ID: 56317
Title: Response of standard rooting system leachates and alcoholic extracts from difficult to root arboreal species
Author: V Sharma
Editor: Dr S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2, February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: hardwood cutting, leachates
Abstract: Leachates and alcoholic extracts (10%) from potential hardwood cutting material were prepared from Pinus wallichiana, Cedrus deodara, Abies pindrow, Thuja orientalis, Aesculus indica, Rhododendron arboreum, Magnolia grandifolia and Quercus incana, that grow around Shimla - the mid Himalayas. Rooting response of standard hypocotyl cutting system (Cucumis sativus L. 8 day old cuttings that form, on average, 14 roots by ninth day of suspension in water at 25 +1 C continuous light ) to 10,100 and 1000 times dilutions of original extract were recorded. Concentrated leachates from wood of all species were toxic while rooting was slightly promoted at 1000 and 100 times dilutions of original extract. Alcoholic extracts were toxic even at 100 times dilutions while 1000 times dilutions slightly promoted rooting of standard hypocotyl rooting systems. Residue of alcoholic extract applied after dissolution in water promoted rooting at 1000, 100 and 10 times dilutions as well.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56316
Title: Wood production by Pongamia pinnata seed oil through heating process
Author: Sadhna Tripathi, Hridesh Kumar and Himani Pant
Editor: Dr S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2, February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Anti-fungal activity, insecticidal activity, Pongamia pinnata, Seed oil, potato dextrose agar bioassay, soil block bioassay
Abstract: Pongamia pinnata (L) Pierre is thought to be a native of India and is found throughout Asia. Pongamia oil is considered to possess anti-fungal and insecticidal activity but this property is not fully tapped and is under utilized. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential of pongamia oil against wood decaying fungi. The oil was tested at different concentrations against Oligoporus placentus and Trametes versicolor by Potato dextrose agar bioassay. Results revealed that oil at concentration levels of 15 and 10% recorded considerable growth inhibition of both the test fungi. However, at lower concentrations the oil was found ineffective. The oil was further evaluated for its efficacy against the test fungi by soil block bioassay method. Poplar and chir pine sapwood specimens treated with pongamia oil at 180 and 2000C, recorded considerable reduction in weight loss as compared to control against test fungi. Heating resulted in colour change of oil as well as that of wood. Preliminary study shows that Pongamia pinnata oil can be explored for wood protection.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56315
Title: Impact of anthropogenic pressure on the biomass and productivity of forest floor vegetation in a submontain forest of Tarai of Kumaun Himalaya
Author: Bhasker Joshi and S C Pant
Editor: Dr S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2, February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Sumontane forest, Kumaun Himalaya, Forest floor vegetation, biomass, primary productivity, net production
Abstract: The study was conducted to find out impact of anthropogenic pressure on the biomass and productivity of forest floor vegetation in a sumontane forest of Tarai of Kumaun Himalaya adjacent ot Kashipur. The vegetation was studied at monthly intervals from April 2007 to April 2008 at two selected sites, site I and site II. Aboveground green biomass, above ground dead biomass, below ground biomass and litter biomass were higher at site II (Gulzapur forest). Similarly aboveground primary production, belowground production and total net primary production were recorded higher at site II, but litter production was higher at site I (Jogipura forest). Aboveground and belowground turn over was maximum recorded at site II but litter turn over was maximum recorded at site I. Based on the study, it is concluded that the forest at site I which suffer from anthropogenic pressure have low biomass and net primary productivity.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56314
Title: Deployment of resistance in teak to key insect pests
Author: N Roychoudhury
Editor: Dr S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2, February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Teak (Tectona grandis), clones, resistance, Hyblaea puera, Eutectona machaeralis
Abstract: Teak (Tectona grandis) is subjected to serious depredation by insect pests in nurseries, plantations and natural forests. A good number of pest resistant genotypes of teak have been identified but are not operationally deployed. Host resistance provides a highly practical eco-friendly approach of insect bio-control, as a long term solution of the problem. The cause of resistance in teak could be the result of escape from insect attack due to difference in flushing time, which in turn may have been caused by chemical, environmental or genetic factors. The present review has contemplated these aspects and elucidates research and development on clonal resistance in teak to its most pernicious insect pests, Hyblaea puera Cramer (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae), commonly known as teak defoliator and Eutectona machaeralis (Walker) (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae), teak leaf skeletonizer. It has also highlighted breeding for insect resistance in teak and role of biotechnology in development of resistance.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56313
Title: Effect of growth promoting substances and rhizome separation technique on clonal propagation of Bambusa vulgaris var. Striata
Author: Supriya Kumari, Ritesh Kumar, Sanjeev Kr Chakrovourty, Rabish chandra, Animesh Sinha and S. Nath
Editor: Dr S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2, February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Bambusa striata, Clonal propagation, phytohormones, rhizome separation technique
Abstract: A nursery trial has been carried out at Institute of Forest Productivity, Lalgutwa, Ranchi to assess the direct and residual effect of different growth promoting hormones (IAA, IBA, NAA and Boric Acid) individually and in combination on clonal propagation of Bambusa striata. Double node cuttings of 1 to 2 yr old culms have been used to study the shoot-root development and rhizome genesis during propagation. Subsequent propagation of the developed BPS raised from culm segments having intact and detached (segregated by splitting) rhizome system in poly pots containing soil: sand:FYM at 2:1:1 ratio have also been studied for another 180 days.
Phytohormones did not show any positive influence on rooting and rhizome genesis in culm cuttings of B. striata. Culming intensity from intact rhizome system has been slightly more than from segregated rhizome system. However, from the latter, double number of BPS of almost identical vigor can be raised within same nursery gestation period. Boric acid and combined hormone mixture have shown positive effect on new culm recruitment both in the intact and detached form of the propagules through producing more number of rhizomes. The combination of these hormones also favoured positive resutlts in increasing culm length.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56312
Title: Effect of root exudates on colonisation of AM fungi in Jatropha curcas
Author: Jamaluddin and Rekha Shukla
Editor: Dr S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2, February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Jatropha curcas, root exudates, root colonization, AM-Jungi
Abstract: Effect of root exudates on AM colonization in Jatropha curcas was studied in the current work. Total three treatments were tested viz., root exudates + AM fungi, AM fungi alone, and root exudates alone. Out of which the treatment containing AM fungi+ root exudates showed maximum (75%) colonization followed by AM fungi alone. Impact on plant nutrient status was also observed a significant results were recorded. There was remarkable enhancement in phosphatase enzyme activity, phosphorus uptake and leaf protein in treatment containing AM fungi and root exudates as compared to control. Therefore, from the present findings, it can be concluded that root exudates affect the root colonization of AM fungi which in turn improve the growth and development of biofuel plant J. curcas.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56311
Title: Tree and shrub diversity in degraded hills of bar-conglomerate formation of Pali district of Rajasthan
Author: Ashok Kumar, Beena Tripathi and S Singh
Editor: Dr S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2, February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Degraded hills, vegetation diversity, importance value index, vegetation status
Abstract: Study on vegetation diversity in degraded hills of Bar conglomerate formation in Pali district of Rajasthan reveals the occurrence of 10 trees, 7 shrubs and 4 undershrubs / herbs with an average population of 16.9 tree, 116.8 shrubs and 4.8 herbs per plot. P. juliflora showed the highest population followed by Z.mauritiana. Frequency of occurrence, density and abundance were also highest for the P. juliflora. Species richness was the highest for tree and lowest for the shrubs, but Shanon-Weiner index was highest for shrubs. Population of shrubs was relatively more even as compared to the tree or undershrub/herb species. Importance value index was highest for P. juliflora among tree adn Euphorbia caducifolia among the shrubs indicating a change of forest types from Tropical Euphorbia Scrub to Tropical Prosopis juliflora scrub.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56310
Title: Estimating soil erosion in Natura 2000 areas located on three semi-arid Mediterranean islands
Author: George N Zaimes, Dimitris Emmanouloudis, Valasia Iakovoglou
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2, March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Conservation, Mediterranean islands, Natura 2000 areas, Soil erosion
Abstract: A major initiative in Europe is the protection of its biodiversity. To accomplish this, specific areas from all countries of the European Union are protected by the establishment of the "Natura 2000" network. One of the major threats to these areas and in general to ecosystems is soil erosion. The objective of this study was to quantitatively estimate surface soil losses for three of these protected areas that are located on semi-arid islands of the Mediterranean. One Natura 2000 area was selected from each of the following islands: Sicily in Italy, Cyprus and Rhodes in Greece. To estimate soil losses, Gerlach troughs were used. These troughs were established on slopes that ranged from 35-40% in four different vegetation types: i) Quercus ilex and Quercus rotundifolia forests, ii) Pinus brutia forests, iii) "Phrygana" shrublands and iv) vineyards. The shrublands had the highest soil losses (270 kg ha-1yr-1) that wer e5-13 times more than the other three vegetation types. Soil losses in these shrublands should be considered a major concern. However, the other vegetation types also had high soil losses (21-50 kg ha-1 yr-1). Conclusively, in order to enhance and conserve the biodiversity of these Natura 2000 areas protective management measures should be taken into consideration to decrease soil losses.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56309
Title: Removal of nutrients in denitrification system using coconut coir fibre for the biological treatment of aquaculture wastewater
Author: Valsa Remony Manoj, Namasivayam Vasudevan
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2, March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Aquaculture, biological treatment, coconut coir fibre, denitrification
Abstract: Ideal bacterial support medium for fixed film denitrification processes/bioreactors must be inexpensive, durable and possess large surface area with sufficient porosity. The present study has been focusses on removing nitrate nitrogen at two different nitrate loading rates (60 (NLRI) and 120 (NLRII) mg l-1) from simulated aquaculture wastewater. Coconut coir fibre and a commercially available synthetic reticulated plastic media (Fujino Spirals) were used as packing medium in two independent upflow anaerobic packed bed column reactors. Removal of nitrate nitrogen was studied in correlation with other nutrients (COD, TKN, dissolved orthophosphate). Maximum removal of 97% at NLR-I and 99% at NLR-II of nitrate nitrogen was observed in with either media. Greater consistency in the case of COD removal of upto 81% was observed at NLR II where coconut coir was used as support medium compared to 72% COD removal by Fujino Spirals. The results observed indicate that the organic support medium is just as efficient in nitrate nitrogen removal as conventionally used synthetic support medium. The study is important as it specifically focuses on denitrification of aquaculture wastewater using cheaper organic support medium in anoxic bioreactors for the removal of nitrate nitrogen; which is seldom addressed as a significant problem.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56308
Title: Growth, photosynthetic activity and oxidative stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum) after exposure of lead of soil
Author: Gurpreet Kaur, Harminder Pal Singh, Daizy R Batish, Ravinder Kumar Kohli
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2, March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Lead toxicity, seedling growth, photosynthetic pigments, photochemcial efficiency, membrane peroxidation
Abstract: The present study was conducted to assess quantitative information about lead (Pb) contamination in soil on the growth and physiology of wheat. Solutions with three different concentrations of Pb as [Pb(NO3)2 at 500, 1000 adn 2500?M] were incorporated into the soil to achieve Pb-stressed conditions in comparison to unstressed, water treated, control variant. Wheat growth measured in terms of root length, shoot length and dry weight exhibited a significant decline with increasing Pb concentrations in the soil. Root and shoot length and seedling weight declined in the range of ~23-51, ~17-44, and ~21-44% in response to 500 to 2500 ?M Pb. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the levels of photosynthetic pigments-chlorophyll a (16-66%) and b (10-24%) and total chlorophyll content (by 14-39%) in plants growing in Pb-contaminated soil. It indicated a negative effect on photosynthetic activity in wheat and was confirmed by reduced photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) in the range of ~3-37% in response to 500 to 2500 ?M Pb. The reduction in wheat growth in Pb-contaminated soil was accompanied by inductionof oxidative stress as indicated by enhanced lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) content (by 18-40%) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content (by 34-123%) and alterations in the activity of enzymes, superoxide dismutases (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidases (GPX) in wheat roots. The study concludes that Pb in soil inhibits growth and photosynthetic activity in wheat through induction of oxidative stress.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56307
Title: Stock assessment of fish species Labeo rohita, Tor tor and Labeo calbasu in the rivers of Vindhyan region, India
Author: Amitabh Chandra Dwivedi, Prakash Nautiyal
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2, March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Labeo rohita, Tor tor, Labeo calbasu, population dynamics, stock assessment
Abstract: A study was conducted on the economically important fishes Labeo rohita (Hamilton 1822), Tor tor (Hamilton 1822) and Labeo calbasu (Hamilton 1822) stocks from the Ken, the Paisuni and the Tons rivers in the Vindhyan region. Asymptotic length was maximum in L. rohita (946, 833 and 962 mm) as compared with T. tor (822, 787 and 946 mm) and minimum in L. calbasu (567, 612 and 692 mm) in the Ken, the Paisuni and the Tons rivers, respectively. The growth coefficient and total mortality was maximum in T. tor compared to L. rohita and minimum in L. calbasu. Fishing mortality was maximum in T. tor (2.9, 4.57 and 3.44) and minimum in L. calbasu (0.51, 1.21 and 1.18) while natural mortality was maximum in L. rohita (0.74, 0.94 and 1.86) and minimum in L. calbasu (0.47, 0.65 and 0.68). Natural mortality indicated that the habitat was more suitable for L. calbasu. Comparatively, fishing pressure was very high in T. tor than L. rohita and L. calbasu. Exploitation rate was maximum in T. tor (0.71, 0.82 and 0.84) compared to L. rohita (0.77, 0.74 and 0.56) and minimum in L. calbasu (0.52, 0.65 and 0.63) in the Ken, Paisuni and Tons rivers, respectively.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56306
Title: Chemopreventive potential of geraniol in 7, 12 - dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) induced skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice
Author: S Manoharan, M Vasantha Selvan
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2, March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Skin cancer, Geraniol, anitoxidants, detoxification, thiobarbituric acid reactive sustances, 7,12-dimethylben(a) anthracene
Abstract: The present study investigated the chemopreventive potential of geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene alcohol, by monitoring the tumor incidence and analyzing the status of phase II detoxification agents, lipid peroxidation by products and antioxidants in 7, 12 - dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) induced mouse skin carcinogenesis. Skin tumor was developed by painting DMBA (25 ?g in 0.1 ml acetone mouse-1) in the shaved back of the mice, twice weekly for 8 weeks. We noticed 100% skin tumor formation in mice treated with DMBA alone. The status of pahse II detoxification agents and antioxidants were decreased where as lipid peroxidation by products were increased in tumor bearing mice. Oral administration of geraniol at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight significantly prevented the tumor formation as well as brought back the status of phase II detoxification agents, lipid peroxidation by products and antioxidants to near normal range in DMBA treated mice. Present results suggest that geraniol might have inhibited abnormal cell proliferation occurring in skin carcinogenesis by modulating the activities of phase II detoxification agents and through its free radical scavenging potential.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56305
Title: A novel method of sludge pretreatment using the combination of alkalis
Author: J Rajesh Banu, Uan Do Khac, Yeom Ick-Tae, S Kaliappan
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2, March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Sludge pretreatment, capillary suction time, sodium hydroxide, phosphorous removal
Abstract: The present study aims to utilise the advantage of higher sludge solubilisation potential of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sludge management properties of lime to achieve sludge pretreament and its subsequent management. The optimum dosage and time required for sludge pretreatment using NaOH was found to be 1.6 gl-1 and 3 hr, respectively. At the optimized condition, lime was added at varying concentration (0.3 to 1.6 gl-1) to study its effect on capillary suction time, soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) release and total phosphorous (TP) removal. A lime dosage of 0.7 g l-1 was found to be beneficial for soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) release. When compared to control, the combination of alkalis (NaOH and lime) reduced the TP and capillary suction time (CST) in the supernatant of the sludge. The TP removal was from 100 to 40 mg l-1 and CST reduction was from 1360 to 350 sec, respectively. The combined alkali pretreatment not only prevent the subsequent TP increase in the effluent, but also decreased the time to filter the sludge, thus makes the digested sludge easier to manage.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56304
Title: Impact of seawater on development and reproduction of red cotton bug, Dysdercus cingulatus (Fab.)
Author: K Shayaraj, F J Gladis Belsi
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2, March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Seawater impact, red cotton bug, Dysdercus cingulatus
Abstract: Distribution pattern of animals, modification of their life cycle and behaviours have been governed by climatic changes. It affects the insect from egg to adults. Eggs always face lot of stress either from biotic or abiotic threats. This study examined the flooding of Dysdercus cingulatus eggs with seawater alone and in combination with fresh water on the egg hatchability, survival and development, fecundity and hatchability of the hatched nymphs and adults, respectively under laboratory conditions. Flooding of egg in salt water, slightly and insignificantly increased the nymphal developmental period (24.2 days) of the insect. However, treatment has no impact on the survival of nymphs (95.4%). Fecundity (135.2 eggs female-1), hatchability (77.51%) has been gradually decreased while the amount of sea water increased in the treated water. Results revealed that entering of seawater into the agriculture fields alter the reproduction of insects subsequently change the food web in the ecosystem.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56303
Title: Chromium-induced alterations in photosynthesis and associated attributes in Indian mustard
Author: Hema Diwan, Altaf Ahmad, Muhammad Iqbal
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2, March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Chlorophyll, chromium, Indian mustard, nitrate reductase, phytotoxicity, phytoremediation
Abstract: Contamination of soil and water by chromium (Cr) is increasing enormously due to anthropogenic activities. The potential of plants to accumulate or stabilize Cr compounds for the purpose of remediation of Cr contamination has been recognized in recent years. We conducted pot experiments to study photosynthesis and associated attributes in cv Pusa Jai Kisan of Indian mustard under natural as well as Cr - loaded environmental conditions. High doses of Cr caused toxic effects in plants, as evident by a reduction in photosynthetic rate (24.3 to 8.7 ?mol CO2m-2S-1 at 80 DAS), nitrate reductase activity (3.76 to 1.30 ?mol nitrite g-1 f. wt.h-1 at 80 DAS) and the contents of chlorophyll (1.49 to 0.86 mg g-1f.wt. at 80 DAS) and soluble protein (2.96 to 1.93 mg g-1f.wt. at 80 DAS). Since plants lack a specific Cr-trasport system, mineral nutrient contents also changed due to Cr toxicity. Cr accumulation in different plant parts was affected by both duration and dose of Cr treatments, with a maximal localization of Cr in roots (up to 0.77 mg g-1 d. wt) at initial stages (40 DAS) and in stem (upto 4.19 mg g-1 d wt) at the later stage (80 DAS) of plant growth. Thus, Indian mustard was able to withstand Cr stress and protect itself from Cr toxicity by altering various metabolic processes. Owing to its ability to accumulate large amounts to Cr, it may be useful in the process of land reclamation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None