Showing papers in "The Indian Forester in 2003"

Biofuels: an opportunity for socio-economic development and cleaner environment.

Abstract: Both transport and industry depend heavily on diesel, which is produced from crude oil. However, reserves of crude oil are rapidly diminishing and the reliability and security of oil supplies has been of global concern. Depleting reserves of fossil fuel and increasing effect of environment pollution from these fuels demand eco.friendly alternatives. Biofuels (plant based fuel) can supplement or replace fossil fuels as they are renewable and environmentally safe. The most common type of biofuels that are being developed and used at present are bioethanol and biodiesel. After examining economic and operational aspects of blending of ethanol in petrol in terms oflogistic, marketing and distribution, Government of India decided to promote the use of 5% ethanol blend gasoline as a motor fuel in the country. To meet the energy needs of the country, annual consumption of petro diesel in 2000-2001 was about 38% of the total petroleum products. In view of economic, environmental and health benefits associated with use ofbiodiesel, planners have decided to develop biofuel programme in the country and targets are fixed to replace 5% and 10% of petro diesel by biodiesel by the year 2010 and 2015, respectively. Economics of production of biodiesel is a determining factor in making biofuel programme successful. The fatty oil derived from Jatropha curcas (Ratanjyot) and Pongamia pinnata (Karanj) are the excellent feed stock for biodiesel production. The paper presents on overview of biodiesel production using these species in Indian context and socio-economic development likely to occur.

A Balanced Perspective for Management of Indian Medicinal Plants

Abstract: Indigenous Systems of Medicine like Ayurveda , Siddha , Unani and Swarigpa have their separate codes of medicine and their practitioners use medicinal plants in their own way. Besides , there are traditional women , elders who also possess knowledge of medicinal plants and use them as remedies and health aids in areas from high Himalayas in the North to Kanyakumari in the South. Regional studies and checklists are available but these have not been , in all cases , correlated to modern systems based on chemistry and pharmacology. It has been estimated that about 1 ,800 species are fully documented for biological properties , which are mainly obtained from tropical and various types of forests. Of the 386 families and 2 ,200 genera , 10 families provide the larger share and the highest number of species falls under Asteraceae.About one-third of these are trees , shrubs , and herbs , respectively. Threat assessment has indicated that about 200 species are rare , endangered or threatened. Conservation and cultivation strategies have been suggested and a holistic approach recommended because cultivation alone cannot prevent extinction. In-situ conservation of wild population , establishment of taluka-Ievel herbal gardens , thousands of home gardens and large scale cultivation of selected cultivators are the four important measures , which are likely to effect conservation and reduce threat , at present facing them due to over-exploitation as well as their destructive utilization , as roots barks , whole plants etc. in these systems.

Diversity and conservation status of medicinal plants in Uttaranchal State

Abstract: The Uttaranchal State is located in the Indian western Himalayan Region (IHR). Like other provinces of the IHR this region is also known for rich biodiversity. The rich plant diversity of the region has been in use since the Vedic Period. Most of the medicinal plants are being extracted for drug and pharmaceutical industries from wild populations. This has adversely affected the very existence of a number of plants of high commercial value. Further, with the increasing world demand and renewed global interest in traditional ethnopharmacy coupled with the increasing preference for natural substances in the health care system, the natural stock of medicinal plants of the State is under tremendous pressure. Majority of the species are used in Ayurvedic, Unani and other traditional systems of medicine and also in the plant based pharmaceutical industries. In view of the importance of medicinal plants of the region, it has become necessary to review the diversity and conservation status of medicinal plants of Uttaranchal State. The present study recorded 701 species of medicinal plants. Of these 138 species were trees, 135 species were shrubs, 421 species were herbs and 7 species were ferns. Among the families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Orchidaceae and among the genera Euphorbia, Polygonum, Allium, Ficus, Berberis, Swertia and Cassia showed the maximum representation of the species. Sixty six families were monotypic. Whole plants (179 spp.), roots (120 spp.), leaves (56 spp.), fruits (12 spp.), seeds (25 spp.), flowers (10 spp.) and combinations of different parts (299 spp.) were used for the treatment of various ailments. Maximum diversity of medicinal plants was distributed in the zone of < 1800 m and gradually decreased with the increasing altitude. 178 species were native to the Himalayan region, 9 species were endemic and 104 species were near endemic. Seven species i.e., Saussurea costus (Endangered), Allium stracheyi, Berberis affinis, Dioscorea deltoidea, Nardostachys grandiflora, and Picrorhiza kurrooa (Vulnerable), and Pittosporum eriocarpum (Indeterminate) have been recorded in the Red Data Book of Indian Plants. Using new IUCN criteria these species along with others have been also categorized as Critically Endangered (18 spp.), Endangered (18 spp.), Vulnerable (22 spp.), Low Risk - Near Threatened (6 spp.) and Low Risk - Least Concern (1 species). In- situ and ex- situ conservation initiatives have been also highlighted. Based on the distribution and potential values medicinal plants have been prioritized for cultivation in different altitude zones. Further, appropriate action plan for the conservation and management of medicinal plants has been suggested.

Commercial exploitation and conservation status of high value medicinal plants across the borderline of India and Nepal in Pithoragarh

Abstract: Across the borderline of Nepal and India in the Jhulaghat region of Pithoragarh District (Uttaranchal), a total of 16 medicinal plants were documented during the present survey, which are in trade for commercial purpose. Most of these medicinal plants are being collected from the Baitedi District of Nepal and then supplied to the India via Jhulaghat and Dharchula. Reetha ( Sapindus mukorosii ) was traded commercially in highest quantity (about 4,000 qt1s) during 2001-2002. Six species of rare and endangered categories were also collected from Baitadi District for sale to India, inspite of the total ban on their collection for commercial purpose. Based on the survey and findings, various conservation and management steps have been discussed to protect the medicinal plants and also for future course of action.

India's Initial National Communication (NATCOM) to united nations framework convention on climate change and the forestry sector

Abstract: United Nations established the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 to stablise the Green House Gases (GHGs) conentrations in the atmosphere. India has initiated preparations of its Initial National Communication to the UNFCCC in November 2001 in the form of Project NATCOM. At present about 110 institutions including Universities , Government Departments , Research institutions , Autonomous bodies , and NonGovernmental Organizations have been engaged in multi-discplinary activities all over the country. Present paper examines the experiences of the project to respond to the likely adverse impacts of climate change and also to improve the quality of future National Communiclltions to the UNFCCC.

Soil Organic Carbon Store in Different Forests of India

Abstract: Global warming and emission of CO 2 are of world wide concern because these are creating environmental imbalance and are a long term threat to the well being of all life on earth. Soil is a major sink of carbon. 9815.95 million tonnes of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) store was estimated in total forest soils (as per 1994 forest stands) under 19 species spread over 27 States and Union territories in India. Spruce forest soil has maximum SOC store (386.0 t/ha) while Khair has minimum (51.93 t/ha). In India , miscellaneous forests are spread over an area of 40.7316 million ha , and their soils have maximum SOC store (6469.80 million tonnes) while in Hollong forest with an area of 0.0068 million ha , soils have the least SOC store (0.82 million million tonnes). Among the Indian States , Arunachal Pradesh has maximum SOC store (1702.08 million tonnes) while Dadra&Nagar Haveli has minimum (2.42 million tonnes) SOC store. Arunachal Pradesh ranks first in India having 248.11 t/ha SOC store in the soils of the State. Soil conservation practices should be strengthened to conserve these natural resources so that carbon store may not deplete especially from hilly terrain.

Development of marketing of medicinal plants and other forest products: can it be a path way for effective management and conservation ?

Abstract: Since times immemorial , plants have served mankind by providing food , shelter , medicine etc. In recent times the demand for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) has increased rapidly in the global market. Domestic sales are growing at a rate of 20% per annum , while the international market for herbal products is estimated to be growing 7% per annum. Due to rapidly increasing demand of MAPs , a number of species are known to have become rare , endangered , threatened and extinct. Every year thousands of tonnes of these plant resources are being exploited from the natural habitat either legally or illegally without fair benefits accruing to the local people. Indian Himalayan region is the storehouse for the MAPs , besides bearing the largest economic resource being tapped , but local communities get only a tiny fraction of the profits. It is historically a secretive trade and little is known about who collects , who trades , who profits and whether there is over-harvesting. It is established that the basic causes of unsustainable harvesting are ignorance , poverty and lack of alternative livelihood support systcms accompanied by encroachments by outsiders. Sustainable harvest with proper buy-back gaurantee will provide considerable off-farm employment opportunities to the local inhabitants. Traditional and local communities are the true resource managers with deciding roles in the conservation , management , use and development of MAPs in the Himalayan region. The conservation and management of MAPs in their natural habitat require active involvement of the local communities at every step. Therefore , effective training and capacity building focused on domestication/cultivation and conservation , improved marketing systems and processing/semi processing , bio-prospecting and value addition locally are the appropriate short and long term solution to assure conservation and management and sustainable livelihoods to the local communities.

Threatened Medicinal Plants and their Conservation in Himachal Himalayas

Abstract: The paper analyses 133 rare, sensitive and threatened medicinal plant species of Himachal Himalayas for their status with the help of use pattern, nativity and endemism and explores possibilities for their conservation. These species constitute 17% trees, 23 % shrubs and 60 % herbs distributed over 59 families. The listed species include those that have been considered prone to endangerment or referred as endangered in literature and through experts' group exercises. These include 34 % endemism (Indian Himalayan Region) of the total defined taxa in the paper. The above total assessed taxa show high nativity (>53 %) to Himalayan region. A higher percentage of species (> 50 %) under ethno-medicinal as well as commercially medicinal use category indicate high pressure on the same. Destructive nature of use pattern, i.e. root (60 %), whole plant (16 %), bark/wood/resin (19 %) further indicates threats from harvesting. Special stress is made on 45 threatened species assessed under IUCN and other experts' criteria for Himachal Himalaya. Species prioritization using differcnt exercises is given high value in wide scale conservation strategies, either by means of in-situ or ex-situ methods.

Important medicinal and aromatic plants of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract: Himachal Pradesh, situated in the lap of the Western Himalayas, is considered a veritable emporium of medicinal and aromatic plants having diverse agro-climatic conditions ranging from semi-tropical to temperate, alpine and culminating in to the cold desert region. Out of around 3,500 species more than 1,000 species have been documented as medicinal and aromatic for the State occurring in Shiwalik ranges temperate forests, valley areas, sub-alpine and alpine pastures (both moist and dry). Himachal Pradesh is the largest supplier of Atish, Salampanja, Dhoop, Kutki, Bankakri, ehora, Daruhaldi, Talispatra, Revandchini, Vach and Somlata in the country. The entire pressure is on the wild popUlations and only a few crops like Kuth, Kalazeera, Kesar, Hops, are cultivated in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. The present paper highlights 179 species of commercial importance for drugs and phyto-pharmaceuticaJs;. 32 species yielding essential oils; 16 species utilized for manufacturing of dhoop and incense; 30 species as source of phyto-chemicals; 40 species useful for tans and dyes and 42 species which can be used as potent substitute for exotic species, thereby discouraging their import and saving foreign exchange reserve. It is' suggested that the herbal resources of the State should be scientifically documented, commercial cultivation initiated compiled with value addition for ushering in economic prosperity to the people of this hill state.

Role of a sacred grove in conservation of medicinal plants

Abstract: Sacred groves are tracts of near-virgin forests , the vestiges of an ancient practice in which people protected forest patches. A repository of medicinal plants , these are a unique example of the all-embracing concept and practice of the Indian way of in-situ conservation of biodiversity. This paper deals with an account of the role of Chilkigarh sacred grove in the conservation of regional medicinal plants. It records for the first time 105 species of useful medicinal species of which 12 are threatened elsewhere in the Midnapore District. The paper also calls for the continued protection of the grove.

Phytosociological Study of Navegaon National Park (Maharashtra)

Abstract: Vegetation studies were conducted in the Navegaon National Park in order to assess the floristic composition. The forest is composed of 40 species of trees, 16 species of shruhs and 44 species of herbs. Three plant communities were identified, namely (1) Tectona-PterocarpusBuchanania , (2) Cleistanthus-Ougeinia-Tectona , and (3) Cleistanthus-Lagerstroemia-Terminalia ; corresponding to three elevational ranges, i.e. 300-400m, 400-500m and 500-600m, respectively. Cleistanthus collin us is the most dominant species with density 3711ha followed by Tectona grandis 175/ha. Biotic disturbances were observed at lower elevation which has resulted in the absence of Raunkiaer's normal frequency distribution. Measures are suggested to restore the density and protect the ecosystem.

Propagation of Elaeocarpus ganitrus by air layering

Abstract: The effects of seasons and rooting hormone on air layering were investigated in Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Rudraksha). Trials were conducted in three different seasons , viz. premonsoon , monsoon and post-monsoon using Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) as the rooting hormone (control , 100 , 250 and 500 mg l -1 ). Results reveal that IBA enhanced the root initiation and induced rooting in a shorter duration. Air layering trials in pre-monsoon season under 500 mg 1 -l ) treatment exhibited maximum rooting percentage followed by monsoon and post-monsoon season under 500 mg l -1 IBA treatment. Profuse rooting was observed in air layers treated with IBA in pre monsoon season. The callused and rooted air layers after detachment from the mother plants were transplanted separately in polyethylene bags in three different growing media [M 1 - Sand , Nursery soil and Farmyard manure (1 : 2 : 1) , M 2 - Sand and Nursery soil (1 : 1) and M 3 - Nursery soil] under nursery conditions. A highly significant variation (P < 0.05) was observed within the effect of season and callus formation as well as root initiation. Maximum survival of callused and rooted air layers (air layering conducted in Pre-monsoon season) was observed in the growing medium containing Sand , Nursery soil and Farmyard manure (1 : 2 : 1).

Traditional medicinal plants of Satpuda, Nandurbar district, Maharashtra State

Abstract: Medicinal plants traditionally used from centuries to treat various ailments are reported from Satpuda region of Nandurbar District in North Maharashtra. In the present paper, 21 Medicinal plants are enumerated in detail, giving information about medicinal uses, parts used, dosage and mode of preparation of drugs. During three years extensive survey, the plant material has been collected as per customary ways and uses of plant recorded after through and cross checking with various sources. Latest nomenclature has been followed after referring the current literature. Distribution pattern and herbarium specimen numbers of plant spices recorded are also given for the authenticity.

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Common Access Resources in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Northwestern India

Abstract: A study was carried to observe the vegetation status of Common Access Resources (CARs) and carbon stock in some selected villages of 10 degraded sites in six ecozones namely degraded forest areas, land with scrub, gullies and ravines, degraded pastureland, salt land and sand desertic with objective of strategic planning to improve their productivity. High vegetation status in Gujarat resulted greater carbon stock compared to that in Rajasthan. Carbon in the form of vegetation biomass ranged from 1.96 to 2.83 Mg ha -1 in Gujarat and 0.24 to 1.73 Mg ha -1 in Rajasthan. Soil carbon was 3.60 to 6.38 Mg ha -1 compared to 1.13 to 5.18 Mg ha -1 in Rajasthan being lowest in the sandy area of Mokal and Ramgarh. The potential of carbon sequestration in the CARs has been worked out to he 6.13 Mg ha -1 yr -1 . With this sequestration potential the CARs should be able to meet the local need for fuel fodder and small timber.

Effect of phytohormones on propagation of Himalayan yew (Taxus baccata L.) through stem cuttings

Abstract: Like many other medicinal plants , Taxus baccata is also facing extinction in its natural habitats due to increased market demand and consequent excessive destructive harvesting. Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings was tried for germplasm of Taxus baccata collected from Lokhandi area of Dehra Dun District (Uttaranchal) with varying concentrations of different phyto-hormones (IAA , IBA , NAA and GA 3 ) and modes of application. IBA was the most suitabJe hormone , foUowed by IAA , NAA and GA 3 respectiveJy for the induction of higher rooting percentage , number of roots and length of roots. The study revealed that IBA at 10 ,000 ppm is optimum for induction of better rooting percentage , higher number and greater length of primary roots in the juvenile stem cuttings of Taxus baccata .

Carbon sequestration through community based forest management: A case study from Sambalpur forest division, Orissa

Abstract: The worldwide concern over global warming led to the formation of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 to deal with GHG emissions. As per the Kyoto protocol of 1997 , the industrialized countries are expected to reduce the GHG emissions by 5.5% by 2008-12 over 1990 levels. Such countries are expected to buy carbon credits from developing countries under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Global negotiations are on for operationalisation of the CDM mechanism. Afforestation and reforestation have already been included under CDM , and forest conservation activities are also likely to be considered under adaptation measures. A study was carried out to estimate the creation of carbon sinks and sequestration achieved in community-protected forests of Sambalpur Forest Division , Orissa. The results have shown that 1.53 to 3.01 tonnes of carbon is being sequestered per ha per year with only protection , which can be enhanced through proper implementation of the management prescriptions. Enormous opportunities exist to sequester carbon and to mitigate climate change patterns through regeneration in India's forests.

Medicinal Plants Sector in Arunachal Pradesh - an Overview

Abstract: The State of Arunachal Pradesh has been recognized as a rich storehouse for herbal medicine. Through ages, people of the State has been utilizing this plant resource to cure various ailments. But in the recent past large scale exploitation of selected species from wild and destruction of habitat has resulted in the depletion of this biological wealth. In the present study an attempt has been made to assess the current status of the resource, the trend of exploitation along with different initiatives taken for sustainable management of this important plant resource. The constraints and strategy of action plan for development has also been outlined in this paper.

Organic conversion & certification: A strategy for improved value-addition and marketing of medicinal plants products in the Himalayas

Abstract: The Himalayan mountains are extremely rich in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) wealth. However, due to years of unwise use, the availability of medicinal plant materials in desired quality, quantity, time, and place have become difficult raising serious doubt about the region's potential to be a preferred market destination for the phyto-medicine industry regionally and internationally. The sustainable production, conservation and use of medicinal plants are influenced by a nurnber of factors, largely of agricultural, socio-econornic, technical, institutional and policy nature. Poorly standardized production systern, unsustainable and destructive harvesting of the raw rnaterials frorn wild by untrained and poorly rnotivated collectors and farrners rnostly using prirnitive rnethods and lack of awareness about the real potential of the resources are other irnportant factors leading to resource depletion. Local people, especially poor and ethnic rninorities, derive a substantial portion of their incorne and products for their livelihoods and basic health care needs frorn rnedicinal plants. This paper presents value-addition through organic production and certification rnechanisrns as an approach to integrate and address the above issues. The rnain prernise is that rnedicinal plant resources are natural capital of the country and can irnprove livelihoods of the state's predorninantly tribal people. However, these resources need to be augrnented and properly rnanaged following national and international guidelines for standards and quality to ensure their rnarketing and cornrnensurate benefits to the local people. Knowledge of prevailing national and global rnarket conditions will push for the conversion of these natural resources into quality products, that can generate gainful ernployrnent and greater incorne to collectors and farrners. The suggested strategy explicitly recognizes that : rnedicinal plant resources being traditionally held natural assets of local cornrnunities, decisions to use or conserve natural capital should involve livelihood choices of the local people. Mechanisrns need to be developed and broadened to forrnalize the inclusion ofrnarket cornpetitiveness and cornparative advantage related strategies. Procedures are needed for production and processing based on the cornparative advantage of the region in terrns of production capacity, cost.cornpetitiveness, technological base, rnanagernent quality and business environrnent. Central to this approach is the application of value or rnarket chain analysis and rnethods. Opportunities for accessing niche rnarket for certified organic rnedicinal products could capture price prerniurn in the national and international rnarkets the steps for which the countries of the Hirnalayan region should take on an urgent basis.

Impact of Flyash on Foliar Chemical and Biochemical Compositon of Naturally Occurring Ground Flora and its Possible Utilization for Growing Tree Crops

Abstract: Attempts have been made to study the impact of flyash generated from Shaktinagar (UP) Thermal Power Plant on foliar chemical and biochemical parameters of Ipomea cornea , Cassia tora and Acaica nilotica naturally growing on flyash dyke. The present study also aims at assessing performance of different tree species planted in a 12 years old flyash dyke and ground cover development in the plantation area. From the results, it is apparent that flyash severely affects the plants by changing the chemical (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and biochemical (protein, carbohydrate, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid compositions). Protein, carbohydrates, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid decrease significantly with a significant increase of phenols of the plant species grown on flyash (N, P, K, Ca and Mg also decrease when compared to control). Since major part of the ash comprises Si0 2 , AI 2 0 3 and oxides of iron and other toxic metals, these oxides are absorbed by the leaves through stomata when the ashes are deposited on the leaves and also through uptake of the oxides by root systems. The increase of phenols helps in imparting resistance to the plants against stress conditions and insect attacks. The results also reveal that although the flyash is refractory in nature, it can well respond to some species if planted after its stabilization which normally takes 4 to 5 years. Species like Gmelina arobrea, Grevillea pteridifolia and Emblica officinalis are more suitable for planting this site both with respect to amelioration and biomass production. However, other species likeAlbiziaprocera, Albizia lebbek, Azadirachta indica, Acacia catechu, Prosopis juliflora etc. may also do well. Planting of these species results induced succession development in which Tephrosia- Desmodium-Polygonum have been found to be the stable community and these three species share the major niche space.

Market information system for sustainable management of medicinal plants

Abstract: Medicinal plants, by complementing timber based management, offer a basis for managing forests in a sustainable manner. One of the important steps in realizing this prospect is to ensure better economic returns to collectors and cultivators of medicinal plants. Availability and access to market information is key to improving returns to producers of medicinal plants. The information is needed on demand, supply, end uses, distribution channels, product promotion, prices, marketing environment and institutions related to marketing. Even simple interventions such as better methods of collection, storage, grading and local level value addition can substantially improve returns to local communities. The paper discuss about to importance of market information, marketing capabilities, establishment of community based market information system (MIS), collection of market information, institutional and infrastructural support dissemination of market information and level of MIS.

Economic Worth of Carbon Stored in Aboveground Biomass of India's Forests

Abstract: Forests provide a lot of goods and environmental services, which must be properly accounted to evaluate the total economic value of the forests. In this paper, carbon sequestration so far considered to be one of the intangible benefits of the forests, is valued by using replacement cost method. The value of carbon sequestered in forests is evaluated by cost that would be incurred in offsetting by alternative projects, the carbon dioxide released if the forestlands were converted into alternate land use. Accounting for additional aboveground carbon stocks only in the forest yields an annual flow of 433.12 US$/ha. This reflects the immense economic and ecological value that the forests provide by storing carbon despite low productivity of Indian forests.

Effect of phytohormones on rooting of nodal shoot cuttings of Grewia optiva Drummond

Abstract: The rooting response of nodal shoot cuttings of Grewia optiva Drummond, as influenced two phytohormones, namely, indole-3-butyrie-acid (Lea) and α-napthalenp Acetic Acid (NAA) applied in three conecntrations (1000 to 3000 ppm) were examined under intermittent mist in vermiculite culture. Assessments on rooting, sprouting as well as on root number and their length on the cuttings were conducted after 25-days of treatments. The highest per cent rooting (75.56%) and sprouting (73.76%) was obtained from untreated cuttings. NAA 3000 ppm treated cuttings showed the lowest per cent rooting 08.89%) and sprouting 05.80%) compared to IRA treatments. However, positive response was observed in root numbers and their length by the application of IRA and NAA. The possibilities of use nodal of shoot cuttings for raising clonal material of G. optiva , an excellent fodder tree species of mountain regions have been discussed.

Medicinal plant raw materials for indian drug and pharmaceutical industry. I. An appraisal of resources

Abstract: India has a fast growing drug and pharmaceutical industry producing plant based medicines, phyto-pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter products. The country also exports a number of crude drugs and their extracts. The number of plant species yielding raw materials used by the industry on regular basis and/or in substantially large quantities is put at around 340. Among these, 145 occur wild in forests or other forms of natural vegetation, 54 grow as weed, 70 are grown as cash crop for other plant based products, 30 are cultivated as medicinal crop and around 40 are imported from other countries. There has been a tremendous increase in the production of herbal medicines and other items in recent years. This has put great pressure on the raw material resources. Natural population of many medicinal plants has declined to a great extent while a few are at the verge of extinction. A sort of scare prevails among various quarters regarding the decline in the supply of the raw materials or even its discontinuation. Though the fears expressed are quite valid there is a scope not only for damage control but also augmentation of resources assuring continued supplies in future. This paper makes an appraisal of present status of raw material resources and discusses prospects of its development.

Rhizogenetic Studies of Jojoba : Hormone Effect, Rooting Medium and Seasonal Variation

Abstract: Vegetative propagation studies on the adventitious rooting of jojoba stem cuttings were made in response to the hormonal effects, rooting media and seasonal variations. The young sprouts of 1-2 year old branches were better than their green terminal shoot tips. Quick dip (20-30 sec) method of IBA proved to be effective. Yellowing of the underground portion of stem cutting marked the first morphological sign of root initiation. IBA 24.6 mM with boric acid 0.5 mM as an additive was best utilized in causing rhizogenesis irrespective of the season. The rooting percentage success for stem cuttings was highcst (75%) in thc month of April but the survival of the rooted cuttings was better in February and September trials. Perlite and agropeat mixture (1:1) proved to be the most suited rooting medium for the purpose of adventitious root formation in jojoba. However, for subsequent survival of the plantlets with well-formed root system it is essential to transfer them to the soil and sand mixture. The rooted stem cuttings had no bearing upon the best rooting phase for their survival.

Research needs and priorities for conservation of Indian medicinal flora

Abstract: South-East Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe provide nearly 90 per cent of raw materials for medicinal exploitation. It is revealed that there are actually 121 plants tliat yielded prescription drugs as a result of the study on 35,000 species of plants. About 5,000 species world over are considered to have been examined throughly for the active principles. Only 41 species generate commercial sales to the tune of US$ 40 billion per year with nonformulation drugs as adjuncts claiming nearly US$ 60 billion. The Indian region endowed with nearly 20,000 species of plants highlight 75 major species of medicinal flora, out of which at least 25 were most sought after during the last decade. Nearly 3600 species of documented medicinal flora 540 find major use as herbal drugs (about 200 of these are used in bulk quantities and are of commercial potential). The families of plants such as Apocynaceae, Celastraceae, Compositae (Asteraceae), Simaroubaceae, Rutaceae, Thymelaeaceae, Magnoliaceae, Annonaceae, Boraginaceae, Leguminosae (Fabaceae), Liliaceae, Rubiaceae, Gymnosperms (Cephalotaxaceae) have anti-cancer drug yielding species. The paper provides botanical-cumphytogeographical regions of the country with specific elements of medicinal flora. The need for categorizing the rare and threatened medicinal and aromatic flora as per IUCN Red Data enlisting norms has been emphasized in the paper. Research need and priorities targeting different activities on the aspects of (i) Inventorization and Characterization, (ii) Monitoring and Assessment, (iii) Ex-situ Conservation, (iv) In-situ Conservation and (v) Utilization have been outlined in the paper.

Medicinal Trees of Uttaranchal State: Distribution , Use Pattern and Prospects for Conservation

Abstract: This paper deals with distribution and use pattern of medicinal trees in the State of Uttaranchal , India. Based on extensive literature survey , a list of 197 medicinal trees found in Uttaranchal has been appended. Their altitudinal distribution and parts used in various ailments have been given. Euphorbiaceae , Fabaceae , Moraceae and Rosaceae are the largest families having more than 10 species of medicinal trees. The medicinal trees in different ecological regions found in sub-tropical , warm temperate , cool-temperate , sub-alpine and alpine are 170 , 64 ,22 ,10 and 4 , respectively. The major parts used in various ailments are bark (118 species) , leaves (78 species) , fruits (65 species) , root (42 species) and seed (30 species). The diseases such as dysentery , fever , diarrhoea , rheumatism , wounds , cholera , skin diseases , bronchitis , cough and asthma are the most frequent ailments. The prospects of in-situ and ex-situ conservation of medicinal trees in Uttaranchal State have been discussed.

Potential of farm forestry in carbon sequestration

Abstract: The Kyoto Protocol allows assistance being given for sustainable development as a contribution to carry out the ultimate objective, ie. Reduction of GHG emissions. Forests act as carbon sinks, therefore, farm forestry can be immensely useful for CO 2 sequestration. The article presents a case study in this context from Pilibhit District (Uttar Pradesh). The land holders, divided into three categories - small, medium and large holdings, the majority ofland being with medium landholders. Medium farmers grow more trees on their lands as compared to other categories. Usually, Eucalypts, Poplar, Teak, Kadam are being planted. It is estimated that total biomass production is likely to be 32,800 tonnes/year and the stored carbon 16,400 tonnes/year. Thus farm forestry holds tremendous potential for sequestering and storing carbon.

Global Warming and Climate Change - Effect and Strategies for its Mitigation

Abstract: This article surveys predicted and projected rates of glohal warming and climate change due to emission of GHGs and their consequences especially effects on nature , society , glaciers and stream flow , agriculture and fauna. Effects on forests may result in shift of species , drop in productivity and growth , increased incidence of insects. To counter these problems , a worldwide strategy has to be taken up to mitigate or slow down these processes. In this strategy the international agencies can playa dominant role in fixing targets for reduction of emission. Geo-engineering can be put to use but the forests have the biggest opportunity as they absorb CO 2 and function as carbon sinks. The introduction of carbon credits is advocated , as an incentive.

Estimation of Carbon Flux Through Litter Fall in Forest Plantations of India

Abstract: The paper deals with the estimation of C flux through litterfall (total and leaf litterfall alone) in forest plantations of India, occurring in four major forest groups of India. Using published studies covering 82 stands and 24 species raised as plantations, the annual C flux rates were computed. The C flux rates (M t C/yr) from total litter were 2.17, 1.18, 1.60 and 2.30 in tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical dry deciduous forests, montane sub-tropical forests and montane temperate forests, respectively. The C flux rates from leaf litter alone were highest (3.03 M t C/year) in montane sub-tropical forests. Results indicate that plantations of short rotation tree species with regular leaf shedding patterns have more C sequestering capacity than species with unimodal or bimodal leaf shedding patterns. Such species could be raised in wastelands for twin purposes - biomass production and carbon sequestering.