Kumar, Ashok

• Initial Performance of Tissue Culture Raised Bamboos in Rajasthan and Gujarat

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Authors

R. L. Srivastava , Ashok Kumar , S. K. Sharma , C. J. S. K. Emmanuel , U. K. Tomar

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 134, No 7 (2008), Pagination: 916-922

Abstract

Keeping in view the low productivity of forestry plantations in Rajasthan and Gujarat, an effort has been initiated to enhance the productivity of bamboo plantations using improved planting material raised either through clonal methods or through tissue culture. These trials have been established at Chakhalia, Jhalod (Gujarat); Kushalgarh (Rajasthan). In total 50 ha area has been covered under these specialty plantations, the bamboo species considered for planting are Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa bambos. In these performance trials some experimentation were also laid out to see the effect of soil amelioration using organic and inorganic manures and effect of spacing on the growth and productivity of the bamboo plantations. The spacing used are 5m × 5m and 6m × 6m. The initial establishment's results are quite encouraging in both the states. In Gujarat survival percentage ranges from 97.2 % to 100.0% for both the species whereas in Rajasthan sites it was 67.6% to 96.8% (Kushalgarh). The differences observed in the survival percentage may be due to altitudinal variations as the altitude of Gujarat site is 259 m amsl whereas it was 457.20 m amsl for Rajasthan sites. The overall growth performance of both the species is quite satisfactory. Initial inferences can be drawn from these trials is that bamboos can be introduced in both the states in Agroforestry systems.

Keywords

Bamboo Plantations, Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa bambos, Productivity, Tissue Culture, Rajasthan, Gujara

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• Correlation and Path Coefficient Studies in Casuarina equisetifolia L. Johnson

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , M. Paramathama

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 131, No 1 (2005), Pagination: 47-55

Abstract

Correlation and path coefficient studies were carried out in 44 clones of Casuarina equisetifolia L. Johnson a,ssembled from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Pondicherry. Genotypic correlations were higher then phenotypic correlations in all the cases. All the traits studied viz. Plant height, collar diameter, number of branches, survival percent, chlorophyll content and suitability index were strongly associated with volume index except needle length which showed low but significant genotypic correlation with volume index. All the traits expressed a positive and significant genotypic inter-correlation among themselves. Path coefficient analysis revealed that suitability index registered the highest direct effect followed by total chlorophyll content and number of branches. Maximum positive indirect effect on volume index was exerted by number of branches through suitability index.

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• Methodology to Establish Seed Production Area for Improved Seeds in Pinus kesiya

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , A. K. Matharoo

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 129, No 3 (2003), Pagination: 357-363

Abstract

A Seed Production Area (SPA) of Pinus kesiya was established in the State of Manipur. Detailed description of the methodology, and the gain achieved after culling of the inferior trees are presented. The population retained in the SPA improved by 32.05,20.80,14.66 and 24.15 per cent, respectively, for average index value, height, clear bole height and girth and breast height.

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• Strategies for Testing, Registering and Releasing Genetically Improved forestry Planting Stock

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , K. G. Prasad , A. K. Matharoo

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 128, No 6 (2002), Pagination: 619-634

Abstract

Many forest research organisations have developed high yielding genotypes with concerted research efforts both in the laboratory and field. However, these genotypes have not been tested in field or field oriented conditions. Various tools have been suggested for testing, registering and releasing of genetically improved planting stock in the present article. There should be clone and progeny releasing committees viz. Regional Clone and Progeny Releasing Committee (RCPRC) and National Clone and Progeny Releasing Committee (NCPRC). The RCPRC would have a chairman and five members, whereas NCPRC would have a chairperson and a minimum of eight members. The RCPRC would be headed by a chairperson and will have a minimum of two breeders/geneticists of the regional Institute. Other members would be the nominees of the State Forest Departments, Forest Development Corporations and wood based industries working on tree improvement. The chairperson, NCPRC would be appointed by the DDG (Research), ICFRE, and chairpersons ofRCPRCs would be the members ofNCPRC. Once the superiority of the planting stock is tested, elite entries would be registered and released by the registration committee for commercial multiplication.

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• A Technique to Transport Cladode Cuttings of Casuarina equisetifolia for Cloning

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , K. Gurumurthi

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 126, No 8 (2000), Pagination: 901-902

Abstract

No abstract

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• Wildlife in India: Challenges in the New Millennium

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Authors

Ashok Kumar

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 126, No 10 (2000), Pagination: 1025-1029

Abstract

India is a high bio-diversity country blessed with a vast array of wild species of flora and fauna. This large bio-diversity has survived for long, the pressures of time so far but new challenges have merged in the new millennium. The greatest challenge is the explosion of human and cattle population exerting, an unacceptable pressure on natural resources, principally fuelwood and fodder, which is poised to undermine all the natural systems and therefore wildlife also. The population explosion places an equally large and growing demand on water resources as well as arable land. Specific threats to conservation of wildlife come from habitat destruction, man-animal conflict and organised trade in products of wild species. Amelioration strategies which have worked so far, need a substantial change in strategy. The solution finally lies in the political will and a translation of that into new institutional mechanisms. It is not yet too late for that to happen but each passing day of inaction compounds the problem.

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• Potential of Frankia in Enhancing the Yield of Casuarinas

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , K. Gurumurti

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 126, No 11 (2000), Pagination: 1204-1210

Abstract

Casuarinas, the non-leguminous plants of tropics, with their rapid growth and nitrogen-fixing ability are the most suited for planting on nitrogen-deficit soils. Knowledge of host-Frankia association needs to be improved to increase the productivity of the Casuarinas. The research efforts should be geared towards increasing the nitrogen-fixation potential of plants and actual nitrogen fixation in field. To achieve this, superior biotypes need to be selected and tested at various locations with references to high ANF capacities. The selected biotypes can be propagated through conventional and non-conventional methods. Yield of superior biotypes can further be improved by the introduction of effective Frankia strains which have tolerance to drought and salt.

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• Survey of Stem Wilt Disease of Casuarina Equisetifolia Forst. Incited by Trichosporium vesiculosum Butler. in Tamil Nadu

Abstract Views :281  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

S. R. Venkateswara Murthy , Ashok Kumar , A. Chandrasekaran , S. Nakkeeran

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 132, No 9 (2006), Pagination: 1207-1210

Abstract

No abstract

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• Strategies for the Management of Craspedonta leayana (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) in Gmelina arborea

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Authors

Sudhir Singh , Ashok Kumar , N. Senthilkumar , A. N. Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 132, No 5 (2006), Pagination: 581-588

Abstract

Gmelina arborea (Roxb.) has gained widespread acceptance as a plantation species worldwide due to its rapid growth and multiplicity of uses in pulp and fiber production, besides an excellent saw timber has number of promising attributes. The strategy for addressing a major drawback for its susceptibility to Craspedonta leayana (Latreille) in native areas has been discussed. This includes mass multiplication and application of parasitoid Brachymeria excarinata, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhzium anisopliae. The screening of resistant germplasm for Craspedonta leayana was found to be an effective long term strategy.

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• Planting Stock Improvement in Gmelina arborea

Abstract Views :374  |  PDF Views:2

Authors

Ashok Kumar , A. K. Matharoo , Sudhir Singh , A. N. Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 132, No 6 (2006), Pagination: 691-699

Abstract

The planting stock of Gmelina arborea was improved through 'Technology Mission - Gmelina arborea'. The mission incorporated various techniques of genetics, breeding, clonal propagation, nursery, physiology, phenology, entomology and pathology. A total of 119 plus tree selected from 10 geographical locations were selected and multiplied through clonal means, and established in the vegetative multiplication gardens cum germplasm banks. The passports for plus tree was developed that provided information on different aspects including species, accession, geography, silviculture and technical information. The vegetative propagation protocols both for adult and juvenile materials were standardized using budding, grafting and ischolar_maining of branch cuttings. The clonal and progeny trials were carried out to test the stability, adaptability and growth performance of selected germplasm. The seedling and clonal seed orchards were established in the states of Assam, Manipur and Tripura to meet immediate supply of the improved seed. Various clones were screened for resistance against Craspedonta leayana which is a serious defoliator of G. arborea. Eight per cent of the clones exhibited higher resistance while 26 per cent of the clones showed moderate resistance. The seed treatment with fungicide Captaf was found to be most effective in managing seed and seedling fungal pathogens

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• New Record of a Polyporale from Himachal Pradesh

Abstract Views :279  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Ashok Kumar , Shailendra Kumar

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 132, No 8 (2006), Pagination: 1066-1067

Abstract

No abstract

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• Ganoderma Root Rot Incidence in an Afforested Stand of Khair (Acacia catechu Willd.) in Lower Siwaliks of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract Views :265  |  PDF Views:2

Authors

Ashok Kumar , Surinder Kumar , Ranjeet Singh , Shailendra Kumar

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 132, No 7 (2006), Pagination: 878-884

Abstract

Acacia catechu is a very important and preferred tree species in afforestation programmes in the lower sub-tropical zone of Himachal Pradesh. It is valued for its heartwood, which is used for extracting katha and cutch, ingredients of a number of Ayurvedic and Unani medicines. It suffers serious disease problem in the form of ischolar_main rot by Ganoderma lucidum causing great economic losses. Present paper discusses incidence of Ganoderma ischolar_main rot disease in a khair plantation in lower Siwaliks of Himachal Pradesh. 4.45 per cent tree mortality was recorded which indicated towards an alarming situation. The trees are showing early symptoms of discoloured foliage, trees with stag horn branches and gaps in lines due to removal of dead trees. The inoculum builds up very fast in the area where the sporophores were seen on dead trees, stumps and wood chips in the infected area. Incidence of drying and wilting was more severe in the cultivated portion than the unmanaged part of the land.

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• Tree and Shrub Diversity in Degraded Hills of Bar-conglomerate Formation of Pali District of Rajasthan

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , Beena Tripathi , G. Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2 (2012), Pagination: 107-112

Abstract

Study on vegetation diversity in degraded hills of Bar conglomerate formation in Pali district of Rajasthan reveals the occurrence of 10 trees, 7 shrubs and 4 undershrubs/herbs with an average population of 16.9 tree, 116.8 shrubs and 4.8 herbs per plot. P. juliflora showed the highest population followed by Z. mauritiana. Frequency of occurrence, density and abundance were also highest for the P. juliflora. Species richness was the highest for tree and lowest for the shrubs, but Shanon-Weiner index was highest for shrubs. Population of shrubs was relatively more even as compared to the tree or undershrub/herb species. Importance value index was highest for P. juliflora among tree and Euphorbia caducifolia among the shrubs indicating a change of forest types from Tropical Euphorbia Scrub to Tropical Prosopis juliflora scrub.

Keywords

Degraded Hills, Vegetation Diversity, Importance Value Index, Vegetation Status

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• Genetic Assessment of Clonal Material of Casuarina equisetifolia

Abstract Views :206  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Ashok Kumar , K. Gurumurthi

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 124, No 3 (1998), Pagination: 237-242

Abstract

At the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, pioneering work was carried out by establishing the clone bank, comprising 55 clonal selections, of Casuarina equisetifolia. Of these, 42 clones were planted for the evaluation in completely randomised design at the clonal testing area (CTA) of the Institute. The data recorded at 12 months of age for plant height, diameter at ground level (DGL), diameter at breast height (DBH) and mean bole volume (MBV) showed significant genetic variation among the clones. The broad sense heritability and genetic advance was calculated for all the parameters recorded. Co-heritability values for six combinations of traits was worked out, and are presented. The results on interim assessments of clonal performance suggest large yield improvement possibilities in this species.

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• Effect of Frankia on Growth and Nodulation in Casuarina equisetifolia

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , K. Gurumurthi

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 125, No 5 (1999), Pagination: 490-495

Abstract

The effect of symbiotic association of three Frankia strains on growth, biomass and nodulation was studied on 10 clones of Casuarinaequisetifolia in a nursery experiment. Significant improvement was observed after 90 days of inoculation with all the Frankia strains. Of them, ORS 020607 was found to be the most effective strain on all the characters studied except ischolar_main length. The most promising association was recorded between strain ORS 020607 and Casuarina clone CHCE890903. Frankia inoculated clones recorded 93, 51 and 116 per cent improvement in shoot length and dry matter production, respectively at 90 days after inoculation.

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• Effect of Forest Species on the Productivity of Groundstorey Crops

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Authors

P. L. Saroj , V. K. Dwivedi , Ashok Kumar , K. S. Dadhwal

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 125, No 8 (1999), Pagination: 788-793

Abstract

The investigation was carried out at CSWCRTI, Research Farm, Selakui, Dehra Dun to see the productivity of groundstorey crops with different tree species. The cropping sequence (jowar-toria) was tested wi th three plantations i.e. Eucalyptus hybrid, Bombax ceiba and mixed plantations (natural) of Cassia jistula, Bombax ceiba, Acacia catechu, Lannea coromandalica and Dalbergia sissoo. It was observed that about 14.89, 12.79 and 12.14 tlha green fodder yield of jowar can be obtained with Bombax ceiba, Eucalyptus hybrid and mixed plantations, respectively. The trend was same with toria and seed yield recorded were 3.68, 2.78 and 2.38 q/ha under Bombax ceiba, Eucalyptus hybrid and mixed plantations, respectively. The yield of both the crops increases with increasiug distance from the tree trunk, however the direction did not influence the yield of groundstorey crops.

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• Path Coefficient Studies on Morphological Traits in Casuarina equisetifolia

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , K. Gurumurthi

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 122, No 8 (1996), Pagination: 727-730

Abstract

The path analysis was performed in male and female ortets separately for total and wood biomass. In both the sexes, DBH was the most important trait for selection. However, DGL in male and tree height in female were equally important traits for selecting superior perfformers in the field.

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• Field Identification of some Forest Plants-a Punch Card Approach

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Authors

Ashok Kumar

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 108, No 11 (1982), Pagination: 681-693

Abstract

Identification of plants is sine qua non of any study connected with botany and its allied subjects. An attempt has been made to simplify this ostensibly difficult topic, through a mechanical sorting of punched card. The needle-sorted-puncbed-card-set procedure presented here is simple and interest evoking. It aims at identification of Important species of an area without acquiring an expertise in botany, especially systematic botany.

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• Ethno Botanical Edible Plant Biodiversity of Lepcha Tribes

Abstract Views :292  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Ashok Kumar , R. K. Avasthe , Gopal Shukla , Y. Pradhan

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 9 (2012), Pagination: 798-803

Abstract

Dzongu area of North Sikkim is one of the most biologically diverse habitats reserved for the Lepcha tribe in Sikkim. Surveys were conducted among the community during January to December 2009-10 to document the edible plants wealth of the area. Edible resources were categorized into four types on the basis of their uses. The paper highlights the edible resources commonly used by these tribes for life saving purposes in a very remote part of the country. Among vegetables, spices, fruits and underutilized plants, 38 plants belonging to 11 families under 24 genera are used as vegetables, nine plants from five families and seven genera are used as spices, 10 plants from seven families and nine genera are used as fruits and 19 plants from 17 families and 18 genera are underutilized for different purposes.

Keywords

Edible, Lepchas, Plant Diversity, Sikkim Himalaya

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• Genetic Diversity in Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Through Molecular Markers for Practical Applications

Abstract Views :312  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Shivani Dobhal , Ashok Kumar , Shruti Sharma

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 9 (2012), Pagination: 819-821

Abstract

The tree improvement programme of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. was started by selecting about 300 plus trees from the distribution range by adopting index method of selection. The selected plus trees were cloned through ischolar_main suckers and single nodal cuttings ischolar_mained both in mist and mist-less chamber. Genetic diversity of further selected forty nine clones was tested through DNA based molecular marker. A total of thirty decamer random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers initially screened which were later reduced to ten most informative primers for the evaluation of level of genetic diversity. The primers generated 129 reproducible RAPD bands with fragments ranging from 200 to 1300 base pairs, of which 110 were polymorphic. The polymorphic information content (PIC) among the clones varied from 0.154 (M-33) to 0.258 (M-122) to witness that RAPD primers detected genetic diversity among the clones. The highest polymorphism (93.33 %) was reported with primer OPAG-16 and the lowest (63.63 %) with primer OPAF-16. Nonetheless, the average polymorphism with ten primers was calculated to 84.93 %. The studies would play a complementary role in hybridization, when selection of most divergent parents becomes supreme importance to harness maximum heterosis in the shortest possible time.

Keywords

Dalbergia Sissoo, Rapd, Genetic Diversity, Polymorphism And Heterosis

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• Soil Properties Influenced by Rock Types and its Relation to Vegetation Diversity in Delhi Supergroup of Rajasthan, India

Abstract Views :259  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Ashok Kumar , G. Singh , Beena Tripathi

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 139, No 7 (2013), Pagination: 599-607

Abstract

Rock types, soil profile and nutrient status and the vegetation study was carried out in degraded area of Aravalli selecting five villages along the hill in a stretch of about 40 km. Calc amphibolite gneiss, quartzitic schist, granitic gneiss, calc schist, garnetiferous mica schist, bar conglomerate schist and pegmatite were the dominant rock types in the area. Under the process of weathering these rocks provided sandy to sandy loam soils. The rainfall and wind facilitated erosion and the soil transported and deposited in the pediment area resulted in an increased soil depth. Desertification also occurred at some places. Degradation pattern shows less availability of vegetation cover and needs to rehabilitate these hills. In deeper soil layers, increased soil pH was associated with sensitive sandy soils which might be responsible for basic characters of these soils. The soil content and depth increased with different rocks VIZ: calc amphibolites gneiss

Keywords

Degraded Hills, Rock Types, Soil-vegetation Relation, Soil Structure, Soil Nutrient

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• Shisham Mortality in Hoshiarpur, Punjab: Causes and Remedy

Abstract Views :256  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

M. S. Bhandari ¹, Rama Kant ¹, Nafeesh Ahmed ¹, Shivani Dobhal ¹, R. K. Luna ², S. Nautiyal ¹, Vijay Kumar , Ashok Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Division of Botany, FRI, Dehradun-248 006, Uttarakhand, IN
2 Punjab Forest Department, Hoshiarpur, Punjab, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 140, No 2 (2014), Pagination: 147-153

Abstract

Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) is an important tree species for production of quality timber. The genetic diversity of shisham is very low; which has perhaps resulted in increased infestation by diseases and insect-pest attack. The species is eclipsed with one of the most important disease called dieback wilt caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. dalbergiae. The biotic and abiotic factors help in the spreading of diseases in the plantation trials of shisham. In the plantation trial at Hoshiyarpur (Punjab) the dieback wilt causes the tremendous damage to standing trees of shisham. Mortality was found highest (7.65%) for the experimental trials of shisham that includes a total of 49 clones and rametes. The disease was spreading rapidly and affecting the other healthy plantation of the trials. The serious preventive management efforts and mitigation measures are required to protect the shisham trials.

Keywords

Agro-forestry, Diseases, Insect-pest and Genetic Diversity.

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References

• Baksa, M.W. and Basak A.C. (2000). Mortality of sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) in Bangladesh. Proc. of International Seminar on Dieback of sissoo, April 25-28, Kathmandu, Nepal. Field document FORSPA. No. 18: 1-4.
• Bakshi, B.K. (1954). Wilt of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) due to Fusarium solani Sensu Snyder and Hansen. Nature, 174-4423: 278-91.
• Champion, S.H., Seth, G. and Khattak, G.M. 1965. Forest Types of Pakistan, Pakistan Forest Institute,Peshawar, pp. 100.
• Chaturvedi, O.P., M.S. Ali and Das, D.K. (2002). Studies on shisham mortality and its management in Bihar. Proc. of the Regional Symposium on “Mortality of shisham and kikar in northern states of India” March, 3-4. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana. 22-25 pp.
• Gul, H. and Mughal, M.S. (1999). Survey report on shisham die-back in Punjab (unpublished).
• Harsh, N.S.K. (personal communication) : Forest Pathology Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248006. ICFRE Bulletin.
• Joshi, R.B. and Baral S.R. (2000). A report on Dieback of Dalbergia sissoo in Nepal. Proc. of International Seminar on Dieback of sissoo, Nepal, April, 25-28. Field document- FORSPA. No. 18: 17-22.
• Kanshik, J.C., Ajit Singh, A., Nair, K.S.S., Sharma, J.K. and Varma, R.V. (1969). Effect of soil texture and moisture on seedling ischolar_main rot of Dalbergia sissoo and its control. Impact of diseases and insect pests in tropical forests. Proceeding of IUFRO Symposium, Peechi, India (23-26 November, 1993-1996).
• Khan, A.H., Asghar, A.G., Ghulam Rasul, Ch. and Hamid, A. (1965). Observation on the mortality of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) and other trees in Khanewal plantation. Part I, II and III, Pakistan J. Forestry, 6 (2,3,4) : 109-120, 203-220 and 289-301.
• Khan, A.H. and Bokhari, A.S. (1970). Damage due to fungus diseases in Bhagat plantation, Lyallpur Forest Division. Pakistan J. Forestry, 20(3): 293-311.
• Khan, M.H. (2000). shisham die-back in Pakistan and remedial measures. Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan. Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia and the Pacific (FORSPA) and FAO repository. Proceedings of the Sub-Regional Seminar "Die-Back of Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo)" Kathmandu, Nepal, 25-28 April 2000.
• Khara, H.S. (1993). Ganoderma lucidum ischolar_main rot on tree species around Ludhiana. Pl. Dis. Res., 8(2): 136-137.
• Parker, R.N. (1918). A Forest Flora for the Punjab with Hazara and Delhi. Printed by the Superintendent, Govt. Printing Press, Lahore.
• Shakir, A.S., Khan S.M. and Ahmed R. (1999). First report of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) decline in Pakistan. Pakistan J. Phytopath., 11(1): 106.
• Singh, H.K., Singh R.P., Singh R.B. and Kumar, Harendra. (2012). shisham mortality in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Plant Archives: ISSN 0972- 5210,Vol. 12 No. 1, 89-90.
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• Progeny Evaluation of Melia Azedarach (linn.) for Leaf Senescence, Fruit Characters and Wood Specific Gravity

Abstract Views :217  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Himanshu Meena ¹, Rajni Sharma ¹, Ashok Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004 Punjab, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 140, No 9 (2014), Pagination: 891-895

Abstract

Fifty four progenies of Melia azedarach (Linn.) from eleven geographical locations were evaluated for leaf senescence, fruit characters and wood specific gravity. Large variations were recorded for leaf senescence period ranged from 35 to 119 days per year in 8-year-old progeny trial, however, few progenies remained semi-evergreen. Between progeny and within progeny differences were found significant. The narrow sense heritability (progeny basis, within progeny basis and individual plant basis) was calculated for all the characters. High heritabilities were recorded for fruit characters and specific gravity. Fruit characters have high genetic gain, whereas, specific gravity has low genetic gain. Genetic gain for within family selection was higher than family selection for all traits.

Keywords

Melia Azedarach , Progeny Evaluation, Leaf Senescence, Fruit, Specific Gravity

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• Reclamation of Wasteland through Different Vegetative Interventions

Abstract Views :251  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Ashok Kumar ¹, Vikas Kumar ¹, Hemlata Bish ², Rahul Kumar ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Department of Extension Education Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, IN
2 RUC, Govt PG College, Uttarkashi, HNB Garhwal University, IN
3 GD College, Begusarai, Bihar, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 141, No 5 (2015), Pagination: 538-548

Abstract

The reclamation of wasteland and development measures in general includes land clearing, soil and water conservation, enhancing nutrient status, provision of irrigation facilities and so on. However, the existing status of wastelands shows wide variation across different regions of the country in terms of their suitability for cultivation. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a scientific assessment of the existing status; fertility, erosion levels, soil conditions, water potential, suitable cropping system, etc. of the waste lands spread over different agro-climatic zones of the state so as to prepare a realistic reclamation-cum-development plan for the wastelands. Thus rehabilitation of the wasteland through the sustainable management serves as a better cover to the soil and aids regeneration of forests.

Keywords

Wasteland, Problematic Soils, Development, Reclamation, Vegetation.

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• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Issues Versus Mitigation

Abstract Views :170  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Raheel Anwar ¹, Harmeet Singh Saralch ¹, Ashok Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, IN
2 Systematic Botany Discipline, Botany Division, Forest Research Institute, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 141, No 12 (2015), Pagination: 1305-1314

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts have been in existence as long as wild animals and people shared the same landscape and resources. However, in the past two-three decades the conflicts have increased and become a growing concern for wildlife conservation in India. In this review, a study of current scientific literature addressing concerns for human safety and wildlife conservation have been evaluated to put forth the statements about the frequencies and causes of attacks based on findings concerning, existing data on the number of attacks by wild animals in India and information systems documenting causes and consequences of attacks. Research that provides credible information for wildlife management and advice for reducing the level of an encounter with wild animals and to minimize the livelihood of being attacked has also been documented. Need of a appropriate land use planning, public awareness, sustainable management of wildlife habitat, improving rural livelihood, counterbalance of losses with benefits, addressing public grievances, share and care of natural resources by rural communities, enhancing peaceful coexistence, low impact community-based ecotourism, etc could suitably help in resolving the growing concerns of Human-wildlife conflict in India.

Keywords

Human-Wildlife Conflict, Driving Forces, Consequences, Management.

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• Clonal Testing of Eucalyptus Clones and Estimation of their Genetic Parameters

Abstract Views :166  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Ashok Kumar ¹, G. P. S. Dhillon ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141 004, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 142, No 2 (2016), Pagination: 127-132

Abstract

The present study was carried out to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in clones of Eucalyptus spp. at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab (India). Significant differences were found among the clones for growth, number of branches and tolerance to gall wasp. The estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation clearly reflected large amount of variation for volume index and number of galls, and reasonable amount of genetic variability for plant height, collar diameter and number of branches. High heritability with high genetic advance as percentage of mean clearly suggested the potentiality of the clonal material for the improvement of plant height and volume index through selection. Significant positive correlations were recorded for all characters except number of galls. Path analysis revealed that plant height and collar diameter had high and positive direct and indirect effect, whereas, number of branches and number of galls had negative direct and indirect effect on volume index.

Keywords

Eucalyptus Clones, Variability, Heritability, Genetic Gain, Path Analysis.

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• Evaluation of Clonal Divergence in Dalbergia Sissoo Roxb. for Developing Production Populations

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Authors

Shivani Dobhal ¹, Ashok Kumar ¹, S. Ravichandran ²

Affiliations
1 Division of Genetics and Tree Propagation, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, IN
2 National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 142, No 5 (2016), Pagination: 451-458

Abstract

Forty eight clones of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. were subjected to genetic divergence studies using Mahalanobis D² statistics. The clones were field planted in two geographical locations at Hissar, Haryana (N 29 30°17.7" E 75°33' 14'') and Hoshiarpur, Punjab (N31° 33' 31.7" E 75° 49' 0.5") to analyze different genetic parameters and divergence. At the age of eighteen months, height ranged from 41.17 cm (Clone 94) to 112.52 cm (Clone 5003) and collar diameter ranged from 0.59 cm (Clone 31) to 2.02 cm (Clone 5006). Mean value based on both primary quantitative traits expressed superiority of thirteen clones over the locations. Using Tocher's method 48 genotypes were grouped into nine clusters, whereas Cluster III and VI consists maximum eight clones each. Cluster VIII was reported to be a solo cluster. The maximum D² value (1.62) was observed between Clone 1003 (Uttarakhand) and Clone 5007 (Uttarakhand). It was therefore obvious that these divergent clones could be planted in seed orchards so that high degree of heterosis could be exhibited. Additionally such clones could possibly play an important role in production of new recombinants with maximum acquisition of traits of economic importance.

Keywords

Genetic Parameters, Divergence, Clustering, Quantitative Traits, Heterosis.

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