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R. Banyal , P. Kaushal , A. S. Dogra

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. Imbalances in soils physical properties, nutrient deficiencies, water logging and low water table may be the other causes needs to be addressed.

Keywords

Acacia nilotica (Kikar), Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham), Climatic Factors, Survival,
Punjab, South-Western Parts

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R. Banyal , R. K. Luna , P. Kaushal

Abstract

In recent past, an unusual and large scale mortality of Kikar in almost all age-classes has been reported from every region of Punjab. The present study attempts to investigate the effect of physico-chemical attributes of the soil on this mortality. For this purpose four agroclimate zones covering 23 sites have been surveyed for detailed investigation and the results statistically analyzed to determine their individual and combined effect. The mortality ranges from 0.00 to 56.25% (average 42.25%) the highest being in block plantations. A single factor has not been found responsible for this mortality. It is rather the result of their acting in combination. Level of available phosphorus is found to contribute maximum effect. It is observed that existing levels of organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity of the soil and availability of nitrogen should be increased to the check further mortality, by integrated field management strategies.

Keywords

Acacia nilotica, Plantations, Drying, Physico-chemical Attributes, Punjab

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A. Vasishth , P. Kaushal , A. N. Kaushal , Bhupender Dutt

Abstract

Containerized/Polybag raised seedlings were ischolar_main pruned at 0, 5 and 10 cm length from collar regions before planting and given split nitrogen doses of 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha. These conditioned seedlings were studied for morphological, physiological, nutritional status and survival per cent. Root pruning significantly reduced seedling growth and biomass production in monsoon as well as winter planting. Severely pruned (5 cm from collar region) seedlings showed lesser growth and biomass production than light pruned ones (10 cm from collar region) in both planting season. Application of nitrogen up to 80 kg N/ha increased plant growth biomass. Root pruning coupled with nitrogen application improved the morphological attributes and was observed more in light pruned seedlings than severely pruned ones when 80 kg N/ha was applied. Root pruning decreased xylem water potential and ischolar_main regeneration. Total soluble sugars, starch and carbohydrate content of the transplants increased with increase in severity of ischolar_main pruning in monsoon planting season, whereas, in winter planting, these reserves increased with increase in ischolar_main pruning length. Nutrient content and uptake were affected with ischolar_main pruning length. Nitrogen application increased NPK content and their uptake in the seedlings. Application of 80 kg N/ha in 10 cm pruned seedlings increased the NPK content and their uptake in the seedlings. Survival per cent increased with nitrogen application upto 80 kg/ha and decreased with increase in ischolar_main pruning severity. Light pruning (5 cm from collar region) with medium application of nitrogen improved the survival percent. In comparison to monsoon, winter transplanting had lower survival per cent in all the treatments.

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Ajay Sharma , P. Kaushal , R. Banyal , T. D. Verma

Abstract

In the recent past, large scale mortality of Kikar (Acacia nilotica Willd.) and Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) was observed in Punjab and the adjoining states. These species are grown extensively in various sites in Punjab, on roadsides drain sides, canal sides, etc. Termites were found to be the common enemies of both the trees. Celosterna scabrator grubs were found to be associated with kikar trees throughout Punjab. In addition, Plecoptera reflexa was found associated with shisham and lndarbella quadrinotata was found to cause damage to kikar trees. These insects are discussed in detail in this paper.

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Ajay Sharma , T. D. Verma , P. Kaushal , Chander Kant

Abstract

Kikar (Acacia nilotica Willd.) and Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) are integral part of agro-ecosystem in the plains of North-West India. In the recent past large scale mortality of these trees was observed in this area and other parts adjoining the North-West and North-East Himalayas. So as to investigate the different mortality factors of these trees in the State of Punjab some of the areas with large scale of mortality of these trees were surveyed during the year 2001 determining the insect-pest association. It was found that grubs of Coleopteran beetles were most predominant in dead and drying trees in most of the areas. However in certain case termites and bark eating caterpillars were also found associated with Kikar and Shisham trees. A detailed account of insect-pests associated with Kikar and Shisham trees and survey report in particular have been discussed in the text.

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Rajesh K. Rana , P. Kaushal , Y. S. Negi

Abstract

Establishment of successful agro-forestry plantations in fragile eco-systems such as eroded soils is a difficult job as it involves relatively higher cost and generates less returns. Site specific benefit-cost studies for plantations on such sites thus are important. The present study was undertaken in the Upper-Swan river catchment area of Una District in Himachal Pradesh. This catchment area is peculiar for its eroded soils. Tree species, Dalbergia sissoo, Albizia lebbek; Toona ciliata and Grewia optiva were considered for analysis. Plantations being sparse the calculations were done on per 100 tree basis at relatively higher (12%) rate of returns. Results indicated that the plantations under consideration were profitable as both, Net Present Worth (NPW) and the Benefit. Cost ratio (B.C ratio) criteria testify it. Grewia optiva being very popular and useful fodder species of the area, yielded the highest NPW (Rs.11,644) followed by Dalbergia sissoo (Rs.5,611), Toona ciliata (Rs.5,155) andAlbizia lebbek (Rs.3,350). However, the B.C ratio was found to be the highest for Dalbergia sissoo (2.59) followed by Toona ciliata (2.58), Grewia optiva (2.35) and Albizia lebbek (1.97).

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R. K. Luna , P. Kaushal , R. Banyal

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to address the problem of large scale mortality of Kikar trees in Punjab by analysing all the possible factors including climatic, entomological, pathological and miscellaneous. The results of the present investigation reveal that mortality is site specific and its intensity is governed by the dominance of either environmental or miscellaneous factors, which acted as pre-disposing factors. The observations also indicated that young plantations were mostly affected due to severe intensity of fog and frost, whereas, the older plantations were affected mostly due to insects pests and pathogens as they got predisposed due to continuous spell of unfavourable conditions. Among the pathogens, Ganoderma lucidum was found to be responsible for causing mortality. The insect pests which were found to be associated with mortality, are Celostrena scabrator, termites, caterpillars of Selepa celtis and Indarbela quadrinotata and nymphs of Acaudeleyrodes rachipora.

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Anita Kumari , Dinesh Sharma , Rajan Bawa , P. Kaushal

Abstract

Modern healthcare system has negligible accessibility in the interior, remote and harsh areas of the northwestern Himalayas. People residing in these areas still depend upon traditional healthcare system. The study carried out in tribal and non tribal communities located in Kinnaur, Lahul, Bharmour and Pangi (tribal areas) Shilai, Churah, Parvati valley and Chhauhara (non tribal but remote areas) in Himachal Pradesh revealed that 9 species are used as tonic and as nutritional supplements by the expecting mothers. Species like Betula utilis and Dioscorea deltiodea for birth control Bunium persicum and Thymus serphyllum for relief from post delivery pain, similarly Cannabis sativa, Papaver somniferum and Selinum vaginatum are utilized as pain killers. Chenopondium album is used for the cure of chicken pox, Bombax ceiba during small pox and for urine problems, Arctium lapa and Capsella bursa pastoris are used specially in case of infants. It was also observed that due to illicit trade of the much demanded medicinal and aromatic species, many species namely Aconitum hetrophyllum, Podophyllum hexandrum, Rheum australe, etc. are on the verge of extinction. Thus there is dire need to educate the rural people to conserve their rich wealth for their own utilization.

Keywords

Mother and child health, Tribal areas, Nutritional supplements

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P. Kaushal ¹, Sharmishtha Paul ¹, Saurabh Saxena ¹, K. K. Dwivedi ¹, Mridul Chakraborti ¹, A. Radhakrishna ¹, A. K. Roy ¹, D. R. Malaviya ¹

Affiliations
1 Crop Improvement Division, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, IN

Abstract

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Anita Kumari ¹, P. Kaushal ¹, Subhash Sharma ¹, Amit Guleria ¹

Affiliations
1 Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (Himachal Pradesh), IN

Abstract

Microfinance has been proved to be an effective tool in providing financial access to the poor people. Microfinance through self help groups has been recognised internationally as a modern tool to combat poverty and rural development. Self help groups act as instrument for empowerment of women. The opportunities created by microfinance through forest protection committees as a tool to alleviate poverty can be used to strengthen the rural women SHG. The study revealed that most of the respondents belong to middle aged group, schedule caste category, primary passed and lives in joint families. Average number of members per group was 14 and average saving was `110. Women of 0-30 years age groups and middle passed borrow maximum amount of loan. Family income of respondents increase more than double after joining SHGs. Dairy farming is most preferred income generating activity amongst studied FDAs. Microfinance help in improving the economic, psychological, social and managerial aspects of women thus helps in overall women empowerment.

Keywords

Micro Financing, Income Generating Activities, Women Empowerment.

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P. Kaushal ¹, A. K. Roy ², D. R. Malaviya ³

Affiliations
1 ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur 493 225, IN
2 ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, IN
3 ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow 226 002, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

Keywords

No Keywords.

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