ID: 54652
Title: Phytodiversity of Eringole sacred grove of Kerala
Author: Divya K Das and A R R Menon
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 5, May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Sacred groves, anthropogenic influence
Abstract: Eringole Sacred Grove is a specialized and fragile ecosystem, located within the dense human habitations of Perumbavoor Municipal area in Ernakulam District of Kerala State. The vegetation of the sacred groves is considered to be the remnants of the old cover types existed years before. Most of the groves are under heavy pressure of degradation, mainly due to anthropogenic influence. The present work envisages analyzing qualitatively and quantitatively, the plant diversity of the ecosystem.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54651
Title: Growth and biomass production of selected fuel wood tree species in mid hill of Western Himalaya in India
Author: Gopichand and R D Singh
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 5, May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Biomass, Fuel-wood tree species, Vertical and radial growth, Water potential
Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate effect of spacing, fertilizer and irrigation on growth and biomass production of some selected fuel wood tree species in Palampur located in mid hill of Western Himalaya, India. Two experiments were conducted separately under rain fed and irrigated conditions. Twelve fast growing fuel-wood tree species were planted in September 1993. Various physicological parameters including conductance, water potential, photosynthesis rate etc. were measured regularly. Data collected during 3 years of the studies showed that Eucalyptus hybrid was unaffected in the adversities of the environment whereas Salix tetrasperma was the most sensitive crop. Different doses of N, P and K did not affect the observed physiological parameters; however, investigation provided information on crop-specific optimal doses of N, P and K on plant performance. The paper dissects various aspects of plant performance in relation to water potential, environmental variables and fertilizer doses for optimal plant productivity. Eucalyptus, Melia azedarach, Grevillea robusta and Toona ciliata exhibited lower water potential during lean period, especially in the months of June, September and October. The survival rate of all the species were found above 90%, except Salix tetrasperma, which showed 75% survival rate.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54650
Title: Induction of somatic embryos and plant regeneration from nodal sprouts culture of adult bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees)
Author: Ravneet Kaur, Gurdip Singh Virk and Avinash Nagpal
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 5, May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Dendrocalamus strictus, embryogenic callus, in vitro, somatic embryos, roots
Abstract: Present investigation deals with standardization of protocol for mass multiplication of bamboo, Dendrocalamus strictus, through somatic embryogenesis from nodal sprout cultures. Different media supplements for the induction, development and germination of somatic embryos were studied to achieve an efficient regeneration protocol from small segments (0.5-1.0 cm) of nodal sprouts of D. strictus. For callus induction, nodal sprouts were cultured on MS medium supplemented with various concentration of 2,4-D alone or in combination with other media additives an maximum callus induction occurred on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D at 6 mg/l. Maximum somatic embryogenesis (66.67%) was observed when callus was transferred on MS medium supplemented with a combination of 2,4-D (1 mg/l), KN (2 mg/l) and NAA (1mg/l). The induced somatic embryos were shifted to MS medium with different concentrations of sucrose with or without activated charcoal or polyethylene glycol for somatic embryo germination. Maximum somatic embryo germination (70.83%) was noticed on MS medium enriched with 7% sucrose. The plantlets so formed were acclimatized and successfully transferred to the soil.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54649
Title: Harvest maturity in fruits: A review
Author: Jitendra Singh, P Bhatnagar, P S Chauhan, A Mishra, C K Arya, S K Jain and Kavita A
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 5, May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Maturity standards, Harvesting, Fruits, Biochemical changes, Ripening
Abstract: Maturity has important implications in harvesting fruits at proper stage so as to have developed proper marketing as well as quality attributes. Immature fruits are more prone to shrivelling and mechanical damage and develop inferior flavour when ripe. Overripe fruits tend to become soft with insipid flavour soon after harvest. Fruits picked either too early or too late beyound normal season are more susceptible to postharvest physiological disorders than fruits picked at the proper maturity. Thus, for all kinds of fruits, harvest maturity is important. Different fruits manifest different signals at the time of maturity. A phasic variation is noted in shape, size, colour, flavour, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, polyphenol, tannin, enzyme activity, nutrient composition, etc. as the fruit approaches harvest maturity. Of course, growers perception works well in judging maturity. Actually, a fruit is considered worth harvesting when it attains proper stage of maturity in terms of physical and biochemical parameters worth quality.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54648
Title: Conservation and cultural dimensions of Sacred groves in Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India
Author: Prasanta Kumar Pandit
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 5, May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Plant resources, ethnic cultures, sacred grove, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal
Abstract: Maintenance of Sacred groves are one of the unique traditional in-situ way of nature conservation in India by active people ' s participation. These are small patches of near virgin forests protected by ethnic communities on religious ground in the name of different deities. Named differently in different parts of India, these groves are mainly concentrated in backward classes areas and are managed by local communities for different purposes. Irrespective of their sizes and management, all groves are store houses of gene pool of many rare and ethno-medicinal plants, lofty trees which are not readily found elsewhere outside the groves. Present study carried out in 25 sacred groves of Paschim Medinipur District of West Bengal, India during the year 2007-09. 139 plant species are recorded from those groves including 114 Dicots and 25 Monocots belonging to the 90 and 21 genera under 43 and 8 families respectively. Among them trees are 40, shrubs 15, herbs 73, climber 9 and lianes 2. Out of 139 species, 93 have ethno medicinal value which represent almost 1/3rd of the total medicinal plants found in Paschim Medinipur District. Family wise poaceae among Monocot individually contain maximum number (12) of species. Among Dicot family, Euphorbiaceae contain maximum number (10) of species. Dominant trees observed of are Shorea robusta, Terminalia tomentosa, Madhuca indica, Diospyros melanoxylon, Azadirachta indica, Haldinia cordifolia etc. The major ethnic communities protecting the groves are Santal, Mahato, Sing, Sardar, Mahali etc. Festival celebrated by local communities associated with SG is Sarul, Ashari, Maghi, Hul, Shikar utsav, Jathal, Vijaya Dashami, and Pous Sankranti. Main deities worshipped are Marangburu, Gram thakur, Bhairab baba, Jaherburi, etc.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54647
Title: Vegetation type mapping in East Khasi hills district (Meghalaya state, India) by Remote sensing
Author: M Balakrishna Reddy and Baiantimon Blah
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 5, May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Vegetation types, LISS III PAN fused imagery, visual interpretation technique, maximum likelihood classifier
Abstract: Though Shillong and adjoining regions have been favourite sites for collection of plant specimens ever since Hooker showcased to the world the unique biodiversity in Khasi-Jaintia hills there has been no systematic study of the diverse vegetation types occurring exclusively within the district. The terrain through its inaccessibility in several places poses a considerable challenge for an exhaustive vegetation type mapping exercise. IRS P6 LISS III imageries when fused with PAN data provided high resolution imagery capable of providing precise details towards detailed delineation of principal vegetation types occurring in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The present study has emerged as the first instance when remote sensing technique has been pressed to use for delineation of vegetation types appearing exclusively within any particular district in Eastern Himalayans thereby settling the vexed issue of the actual vegetation types occurring in and around Shillong.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54646
Title: Vegetation status in degraded forest, community and private lands of Himchal Pradesh
Author: G T Hegde, I K Murthy, P R Bhat, Shilpa Swarnim, Arvind kumar Alipuria and N H Ravindranath
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 5, May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Degraded land category, altitude, species richness adn diversity, Himachal Pradesh
Abstract: Current vegetation status including the diversity, the biomass and carbon stocks of three land categories viz., degraded forestlands, degraded community lands and degraded private lands across three altitudinal zones of Himachal Pradesh is presented in this paper. Restoration of the degraded lands requires concentrated efforts to formulate management strategies that would help meet the fuelwood and fodder requirements of the communities residing close to these lands and at the same time promote tree diversity. An assessment of the status of degraded land categories are needed to identify hot spots and problem areas and coupled with such assessments there is also a need for socio-economic studies that try to understand the linkages between communities residing close to these degraded lands, their dependence and needs. Capitalizing on natural recovery mechanisms is urgently needed to prevent further irreversible degradation and to retain the multiple values of productive land.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54645
Title: Economic analysis of agroforestry model adopted by tribal of Orissa: India
Author: P K Singh, P K Das and S M S Quli
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 5, May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Agroforestry model, Agri-silviculture, Economic analysis, Teak and Peddy, Cashew nut
Abstract: Trial has been framed to examine the economics of growing teak and cashew nut along with upland paddy in four cominations. The data trends up to 7 years of plantation were extrapolated to project the economic profit using standard economic analysis methods to interpret the benefits of various tree crop systems. The prediction has been done at 15th and 45th year (rotation age) at 7% and 15% discounting rate. The Net Present Value (NPV) predicted at rotation was found highest in land use with Agri-silviculture (teak + paddy) at 7% rate Rs 7,24,699/ha where as at 15% rate of discounting the highest NPV was observed in Agri-horitculture (cashew nut + paddy) Rs 45, 255/ha, followed by Silvi-horticulture, Agrri-culture and lowest in Agri-silvi-horticulture Rs 27,289/ha. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was found higher 3.64 and 1.98 respectively at the 15th year in case of Silvi-horticulture (teak+ cashew nut) at two extreme of discounting (7 and 15%) than that found in the other three agroforestry combinations. At rotation age of 45 years the highest BCR (6.33 and 2.64) was also found in Silvi-horticulture (teak + cashew nut) combination at 7% and 15% discounting respectively and it was found lowest in cashew nut + paddy (4.42) at 7% and teak + cashew nut + paddy (1.78) at 15% discounting rate.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54644
Title: Floral Gallery of Himalayan Valley of Flowers and Adjacent Places
Author: K R Keshava Murthy
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 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: 54643
Title: Gliding behaviour of Indian Giant flying squirrel Petaurista philippensis elliot
Author: Vijay Kumar Koli, Chhaya Bhatnagar and Dilip Mali
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Air speed, air distance, glide ratio, ground speed, glide angle, Petaurista philippensis
Abstract: Gliding behaviour of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) was observed from March 2009 to February 2010, at Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India. A total of 1203 glides were observed. One hundred glides were recorded for assessment of gliding behaviour and 32 glides were recorded for analysing gliding speed. The mean glide ration (2.32) was found to be higher than that of Petaurista leucogenys (1.87), Glaucomys sabrinus (1.98), Pteromys volans orii (1.70), and lower than that of Glaucomys volans (2.8). Ground speed (6.96 m/s), air speed (7.51 m/s) and gliding angle (25.53) were similar to other studies. Mean horizontal distance and air distance were 16.28 and 20.08 m respectively. Short glides were preferred by P. philippensis in comparison to long glides.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54642
Title: R S and GIS in mapping of geomorphic records and understanding the local controls of glacial retreat from the Baspa Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India
Author: Bhushan S Deota, Y N Trivedi, A V Kulkarni, I M Bahuguna and B P Rathore
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Geographical information system, geomorphic records, glacial retreat, remote sensing
Abstract: We report here the role of remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) in the identification of geomorphic records and understanding of the local controls on the retreat of glaciers of the Baspa Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. The geomorphic records mapped are accumulation zone, exposed ablation zone, moraine-covered ablation zone, snout, deglaciated valley, lateral moraine, medial moraine, terminal moraine and hanging glacier. Details of these features and stages of deglaciation have been extracted from RS data and mapped in a GIS environment. Glacial geomorphic data have been generated for 22 glaciers of the Baspa Valley. The retreat of glaciers has been estimated using the glacial maxima observed on satellite images. On the basis of percentage of retreat and the critical analysis of glacial geomorphic data for 22 glaciers of the Baspa Valley, they are classified into seven categories of very low to very very high retreat. From the analysis of the above 22 glaciers, it has been found that other than global warming, the retreat of glaciers of the Baspa Valley is inversely proportional to the size of the accumulation zone and the ratio of the moraine covered ablation/exposed ablation zone.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54641
Title: Reproductive ecology of Impatiens platyadena Fischer, a critically endangered balsam of Western Ghats
Author: R Ramasubbu, A K Sreekala, A G Pandurangan and S K Kulloli
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Critically endangered, Impatiens platyadena, narrow distribution, reproductive ecology
Abstract: Impatiens platyadena is a critically endangered balsam occuring in isolated pockets of the Western Ghats of Kerala. In order to understand its narrow distribution and endangerment, we studied reproductive ecology covering floral phenology, pollination, pollen-pistil interactions and breeding systems. The creamy-red-coloured flowers bloom in the early morning between 0600 and 0830 h, but the anther dehisces one day before anthesis. The pollen-ovule ratio (2346:1) revealed that the species is adapted to entomophilous pollination. Pollen viability and stigma receptivity are temporally isolated; stigma is receptive on the third day and pollen viability is highest (75%) on the day of anthesis. Field observations confirmed that the flowers offer both pollen and nectar to the visitors. The visitors include honey bees and butterflies, but the former served as better pollinators. Manual pollinations revealed that the species permits both geitonogamous and xenogamous pollination. The fruit set rate in natural pollination is low (38%), but manual xenogamous pollination enhanced the fruit set up to 65%. Its dependence on specialized habitats, fragmentation of populations, narrow environmental niche, scarcity of pollinators, delayed stigma receptivity and low percentage of seed germination could be the reasons for its limited distribution and endangerment in the Western Ghats.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54640
Title: A simple method for estimation of sulphur in nanoformulations by UV spectrophotometry
Author: Rajesh Kumar, Kishor Kumar Nair, Md. Imteyaz Alam, Robin Gogoi, Pradeep Kumar Singh, Chitra Srivastava, Saurabh Yadav, Madhuban Gopal, Samarat Roy Chaudhary, Saheli Pradhan and Arunava Goswami
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Nanoformulations, polyethylene glycol, synthetic fungicides, UV spectrophotometry
Abstract: We have recently reported the development of nano-sulphur with remarkable fungicidal properties, much better than the conventional sulphur. The nanosulphur could sustitute the toxic conventional synthetic fungicides. The lack of estimation protocols for active ingredient in nanoformulations and exploitation of nanosulphur as a new technology for fungal management necessitates the need for estimation protocols to ensure the quality and quantity of sulphur in nano-formulations. Therefore, a method was developed for the estimation of sulphur in its nanoformulations using UV-visible spectrophotometry. Thirty -four samples of nanosulphur were analysed to validate the method. The percentage estimation of the active ingredient in all the samples was above 80.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54639
Title: Weather variability and rainfall pattern of Sidr, the post-monsoon cyclonic storm of 15 November 2007 in the Meghalaya Plateau, India
Author: Surendra Singh, Taiichi Hayashi, Hiambok Jones Syiemlieh, Laitpharlang Cajee and Toru Terao
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Atmospheric depression, cyclonic storm, psychrometric index, rainfall intensity
Abstract: Atmospheric depressions sometimes initiate tropical cyclones in the pre- and post-monsoon season in the Bay of Bengal, which move to land and create havoc. Their intensity and pattern vary individually. After hourly monitoring of the weather parameters of cyclone Sidr of 15 November 2007 which created severe disaster and weather variability in the Bangladesh plains and hills of Meghalaya Plateau, India a noticeable depression of cool air masses in the starting phase of the cyclone was found, which created the atmospheric disturbance for a shorter time. As a result, the psychrometric index fell slightly with significantly higher thermal efficiency values in the starting phase of cyclone, thus inviting speddy wind with heavy rains in its last phase. The pattern of cyclonic rainfall is highly influenced by southerly (Northward) speedy winds, especially on the windward areas of the cyclone. Two-peaked pattern of diurnal rainfall was observed at Cherrapunki and its surroundings, which was the active path of Sidr on the windward slopes of the Plateau. On the other hand, leeward areas of the Plateau experienced one-peaked pattern of diurnal rainfall with lower intensity.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54638
Title: Some geodynamic hotspots in India requiring urgent comprehensive studies
Author: K S Valdiya
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Earthquake, faults, geodynamic hotspots, lineaments
Abstract: I am a humble foot solider in the army of the unjustifiably ignored and much undervalued geologists of India, who is impelled to make a fervent plea at the very late evening of his life. The plea is directed to the scientists concerned and to the powers that be in the governance of the country. I urge them to revisit nad undertake without delay multidisciplinary, comprehensive studies of some geodynamic hotspots in India, which in the unpredictable future, I believe, would bring about major changes we may not like to happen. The recent catastrophic events of northeastern Honshu island of Japan have impelled me to express my concern on the basis of my extensive fieldwork and studies of published literature. I have been harbouring the concern for years.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None