U. M. Farooqui , R. K. Dixit , A. K. Patra , S. P. Rayal. , A. Khan , S. K. Tiwari

Abstract

Cones of radiata pine or Pinus radiata are serotinous. The cone scales are stuck together by resin making natural seed release impossible for many years. In the present study cones were subjected to various heat treatments viz. Heated in a kiln at 65°C for 8 hours, heated in a microwave oven set at high poser for 60 seconds or submerged in boiling water of 120 seconds. Subsequent rate and extent of seed release was observed on day 1,3,6 and 7. Maximum and quickest seed release was observed following the kiln treatment. Seed viability assessed by Tetrazolium Test (TZ) and relative seed vigour assessed by Accelerated Aging (AA) test both showed that seed extracted by the kiln method was superior to that obtained by either of the other two methods. The effectiveness of suitable methods of extraction of seeds from cones of P. radiata in the light of economic importance is discussed.

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R. K. Dixit , M. B. Thomas , U. M. Farooqui , A. K. Patra , M. L. Spurway

Abstract

Three species of Acacia were grown using a range of P rates in a peat/sand (1:1) media. Seedlings were grown in 1 litre pots in a greenhouse. Severe P toxicity occurred in A. baileyana and A. cardiophylla when P rates supplied from 5-6 month, Osmocote 0-18-0 fertilizer exceeded 20g P/m³/month. Toxicity was indicated by severe stunting and often iron chlorosis of the tip growth. The third species was A. pravissima which was tolerant of P levels approximately double (and even higher) those tolerated by the former species. All three species showed increases in the growth parameters measured of stem diameter, height and foliar dry matter when the P application was increased from nil to 10g P/m³/month.

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M. G. Gogate , U. M. Farooqui , V. S. joshi

Abstract

Discharge of Sewage Water (SW) is primary source of pollution especially near big cities. But their irrigational and manural potential can he harnessed for production of arboreal biomass. In Maharashtra and adjoining states a large number of farmers are going for irrigated teak (Tectona grandis) plantations. Use of SW in this context will not only decrease cost of plantation by saving expenditure on manuring, but will reduce the pollution as well. In a case study of teak plan actions irrigated with SW, it was observed that growth in terms ofh eight and girth were significantly higher (P

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M. G. Gogate , U. M. Farooqui , V. S. Joshi

Abstract

A critical assessment of series of high input teak plantations established by Divisional Manager, F.D.C.M. Ltd., Thane Division has been carried out. Application ofirrigation and fertilizers have definitely shown positive response and has resulted in gains overrainfed plantations. Continuous monitoring of response to irrigation has revealed that except during juvenile stage, there is lack of response to irrigation during winter months i.e. period of dormancy. Claims of spectacular growth with higher inputs round the year made by number of agencies engaged in tree plantation ventures, are thus not supported. A judicious application of irrigation and greater emphasili on genetic improvement is thus stressed.

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