Virendar K. Sood , John P. Rier Jr. , P. B. Fennell , Aaron Whitaker , R. C. Ghosh

Abstract

Ozone was found to effect the protein and peroxidase profiles of stem as well as callus extracts of Pinus roxburghii Sarg.

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R. C. Ghosh , Bakhshish Singh , K. K. Sharma , U. D. Dhaundival

Abstract

An experiment having 15 treatments comprising of twelve provenance of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) and one provenance each of P. caribaea. P. potula and P. kesiya was laid out in a rondomized block design with three replications and 36 plants per plot at the Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun (India) during 1974, to select suitable provenances/species for afforestation under the sub-Himalayan conditions. The results of the study at the end of three years growth show that P. patula, P. caribaea and P. kesiya gave significantly better height increment than the different provenances of chir pine. lhe Dalhausie, Kulu, Nahan, Durkoti-Chamba and Bilaspur provenances of chir pine gave better diameter increment than P. caribaea, but these provenances of chir pine were inferior in diameter increment to P. patula and P. kesiya, there, however, being no significant difference in diameter increment between P. patula, P. kesiya and the Saraj provenance of chir pine. Different provenances of the indigenous chir pine gave significantly better survival per cent than the three exotic pines under trial. Based on the overall performance in terms of height and diameter growth and survival per cent, P. patula was adjudged as the best species followed by the Saraj, Debra Dun and Bilaspur provenances of chir pine.

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R. C. Ghosh , Bakhshish Singh , K. K. Sharma

Abstract

An experiment based on 24 treatments comprising of 9 provenances of Pinus caribaea, 6 provenances of P. patula, 2 provenances of P. kesiya, 3 provenances of P. roxburghii and one each of P. gregii P. pseudotrobus, P.leiophylla and P. glabra was laid out in 1974 at the Forest Research Institute, in a randomized block desigrn with three replications to select suitable species/provenances of pines for afforestation under Dehra Dun conditions. The results of the study at the end of three years growth indicate that P. gregii of Mexico origin is the most suited species. The other species/provenances which have given encouring results are P. petula of Newzealand and Malawi orgins, P. caribaea of Nicargua - Alamicamba, and Guatemala-Deten region and P. kesiya of Thailand. The indigenous chir pine (P. roxburghii) of Debra Dun origin was better (or almost as good in overall performance) than certain provenances of P. caribaea, P. patula, P. kesiya and P. glabra. Intensive provenance trials and selection are indicated in the case of P. gregii, P. caribaea, P. kesiya and P. roxburghii.

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R. C. Ghosh , Bakhshish Singh , K. K. Sharma

Abstract

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R. C. Ghosh , S. P. Singh

Abstract

Unlike other resource management Sciences, the management of forests to yield maximum benefits is complicated. It is on account of heterogenity in size class distributions age structure, size of the population and linkage of meaning of maximum harvest with management objectives. With the harvesting policy the concept and types of rotation thus came into existance. During early years when scientific manament was evolved, the removal was cautious and restricted to trees of higher dimensions. Rotation was in consequential and so was fixed high. In due course of time uniform system based on natural regeneration was adopted to convert a forest into a series of age blocks. As technique of management became more and more refined the rotation fell in many areas thus allowing harvest of larger quantity of material. This was followed by complete artificial planting in suitable area and led to simple system of forest management cutting down further life span 10 of a crop in which trees of merchantable dimension could be produced, Mean while production had to be stepped up not only to compensate for the land lost to competing Uses but also to satisfy the increasing demand of rising population, Side by side appropriate technologies developed for various use wood even of small sizes.So attention was paid to identify various uses and demands with the view to relate these to the capacity of forests to improve the present level of production. This led to the introduction of exotics and intensive management of indigenous species which furtber resulted in reduction in rotation. The paper also summarises the information about totation of some prominent species and ther present trends.

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R. C. Ghosh

Abstract

The deepening energy crisis has accelerated widening of the gap between haves and have not. A compromise has to be evolved in the presently comperative land use practices in order to provide foot-hold for projects to energy plantations ensuring easier access to firewood and timber for domestic use. Raising fuelwood plantations in beginning of the process which should be closely followed by technology for more efficient conversion of wood into energy and to make wood popular and acceptable source of energy among rural as well as urban people.

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R. C. Ghosh , Bakhshish Singh , K. K. Sharma

Abstract

An experiment to find out the stage at which the pine seedlings should be pricked out from the germination boxes to the polythene bags for raising the nursery stock of Pinus caribaea, P. patula and P. elliottii, was conducted in the research nursery of the Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun (India) during 1976-77. Five treatments comprising of direct sowing in polythene bags (T₁ ), pricking of seedlings into polythene bags immediately after start of germination (T₂), pricking after the seed coat falls from the cotyledons (T₃), pricking after the formation of terminal bud (T₄) and pricking when the terminal bud opens and starts growing (T₅ ), were tried in a randomized block design with five replications and 20 plants per plot. The results of the study show that the seedlings pricked after fall of seed coat gave significantly better height and diameter growth than the seedlings pricked at the other stages, there being no significant difference in between the seedlings pricked just after germination (T₂) and those pricked after fall of seed coat (T₃) for diameter growth in case of P.patula and P. elliottii and height growth in case of P. elliotii. The different stages of pricking had no significant effect on survival of the seedlings.Based on the overall performance of the seedlings, it is recommended that the young pine seedlings should be pricked from germination boxes into polythene bags just after the seed coat fall from the cotyledons, after germination.

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R. C. Ghosh , B. K. Subba Rao , B. C. Ramola

Abstract

This paper presents the results of interception studies carried out during 1977 in coppice sal forest at Rajput Forest Experiment Station, (Rajpur Forest Block, West Dehra Dun Division) to evaluate the effect of thinning on the interception loss. This study is one of a series of hydrological studies that are being carried out at Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun. It is proposed develop mathematical models by using the results of these studies, to predict hydrological behaviour of forested watersheds. These models also enable us to predict the effect of management operations and biotic influences on the hydrological behaviour. Present study has shown that the interception loss decreases with increasing amount of rainfall and that a reduction of crown density by 22% has resulted in a reduction of interception by 5% in coppice sal forest. Also, it has been observed that interception loss depends upon rainfall and vegetation characteristics.

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R. C. Ghosh , B. G. Dabral

Abstract

The experiment details the water consumption of Pinus caribaea in juvenile stage in three high density stockings under three water regimes, in minilysimeters. The experiment aims at judicious utilization of space and irrigation in raising plantations. 63 seedlings per m² with 100-80% available soil moisture gave maximum dry matter as well as highest production ratio.

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R. C. Ghosh , B. K. Subba

Abstract

The role of forest in moderatiag the flood is briefly examined. The results or the important investigations carried out in India so far, have been sumrnarised. It is emphasised that watershed management shuld be tackled taking the watershed as a whole, and the flood control measures should be judicious combination of both vegetetion and engineering measures, The importance of vegetation cover in soil and water conservation, flood moderation and improving the water quality should be readised by all concerned.

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R. C. Ghosh , S. K. Banerjee

Abstract

The distribution of different forms of iron in thirty two surface soils of West Bengal was studied. The results showed that of all the forms, free iron in the form of oxide was the highest and exchangeable iron the least. The iron in most cases was preset as on-clay fraction as was evidenced from the fact that exchangeable, available and 0.1 (N) HCl soluble iron bear significant positive correlation with organic carbon.

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R. C. Ghosh , O. N. Kaul , B. K. Subba Rao

Abstract

This is a brief survey of the information available on the effects of Eucalytpus plantations with particular reference to water relation and soil nutrition. It appears that their benificial effects out-weigh any possible adverse effects and the complaints regarding the adverse effects of Eucalyptus plantations on water supply is rather exaggerated.

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R. C. Ghosh , H. P. Bhatnagar , D. P. Uniyal

Abstract

Pot culture studies were conducted with the seedlings Pinus patula to determine the effect of different photoperiodic treatments on height growth, dry matter production and tracheid characteristics. The three treatments (Long day Short day and Normal day) used in this study have significant effect on all the characters studied. Long day treatment of 18 hours continuous light period has significantly improved height growth and dry matter of both ischolar_mains and shoots of the seedlings. Pronounced differences in tracheid characters such as tracheid length, width, lumen diameter and cell wall thickness have been observed under different photoperiodic treatments.

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R. C. Ghosh , H. P. Bhatnagar

Abstract

Studies were conducted on the ischolar_maining response of branch cuttings of Populus gamblei Dode to different growth regulator treatments and seasonal variation in ischolar_maining. Growth regulators have considerably increased ischolar_maining. Twenty four hour dip treatment in aqueous solution of 200 ppm concentration of Indole acetic acid has given best results in which 70% ischolar_maining has been achieved. The data so far collected has also indicated seasonal variation in ischolar_maining response.

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R. C. Ghosh , B. N. Gupta , M. D. Shedha

Abstract

Eucalypius camaldulenasis has a wide range of distribution in Australis, and is very adaptive to different soil and climatic conditions. Provenance trials of this sipecies were undertaken at a number of centres in India including New Forest, Dehra Dun. Seeds of 12 provenances received from Australia were sown in the nursery and the seedlings raised from them were planted in Quartera block in July 1967. Periodical growth measurements of the plants were recorded and at the close of the experiment in 1975 data was also collected on the diameter of trees, weight of the main bole and branchwood and also the total weight of the leaves in respect of 7 provenances, 5 provenances which exhibited poor performance with regard to survival were not considered. Specific gravity of wood of these seven provenances was also worked out. Analysis of the data indicated that provenance S3 is significantly superior to the other proVenances Provenances S7, S3 and 51 showed significantly superior height and diameter growth and the total green weight of the trees compared to other provenances. A highly significant correlation coefficient between green weight of leaves and weight of total wood was found at 0.1 percent level of probability.

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R. C. Ghosh , O. N. Kaul

Abstract

This paper describes the need for conservation and protection or natural areas to preserve and maintain some or our forest ecosystems in their pristine condition to serve as benchmarks for conservation of the environment and for scientific, scenic, recreational and educational values, various definitions of nature reserves, their objectives and criteria and guidelines for their choice and establishment have been mentioned. The past history of nature reserves in India and the efforts made in establishing the same have been traced. The need for more nature reserves bas been brought out and the areas where they need to be established have been indicated.

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R. C. Ghosh , R. M. Singhal , T. C. Pathak

Abstract

The conditions of Eucalyptus monoculture has promoted the formation of humic acids in soils with a clearly expressed aromatic rings as comapared to surrounding sal. Correspondingly the number of peripheral chains has decreased and the hydrophillic nature is less marked; humic acids are only slightly dispersed and coagulate even with small amounts of electrolyte.

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R. C. Ghosh , Bakhsrish Singh , K. K. Sharma

Abstract

15 sixes of polythene bags (viz. T₁-6×l0 cm, T₂-6×15 cm, T₃-6×20 cm, T₄-6×25 cm, T₅-9×l0 cm, T₆-9×l5 cm, T₇-9×20 cm, T₈-9×25 cm, T₉-12×lO cm, T₁₀-12×15 cm, T₁₁-12×20 cm, T₁₂-12×25 cm, T₁₃-15×l5 cm, T₁₄-15×20 cm and T₁₅-15×25 cm) were tried in a randomised block design with three replications to select suitable sizes of bags for propagation of Pinus patula and P. caribaea seedlipgs at the Forest Research Institute, Debra Dun (India). The results of the study show that though bigger bags of sizes 12 × 20 cm and 12 × 25 cm gave somewhat better seedling growth, even the smaller bags of sizes 6 × 10 Cm 6 × 15 Cm and 6 × 20 Cm gave seedlings stock of comparable quality and that there was no significant advantage in using bags of bigger sizes. Keeping in view the results of the study, the cost and the convenience in carriage and handling etc. of the bags of different sizes, the smaller bags of size 6 × 15 cm and 6 × 20 cm are recommended for propagation of pine seedlings instead of bigger bags of 15 × 25 cm being used at present.

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R. C. Ghosh , N. K. Mathur , R. P. Singh

Abstract

Diospyros melanoxylon has attained great economic importance due to its leaves being used as wrappers; in the bidi industry. It is yielding large returns to the States like M.P., Maharashtra, Orissa and U.P. Inspite of this, adequate attention has not been paid to the artificial regeneration and its cultivation with the object of increasing the quality and quantity of leaf production. This article attempts to bring at one place the results of the experiments carried out on its various aspects in the country and indicates the fields in which further scope for research exists.

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R. C. Ghosh , Bakhshish Singh , K. K. Sharma

Abstract

Eight depths of sowing (viz., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 cm) for three species of pines (viz, Pinus patula, p. caribaea and P. ellioltii) were tried in a randomised block design with four replications in the research nursery of the Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun (India) to find out the optimum depth of sowing for 'propagation of the pines under Dehra Dun conditions. The results show that 0.5 and 1.0 cm deep sowings gave the highest emergence energy and germination value in case of P. patula and P. caribaea, while in the case or P. elliottii, 1.5 and 2.0 cm deep sowings proved better. 1.0 cm deep sowings gave significantly higher number of seedlings for P. patula as compared to the other depths tried. For P. caribaea also, 1.0 cm deep sowings gave the highest number of seedlings but there was no significant difference between the sowings done at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 cm. depths. In case of P. elliottii, 2.0 and 1.5 cm deep sowings gave higher number of seedlings. Based on the overall performance and development of the seedlings In-respect of commencement or germination, total germination germination value, biomass of the seedlings, number of seedlings obtained and survival percent etc., it was concluded that in case of P. patula and P. caribaea. the seed should not be sown deeper than 1.0 cm while for P. elliottii, the sowings should be between 1.5 to 2.0 cm deep.

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R. C. Ghosh , Bakhshish Singh , K. K. Sharma

Abstract

A nursery study on Pinus roxburghii, P. caribaea, and P. oocarpa was conducted in the research nursery of the Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun (India) to find the effect of seed grading (by size) on germination and growth of pine seedlings. The results show that medium sized seed gave significantly higher mean total germination percent and plant percent as compared to the large or small sized seeds. Moreover, medium sized seed gave higher mean daily germination, peak value (of germination), germiuation value, total biomass, height growth and ischolar_main/shoot ratio of the seedlings as compared to the other two grades. Small sized seed gave significantly higher germination percent and germination value as compared to the large sized seed but the seedlings raised from large, sized seed had higher total biomass than the seedlings raised from the small seed. Seedlings of Pinus roxburghii had the highest Root/Shoot ratio and total biomass, followed by P. oocarpa and P. caribaea.

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R. C. Ghosh

Abstract

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R. C. Ghosh

Abstract

Conifers are practically absent in the Himalayan range in the northern region of West Bengal. The bulk of the forest is a broad-leaved complex, chiefly or oaks (Quercus species), maples (Acer species), laurels (Machilus species) and magnolias (Magnolia species). There is a small patch of Pinus longifolia bareley 80 hectares in extent, lying isolated on the bank or the Great Rangit river. Hemlock (Tsuga brunoniana) and silver fir (Abies densa) are the only species which individually occur as significant communities over about 70 sq km or forest approximately between the altitudes of 2,700 m and 4,000 m.

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R. C. Ghosh

Abstract

It is diverting to see the old relics,-the natural forests from which the modern forestry has been evolved and this paper is an attempt to bring out the essential creed or conservation and forestry as it is understood to-day in the Himalayan region of northern part of West Bengal. North Bengal has a rich forest of about 3,000 square kilometres distributed over the plains as well as the hills of the Himalayan range up to an elevation of about 4,000 m. The forest is mainly composed of broadleaved species; the conifers (Tsuga brunoniana and Abies densa) are dominant only over 70 square kilometres in between 2,700 m and 4,000 m. Due to extension of agriculture, often without any planning and control, the forest had been subjected to widespread trespass and disintegration, In order to save the natural forests from chaos and extinction, conservation measures were taken up and establishment of Reserve Forests (1864 and onwards) ushered in a period of safety for the floral communities and these reserves contain innumerable enclaves of unspoilt vegetation which has retained its original form and structure. Exposed to the rains brought about by the mansoon, this floristically rich area presents a number of problems, particularly regarding natural regeneration. Conservation of the forest, while being worthwhile in itself, means comparatively little value unless this is followed up with measures that can sustain and enrich it further. Natural regeneration systems failed to evoke and response and the crops all over were fast degenerating in value. Perplexed by such a situation, conversion of high forests by means of planting clearfelled areas was taken up as early as 1868. Sal (Shorea robusta) plantations in the plains and in the low land valleys, teak on the well drained slopes and flats. miscellaneous plantations along the foot-hills, in the Duars and Terai are results of many arduous trials and experiments. Similarly in the hills, the plantations of a broadleaved complex as well as those of Cryptomeria japonica are triumphs of human ingenuity. All these are now a part of a tradition that will continue to prevail in the forestry of the region. The paper briefly dwells on the early benefits of conservation and subsequent history of the development of forestry-the past when the forests remained isolated from any discipline of management and the present when it is linked up with the development in the countryside, It finally reaches an argument to reduce the impact of such conflicts as that originate form the fanatical belief that in the long run and often in the short, Nature usually knows best.

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R. C. Ghosh

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P. Guhathakurta , R. C. Ghosh

Abstract

Ailanthus grandis, Prain wlth several desirable characters in external form and behavior, namely, quicker rate of growth relative to others in association, a straight cylindrical bole without unwanted flares at the base and not too great a taper at the top, a restricted crown enabling a greater economy of the aerial space, habit of natural pruning, apical dominance of shoots and a thin back, has become eminently suitable for maximising production within a short span of time. The wood too can be put to several uses including box planking, match making and newsprint grade of pulp. From plantations raised since 1921 a relationship of the age wlth girth, height and volume of individual trees and some crop data bave been established. Some basic information too bas been gathered from current trials. Erratic in flowering and fruiting, Ailanthus has a long period of dormancy breaking with the onset of monsoon and a low viability; in a good seed year seed dibbling and in poor years, one-year old oursery stock outplanting in containers are the best methods of raising a successful plantatin. Naked ischolar_main or ball of earth planting is not as efficient. Stumping has failed so far though it does not seem to be totally impossible. A taungya with a low vegetabie crop in the first year makes invaluable assistance io establlsbing young plantations. An early planting in favourable weather results in superior height growth. The greatest obstacle to extension of Ailanthus grandis in the duars is its aversion to excess moisture in the seedling stage. In these areas, the micro-relief produces zones of impeded drainage. To combat this, the ridge planting has been found to be successful. At present, large areas in the bhabar where draiilage poses no problem are beinagbrought under Ailanthus grandis with Bombax ceiba Linn. And it seems to be possible to harvest such a crop at 35-40 years and the final crop from principal species, Ailanthus alone will yield 20 m² per hectare per annum. This plus out-turn from intermediate thinnings and final harvest of Bombax ceiba should go to qualify the crop as economically viable. In the duars where the species bad setbacks, Ailanthus is being mixed with Michelia champaca, Linn. And Bombax ceiba. Here the question of predominant role of Ailamhus Is uncertain, and unlike, in the bhabar where it Is possible to manage a crop of predetermined composition, tbe strategy of management at present is highly flexible.

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R. C. Ghosh , P. Guhathakurta

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Acclaimed as a reliable species for high production Pinus patula has been widely planted in its native country, Mexico and also, in Soulh Afriqa, Rhodesia, Tansania, Kemfa, Malawi, Uganda, Malagasy etc. In India too, the species has of late, come into prominence and several states have adopted it for large scale plantation. Pinus patula is a native of Mexico where it grows on a wide range of sites in the southern region. In this region, three thermal zones can be clearly defined, viz. (a) temperate colder, (b) temperate warmer and subtropical-determined by altitude within the limits 19°21° north latitudes. Good growth of the species is however restricted to certain typical moist tracts. It is abundant in the warmer and colder temperate zone where dense and pure stand naturally occur at elevations ranging from about 1500 to 3000 with an annual rainfall of 700 to 2000 mm and frequent mists. The crop is superior in quality in the valleys and on the flats with deep, moist, well drained loamy solis. It is diluted with several associates of Pines in the marginal areas and on the poor, gravely and shallow solis with a lower rainfall and on the edge of escarpment it is usually replaced mainiy by P. teocote and Oak scrubs. Pinus patula often grows into a denseiy packed crop-about 1500 to 2500 stems can occur on a he ctare of land at the middle ages i.e. 30-40 years. On good sites, the trees show rapid growth in the early stages and in certain areas the species can attain a diameter of 25 cm at about 10 years. This extraordinary growth rate accounted for extensive trial plantations of P. patul in different parts of the world. The Silvicultural characteristic of P. patula should not vary fundamentally from those growing in its native habitat, and it should not be difficult to select suitable sites in this country.

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R. C. Ghosh , R. P. Singh , K. K. Sharma

Abstract

As prolongation of the time of germination exposes the valuable seeds of Pinus caribaea & P. patula to several risks, trials were undertaken to use a number of cheap and easily available agents for hastening germination. HCI, HCIO₄, cowdung, boiling water and combinations of different durations of soaking and concentrations of H₂O₂, thiourea sol., KNO₃ sol. and water were tried. Lower strengths of H₂O₂ when used for shorter durations proved effective in both of the cases, albeit for P. patula soaking in water for 18 hrs at ambient temperature was best in increasing overall germination. Higher strengths of H₂O₂ and higher soaking periods proved inhibitive in case of P. patula; 0.25% to 0.5% thiourea sol. and 0.5% to 1% KNO₃ sol. inhibited germination of P. caribaea seed whereas cowdung and boiling water brought down the germination % of the both. Hydrochloric acids proved ineffective except in case of P. caribaea, but there too, it was inferior to H₂O₂ (3 to 6%) when used for 6 to 18 hrs.

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R. C. Ghosh , R. P. Singh , K. K. Sharma

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R. C. Ghosh , R. P. Singh , K. K. Sharma

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R. C. Ghosh

Abstract

Historically, forestry was dedicated to, and developed for protection and conservation. In fact, the foresters were the original environmentalists. But the dynamics of conversion from predominantly rural and agricultural society to an industrial structure with urban amenities, has given rise to a host of unanswered questions that are fundamental to working out future management policies that would take into account the rapidly developing social consciousness to rational use of natural resources. Much of the forests in this country is situated in the sensitive areas of catchments of many important rivers and it is not by chance that success of national development plans of high priority such as for water development, irrigation, power production or flood protection depend on the stability or improvement of these areas. Nevertheless, the fact remains that forestry cannot discard its utilitarian outlook. As professional resource managers, foresters thus bear a heavy burden and have to recognise seemingly contrasting values of production and protection that forests and forestry contribute to the welfare system or a rapidly developing society. A reinterpretation of the goals and status of forestry in the framework of land utilisation is necessary to replace the concept of autonomous role of forestry based on the production function alone. The new implica tions have to be studied in great details to judge the propriety of the management alternatives and finally choose the one that would cater or, apart from wood, many other amenities that are bountiful in a stable situation. In the face of this, it would be worthwhile considering if the management economy can take one or more adjustments at a time.

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