P. Pavendan , C. Sebastian Rajasekaran

Abstract

The present study deals with the floristic richness of the sacred groves of Pachamalai, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India. From the area 72 angiosparmic species from 64 genera and 34 families were enumerated. Of these 80.6 per cent species are used as medicines, 6.12 per cent have timber value and 10.20 per cent are used as minor forest produce by the local inhabitants. Some rare and endangered plants are also confined to this grove. The attendant cultural rites and religious rituals have perpetuated the status of the sacred grove, which has ensured the protection of the grove vegetation.

Keywords

Endemic, Sacred Groves, Eastern Ghats

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P. Pavendan , V. Anand Gideon , C. Sebastian Rajasekaran

Abstract

An air layering trial was conducted in Elaeocarpus blascoi Weibel during the pre monsoon season in the months of mid - march to mid - June, 2011 in Vattakanal Conservation Trust Nursery, Kodaikanal in Tamilnadu, South India. Lateral branches were girdled, and IBA 500, 750 and 1000 ppm was applied at the exposed surfaces and wrapped with moistened Sawdust. Rooting was responded after 60 days. The maximum ischolar_maining length (7.5 cm) was recorded with 1000 ppm IBA and the minimum ischolar_maining length (3.5 cm) was recorded with 500 ppm IBA and the control shoots failed to form ischolar_mains (0.00 cm). Pre monsoon season (mid - march to mid - June) seems to be the best period for air layering in Elaeocarpus blascoi. A cost effective packaging system was worked out and deployed during this experimental trial.

Keywords

IBA, Air Layering, Elaeocarpus blascoi, Endangered Plant, Cost Effective

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