B. N. Gupta , P. G. Pattanath

Abstract

This paper presents a study on correlation or seasonal variatlon in stored nutrients in culms of Dendrocalamus strictus Nees and the performance of culm cuttings as propagules. Statistical analysis of the data collected on seasonal variation in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and moisture content revealed that seasonal variation was significant for all elements except potassium. Besides this, nitrogen and phosphorus were found to exhibit a positive and significant correlation with vigour. The performance of the propagules also varied significantly with different months of planting. April was found to be the best month for the preparation of cuttings. The method of planting also was observed to have a significant influence on the performance of the propagules. Statistical analysis showed that vertical and oblique methods or planting which rail under the same bar is significantly different from the horizontal method at 0.1% level of probability.

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B. N. Gupta , P. G. Pattanath

Abstract

This paper deals with the fundamental and practical aspects of germination behaviour of seeds of a number of tree species. Variations in germination percentage under different conditions of temperature and media have been studied and the significance of these variations have been discussed. Based on these data, geermination test rules have also been framed for eleven species of forest tree seed which were not included in earlier publications.

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P. G. Pattanath

Abstract

The trend in variation of fibre length within a culm has been studied for twelve different species of bamhoos. While the fibre length in the lower portion of the culms is generally greater than levels, the pattern of variation is not the same in different species. Fibre length also does not show any consistent relationship with internode length in the species investigated.

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R. N. Gupta , P. G. Pattanath , Adarsii Kumar , R. C. Thapliyal , A. S. Raturi

Abstract

In order that results may be reproduceable, it is essential that germination tests for certification of seeds are standardised. The International Seed Testing Association has laid down guide lines for these tests in 1966, and based on these lines it is necessary to standardize the procedures for each species separately. In this connection, rules for germination tests of 55 Indian tree species have been worked out and tabulated.

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B. N. Gupta , P. G. Pattanath

Abstract

Results of the investigation indicate that the physiological condition in the form of nutrient imbalance is an important cause of dormancy in teak seeds. Fertility index of the site appears to have even a more pronounced effect on the seed behavior than precipitation, and it was seen that teak seeds from dry areas were in some cases easier to germinate than those from moist areas. The presence of a water soluble germination inhibitor in the mesocarp also appears to play an important role in dormancy. In additicn to this, many origins also exhibit the phenomenon of after-ripening which is the cause of delayed germination and this aspect needs farther study.

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