Avinash Jain , Pranav Dhar

Abstract

Fifteen provenances of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) were selected from 12 agroclimatic zones of Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa) for the study. Phenotypically superior trees from each provenance were selected on the basis of morphological characteristics. Seeds from these superior trees were collected, depulped, washed and sown in nursery beds. The growth of seedlings after six months of seed sowing was measured including parameters like shoot length, collar diameter, length of tap ischolar_main, number of leaves and number of tertiary ischolar_mains. Above-ground, underground and total biomass of the seedlings were also measured including fresh weights of shoot, leaves, secondary ischolar_mains and tap ischolar_main. A suitability index was worked out on the basis of height, collar diameter and total biomass of the seedlings. On the basis of the relative suitability score, Sundergarh provenance was found as the most superior provenance, followed by Sihore, Bargi and Damoh.

Keywords

Azadirachta indica, Provenances, Evaluation, Seedling Growth, Biomass Attributes

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T. K. Sahoo , T. K. Mishra , Avinash Jain , S. K. Banerjee

Abstract

In the present communication , the impact of different management systems on biodiversity conservation in Abhoya of Midnapore District of West Bengal (India) has been assessed. Vegetation survey of plant communities and distribution pattern were conducted through Important Value Index (IVI) in three types of forest communities , such as FPC-managed forest , plantation stand (1960) managed by State Forest Depari:ment and degraded forest. These surveys covered four major seasons viz. summer , monsoon , post-monsoon and winter in this region. Maximum number of species were observed during post-monsoon and in FPCmanaged forest. The coppice Sal forest , which is the predominant natural forest type of this region , S. robusta has become the dominant tree with-varying IVI in different communities. Herbaceous species were found to be more adapted to a developing community like coppice Sal forests than a plantation stand or a degraded forest. Comparing different phytosociological parameters , FPC-managed forests were found to have more diversity in species structure irrespective of seasonal variations , whereas in plantation stand and degraded forest the species diversity becomes lower. The concentration of dominance was observed inversely proportional with species diversity. Highest evenness index was calculated maximum for FPC-managed forests and during post-monsoon or monsoon. Species richness index did not differ significantly among three communities and in four seasons. Based on IVI values the abstract community in Abhoya was identified as Shorea-Holarrhena-Eragrostis. The study indicates that involvement of forest fringe people in protecting the forest through JFM can increase the forest cover. It is better to study the phytosociological characters in post monsoon period.

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Avinash Jain , A. K. Singh , Hori Lal , S. K. Banerjee

Abstract

An attempt has been made to analyse chemical and biochemical characters of Neem leaves from eleven agroclimatic regions of Madhya Pradesh , Chhattisgarh and Orissa and correlate them with soil properties and geographical ordinates so as to obtain maximum productivity of desired character from that site or artificial induction of suitable environment for better productivity and the desired characters. The data revealed that the amount of leaf protein varied from 8.76 to 15.48% and polyphenols from 2.42 to 7.10%. The marginal variation in leaf nitrogen (1.35 to 2.47%) of different sites indicates that uptake potential and availability of nutrients are almost similar. Polyphenols showed significant negative relation with soil p^H , calcium content in leaves and available soil nitrogen. From the results it may be concluded that Neem trees are suited in slightly alkaline soils having better available nutrient status. Environmental and edaphic factors as well as geographical latitude play significant role in increasing productivity of the tree.

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Samidha Pandey , Shashi Bhushan Sharma , Avinash Jain

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P. B. Meshram , Avinash Jain , Mohit Gera

Abstract

Dalbergia sissoo seedlings from nine different seed sources were screened against defoliator, Plecoptera reflexa Gue. It was observed that Kanpur (U.P.) origin exhibited maximum resistance closely followed by Khoshala (Orissa) seed source. The performance of the origin was relatively better in all five parameters viz. damage seedlings, leaves, leaf area consumed, larval population and chemical analysis (Polyphenol, protein, phosphorus, calcium and potassium).

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N. Roychoudhury , Avinash Jain , K. C. Joshi , R. B. Lal

Abstract

The present paper deals with research accomplishments on natural resistance in teak clones against its prime insect pest, E. machaeralis Walker (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae). It succinctly describes the importance of this insect pest, modern concept of host resistance mechanisms and necessity for identification of resistant genotypes in practical utilization. Much emphasis has been given on evaluation of resistant teak clones against leaf skeletonizer and the factors responsible for natural resistance in teak clones have been highlighted. Use of resistant teak clones may offer a viable long term solution to the leaf skeletonizer menace.

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