K. N. Qaisar , P. A. Khan , M. A. Khan , Javeed A. H. Mughloo , Tareq A. H. Rather

Abstract

An experiment was conducted on Silver fir (Abies pindrow) seedlings raised in five different growing medium in 300cc ischolar_main trainers-M₁ (Peat moss + vermiculite, 1 : 1),M₂ (Dal weed +Sand, 1:1), M₃ (Cupressus leaf litter+ Sand, 1:1), M₄ (Peat moss+Sand, 1:1) and M₅ (Soil + Sand + FYM, 1:1:1). The growth of seedlings was recorded after two years and six months of sowing. The growing medium M₁ (Peat moss + Vermiculite, 1:1) recorded maximum height (10.2cm), collar diameter (3.71mm) and fresh shoot and ischolar_main weight (3.79 and 4.22g) respectively, similarly the seedlings raised in M₁ also recorded maximum height increment of 3.92cm.

Keywords

Silver Fir, Abies pindrow, Root Trainer, Growing Media, Growth

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Nissar A. Dar , M. A. Khan , M. Y. Zargar

Abstract

Rhizosphere microbial composition of walnut plants (Cultivar SKAU-W-0035) was studied to select the predominant and efficient isolates of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria as microbial inoculants. Rhizosphere of walnut was found to be inhabited by bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes with maximum population in June and minimum in December. The most predominant microorganisms in the walnut rhizosphere were species of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Three isolates of each predominant bacterium were screened for plant growth promoting activities. Azotobacter (AZB III), Azospirillum (AZS II), Bacillus (BAC I) and Pseudomonas (PS II) were found to be efficient isolates owing to their ability to produce ammonia, IAA, HCN, antagonasis and phosphorus solubilizing activity. Best growth of all three selected isolates was recorded in nutrient broth at pH 7 and temperature of 300C. The selected isolates were mass-multiplied in nutrient broth for 72 hrs in pilot scale fermentors and mixed with various solid carriers. Shelf life of the cultures was determined by counting the population at 2, 3 and 6 month interval. Lignite was found to be the best carrier for Azotobacter, Azospirillum and Pseudomonas, whereas peat was most suitable carrier for Bacillus.

Keywords

Walnut, Juglans Regia, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobateria (PGPR), Rhizosphere,
Shelf-life

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M. A. Khan

Abstract

Research findings are presented on the chemical environment and nutrient dynamics in Hokersar wetland ecosystem of Kashmir Himalayas (J&K). The water body is characterized by calcium-rich water and dominance of bicarbonate anion. The estimation of nutrient pools in principal components (water, sediments and macrophytes) indicates sediments as long-term major sink (> 99 %); the sequence being sediment > water > macrophytes. The sediment phosprorus-pool was estimated at 5,844 metric tonnes (99.6%). Almost similar trend was observed in the nitrogen pool, sediments held 8,195 metric tonnes (99.8 %). The potassium pool in the sediment accounted for 30,883 metric tons (99.5%). Notwithstanding the nutrient removal potential of macrophytes and their bioremediation role in combating water pollution, sediments act as a major sink, holding key for sequestration and removal mechanism.

Keywords

Floodplain Wetland Ecosystem, Hokersar Wetland, Chemical Environment, Nutrient Flux

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M. A. Khan , A. H. Mughal , Javeed Mughloo

Abstract

A nursery trial of Cedrus deodara and Pinus halepensis with nine different sowing dates spread over autumn, winter and spring was conducted during 2002-2003. Germination in case of Cedrus deodara was better where seeds were sown in the month of February, but in Pinus halepensis sowing dates did not affect the germination up to 1st February. Survival percentage of seedlings was more in seeds sown in the first fortnight of February. Time taken for completion of germination decreased as sowing proceeded from autumn to spring. Except for diameter in Pinus halepensis seedling development in terms of height and diameter was also better in seeds sown in the first fortnight of February. Thus in order to get good germination, better survival and reduce nursery expenditure seeds should be sown in the nursery in the first fortnight of February (winter) instead of sowing seeds in the autumn season. Development of seedlings is also better in case seeds are sown in February (winter).

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M. A. Khan , M. A. Shah

Abstract

Hydrological characteristics and sedimentation loading in Hokersar wetland of Kashmir Himalaya was monitored from November 2000 to October 2001. The computed water budget showed a substantial (91%) input from various surface inflows and just 9% through precipitation. Major water discharge (67%) occurs through surface outlets , whilst , 33% is attributed to evapotranspiration and other unaccounted for losses. Relatively low flushing rate (3.75 times/year) and high residence time (97.3 days) contribute to increased nutrient retention in the wetland. The inflow/outflow rates are closely linked to precipitation and water demand in'the catchment. Annual sediment accumulation of 16 ,862.2 metric tonnes (93% contributed by Doodganga Channel) accounts for gradual filling-in of the Kokersar wetland ecosystem.

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S. A. Gangoo , K. N. Qaiser , M. A. Khan

Abstract

No abstract

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A. K. Tyagi , M. A. Khan

Abstract

Pygaera cupreata Butler causes serious deoliation to Poplar. A study was conducted to determine the rate of infestation on 160 clones of Poplar and investigations on its egg parasitization for biological control.

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N. K. Bhatia , M. M. Bhatt , M. A. Khan

Abstract

The 'tropical tasar', one of the variety of four commercially known non-mulberry silk in India, called Vanya silk, is an exclusive craft of about 1.5 lakh tribals, having huge base of 111.60 lakh hectare of natural tasar flora. Rearing quality, its success and profitability, then exhibiting superior grainage traits and post cocoon attributes, all indispensably rely on quality and most vitally, timely supply of required quantity of basic seed, called DFLs (Disease Free Laying) in defined brushing schedule, accommodating regional and seasonal suitability. The tribal engaged in this activity were the poorest of the poor living below the poverty line having an annual family income of Rs. 11,850.00 or less. Their seven year's success story of tasar Seribusiness clearly indicates that there has been an aggregate per farmer average annual income of Rs. 3198=00, which stands around 27% of their total annual income. Considering the economic significance of time and energy spent by them, this seasonal avocation of tasar seed crop rearing corresponds a tremendous impact in improving the economic status of tribal community to grow out of poverty and to curtail down the exploiting role of the local moneylenders. On the other hand, the cluster of seed rearers also helped the Central Silk Board grainage to increase the production of tasar seed manifold. Their contribution in terms of cocoons production was 51.47 % and for seed production it was 47.52%. It indicates that similar efforts at national level can bridge the existing demand and supply gap of 74.02 Lakh DFLs.

Keywords

Tropical Tasar, Tribal Community, Vanya Silk, Improving Livelihood, Sustainability

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