Mayank Tripathi , Hema Joshi

Abstract

The influence of various environmental factors viz. temperature, light and water stress on seed germination of Salvadora persica were investigated. Seeds were kept in glass Petri- dishes and three replicates were taken. From 10°C to 30°C the germination was in increasing order after that it was constant at 35°C and at 40°C it was reduced. Exposure to prolonged far-red light inhibited seed germination and a short pulse of red light drastically increased seed germination. Increasing water-stress reduced percentage germination. This paper thus gives a clear picture of the strategies adapted by this important medicinal shrub to endure changes in the environmental conditions during the germination phase.

Keywords

Medicinal, Salvadora Persica Linn, Arid, Afforestation, Seed Germination

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Anjali Mathur ¹, Hema Joshi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, Kumaun University S.S.J. Campus, Almora 263 601 (Uttarakhand), IN

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to explore the native and endemic plant species of tarai region of Kumaun Himalaya of Uttarakhand. The study site includes tarai area around Lalkuan in district Nainital and Pantnagar and Kichha tehsil in district Udhamsingh Nagar. The region is also characterized now with settlements of human beings of different culture from different places. During the study period it was found that the percentage of native species was 19.11 and endemic 2.09. Representation of 78.80% of non native species and very low percentage of native and endemic plant species in the study area indicated the high degree of disturbance due to anthropogenic pressure.

Keywords

Native and Endemic Species, Tarai Region, Kumaun, Uttarakhand.

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K. S. Kanwal ¹, Hema Joshi ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B.Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development North East Unit, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar-791113, Arunachal Pradesh, IN

Abstract

The present study deals with medicinal plants used in various traditional systems of medicine in Alaknanda valley of Uttarakhand. An ethnomedicinal survey was conducted during year 2008 to 2010 in various towns and villages of the Alaknanda valley. Information on ethnomedicinal importance of the plant species was collected through interviews and discussions with the local communities. A total of 98 plant species used for medicinal purposes were recorded during the intensive surveys. In most cases, the underground parts (ischolar_mains/rhizomes/tubers) (22 %) are used for medicinal purpose, followed by leaves (19 %), whole plant (17%), bark (11%), fruits (9 %), flowers (8 %), stem (6 %) and seeds (8 %) of the plants. Maximum number of species were recorded from family Asteraceae (8 spp.), followed by Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Ranunculaceae (4 spp. each), Meliaceae, Pinaceae, Polygonaceae (3 spp. each). Some commercially important medicinal plant species are facing threat due to habitat degradation over exploitation and unsustainable harvesting in the study area.

Keywords

Traditional Knowledge, Medicinal Plants, Indigenous Uses, Alaknanda Valley, Conservation.

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