A. R. Malik , G. S. Shamet

Abstract

Pinus gerardiana Wall. (Chilgoza pine) is an important species of dry temperate zone of North-West Himalaya valued chiefly for its edible nuts. Study was conducted to determine the effect of container types viz. ischolar_main trainer 275 cc (k₁), ischolar_main trainer 300 cc (k₂), bottom hole polybabgs (BHP) - 23 x10cm ((k₃), and bottom hole polybabgs (BHP) - 16 x10cm ((k₄), and growing medium chilgoza forest soil (CFS) (M₁), CFS+Sand+moss - 1:1:1 (M₂) and CFS+Sand+moss+FYM - 1:1:1:1 (M₃) on seedling growth parameters under nursery. Use of BHP - 23×10 cm filled with CFS+sand+mass+FYM proved best for most of the seedling growth parameters under nurseryy condition.

Keywords

Pinus Gerardiana Wall. (chilgoza Pine), Quality Stock, Root Trainer, Growing
Medium, Dry Temperate, Himachal Pradesh.

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Nisar Bhat , Zafar Reshi , Raj Kumar Verma , A. R. Malik

Abstract

The present study was to determine the decomposition pattern of litter of Fraxinus excelsior and Ulmus villosa forests in different seasons in Dachigam National Park, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The pattern of litter decomposition seems to have been more by presence of micro organisms and favourable climatic conditions. There was about 22.7 gm weight loss in F. excelsior and 20.78gm in U. villosa with in 12 months of decomposition. 95% exponential rate of decomposition was 2.04 and 2.55 indicating faster decomposition in F. excelsior as compared to U. villosa.

Keywords

Fraxinus excelsior, Ulmus villosa, Decomposition, Litter, Dachigam National Park,
J&K

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A. R. Malik , G. S. Shamet , Majid Ali

Abstract

Seeds of Pinus gerardiana are highly dormant when freshly harvested. To break the dormancy, six stratification periods and four stratification temperatures were used to enhance the germinability of Pinus gerardiana seeds. Treatment of seeds for 45 days as outdoor pit temperature (16.5°/4.5°C : d/n) in moist sand followed by 60 days enhanced the germination behaviour of the species.

Keywords

Pinus gerardiana, Seed Stratification, Germinability

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P. A. Sofi ¹, A. R. Malik ¹, J. S. Butola ², G. M. Bhat ¹, C. S. Dhanai ²

Affiliations
1 S.K. University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Wadura Campus, Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir, IN
2 College of Forestry, VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, IN

Abstract

Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don (Deodar) is one amongst the prominent conifer species of temperate region of India. Good seed year in this species occurs once in 4-5 years and the seeds do not retain viability for more than one season under normal ambient temperature. Standardization of suitable storage condition is pre-requisite for the management of its germplasm. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of storage temperatures and type of containers on viability and germination during different storage periods (3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months). The seeds were stored in three different types of containers (Polybags, Earthen pots and Plastic containers) and kept at three different temperature regimes (Room temperature, 4.0±1.0°C and 8.0±1.0°C). Results revealed that seed stored in earthen pots at 4.0±1.0°C retained significantly (P < 0.05) higher viability (73.0%), germination (70.0%) and germination value (19.50) after 18 months of storage as compared to other storage conditions. Notably, a sharp decline in viability and germination was recorded in seeds stored in polybags placed at room temperature. Possible reasons of such variation in results have been discussed. The implementation of these results for conservation management especially nursery development and sustainable utilization of Deodar in Himalayan region have been suggested.

Keywords

Cedrus deodara, Germination, Storage, Temperature, Container, Himalaya.

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