Y. Sanatombi Devi , P. K. Singh

Abstract

A survey of hydrophilous Pteridophytes distributed naturally in Thoubal District, Manipur was conducted during January to September 2005, through various field explorations. Twelve species of hydrophilous Pteridophytes pertaining to nine genera and nine families were collected. Out of these, Adiantum capillus-veneris L. and Isoetes debii Sinha were found to confined in a particular area. The study also helped to gather ethobotanical uses of the species practiced by the Meitei communities of Manipur. Five of these are used as vegetables, three as green manure; four have medicinal uses and two are used as fodder plants.

Full Text

     

S. Padmabati Devi , P. K. Singh

Abstract

Floristic analysis of Rattan species available in the 9 districts of Manipur State was conducted during the period from 2000 to 2005. During the survey, 14 species were collected, 6 species were found to be new records (Calamus erectus Roxb.; C. palustris Griff.; C. longisetus Griff.; C. viminalis Willd.; C. guruba (Becc.-Ham.) ex-Mart. and Daemonorops kurzianus Becc.). Maximum number of 5 species were collected from Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Imphal East District; 4 species were collected from Senapati, Chandel and Imphal West District; 3 species from Ukhrul District and 2 species from Thoubal and Bishnupur District respectively. Importance value index (IVI) of all the 14 Rattan species was calculated. The least IVI was recorded in Calamus erectus Roxb.(27.94) and its population type is accidental type, highest IVI was found in) Calamus pseudotenuis Becc. (237.44) and population is expanding type. Species distribution and floristic analysis were studied for the conservation steps of Rattans of Manipur.

Full Text

     

Y. Nanda Devi , P. K. Singh

Abstract

Stachytarpheta urticifolia Sims a rare snakeweed and not reported earlier from Manipur has been recently collected. In this paper, the identity of S. cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl for the flora of Manipur State which have identified as S. jamaicensis (Linn.) Vahl by various authors, has been clarified. Detailed morphological descriptions and line drawings of Stachytarpheta urticifolia Sims have been presented.

Full Text

     

Bajrang Singh , V. K. Garg , P. K. Singh , K. P. Tripathi

Abstract

New forests created on sodic wastelands, consisting of different community structure ameliorate the soil at various degrees according to productivity and diversity status. Three such forested sites were selected at Banthra Research Station of National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India with different productivity and diversity indices descending from site I (S₁) to III (S₃), which were compared with a control (non forested) sodic soil site. Importance value index (IVI) decreased from 320 to 150 from site I to III. Shannon-Wiener's general diversity index was greatest in site I (1.85) and lowest in site III (1.37). Population density, basal area and biomass also declined accordingly. Dominant genera in these Forest stands were Acacia, Albizia, Dalbergia, Terminalia, Bauhinia and Syzygium whereas grasses/forbs viz.Sporobolus, Desmostachya and Dactyloctenium were common on barren sodic land. A remarkable reduction in soil pH and exchangeable sodium percentage (67-73%) was noticed in afforested sites compared to the control as a result of combined effect of increased diversity and productivity. Individual effects of diversity or productivity were measured as 42% and 58%, respectively in soil amelioration. The soil fertility increased 2 to 3 times in organic carbon and 2.7 to 3.7 times in total nitrogen content on afforested sites. However, these improvements were greatest in surface soil (0.15 m) for C and N (68 & 73%) in comparison to lower depths (51 & 65%). Among the exchangeable cations, Na⁺ reduced by 41-57% from the control in afforested sites (I and II) while Ca⁺⁺ content increased of 38-68% in these sites. In general, available Zn, Fe and Mn contents increased in forested sites I and II whereas Cu decreased significantly in site II but remains at par on site I from the control. A rapid ch!lnge in soil properties occurred on surface soil even on poor afforested site while the rate of improvement at depths below 0.3 m depicted a slow amelioration process. A combined effect of both biomass productivity and species diversity of about 92% ameliorated the soil more significantly instead of individual factors, which should be taken into account for the rehabilitation of such sodic soil sites.

Full Text

     

N. K. Verma , P. K. Singh , P. Kumar , A. Sharma , D. K. Hore

Abstract

Leonotis nepetaefolia R. Br. (Laminaceae) is an attractive, symmetrical, annual medicinal plant. A brief description of the plant is described in the present article. The plant is believed to be a native of Africa and the distribution extends to tropical Asia and America. It has been cultivated in Brazil since long. The plant seems to have naturalized in India. Traditionally, the leaf is used in rheumatic affections and also serves as a tonic. Flower heads are used against scalds, burns, ringworm, and some skin diseases. Crushed ischolar_main is applied locally for facilitating breast milk to a mother after childbirth. Seeds are used in fever. It has also got the anticancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In India, it grows wild but not common. In recent years, India has given due attention on this plant to develop it's agrotechniques for commercial cultivation. Accordingly, responsibilities were entrusted with the NBPGR Regional Station, Shillong since 1999.

Full Text

     

S. D. Khomdram , Y. Nanda Devi , P. K. Singh

Abstract

The family Lamiaceae of Manipur which is represented by 110 species distributed under 39 genera is discussed. Among the genera reported, Clerodendrum is represented y maximum number of 14 species. Some species like Clerodendrum lasiocephalum C. B. Clarke, Orthosiphon wattii Prain and Premna milleflora C.B.Clarke are found endemic to North-East India. Updated record of Lamiaceae of the state is provided in the present paper.

Keywords

Lamiaceae, Verbenaceae, Manipur, Dominant, Endemic

Full Text

     

N. K. Bhatia , Mohd. Yousuf , Pankaj Tewary , P. K. Singh

Abstract

Economic viability of the tasar silkworm rearing rely on leaf quality and most vitally on timely supply of quality tasar seed called Dfls (Disease Free Layings) in suitable brushing schedule of the region. But there exists a short supply of 74.02 1akh Dfls (51.4%) against an estimated demand of 144 lakh Dfls, and this is the major constraint in utilizing the full potential of 111.60 lakh ha natural tasar flora of the country. Existing four tier and wired together seed multiplication system in India needs a multipronged redressal measures, especially at P1 level. Further, turning nonfunctional Pilot Projet Centres into operational and establishing their pragmatic linkages with private graineurs of the area, demarcation of a distinguished "Seed Cocoon Zone", involving operational women SHGs and working NGOs for generation of additional seed cocoons, creation of Para workers group/lead farmers, beefing up the backward and forward linkages by State sericulture mechanism to manage demand-supply and cost-realization process, incentive support to the tribals for biodiversity conservation, realization of carbon credits, large scale propagation of tasar eco-races on natural Sal flora, creating water harvesting system, inter cultivation of medicinal plants in economic tasar food plantation, HRD initiatives, clusterisation for systemic extension services, protection of natural tasar habitats, proliferation of tasar culture under National Mission for Green India under NAPCC etc., are some of the interventions, which are discussed in this communication to streamline the Indian or tropical tasar (Antheraea mylitta Durry) seed sector in India.

Keywords

Vanya Silk, Indian Tasar, Tasarseed Sector, Women SHGs, Tribal

Full Text

     

P. K. Singh , A. K. Singh

Abstract

This paper presents the case study about economxy and ecological sustainability of stop dams constructed in Noradehi (Wildlife) Forest Division, Sagar. This Wildlife Division includes 1197 km² of geographical area and it includes the ports of Sagar, Damoh and Narsingpur Districts of Madhya Pradesh. Under eco-development approach stop dams were constructed to solve the minor irrigation problem of villagers. The native rural population of the area are very poor and mainly depend on agriculture for their livelyhood. All the stop dams in the study are masonry structures of 2m height. The benefit/cost ratio (B/C) of stop dams have been evaluated. The benefit was calculated by deducting the value of produce before the construction from the value of produce after the construction of dam. The study revealed that these dams are economically viable as they give their cost recovery as quickly as in one year time. These dams are ecologically sustainable as these dams do not create adverse effects on environment viz. submergence of forest land, loss of flora and fauna, risk of reservoir induced seismicity, problem of rehabilitation, problem of change in micro-climate etc. Thus these dams prove to be very promising and will have tremendous scope for betterment of socio-economic rural upliftment.

Full Text

     

P. K. Singh , P. K. Das , S. M. S. Quli

Abstract

Trial has been framed to examine the economics of growing teak and cashew nut along with upland paddy in four combinations. The data trends up to 7 years of plantation were extrapolated to project the economic profit using standard economic analysis methods to interpret the benefits of various tree crop systems. The prediction has been done at 15^th and 45^th year (rotation age) at 7% and 15% discounting rate. The Net Present Value (NPV) predicted at rotation was found highest in land use with Agri-silviculture (teak + paddy) at 7% rate Rs 7,24,699/ha where as at 15% rate of discounting the highest NPV was observed in Agri-horticulture (cashew nut + paddy) Rs 45,255/ha, followed by Silvi-horticulture, Agri-silviculture and lowest in Agri-silvi-horticulture Rs 27,289/ha. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was found higher 3.64 and 1.98 respectively at the 15th year in case of Silvi-horticulture (teak + cashew nut) at two extreme of discounting (7 and 15%) than that found in the other three agroforestry combinations. At rotation age of 45 years the highest BCR (6.33 and 2.64) was also found in Silvi-horticulture (teak + cashew nut) combination at 7% and 15% discounting respectively and it was found lowest in cashew nut+ paddy (4.42) at 7% and teak + cashew nut + paddy (1.78) at 15%

Full Text