ID: 52417
Title: Growth performance of three exotic pine species in relation to indigenous species in Uttarakhand Himalayas, India
Author: Neeraj Kumar Sharma, Manoj Chandran and Jitendra Bhatt
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Exotic pines Pinus patula, P.greggii, P.elliottii, Indigenous pine P.roxburgii (Chir pine), Himalayas, Short rotation, High density, Environmental stability
Abstract: Growth and suitability of three exotic pine species-Pinus patula, P.greggii and P.elliottii were studied in Uttarakhand Himalaya and comparison made with the principal indigenous species, P.lroxburghii (Chir pine). Exotic pines had significantly higher (p<0.001) growth, volume production, increment and relative growth rate compared to P.roxburghii at 35 years of age. Exotic pines had greater growth rate in the initial 15 years than Chir pine. Thereafter, height and diameter growth rate of exotic pines reduced compared to Chir pine. This indicates the suitability of these exotic pines as short rotation, density plantation in order to maintain environmental stability.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52416
Title: Population, reproduction and management of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Jaldapara Wildlilfe Sanctuary, West Bengal, India
Author: N.Baskaran, Subhamoy Das and R. Sukumar
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Captive elephants, Population, Reproduction, Management, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Abstract: The population structure, reproduction and management of captive Asian elephants managed by the Forest Department at Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary was studied during 2004. The sanctuary managed 48 captive elephants (18 adults, 17 sub-adults and 13 juvenile) with an overall male to female ratio of 1:2. Although there was no calf in this group during 2004, juveniles constituted a significant (27%) proportion of the population, indicating high reproduction in the preceding years. Selected individuals were used for work 2-3 hours/day, for patrolling and wildlife tourism. The elephants were allowed to graze freely in the natural habitat, as well as provided cut fodder and supplementary diet. There were 16 adult cows of which 13 wer breeding regularly, while the remaining three cows were yet to calve though two of them were >45 yrs. Mean age at first calving in the population was 19.5 yrs. Females born in captivity calved at a younger age (17.2 yrs) as compared to females caught or rescued from the wold (21.7 yrs). Mean inter-calving interval was 4.7 yrs. Sex ration of 51 calves showed a male-biased sex ratio (1.6 male : 1 female). Middle-aged mothers produced more male calves than female calves as compared to younger or older mothers. A distinct seasonality in calving was observed. Overall, this is a healthy captive elephant population under effective management; we make some suggestions for improvement of this management.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52415
Title: Tree diversity and population structure in a lowland tropical rainforest in the Eastern Himalayas,India
Author: Panna Deb, R.C.Sundriyal and Uma Shankar
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Species diversity, Tree structure, Conservation, Namdapha National Park, North-East India
Abstract: The tropical rainforests in North-East India are the least investigated despite their high diversity and being located at the northern-most limit of the rainforests that occur farthest from the equator. The lowland tropical rainforests at Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalayas) were investigated for tree species diversity, population structure and species richness with reference to three distinct canopy covers, viz. an Altingia-mixed species stand, Shorea-Dipterocarp stand, and an Albizia stand. A total of 1,053 trees covering 130 species in 44 families were recorded at > 10 cm dbh, while 34,526 individuals coverint 104 species in 44 families were enumerated at <10 cm dbh. The tree species richness for three inventoried stands varied from 98, 54 and 20 species in > 10 cm dbh with overall density of 418, 390 and 245 trees ha-1 for the three stands respectively. Lauraceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fagaceae and Leguminosae dominated the flora; thus the forest exhibited typical attributes of lowland evergreen tropical rainforests.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52414
Title: Lagerstroemia reginae Roxb. - An ideal host supporting orchid species of Barak valley, Southern Assam
Author: B. Bhattacharjee and B.K.Dutta
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Lagerstroemia reginae, Orchid, Southern Assam, Braun-Blanquet cover Abundance scale
Abstract: A study was carried out to investigate the ideal host plants for orchid diversity of Southern Assam. Five selected commonly available species of the valley were chosen in the study by Braun Blanquet cover abundance scale method. After analysis, Lagerstroemia reginae Roxb. has been observed to be the most suitable host plant of orchids followed by others, in three Reserve Forests where the study was carried out.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52413
Title: Preliminary screening of neem seed oil against Schizophyllum commune-A bamboo degrading white rot fungus
Author: Anshul Vivek Chandra, N.S.K Harsh, Sadhna Tripathi and S.T.S Lepcha
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Neem seed oil, White rot fungi, Bio-degradation, Schizophyllum commune
Abstract: Neem tree is widely recognized for its superior insecticidal, fungistatic and fungitoxic ability. Neem seed oil has been found effective against number of pathogenic fungi. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of the neem seed oil against bamboo degrading white rot fungus, Schizophyllum commune at various concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 percent. Results revealed that neem seed oil tested at 5% conc. level completely inhibited the fungal growth up to 100% whereas growth inhibition up to 92.86 and 67.62 percent was observed at 3.0 and 1.0 percent conc., respectively as compared to control where 100 percent growth of the test fungus was observed. At lower concentration level of 0.5 percent it showed lower anti-fungal activity (22.86 percent growth inhibition).
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52412
Title: In-vitro clonal propagation through axillary bud-culture of Tylophora indica (Burm.F) Merrill: A multipurpose medicinal plant
Author: Prabha Bisht, Manu Pant and J.M.S.Chauhan
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Clonal propagation, Axillary bud, Tylophora indica, Multipurpose, Multiplication, Shoot initiation
Abstract: The present study involves in-vitro clonal propagation of Tylophora indica (Burm.f.) Merrill through axillary bud sprouting and subsequent plant regeneration. Axillary shoot proliferation was obtained using nodal segments as explants. Cultures were established on MS medium supplemented with BAP and Kn (0.5-3.0 mg/l) individually and in combination with NAA (0.1 and 0.5 mg/l) and regular sub-culturing was carried out in BAP (1.0 mg/l) at periodic intervals of 25 days. Maximum number of shoots developed after 30 and 60 days was registered as 2.63+ 0.23 and 4.63 + 0.26, in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l NAA. Best rooting was observed in 1/2 strength MS medium having 0.5 mg/l IBA with maximum number of roots per shoot 2.18 + 0.22 in 30 days and 3.27 + 0.42 in 60 days with root length 0.62 + 0.07 cm and 8.22 + 0.15 cm in 30 and 60 days respectively. The plantlets were successfully hardened and transferred to earthen pots.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52411
Title: Forest Rights Act- A Conservation Tool
Author: Arvind Kumar Jha
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Forest Rights Act, Forest land, Forestry sector, Tribals, Forest dwellers, Maharashtra
Abstract: Just one amongst the thirteen forest rights mentioned in the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 relates to the recognition of forest right in the form of the right to hold and live in the forest land for habitation or for self-cultivation for livelihood. This Act however, has not been properly understood by a large section of society. The preamble, however, read together with all the provisions contained in the Act and Rules reveals the real fact of the Act. A proactive approach of foresters towards the implementation of this Act in its entirely has the potential to make this Act emerge as a conservation document. The perspective is based on the experience gained in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act in the state of Maharashtra.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52410
Title: Evaluation of growth performance of 55 progenies of Acacia nilotica Willd. and their conservation in field Gene bank at Bir Bhadson, Patiala (Punjab), India
Author: Md Ayoub Dar, S. Nautiyal, Ashutosh Mishra and D.P.Nautiyal
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Provenances, Progeny, Gene bank, Germplasm, Acacia nilotica
Abstract: Field gene bank of Acacia nilotica of 55 progenies has been established and maintained at Bir Bhadsun (Punjab) for conservation and future breeding programme. Seeds were collected from all 55 progenies of 9 provenances of three states viz., Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh covering its natural distribution zone. Seeds were sun dried and their characters (seed length, seed width and seed thickness) were measured. Maximum and minimum seed length, seed width and seed thickness were obtained from Fatehgarh Sahin, Punjab Provenance respectively. Seeds were sown in the trays at Plant Physiology Nursery, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun. The highest germination percentage has been found in Pinjore Road, Haryana provenance. After germination the seedlings were shifted in the polybags filled with sand, soil and farmyard manure in 2:1:1 ratio and kept in the nursery for growth. After one year seedlings of all the 55 progenies were then transplanted in the field at Bir Bhadsan (Patiala, Punjab) in about 2 ha land following Randomized Block Design (simple pair design).The data on growth and survival were recorded at the six month and five year old seedlings after transplanting in the field. Significant variation was observed among all the progenies of all observed characters. The best average growth (after six months of planting) was observed in the Roop Nagar (Punjab), progenies whereas, minimum growth was observed in the progenies of Bhadsun Nabha Road (Punjab). However, the maximum average growth (after five years of planting) was observed in the Kurali Naraingarh (Punjab), Pinjore Road (Haryana), and the minimum was observed in the progenies of Rajpura (Himachal) and Nalagarh Road (H.P)
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52409
Title: Effect of climatic factors on survival of Kikar and Shisham in Punjab
Author: B.Banyal, P.Kaushal and A.S.Dogra
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Acacia nilotica (kikar), Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham), Climatic Factors, Survival, Punjab, South-Western parts
Abstract: Critical analysis of meteorological data proved that some extreme climatic factors are responsible for weakening the plant system and causing considerable physiological changes in Kikar and Shisham growing in Punjab. Extreme winter, hot summer seasons, erratic rainfall after long dry spells during active growth season, short rainy season and drastic increase in number of fog days/hours seem to be primary factors to induce mortality in these species by weakening the plant protection mechanism. Imbalance in soils ' physical properties, nutrient deficiences, water logging and low water table may be the other causes needs to be addressed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52408
Title: Morinda citrifolia (Noni)- A viable alternative for Tsunami affected agricultural lands
Author: D.R.Singh, R.C. Srivastava and R.Raja
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Morinda citrifolia (Noni), Salinity, Sea water, Seedlings, Salt stress, Tsunami, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Abstract: Salinization is a critical issue as it reduces or inhibits plant growth. The degree of salinization depends on the duration of exposure to sea water and the soil type. Remediation will therefore require much more time and inputs. The steps in the reclamation of salt -affected soils include, Leaching/surface flushing of salts and through the use of salt-tolerant crops and varieties and Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has been identified as one of the potential salt tolerant tree species capable of withstanding salinity. Thus an experiment was conducted in a variety of range of salinity to observe its influence on growth and yield of Noni. The results revealed that Noni could grow upto an EC level of 13.5 dSm-1 with normal flowering and fruiting while the plant exhibited tolerance upto an EC level of 21.3dSm-1. Hence, Noni has emerged as an important alternative crop in Tsunami affected areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Since this plant tolerates high salinity and tolerant of ocean salt spray the farmers of the coastal regions may be advised to take up its plantations commercially in large scale in saline area and also in the tsunami affected land. As Noni is tolerant of extreme salinity in general and is thought to possibly gain nutritional benefit from the minerals contained in sea water. It is suggested that Noni may play a vital role in giving boost to the economy to the growers and unused land can be made useful by giving clean green environment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52407
Title: Efficacy of some remedial treatment of bamboo structures/ furniture
Author: Satish Kumar, Meirisiyang Pamei, Durai J and S.T.S. Lepcha
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Bamboo furniture, Remedial treatment, Fumigation, Beetles, Heat treatment
Abstract: Moulds and beetles often attack bamboo furniture/structures due to inadequate preservative treatment. Remediation or eradication of infestation often involves expensive chemicals and methods, which are not available in villages. Novel inexpensive methods using easily available chemicals were developed for controlling such infestations. Whereas applications of common baking soda can be used to prevent moulds, fumigation with ammonia or localized heat treatment can get rid of beetles.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52406
Title: Performance of clonal Eucalyptus in different agroclimatic zones of Punjab, India
Author: R.K.Luna, N.S.Thakur and Vijay Kumar
Editor: Dr.V.R.R.Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester , Vol 135, No 11, November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Eucalyptus, clones, Volume, Mean annual increment, Productivity, Punjab
Abstract: Three experiments were laid at Forest Divisions, Ludhiana (Baddowal, site-I), Gurdaspur (site-II) and Tarn-Taran (site-III) to estimate the productivity of Bhadrachalam Eucalyptus clones. The data was also collected from different private farms. At Ludhiana, clone 413 gave the maximum MAI (mean annual increment) of 28-80 m3/ha/year, over bark and 23.49 m3/ha/year, under bark, at an age of 3 years. The clone 526 performed better at Gurdaspur with maximum MAI (productivity) of 21.15 m3/ha/year, over bark and 17.25 m3/ha/year, under bark. Whereas, at Amritsar, clone 413 was most productive with MAI of 36.07 m3/ha/year, over bark and 29.42 m3/ha/year, under bark, at the age of 2.5 years. The present study revealed that the clone 413 gave outstanding productivity over bark ranging from 28.08 m3 to 36.07 m3/ha/year. However clones like 526, 2045, 2070, and 285 also performed well. The analysis of data from private farms revealed that clone 288 gave MAI of 48.79 m3/ha/year over bark, followed by clone 316 with MAI to the tune of 33.70 m3/ha/year (Private farm at Hoshiarpur) at the age of 4 and 5 years, respectively. Though other clones under study had less productivity nevertheless their productivity was significantly higher than seed route plants. The clona Eucalyptus gave 2 to 6 times more volume per hectare as compared to the seed origin plants. However, the growth and productivity of clones 407 (site-III) and 72 (site-II and III) was at par to the seed route plants, hence should not be recommended for plantations.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52405
Title: Illumination effects on the differenced Normalized Burn Ratio ' s optimality for assessing fire severity
Author: S.Veraverbeke, W.W.Verstraeten, S.Lhermitte, R.Goossens
Editor: Alfred Stein
Year: 2010
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 12, issue 1, February 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of applied earth obserbation and Geoinformation
Keywords: Fire severity, Normalized Burn Ratio, Index optimality, Landsat Thematic Mapper, Peloponnese, Illumination effect, Topographic correction, c-Correction
Abstract: The influence of illumination effects on the optimality of the dNBR (differenced Normalized Burn Ratio) was evaluated for the case of the 2007 Peloponnese (Greece) wildfires using a pre/post-fire Landsat TM (Thematic Mapper) image couple. Well-illuminated pixels (south and south-east facing slopes) exhibited more optimal displacements in the bi-spectral feature space than more shaded pixels (north and north-west exposed slopes). Moreover, pixels experiencing a small image-to-image difference in illumination obtained a higher optimality than pixels with a relatively large difference in illumination. To correct for illumination effects, the c-correction method and a modified c-correction technique were applied. The resulting median dNBR optimality of uncorrected, c-corrected and modified c-correction data was respectively 0.58, 0.60 and 0.71 ( differences significant for p<0.001). The original c-correction method improved the optimality of badly illuminated pixels while deteriorating the optimality of well-illuminated pixels. In contrast, the modified c-correction technique improved the optimality of all the pixels while retaining the prime characterisitc of topographic correction techniques, i.e. detrending the illumination-reflectance relationship. For a minority of the data, for shaded pixels and /or pixels with a high image-to-image difference in illumination, the original c-correction outperformed the modified c-correction technique. In this study conducted in rugged terrain and with a bi-temporal image acquisition scheme that deviated up to two months from the ideal anniversary date scheme the modified c-correction technique resulted in a more reliable change detection.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52404
Title: A physically based approach to model LAI from MODIS 250m data in a tropical region
Author: Pavel Propastin, Stefan Erasmi
Editor: Alfred Stein
Year: 2010
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 12, issue 1, February 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of applied earth obserbation and Geoinformation
Keywords: Leaf area index, Fractional vegetation cover, MODIS, Landsat ETM+, Tropical forest, Southeast Asia
Abstract: A time series of leaf area index (LAI) has been developed based on 16-day normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) at 250m resolution (MOD250_LAI). The MOD250_LAI product uses a physical radiative transfer model which establishes a relationship between LAI, fraction of vegetation cover (FVC) and given patterns of surface reflectance, view-illumination conditions and optical properties of vegetation. In situ measurements of LAI and FVC made at 166 plots using hemispherical photography served for calibraton of model parameters and validation of modelling results. Optical properties of vegetation cover, summarized by the light extinction coefficient, were computed at the local (pixel) level based on empirical models between ground-measured tree crown architecture at 85 sampling plots and spectral values in Landsat ETM+bands. Influence of view-illumination conditions on optical properties of canopy was simulated by a view angle geometry model incorporating the solar zenith angle and the sensor viewing angle. The results revealed high compatibility of the produced MOD250_LAI data set with ground truth information and the 30m resolution Landsat ETM+ LAI estimated using the similar algorithm. The produced MOD250_LAI was also compared with the global MODIS 1000-m LAI product (MOD15A2 LAI). Results show good consistency of the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics between the two LAI products. However, the results also showed that the annual LAI amplitude by the MOD15A2 product is significantly higher than by the MOD250_LAI. This higher amplitude is caused by a considerable underestimation of the tropical rainforest LAI by the MOD15A2 during the seasonal phases of low leaf production.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52403
Title: Disaggregating and mapping crop statistics using hypertemporal remote sensing
Author: M.R.Khan, C.A.J.M de Bie, H.Van Keulen, E.M.A Smaling, R.Real
Editor: Alfred Stein
Year: 2010
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 12, issue 1, February 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of applied earth obserbation and Geoinformation
Keywords: SPOT-Vegetation, NDVI, Crop statistics, Land use mapping
Abstract: Governments compile their agricultural statistics in tabular form by administrative area, which gives no clue to the exact locations where specific crops are actually grown. Such data are poorly suited for early warning and assessment of crop production. 10-Daily satellite image time series of Andalucia, Spain, acquired since 1998 by the SPOT Vegetation Instrument in combination with reported crop area statistics were used to produce the required crop maps. Firstly, the 10-daily (1998-2006) 1-km resolution SPOT-Vegetation NDVI-images were used to stratify the study area in 45 map units through an iterative unsupervised classification process. Each unit represents an NDVI-profile showing changes in vegetation greenness over time which is assumed to relate to the types of land cover and land use present. Secondly, the areas of NDVI-units and the reported cropped areas by municipality were used to disaggregate the crop statistics. Adjusted R-squares were 98.8% for rainfed wheat, 97.5% for rainfed sunflower, and 76.5% for barley. Relating statistical data on areas cropped by municipality with the NDVI-based unit map showed that the selected crops were significantly related to specific NDVI-based map units. Other NDVI-profiles did not relate to the studied crops and represented other types of land use or land cover. The results were validated by using primary field data. These data were collected by the Spanish government from 2001 to 2005 through grid sampling within agricultural areas; each grid (block) contains three 700m x 700m segments. The validation showed 68%, 31% and 23% variability explained (adjusted R-squares) between the three produced maps and the thousands of segment data. Mainly variability within the delineated NDVI-units caused relatively low values; the units are internally heterogeneous. Variability between units is properly captured. The maps must accordingly be considered "small scale maps". These maps can be used to monitor crop performance of specific cropped areas because of using hypertemporal images. Early warning thus becomes more location and crop specific because of using hypertemporal remote sensing.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None