R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin , A. K. Thakur

Abstract

Response of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and a companion fungus (CF) (Aspergillus fumigatus) was studied on growth of Aonla (Emblica officinalis) in nursery. Application of AM fungi and PSB in combination produced maximum plant height followed by combination of all the four treatments. Maximum diameter of seedlings was obtained in Azospirillum treatment followed by Azospirillum along with the companion fungus, followed by combination of AM fungi and companion fungus and companion fungus and PSB. Maximum ischolar_main colonization was in AM fungi and companion fungus combination and combination of AM fungi, companion fungus and Azospirillum. On the basis of above application of AM fungi along with companion fungus or Azospirillum and companion fungus is recommended to boost the growth of Aonla in nursery.

Keywords

Emblica officinalis, Bio-fertilizers, Nursery

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Veerji Tikoo , R. K. Verma , Amita Fotedar , B. K. Fotedar

Abstract

Chemical analysis of water flowing in Bichlari Nala was carried out for Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb. The analysis revealed all cations are below the permissible limits except Fe, Mn and Ni, which are above permissible limits and hence toxic for human consumption. As far as agricultural use of this water is concerned, no element is in higher concentration and hence is non-hazardous for crops. Bicarbonates, sulphates and nitrates, total hardness values are all within safer levels. Turbidity values are higher because of higher rate of erosion in the catchment areas. pH of all the samples is within the permissible limits. SAR (Sodium Absorption Ratio), SSP (Sodium Soluble Percentage) and RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate) values are too low to cause any type of soil hazard. Proper hygienic filtration and disinfection with chlorine/bromine is recommended to render the waters fit for human consumption. Besides disinfection, vetiver grass needs to be grown abundantly in and around Banihal town and steep hills existing on both the banks of Bichlari stream. This will check fast erosion by binding the soil together and also will screen many of the cations including Fe, Ni and Mn to enter into the solution of the waters. Last, but not the least, is to create mass awareness among the residents of all the villages existing in the areas between Banihal and Ramban towns for maintaining a good sanitation throughout. Deforestation in the catchment areas of Bichlari Nala should be stopped forthwith with strong hands to protect mass wastage, landslides and contamination in waters.

Keywords

Water Quality, Assessment, Bichlari Nala, Jammu & Kashmir

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R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin , V. S. Dadwal , A. K. Thakur

Abstract

Effect of application of biofertilizers, Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi was studied in a factorial experiment on production of planting propagules (stumps) of teak in nursery. Seed germination was maximum in Azospirillum treatment followed by its combination with AM and PSB after two months. Maximum height of seedlings was recorded in AM + Azospirillum, AM + PSB and AM+PSB+ Azospirillum combination after five months. Diameter of seedlings at collar region was maximum in AM, AM + Azospirillum and AM + Azospirillum + PSB combinations. The economics of biofertilizer application is also worked out. Application of biofertilizers increase the number of stumps produced per bed as well as the diameter of stumps. Therefore, an artificial profit index was calculated combining the both parameters to infer the real benefit of biofertilizers' application. Based on the profit index application of AM fungi along with Azospirillum was found the best treatment to produce quality planting propagules of teak in a commercial nursery.

Keywords

Teak Propagules, Commercial Nursery, Biofertilizer Application, Economics

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R. K. Verma , K. K. Soni

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal ischolar_main colonization, spores of AM fungi in rhizosphere soil, incidence and intensity of leaf spot disease caused by Drechslera rostrata in 3-7 years old plantations of 25 different bamboos at Amravati, Maharashtra State was evaluated. Root colonization, spore number and disease incidence and intensity varied in different bamboos. There is no definite correlation in these parameters. Maximum ischolar_main colonization was recorded in Bambusa vulgaris, B. nutans and Dendrocalamus asper. Maximum disease incidence was recorded in Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, D. asper, Bambusa ventricosa and Meloncanna baccifera. Among AM species Acaulospora scrobiculata showed the maximum frequency followed by Glomus intraradices, A. laevis and G. etunicatum.

Keywords

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Root Colonization, AM Fungi, Leaf Blight Disease, Bamboo
Plantations

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Yogendra Singh , R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin

Abstract

A field experiment carried out to investigate the effect of biocontrol agents, plant products and biofertilizers including Trichoderma pseudokoningii, T. polysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Vitex negundo extract, Jatropha cake, Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium showed a significant increase in germination, height and collar diameter and reduction in mortality of D. sissoo seedlings due to Fusarium wilt in a number of treatment combinations. The results indicated that applications of T. pseudokoningii, AM fungi, Rhizobium and Jatropha cake in combination may be recommended for management of vascular wilt disease and production of quality seedlings of D. sissoo.

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S. P. Subramani , Vaneet Jishtu , R. K. Verma , K. S. Kapoor

Abstract

Floristic studies were conducted in Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary from 1999 to 2003. A total of 395 species belonging to 316 genera and 115 families were collected and identified. It includes 228 species of medicinal and aromatic plants, 85 species of exotics. The biological spectrum of study area reveals that the vegetation is theronanophanerophytic. The life forms of the area are Megaphanerophyte (0.52%), Mesophanerophyte (12.34%), Microphanerophyte (16.54%), Nanophanerophyte (19.16%), Chamaephyte (7.61%), Hemicryptophtye (5.51%), Geophyte (2.10%), Hydrophyte or marsh plants (3.41%), Therophyte (31.24%), Liana (0.79%), Parasite (0.52%) and Epiphyte (0.26%). The higher percentage of therophyte when compared to normal biological spectrum is due to the climate being favourable for growth of annuals. It is also presumed that the dominance of therophytes and nanophanerophytes may have partly resulted from disturbance in vegetation and grazing.

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R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin

Abstract

The response of three different inocula of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi was studied on growth, biomass, phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) uptake and per cent ischolar_main colonization in Bambusa nutans seedlings. The seedlings were raised as per routine nursery procedure in unsterilized soil mix. Mix AM inocula were used to inoculate the seedlings and comprised: (1) Acaulospora scrobiculata, Glomus mosseae, Scutellospora heterogama and S. pellucida, (2) Acaulospora sp. 2, A. scrobiculata, Gigaspora sp., Glomus mosseae, and Scutellospora pellucida, (3) A. laevis, Acaulospora sp., Gigaspora sp., S. pellucida. The first two inocula were isolated from bamboo ischolar_main segments and the third from teak rhizosphere soil. The improvement in growth parameters is correlated with per cent ischolar_main colonization of seedlings by AM fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhization by selected AM fungi constitutes in important approach for subsequent growth and development of Bambusa nutans seedlings.

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Yogendra Singh , R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin

Abstract

A study was carried out in ischolar_main trainers to test the efficacy of different biofertilizers and biocontrol agents including Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AM), Rhizobium (Rh),four species of Trichoderma namely T. atroviride (Ta),T.sp.1,T.sp.2,T. polysporum (Tp) and one species of Aspergillus (As) against Fusarium wilt (seed rot and damping-off) of sissoo. Biofertilizers and biocontrol agents in various treatment combinations effectively controlled both seed rot and damping-off caused by Fusarium solani. Rhizobium alone with Aspergillus sp. Treatment was found the best to check the disease development while AM fungi, Rhizobium and T. polysporum in combination was the best among all treatments in checking the disease as well as promoting the growth.

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R. S. Dhanda , R. K. Verma

Abstract

Timber volume and weight tables have been prepared for Poplar P. deltoides, which is an important agroforestry tree species in Punjab and is grown mainly for commercially important industrial timber. Timber volume (both over bark and under bark), fresh timber weight, above ground biomass, and firewood estimate tables have been developed based on regression equations. Of four simple regression models tested for single-entry and multi-entry regression equations, linear and multiplicative models of the form Y = a + b^x and Y = a^*x ^", respectively, provided the best fit to the observed limits of data. Applicability of multi-entry tables was checked through statistical analyses and were found to be applicable without correction. Percentage of bark volume (over bark and under bark timber volume) for clone G-3 was found to be 18.5 and 22.6 per cent, respectively. Tbe specific gravity of green wood came out to be 0.806.

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C. K. Tiwari , Jagrati Parihar , R. K. Verma

Abstract

The occurrence and distribution of 81 wood decaying fungi on different hosts in forest wood depots of Chhattisgarh is reported. The study area is confined to nine wood depots and each wood depot, depending on area occupied, is divided into five sectors. The maximum number of wood decaying fungi reported in Gariyabandh wood depot and minimum number of wood decaying fungi reported in Kota and Dhamtari. Out of 79 specimens, 3 species including Schizophyllum commune Fr., Trametescingulata Berk. and Flavodonflavus (Klot.) Ryvarden, were common to all nine wood depots areas and show their occurrence and frequency 100%.

Keywords

Wood Decaying Fungi, Forest Wood Depots, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes cingulata, Flavodonflavus and Chhatisgarh

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C. K. Tiwari , R. K. Verma , K. K. Soni , Jamaluddin

Abstract

Study was made to test the efficacy of five Trichoderma species (biocontrol agents) and two fungicides, on suppression of Ganoderma lucidum Karst. invasion in ischolar_main block of Albizia procera Benth., tree in two type of media in-vitro. The fungicides used were Bavistin(0.2%) and Bordeaux mixture (5:5:50) while the biocontrol agents were Trichoderma pseudokoningii, T. longibrachiatum, T.atroviride. T.polysporum and an unidentified Trichoderma sp. isolated from A.procera living ischolar_main surface. The test fungus, Ganoderma lucidum was isolated from A.procera. After 8 weeks of incubation (27±2°C), Bavistin and Bordeaux mixture were found equally effective in minimizing weight losses in different combination of biocontrol agent. The best treatment combination was Bordeaux mixture + T.polysporum in sand soil medium.

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R. K. Verma , K. S. Kapoor , R. S. Rawat , Surinder Kumar

Abstract

Studies were conducted in polythene bags of size 12" × 20" (25 × 50 cm approx) to evaluate the effect of different combinations of lime mine spoil and forest soil (1 : 0, 5 : 1, 2 : 1,1 : 1, 1 : 5 and 1 : 2 v/v) on performance of five tree species viz; Bauhinia variegata, Robinia pseudoacacia, Eucalyptus hybrid, Grewia optiva and Toona ciliata. The experiment was carried out in polythene bags using randomized complete block design with three replications during 2001. The results show that combination of lime mine spoil-forest soil in the ratio of 1 : 5 and 1 : 2 (v/v) was found to be most effective with regard to survival, growth and biomass production parameters in all the five species. Eucalyptus hybrid gave maximum height, collar diameter, shoot dry weight, ischolar_main dry weight and total biomass whereas, survival was observed highest in Grewia optiva. Eucalyptus hybrid was followed by Bauhinia variegata, Grewia optiva, Robinia pseudoacacia and Toona ciliata in terms of growth parameters.

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L. M. S. Baghel , Anjali Gupta , R. K. Verma , N. G. Totey

Abstract

Basods' socio-economic status was studied in Bamhani block constituting of five villages namely Bamhani, Kamta, Kapotbahra, Tilai and Chhapri lying in Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh. There are 31 Basod families in this tract consisting of 72 males and 71 females with total persons of 143 where male: female ratio varies from 792 to 1500. Literacy is very low of the order of 36.36%. Demand of green bamboos (about 78%) is mostly met through adjoining bamboo forests by illegal means and the collection goes all the year around. Per capita income of Basod varies from Rs. 1765 to Rs. 3474. Basods make several articles depending upon seasonal requirement. 73% articles are mostly disposed of through individual efforts and 27% articles are sold through middlemen. 28% of the articles are consumed in villages. 28% are sold in local markets. Town markets are important in Bamhani area where 38% of articles are consumed. The remaining 6% articles are shifted to city market. Basods in this region have developed expertise to manufacture decorative items which fetch good price. Each article fetches a different price depending upon total bamboo consumed and mandays put up for manufacture of articles. Net profit per manday varies from Rs. 8.32 to Rs. 35.53 on general commodities. On decorative articles net profit per manday is from Rs. 40.82 to Rs. 48.89. On goods to be used in marriages, net profit per manday is from Rs. 3.32 to Rs. 21.65. Assuming that Basods work for 200 days in a year making certain articles, per day earning turns out to be Rs. 19.18. This is however improved if decorative items are sold. Articles used in marriages do not yield substantially. Bamboo requirement in Bamhani area is of the order of 29000 bamboo culms for 200 days if 2 bamboos are used by a male Basod and one bamboo by a female Basod daily. Main problems of Basod community in this region are (1) non availability of green bamboos; (2) improper marketing and selling of articles and (3) non-availability of finances. In addition to many other suggestions, initiation of Basod Co-operative Society will be a step further in improvement of socio-economic status of Basods.

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R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin , K. K. Soni

Abstract

A die back disease caused by Haplosporella bakeriana in Acacia nilotica and H. beaumontiana in Albida lebbek and Pongamiapinnata is reported in the young plantations (1-5 years) ofleguminous tree species from Central India. The disease caused 25.5%, 20.8% and 11.3% damage in Acacia nilotica, Albizia lebbek and Pongamia pinnata respectively.

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R. K. Verma , N. G. Totey , B. N. Gupta

Abstract

Shorea robusta is dominant in preserved and unpreserved areas having maximum IVI, density, frequency and abundance. The higher value of diversity index in preserved plot than unpreserved one indicates more stable community in the preserved plot. The distribution of tree species in this forest is characterised by random and regular distribution. The population structure of tree species is represented mainly by two patterns. One pattern is represented by greater proportion of individuals in seedling stage indicating frequent reproduction. Another pattern indicates individuals in intermediate girth classes, wherein disturbances prevent regeneration thereby absence of seedlings. If such a trend continues for longer period, these species may disappear from this area in near future.

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R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi of Tectona grandis isolated from 20 different sites, including nursery, plantation and natural forests their ischolar_main colonization and effect of inoculation of AM fungi on growth of teak seedlings were studied. The per cent ischolar_main colonization ranges between 25-95 at different sites. Genetically superior (plus trees) showed heavy ischolar_main colonization as compared to other normal trees. Sixteen different AM fungi were isolated and identified belonging to 5 genera of Glom ales namely Acaulospora, Gigaspora, Glomus, Scutellospora and Sclerocystis. Among these Glomus etunicatum and Acaulospora scrobiculata were found most widely distributed species followed by Glomus indraradices and G. mosseae while G. fasciculatum, was found least frequent. Inoculation of teak seedling with G. fasciculatum and mix AM fungi separately showed better height growth, biomass and percent ischolar_main infection in nursery compare to uninoculated (control) seedlings. The mix AM inoculum is found more effective to boost the growth and biomass.

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R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin , B. N. Gupta

Abstract

Seedlings of Acacia nilotica were inoculated with Rhizobium strain, isolated from nodules of the same species, VAM fungi and single dose of nitrogen and phosphorus in unsterilized soil in nursery condition. A single species of VAM fungus, Glomus mosseae and a mixture of VAM fungi locally isolated, consisting of Glomus species and a Gigaspora sp. Were used to inoculate the seedlings. Height growth, collar diameter, nodulation, percentage ischolar_main infection by VAM fungi, fresh and dry weights of shoot and ischolar_mains were determined after 4 months of inoculation. Inoculation of Rhizobium and VAM fungi and application of nitrogen and phosphorus singly or in different combinations enhanced the growth and biomass production as compared to uninoculated (control) seedlings. Maximum seedlings volume (height x ischolar_main collar diameter²) was found in seedlings inoculated with G. mosseae and Rhizobium in combination, as well as Rhizobium and phosphorus combination followed by mixed inoculum of VAM fungi. Maximum total dry biomass was recorded in seedlings treated with a combination of mixture of VAM fungi, Rhizobium VAM mixed and phosphorus. It is concluded that inoculation of VAM fungi, Rhizobium singly or in combination is equally or more beneficial over use of chemical fertilizers in raising the seedlings of Acacia nilotica.

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H. S. Thapar , Kamla Uniyal , R. K. Verma

Abstract

Surveys were conducted on the occurrence of VAM fungi in Sadic soils of three districts of Haryana State. Thirteen Glomus spp. i.e. Glomus aggregatum, G. albidum, G. caledonius. G. etunicatum, G. fasciculatum. G. macrocarpum, G. maculosum, G. microcarpum. G. monosporum, G. mosseae, G. multicaulis, G. reticula tum and Glomus sp., one Scutellospora, Scutellospora nigra and two species of Sclerocystis. S coremioides and S. sinuosa were isolated and identified. Glomus spp. were most abundant in study sites. Scutellospora was rare and Sclerocystis spp. were frequent. Glomus macrocarpum, Glomus microcarpum and Glomus fasciculatum were isolated in moderate the high frequencies from all the locations. The presence of Glomus albidum, G. maculosum and Scutellospora nigra is reported for the first time from Sodic soils of Haryana State.

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R. K. Verma , A. K. Thakur , P. S. Rajput

Abstract

Different plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM) were screened for their growth promoting activity against Santalum album in nursery. A mix of selected organisms, Azospirillum, phosphate solubilising bacteria (fluorescent Pseudomonas sp.), Trichderma viride, AM fungi and soil amendment with organic matter were applied in a factorial field experiment to study their effect on survival and growth of sandal (Santalum album) saplings. Loam soil, farm yard manure (FYM), un-decomposed teak leaf, Leucaena leaf and mix organic matter (mixer of these 3 organic matters in equal ratio) in 3:1 v/v were used for amendment of natural red muram soil. There was 10-20% mortality in un-amended soil as compared to 0-10% in soil amended with organic matter along with PGPM application. No mortality was recorded in soil amended with loam soil, mix of FYM, teak and Leucaena leaves along with application of PGPM. Significant effect of soil amendment and application of PGPM was also observed on the growth of saplings after 2 years and 3 monthof planting. Fruit bodies of Lepiota longicauda, L. cristata and Scleroderma sp. were only developed on soil amended with organic matters. Maximum height was recorded in PGPM applied and soil amended with teak leaves (61% more as compared to control) followed by mixed organic matter and loam soil (39% and 38% more, respectively).

Keywords

Plant Growth Promoting Microbes, Soil Amendments, Survival of Seedlings

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R. K. Verma , K. S. Kapoor

Abstract

A study was carried out to know the floristic diversity along an altitudinal gradient with elevations varying from 3000m to 5000m above msl in Namgia valley falling in cold desert area of district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh during 2007. Total number of plant species was 142 belonging to 49 families and 105 genera. The dominant families were Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, Ranunculaceae and Rosaceae. The number of tree species at 3000-3500m elevation was 8 with the dominance of Populus nigra. The number of shrub species were 17, 8, 6 and 2 at the elevation of 3000-3500m, 3500-4000m, 4000-4500m and 4500-5000m respectively while number of herb species were 72, 62, 42 and 32 species at the same elevations. Juniperus communis taking shape of dominant shrub at 3500-4000m and 4000-4500m elevations. Ephedra gerardiana was dominant herb at 3000-3500m and 3500-4000m elevations. The distribution pattern of most of the plant species was contiguous in all altitudes. Index of diversity for herb species at different elevations ranges was 3.56, 3.25, 3.14 and 3.04. Out of 64 medicinal plant species recorded from the area, 13 species fall in the threatened category.

Keywords

Floristic diversity, Dominance, Diversity index, Threatened plant, Namgia valley.

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R. K. Verma

Abstract

No Abstract

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R. K. Verma , Rinki Hanwat , P. S. Rajput , C. K. Tiwari

Abstract

Khair mortality was recorded in two central Indian states, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Mortality was observed in 9-20 years old plantations upto 93 per cent in both states due to ischolar_main rot disease caused by a fungus, Ganoderma lucidum. In Madhya Pradesh, the worst affected areas are Palpur (Sheopur) and Ghuniya beet (Indore) having maximum 93% and 40% mortality respectively. In Maharashtra, Hiwari range of Yavatmal was found as the most affected site having up to 60% mortality due to this disease. Fusarium sp. also causes 3% mortality in one year old plantation at Akoli beet, Pandherkawda (MS). Total 17 fungal species were found associated with different stages of khair mortality which include 6 fungi, namely Hapalopilus nidulans, Lenzites pisolotii, Monodictys castaneae, Resinicium bicolor, Rigidoporus vinctus and Trametes hirusita recorded for the first time from central India.

Keywords

Decay Fungi, Fusarium Sp., Ganoderma Lucidum, Heart Rot, Phellinus Badius, Root Rot

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R. K. Verma ¹, Richa Tripathee ¹, Sonam Chourasiya ¹, A. K. Thakur ¹

Affiliations
1 Forest Pathology Division, Tropical Forest Research Institute, PO- RFRC, Jabalpur- 482021, IN

Abstract

Response of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and Azospirillum, was studied on growth and shoot Phosphorus contents of bael (Aegle marmelos) in nursery. Application of AM fungi in combination with Azospirillum produced maximum plant biomass, shoot phosphorus content and ischolar_main colonization. Application of Azospirillum along with AM fungi showed a synergistic effect on ischolar_main colonization and is being recommended to boost the growth of bael seedlings in nursery.

Keywords

Am Fungi, Azospirillum, Biomass, Root Colonization, P-uptake.

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