive effects are equal or higher than the negative effects of the system. The prevailing imbalance in the system is caused by dominance of intervening factor. Market price, government policy and labour issues play vital in creating imbalance in the system.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57655
Title: Ethnobotanical plant use of Chilapatta reserved forest in West Bengal
Author: Gopal Shukla and Sumit Chakravarty
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Chilapatta Reserve Forest, plant use, indigenous community
Abstract: Chilapatta Reserved Forest is under Cooch Behar Wildlife Division in West Bengal. Rava, Ekka and Oraon are the indigenous communities living in and around the forest. A survey was conducted during January, 2007 to December, 2009 to document the edible plants found in the forests. A total of 79 plants belonging to 41 families and 68 genera were found in use for day to day life of these communities for food, cure for ailments, fodder, fuel wood, fiber, hut construction, fencing and agricultural equipment. Of these total species recorded 46 were trees, 18 herbs, 10 shrubs, tree climbers and two ferns. 18 plant species were used in herbal medicines to cure cold and stomach related problems and nine species in hut construction.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57654
Title: Assam cycas pleas for protection
Author: Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh and Rita Singh
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Cycas pectinata, threats, conservation, Assam, India
Abstract: Cycads are woody, palm like trees with distinctive appearance which is related to their primitiveness or antiquity. Cycads flourished in Phanerozoiceon and reached their peak in the Mesozoic era. At present, they are surviving by a single order Cycadales with three families cycadaceae, Zamiaceae and Stangeriaceae, having 10 genera and about 300 species. These taxa are surviving in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Indian cycads are represented by a single genus Cycas with nine species and one variety. Cycas pectinate Ham. was described from the Kamrup district of Assam in 19th century. Widespread habitat destruction urbanisation and unsustainable harvesting of the species for horticulture, medicine and many socio-cultural rituals led Cycas population to become critically endangered in the state. In the present paper, discovery of a giant tree of cycad is reported. Threats to cycad populations and illegal trade of Cycas cones are highlighted in the paper.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57653
Title: Heritability, genetic gain, correlation and principal component analysis in introduced willow (Salix species) clones
Author: N B Singh, J P Sharma, S K Huse, I K Thakur, R K Gupta and H P Sankhyan
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 12, Dec 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Phenotypic coefficient of variation, genotypic coefficient of variation, principal component, heritability
Abstract: Juvenile growth traits were studied in the recently introduced clones of Salix species from twelve countries including Croatia, Sweden, Italy, Hungary, Turkey, Japan, Yugoslavia, UK, Belgium, New Zealand, Germany and USA which were screened in the nursery by applying ' augmented completely randomized design ' with three check clones (SI-64-017, SI-63-007, Kashmiri willow). Significant differences were recorded for morphological traits among test clones and test verses check clones except in leaf lenth among test clones and volume index, leaf length and petiole length among check verses test clones. The clones SI-63-016, J-799, PN-722, NZ-1002, PN-733, PN-731, SN -2, Sx61, 194 and 084/03 were found superior to check clones for the growth traits viz., plant height, basal diameter and volume index. Heritability in broad sense (91.08%) and genetic gain (75.24%) was found highest for leaf breadth and volume index. Heritability in broad sense (91.08%) and genetic gain (75.24%) was found highest for leaf breadth and volume indes, respectively. Maximum positive and significant correlation coefficient (0.959) was recorded for basal diameter with volume index. Principal component analysis through correlation matrix revealed that three out of eight components contributed 85.03 percent of the overall variation out of which the first principal component (? =3.086) explained 38.57 percent of the variance weighted maximum (0.937) by voluem index. These promising clones selected under the present study will be further tested under multi-location trials to study the genotype x environment interaction at different sites for analysis of suitability of clones.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None