ID: 54502
Title: Breeding of endemic catfish, Horabagrus brachysoma in captive conditions
Author: K G Padmakumar, L. Bindu, P S Sreerekha, A Gopalakrishnan, V S Basheer, Nitta Joseph, P S Manu and Anuradha Krishnan
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 8, 25 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Horabagrus barchysoma, incubation period, natural spawning, stripping
Abstract: Horabagrus brachysoma, popularly known as golden catfish, is an endemic species in the Western Ghat rivers of peninsular India. Breeding of this catfish was successfully accomplished in captive condition. Induced fishes responded well and spawned naturally in 8-14 h and the fertilized eggs hatched in 22-29 h. Artificial fertilization by stripping was also successful when carried out within 1-2 h of the latency period after hormonal manipulation. Seed rearing was successfully accomplished in earthen ponds. This opened up opportunities for mass production of seeds of this species for restoration, stocking and conservation. Consequent to introduction of hatchery reared seed produced by these techniques into natural waters, the species is now on a comback trial.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54501
Title: Carbon isotopic evidence for the origin of Himalayan graphite from Almora crystallines
Author: Rajesh Sharma, Rakhi Rawat and Randall Law
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 8, 25 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Almora crystallines, carbon isotopes, graphite, origin of graphite
Abstract: Graphite is widely associated with the metasedimentary rocks of the Almora Group, predominantly in the Gumalikhet Formation, which were metamorphosed up to the upper amphibolite grade. This graphite occurs in the form of layers, bands, pockets and lenses, hosted within hte garnetiferous mica schist and quartzite. The carbon isotope analyses of the representative samples of Almora graphite are presented here. The ?13C values range from -23.2 % to -31.7%, however with mean value of -29.08%, which attributes that graphite is crystallized from teh biogenic carbon during the metamorphism of the host sediments.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54500
Title: Artificial ground water recharge and recovery of a highly saline aquifer
Author: Y S Saharawat, N Chaudhary, R S Malik, M L Jat, Kanwar Singh and T Streek
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 8, 25 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Aquifer storage and recovery, groundwater, hydro-geochemistry, shallow cavity well
Abstract: Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is an effective method of recharging reclaimed or surplus surface water into confined, or semi-confined permeable formations for later extraction as needed. A key factor in the long-term viability of ASR is the extent of mineral interaction between two dissimilar water types, their recoverable fractions and consequent impact on water quality nad aquifer stability. An ASR well study was undertaken in the semi-arid region of northern India to assess the technical viability, environmental sustainability and commercial/economic feasibility of the ASR system in a generic sense. About 2000 m3 of canal water was injected in each recharge cycle aquifer and 100% of the mixture was extracted during each recovery cycle of the experiment. The study revealed that groundwater quality of the recovered water was better than that of the native water and recovery percentage of recharged water (EC < 2 dSm-1) increased from 47% to 74% in successive recovery cycles. The potassium concentration in the recovered water was greater than that of the injected water as a result of potassium release from clay minerals in the aquifer. Borate was also released from the aquifer due the tourmaline dissolution and desorption from clay minerals under lower pH conditions caused by surface water injection.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54499
Title: Continental scale vegetation index from Indian geostationary satellite: algorithm definition and validation
Author: Rahul Nigam, Bimal K Bhattacharya, Keshav R Gunjal, N. Padmanabhan and N K Patel
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 8, 25 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Asia, CCD, geostationary, INSAT, normalized difference vegetation index
Abstract: Time series vegetation index using observations of the earth from space platform is a valuable source to derive several plant biophysical parameters for ecological, hydrological, climate models and to study land-use land-cover change dynamics. Indian geostationary satellite (INSAT 3A) sensor (CCD) observes the earth surface with continental (Asia) coverage at 1 km x 1 km spatial resolution and high temporal frequency (half-an-hour) at constant view direction. This study was aimed at defining and implementing an algorithm to retrieve normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at continental scale from INSAT 3A CCD surface reflectances in red (0.62-0.68 ?m), near infrared (0.77-0.86?m) bands and evaluate it with the global product. The methodology includes vicarious calibration, cloud screening, atmospheric correction of at-sensor reflectances and development of protocol. The temporal dynamics of 16-day NDVI composite at 0500 GMT (10:30 local mean time) for a growing year (June 2008-April 2009) showed matching profiles with respect to global products (e.g. MODIS TERRA) over known land targets such as agriculture, forest and desert. The root mean square deviation between the two was 0.13 with correlation coefficient (r) 0.83. The differences were attributed to surface anisotropy, view angle difference and differences in spectral bandwidths with their relative positions in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54498
Title: Impact of the 2004-tsunami on the geology of Car Nicobar Island
Author: V Sharma, Shilpa Bajpai
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 8, 25 April 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: 54497
Title: Stylar movement in Valeriana wallichii DC - a contrivance for reproductive assurance and species survival
Author: Ankush Khajuria, Susheel Verma, Puneet Sharma
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 8, 25 April 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: 54496
Title: Microalgae: a renewable source for second generation biofuels
Author: M Arumugam, A Agarwal, M C Arya, Z Ahmed
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 8, 25 April 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: 54495
Title: Plant diversity in protected area of Nallamala Forest at Velugodu, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India
Author: G Meerabai and B Padmavathi
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Ecorestoration, Conservation, Species diversity, Regeneration
Abstract: A five years aged, protected area at Velugodu, Kurnool district Andhra Pradesh, India was selected to assess and describe the species-richness by adopting basic ecological methods nad to document the ecorestoration activity for conservation of species diversity. Floristic, Physionomic and Phytosocialogical analysis of vegetation was carried out.
A total of 77 species were recorded from sampled area. Among them 28 wild species were found alien to the district. Pyereus pumulus (L) Nees ssp. Membranacea (Vahl) Koy and Lantana wightiana Gamble were recorded first time and are additions to the flora of Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema region, respectively. Ziziphus horrida, Roth a rare taxon in the state was also recorded. The biodiversity measurements done in the study area revealed the dominance of Dolichandrone atrovirens (Roth) Spr. which was high regeneration and survival capability. D. atrovirens can be recommended for future afforestation and reforestation activities in the hilly areas of district. However, to quantify the total impact of protection on plant biodiversity, year to year variations in the diversity of forest ecosystems following secondary succession, a long term monitoring is desired.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54494
Title: Prioritization of medicinal plants for cultivation in Karnataka- An assessment through participatory approach
Author: M N Ramesha, M L Kempegowda and L V Satyamdhava
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Medicinal plants, planting material, participatory approach
Abstract: Study aims at selecting few medicinal plants, which have got good market prospects and suffered difficulties in propagation as well as ecological threats. With consent of all stakeholders twenty prosperous plant species were selected as mandatory crops for proposed medicinal plants seed centre in Karnataka. Concept development meeting (CDM), Cyber link to stakeholder, field survey and consultative meeting worked well to approach stakeholders across the state. The seed centre would be set up by Karnataka Forest Department for promotion of medicinal plants cultivation in the state.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54493
Title: Hydro-edaphic properties of woodland habitat of Nilgiris Biosphere reserve-Kerala and their relationship with its flora-Part II
Author: J N Singh and S P Chaturvedi
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Hydro-Edaphic properties, Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, Woodland habitate, Physico-chemical properties
Abstract: The present study was aimed at to investigate the hydro-edaphic properties of Woodland habitat of Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve (NBR)-Kerala adn their possible relationship wiht its flora. Results revealed that hydro-edaphic properties of NBR Kerala are divergent in nature and, together, they are capable to hold the vegetation of the region in present form. NBR-Kerala-portion is only core area which possess the elements of rain-forest. Mechanically, the soils within NBR-Kerala are quite sound and capable to support the taxa of mighty dimension and lofty height. There are seven textural classes of soils. Data on physico-chemical characteristics of the soil of NBR-Kerala demonstrate the superiority of their acquired characteristics over inherent. It is further illustrated that one delicate but stable equilibrium is functioning among soil-vegetation and climate of the region, which is intact in Kerala-NBR. Soils as whole are feebly acidic to moderately acidic in reaction, possess sufficient reserve of energy materials. Their other physico-chemical characteristics such as water holding capacity, porosity, available nitrogen, phosphorus and cation exchange capacity are relatively superior. The water regimes fo NBR-Kerala are divergent in their chemical characteristics /composition. It is categorized as C1S1 class and as such have direct bearing on flora and fauna of the area. It is finally concluded that soil ' s physico-mechanical characteristics along with water availability are more responsible for floristic diversity than their chemical charcteristics within biosphere reserve.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54492
Title: Data warehouse design issue of forestry statistics data of India
Author: Jatender Singh and Harish Kumar
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Data warehouse, OLAP (on-line analytical processing), Slice-and-Dice, Pivot (rotate), Forestry Information
Abstract: The issues related to designing of central repository of Forestry Data Warehouse are dealt and discussed in detail. The origin, compilation and escalation of forestry data at state level evolved over a time and observed period is large. In order to explore and analyze the forestry data set over a period, the proposed solution ' designing of data warehouse ' will be followed by creation of software for "on-line analytical processing" (OLAP) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) for decision making.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54491
Title: A taxonomic survey of sacred groves of Eastern Ghats at Pachamalai hills in Tamil Nadu, India
Author: P Pavendan and C Sebastian Rajasekaran
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Endemic, Sacred groves , Eastern Ghats
Abstract: The present study deals with the floristic richness of the sacred groves of Pachamalai Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India. From the area 72 angiospermic species from 64 genera adn 34 families were enumerated. Of these 80.6 percent species are used as medicines, 6.12 percent have timber value and 10.20 percent are used as minor forest produce by the local inhabitants. Some rare and endangered plants are also confined to this grove. The attendant cultural rites and religious rituals have perpetuated the status of the sacred grove, which has ensured the protection of the grove vegetation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54490
Title: Germination and viability of weed seeds in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) plantation of Assam
Author: S N Gogoi and S K Sharma
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Germination, Viability, weed seeds, tea plantation, Assam
Abstract: Seed germination and longevity of 20 monocotyledonous and 54 dicotylendonous weed species growing in tea gardens of Assam were investigated when stored for 6 and 12 months in ambient conditions. Weeds showed six germination patterns and significant variations in germinations. Thirty seven species were viable for 12 months in storage while 13 species lost viability at 6 months of storage and 23 species lost their viability at 12 months of storage of seeds.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54489
Title: Hydrophysical and chemical characteristics of soils under different landuses in Shiwalik hills of Himachal Pradesh
Author: J C Sharma and Vipin Kumar
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Hydro-physical, Landuses, Shivalik hills, Grassland, Soil texture
Abstract: Hydro-physical and chemcial characteristics of soils under five dominant landuses viz. agriculture, forest, grass, scrub and barren lands in Shiwalik hills of district Solan of Himachal Pradesh were computed and compared. Shiwalik hill soils are coarse textured, slightly acidic to neutral in reaction, high in organic carbon, low in CEC and available N supplies and moderate to high in P and K status. Hydraulic characteristics and available water (AW) varied widely under landuses and were found to be highest in forest lands closely followed by grass lands and lowest under scrub/barren lands. On the basis of AW, different landuses could be arranged in the order: forest lands > grasslands > agricultural lands > barren lands > scrub lands. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and steady state infiltration revealed a reverse trend as both were highest in barren lands and lowest in grass lands. Considering hydro-physical and chemical characteristics, these soils seem to have narrow possibilites for cereal and shallow rooted annual crops.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54488
Title: Structure, composition and diversity of tree vegetation in Sal mixed dry tropical forest in Chhattisgarh plains of India
Author: Arvind Bijalwan, S L Swamy, C M Sharma, Rajiv Umrao and Harsh Bodh Paliwal
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Overstorey, Understorey, Sal Mixed Forest, Pytosociology, Diversity, Composition
Abstract: Structure, composition and diversity of woody vegetation of sal mixed dry tropical forest of Balamdi watershed in Barnawapara sanctuary, Rajpur district of Chhattisgarh, India was studied in over and under storey forest in four different aspects Nine prominent tree species were recorded in over and under storied forest with the predominance of Shorea robusta in all the aspects. In the overstorey (pooled), relative density values ranged from 3.03 to 43.94 and understorey from 0.04 to 42.71. Shorea robusta recorded highest relative density in over and understorey vegetation followed by Madhuca indica and Tectona grandis. The IVI values ranged from 15.88 to 78.62 in overstorey and 14.28 to 83.89 in understorey. The highest IVI values recorded by Shorea robusta in both over and understorey. The diversity (Shannon index value) ranged 1.28 (northern aspect) to 1.67 (southern aspect) for overstorey and 1.10 (northern) to 1.59 (western) for understorey. The study illustrated that overstorey tree strata in the forest is more dominant than understorey. The Shannon index, Simpson ' s index, Species richness, Equitability and Beta diversity values were almost higher in overstorey as compared to understorey therefore; the present study reveals the normal regeneration pattern in the forest.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None