ID: 54877
Title: Study of variability in the cultivated clones of Populus nigra Linn. (Black Poplar) of Kashmir Valley
Author: S A Gangoo, Mushtaq A Mir, A A Khan and Gul Zaffar
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 6, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Populus nigra, promising clones, heritability, scores, genetic gain, screening, loading, growth characters
Abstract: Screening of promising clones of Populus nigra Linn. (Black poplar) was carried out in Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, J & K, India, during year 2006-07, to locate interclonal variation for various morphometric traits and to select best clones. A detailed survey was carried out in all the six districts of Kashmir valley from October, 2006 onwards and clones retaining leaves till late autumn were selected and tagged. Selected clones were evaluated for growth characteristics like progressive height, progressive collar diameter, monthly height increment, monthly diameter increment, number of leaves/plant, number of roots per plant, sprouting, survival, sprouting commencement days, leaf area, leaf breadth, and branch angle. Heritability and coefficient of variation were estimated through proper statistical procedure. Investigation revealed that significant interclonal variation exits for all these characters. Maximum loading (0.48) was found for height, followed by number of leaves (0.44), while minimum loading (0.31) was found for leaf area, accordingly height contributed maximum (30%), while leaf area contributed minimum (3%) to total variance. The ranking of clones was done on the basis of principal component score, which ranged from - 5.17 (A, worst clone) to 5.48 (A, best clone). Heritability ranged from 60.13 percent (minimum) for collar diameter to 93.05 percent (maximum) for branch angle. Genetic advance ranged from a maximum fo 29.24 for height to a minimum of 9.72 for branch angle.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54876
Title: Natural regeneration problem in silver fir (Abies pindrow) and spruce (Picea smithiana) forests: solutions ahead
Author: Ombir Singh, V R R Singh and Vidya Rattan
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 6, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Regeneration, Silver fir (Abies pindrow), spruce (Picea smithiana), Allelopathic effects, Leachates
Abstract: The allelopathic study on silver fir and spruce showed that leachates of humus have inhibitory effects on seed germination and on radicle and plumule growth; however, litter leachates have no such pronounced effect. Foliage leachates of Sarcocoocca saligna, Viburnum mervosum and ferns (Understorey plants) have more inhibitory effects on seed germination and radicle growth. It seems that leachates fo fern and Viburnum nervosum are mainly responsible for very less germination on forest floor as reported in fir adn spruce forests. There is no self intoxicity on germination and early growth in silver fir and spruce. The research concludes that humus and foliage of specific plants are responsible for regeneration failure in these conifers and not litter as supported till data.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54875
Title: Response of Eucalyptus clones to different irrigation regimes in plantations
Author: Varun Srivastava, Avtar Singh and K K vashist
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 6, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Leaf N, P, K, chlorophyll content
Abstract: The leaf N, P, K and chlorophyll content in four different clone numbers viz. 72. 413. 2045 and 2070 of Eucalyptus as influenced by three different irrigation regimes was studied in field conditions. The sampling of leaves was carried out during Juen and December 2007. The results of the study revealed that the accumulation of leaf N was higher in 50 mm CPE in clone number 413 during June and December 2007. However, leaf P and K concentrations were significantly increased in clone number 413 when irrigation was 50 mm and 75 mm CPE during December 2007. Where as, the chlorophyll content was higher in clone number 413. In irrigation regime CPE at 50 mm all the clones differed significantly with respect to chlorophyll content when irrigation frequency reduced to 100 mm CPE chlorophyll content reduced, significantly in all the clones during June and December 2007. Under all the irrigation regimes the clone 2045 proved to be inferior to all other clones under study with regards to chlorophyll content whereas, clone 413 maintained its superiority over other clone under study.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54874
Title: Microporpagation of a medicinal plant (Azima tetracantha Lam)
Author: A Benniamin and M S Sundari
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 6, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Azima tetracantha, Micropropagation, Medicinal plant, proliferation
Abstract: Tissue cultures system was established from shoot tips of the A. tetracantha. Shoot proliferation was achieved with MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of Kinetin. Stocking of shoot cultures was obtained by repeating subculture in the same medium at 40 day intervals wherein the rate of multimplication was maintained. For rooting, the individual shoots were implanted on root induction medium consisted of MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/l NAA. Within two weeks of incubation 70% rooting was evidenced. The in vitro plantlets were successfully weaned and transferred to soil with 67.5% survival rate. Complete plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transplanted to natural habitants.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54873
Title: Effect of manures and fertilizers on growth and seedling quality indices of the Pterocarpus santalinus (Linn F) seedlings
Author: Mahantappa Sankanur, S L Somashekharaiah, L Venkatesh, Basavaraj S Ganiger and H Shivanna
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 6, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Pterocarpus santalinus, manures, fertilizers, Jeevamruta and seedling growth
Abstract: Among the twelve different treatments, treatment with poultry manure at 33 g per seedling (T8) showed significantly higher seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, and dry weight of leaf, shoot, root and total dry weight at 240 days after planting the values for which were 42.50 c, 4.92 mm, 18.45, 1.38 g, 0.99 g, 1.86 g adn 4.23 g respectively with absolute growth rate (0.017 g/day), sturdiness quotient (8.62) and Dickson ' s quality index (0.43) when compared to the initial dry weight of leaf, shoot, root and total initial dry weight 0.01 g , 0.06 g , 0.09 g and 0.16 g, respectively. It was followed by treatment with Phosphobacteria at 5 g per seedling (T5) which showed seeling growth attributes viz., 41.00 cm seedling height, 3.28 mm collar diameter, 12.51 number of leaves, dry weight of leaf (0. 29 g), shoot (0.83 g), root (2.09 g) andf total dry weight ( 3.19 g) at 240 days after planting with 0.013 g/day of absolute growth rate, 17.70 fo sturdiness quotient and 0.18 of Dickson ' s quality index, when compared to the initial dry weight of leaf, root and total initial dry weight 0.02 g, 0.06 g , 0.08 g and 0.16 g respectively.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54872
Title: Constraints in marketing of agroforestry produce in India
Author: E Venkat Reddy
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 6, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Agro forestry, Marketing, constraints, Production, timber, fuel wood, medicine
Abstract: Agro forestry in India is being promoted since last three decades. Traditional agro forestry systems are being practiced in many parts of India. Small scale farmers in villages are facing constraints due to inadequate knowledge of the market for sale of their products and lack appropriate technical know how for undertaking agro forestry profitably. Government and Non Governmental Organizations can play a crucial role in imparting training to farmers in cultivation and trade of agro forestry tree produce through their extension related activities. Development of rural enterprises by organizing the small farmers in to groups and societies will help them in procuring quality planting materials and for marketing of their produce. The Government has to develop the infrastructural facilities in villages for the promotion of agro forestry produce. The value addition of agro forestry produce will help the farmer to derive greater profits. The farmers must be trained through extension mechanisms in value addition methods.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54871
Title: Microclimatic condition in relation to conservation of cave no 2 murals of Ajanta
Author: M Singh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 1, 10 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cave paintings, conservation measures, microclimatic conditions, relative humidity, temperature
Abstract: Microclimatic conditions constitute a critical factor in the conservation of cave painting of Ajanta (2nd century BC to 4th Century AD), a World Heritage Site in India. The monitoring campaigns carried in cave no . 2 of Ajanta include recording data for relative humidity, temperature, CO2 content at different locations inside the cave, and the impact of more than the recommended number of visitors on cave environ and noise level. The fluctuating hygrometric condition and thermal stability of cave no. 2 were compared to the most ancient cave no. 10 situated in the middle of the crescent-shaped scrap of basaltic hillock. The comparatively drastic environmental condition of cave no. 2 has caused severe problems of conservation of murals in the form of detachment of paint layer, falling of the white pigments, and formation of ridges, cracks, and gaps in the painted plaster. The lower painted wall surface shows high humidity with increased conservation problems. The CO2 content is quite high in the central hall of the cave due to exhalation by visitors. The low permeability shellac varnishes applied in 1920 have hindered the breathability of the paint layer. The conservation measures carried out for stabilizing and scientific cleaning of the paintings have also been out - lined here along with entomological studies.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54870
Title: Long distance electrical signalling in jute plant
Author: Prajjal Datta and P Palit
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 1, 10 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Electrical signal, jute plant, long-distance communication, square adn curved waves
Abstract: To gain an understanding of the velocity and mechanism of electrical signalling for long-distance communication in plants, a slender jute (Corchorus capsularis L. ) stem was provided with train of electricla pulses through a specially designed microelectrode at the phloem region. The propagated electric signal was detected at a distance 150 cm above the input region. The applied square pulses were reduced considerable and modified to curved ones at the output point. The signal moved extracellular with a measured velocity of almost nanoseconds from input to output electrode. Several hypotheses for such rapid electrical signalling are proposed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54869
Title: In vitro methane emission from Indian dry roughages in relation to chemical composition
Author: Sultan Singh, B P Kushwaha, S K Nag, A K Mishra, S Bhattacharya, P K Gupta and A Singh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 1, 10 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Carbohydrate and protein fractions, dry roughage, methane emission, regression equation
Abstract: Dry roughages, viz. wheat straw (WS), rice straw (RS), barley straw (BS), oat straw (OS), gram straw (GS), lentil straw (LS), sorghum stover (SST), pearl millet stover (PMST), maize stover (MST) and dry mixed grass (DG) fed to livestock were characterizedfor carbohydrate and protein fractions, energy, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro methane (CH4) emission in buffalo inoculums with the objective to rank dry roughages for CH4 emission, and to correlate their nutritional constituents with Ch4 production. Crude protein (CP) was more (P<0.05) in LS, whereas MST had higher (P<0.05) CP than SST and PMST. Protein fraction A (PA) (%CP) was higher in SSTand BS, whereas protein fraction C (Pc) (%CP) was highest (P<0.05) in RS and lowest in LS. Carbohydrate fraction C (Cc) (%DM) was higher (P<0.05) in GS, LS and DG, and lowest in MST. Carbohydrate fraction A (CA) (%DM) was higher (P<0.05) in GS and LS (17.51 and 20.54) and lowest in WS and RS (2.99 nad 2.04). Gross energy (GE) of roughages ranged between 16.89 adn 18.67 kJ g-1.
CH4 production (ml g-1) was higher (P<0.05) from LS, BS and MST at 12, 24 and 48 h of incubation. CH4 production (g kg DDM-1(digestible dry matter)) varied (P<0.05) from 27.46 in MST to 47.37 in WS. CH4% of GE was higher (P<0.05) from LS and BS, and lowest from SST and MST. NDF, ADF, cellulose and lignin were negatively associated, whereas OM, ether extract (EE) and GE were positively associated with CH4. Acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP), protein fraction B3 (PB3) and Pc were negatively associated with CH4 production. Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and CA were positively correlated with CH4 (r = 0.40* and r = 0.43 **). It is concluded that CH4 production (g kg DDM-1) was higher from WS followed by LS, BS, OS, GS, PMST, RS, DG, MST and SST respectively. Energy, ADIP, Pc, NSC and CA are the chemical constituents that significantly affect CH4 production from dry roughages.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54868
Title: Photosynthesis, a global sensor of environmental stress in green plants: stress signalling and adaptation
Author: Basanti Biswal, P N Joshi, M K Raval and U C Biswal
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 1, 10 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Photostasis, photosynthesis, redox homeostasis, stress sensor, sugar signalling
Abstract: Photosynthesis serves as a global stress sensor in plants, algae and cyanobacteria. In this overview, we focus on higher plants only. Although several structural and functional components of the photosynthetic apparatus are responsive to stress, photosystem II (PS II) and ribulose -1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) act as the major stress sensors. Stress sensing is primarily reflected in celluar energy imbalance, which , in this revies, is discussed in terms of perturbation in photostasis, imbalance in redox homeostasis and changes in cellular sugar level. Signals generated by these changes bring about photochemical, metabolic and molecular reprogramming for stress adaptation through different signal trasnduction pathways. Recent redox and sugar signalling models, which explain stress response of green plants, are discussed here. This review concludes with a brief description of some of the challenging and unresolved areas of stress study, which we hope would be addressed in the near future.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54867
Title: Prebiotics in ancient Indian diets
Author: A K Samanta, Atul P Kolte, S Senani, Manpal Sridhar and Natasha Jayapal
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 1, 10 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Ancient data, enteric pathogens, gut microflora, prebiotics
Abstract: Gut microflora co-evolved with the human evolution, performing health-promoting functions and protection from the enteric pathogens. The long association of the microflora sustained through ages, which in the light of new research, needs specific nutrients that are not required by the humans. The present article revisits the ancient foods and crops, their availability during different prehistoric times and their contribution in maintaining the gut flora and accrual of the beneficial effects. Although the concept of prebiotics is new, the ancient diet components contained the molecules of precursors of the prebiotics.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54866
Title: Challenges and prospects for wind energy to attain 20% grid penetration by 2020 in India
Author: Peter Hauge Madsen and Anand Natarajan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 1, 10 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Efficient wind, farms, grid penetration, multi megawatt wind, policies and regulations, turbines, wind assessment
Abstract: With wind energy being the most realistic large-scale renewable energy source in the near future, we examine the target for wind energy penetration in India for 2020. Achieving the target set by the Indian Wind Power Association of 20% wind power grid penetration by 2020 will act as a light-house, but will also depend on a number of factors such as suitable policies and regulation, appropriate wind turbine technology, availability of sites onshore and offshore, reliable and accurate wind resource assessment, grid capacity, power system management and market design in order to accommodate a large-scale integration of wind power. In the article, we discuss the trends in the development of wind energy and the factors which we consider decisive for the development of wind power in India. Experiences and policies from Europe and Denmark, where wind power already today contributes 20% to the total electricity production, are discussed in relation to India and the Indian 20% goal. Wind assessment studies that have been carried out presently and those required in the near future are elaborated. Numerical wind atlas simulations based on exisiting wind resource data in India are delineated. The Government policies and regulations that influence and sustain wind power are also outlined and discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54865
Title: Status of monsoon forecasting in India
Author: P Goswami
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 1, 10 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54864
Title: Bracing for flood hazards
Author: K S Valdiya
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 1, 10 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54863
Title: Reconstruction of the moraine dammed lake, based on field evidence and paleo-history, Samudra Tapu Glacier, Chandra Basin, Himachal Pradesh
Author: S. Dhar . A.V. Kulkarni . B. P. Rathore . R. Kalia
Editor: Prof. B. L. Deekshatulu
Year: 2010
Publisher: Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Vol 38, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Indian Society of Remote Sensing
Keywords: Glacier . Paleo-lake . Moraine . Remote Sensing . Chandra basin
Abstract: Peri-glacial studies of the Samudra Tapu
glacier reveal three stages of well preserved moraines
which are also marked by fluvial overprinting. The
signatures of fluvial outwashes over the otherwise
morainal deposits have been utilized in estimating the
extent of palaeo-lake in the valley of Samudra Tapu
glacier of the Chandra basin. Distance and thickness
of snout of the glacier and its morainal deposits is
estimated by the Laser Range Finder. With the change
in the position of the snout there is a change in the
extent and orientation of the lake. Recent expedition
to the glacier confirms this process to be continuing.
The study is important in reconstructing formation of
the lake with respect to snout position of the glacier.
Based on ground truth, fast melting of the snout is
confirmed from year 2004 onwards, with the
development of fresh end/terminal moraine. The study
reveals that the snout region of the Samudra Tapu
glacier is thinning and retreating at an alarming rate
and is enlarging the lake extent. The development of
fresh terminal moraine has the potential to impound
the fast melting glacial waters which in turn can pose
serious threat to the downstream regions of the
Chandra valley.
Location: 215
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None