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ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF PHYTOSOCIOLOGY, CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND SOIL CARBON POOLS IN PURE AND MIXED FORESTS OF GARHWAL HIMALAYA(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2020) SINGH, ARVIND; Khanduri, V. P. (Dr.)Abstract Name: Arvind Singh ID. No.: UUHF/18321 Degree: M.Sc. Forestry (Silviculture) Department: Forestry College: College of Forestry, Ranichauri Year of Admission: 2018 Advisor: Prof. V. P. Khanduri Title: “Assessment of phytosociology, carbon sequestration and soil carbon pools in pure and mixed forests of Garhwal Himalaya” The present study was carried out in pure (deodar and pine) and mixed forest, where 9 sites were selected in three elevations (1900-2300 m, 1550-1950 m and 500-1000 m respectively,) of Tehri Garhwal. The phytosociology and carbon sequestration were assessed by laying out 90 quadrates of 10X10 m size in each forest. Survey and sampling of the vegetation were done using standard ecological assessment method with an aim to study of phytosociology and vegetation composition of pure and mixed forest. Estimate the biomass and carbon density of pure and mixed forests was done by using volume equation of tree species. Soil samples were randomly taken from the entire 90 quadrates from two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) to estimate the soil organic carbon pools of pure and mixed forests. The results of the study revealed that the deodar forest were accompanied by 4 associated tree species while pine forest was completely covered by pine vegetation and mixed forest were consisting of 28 tree species. The carbon stock were recorded in the ranges from 330.682 Mg ha-1 to 403.359 Mg ha-1 in deodar forest, 106.815 Mg ha-1 to 123.854 Mg ha-1 in pine forest and 168.856 Mg ha-1 to 178.106 Mg ha-1 in mixed forest. The maximum bulk density (BD) was recorded in pine forest (1.145 g cm-3) while minimum in deodar forest (1.015 g cm-3). The total organic carbon (TOC) was recorded maximum (11.485 mg g-1) in mixed forest and minimum (9.235 mg g-1) in pine forest. The total organic carbon stock was recorded maximum (18.525 t C ha-1) in mixed forest and minimum (15.16 t C ha-1) in deodar forest. The higher value of very labile carbon (CVL), Less labile carbon (CL), Non labile carbon (CNL) was recorded in mixed forest (6.345 mg g-1, 2.13 mg g-1, 1.695 mg g-1, respectively) and lowest in pine forest (4.045 mg g-1, 1.965 mg g-1, 1.53 mg g-1, respectively) However, the values of labile carbon ( CL) were recorded highest in pine forest (1.68 mg g-1) and lowest in deodar forest (1.13 mg g-1). The maximum active and passive pools of soil organic carbon was recorded in mixed forest (11.5 t C ha-1 and 4.975 t C ha-1 respectively) and minimum in pine forest (7.65 t C ha-1 and 3.43 t C ha-1 respectively).ThesisItem Open Access Effect of altitudes and aspects on carbon sequestration potential of Quercus floribunda forests of Garhwal Himalayas(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2022) Thapliyal, Shubham; Sati, S.P.(Dr.)The present study was conducted to estimate the carbon sequestration potential of Quercus floribunda forest at two different aspect (Southern and Northern) and three altitudes (i.e.2100-2300m, 2300-2500m and 2500-2700m asl) in Surkanda region of Tehri Garhwal district (Uttarakhand). For the estimation of stand density, IVI, tree biomass, 10*10m quadrates were laid out at elevational gradient in both aspects soil sample from 0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm were collected for each sample plots. In this study Q. floribunda was the dominating tree species of all altitude at both aspect with the IVI value of (161.14) in southern aspect and (124.96) in northern aspect. At upper altitude (2500-2700 m) of southern and northern aspect AGBD, BGBD, TBD, TCD showed highest values whereas lower altitude (2100-2300 m) showed lowest value which were increased with increasing altitudinal range. In northern aspect values of AGBD (476.943<575.263)mg/ha, BGBD (124.469<148.768)mg/ha, TBD (601.412<724.031)mg/ha, TCD (300.706<362.016)mg/ha were higher than southern aspect. The values of AGBD, BGBD, TBD, TCD was reported maximum (637.749, 162.647, 800.397, 400.198) in upper elevation as compared to lower altitudes. Soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, soil organic carbon stock decreased with increasing altitude and depth which were found higher in southern aspect. Bulk density and phosphorous (P) increases with altitude and depth however bulk density was equal (1.29 g cc-1) in both aspect whereas P was also found higher (31.43Kg/ha) in southern aspect. Available nitrogen was recorded highest (3.98 kg/ha) in northern aspect at middle altitude and minimum (2.36kg/ha) at lower altitude. The available potassium was highest in northern aspect and lowest in southern aspect. At lower altitude, available potassium ranges between (2.46-6.15kg/ha) and at upper elevation it ranges between 1.56-3.69 kg/ha. Soil pH was found slightly acidic in all the sites ranges from 4.91 to 5.74 in different soil depths. Dehydrogenase activity (µg/g/h) was ranged between (1.35-8.74 µg/g/h) from lower to upper soil depth and found decreased with increasing in soil depth and increases with altitude whereas found highest in southern aspect.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SEED SOURCES ON CONE, SEED AND SEEDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF Pinus wallichiana A.B. JACKS IN GARHWAL HIMALAYA(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2020) ROY, SANCHAYETA; Bali, R.S.(Dr.)ABSTACT Name: SanchayetaRoy IDNo. 18340 Degree:M.Sc.Forestry Department:TreeImprovement YearofAdmission:2018 Advisor: Dr.R.S.Bali College:College ofForestry (AssistantProfessor) Thesistitle:Effectofdifferentseedsourcesoncone,seedandseedlingcharacteristics ofPinuswallichianaA.B.JacksinGarhwalHimalaya The present investigation is regarding effect of seed source variation in cone and seedmorphology, germination and early seedling growth of Pinus wallichiana. Cones werecollectedfrom10differentseedsourcesinGarhwalHimalayanregion. Among the seed sources, highest cone length, cone diameter, cone weight and seed percone were found in Harshil. Highest scale per cone was found in Gangotri and Harshil.Gangotri showed highest seed length without wing, seed width and seed thickness. Seedweight(100 seed), seedmoisture and plumule–radicle ratiowas foundmaximum inAuli. Seed germination, mean germination time, mean daily germination, germinationenergyindex,radicleandplumulelengthandtotalseedlinglengthwererecordedmaximuminGangotriseedsource. With respect to variability the cone weight, seeds per cone, seed weight with or withoutwing, germination value, plumule length, radicle length, seedling length and plumule -radicle ratio showed better results as compare to others. Therefore, it is concluded thatGangotri and Harshil showed dominance with respect to different traitsamong all theseedsources.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of forest fire on natural regeneration and soil properties on Chir pine forest ofGarhwal Himalaya(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2021) NEGI, ANJALI; Vasishth, Amol (Dr.); Dhanai, C.S.(Dr.) (Co-advisor)The study was carried out to assess the effect of fire on natural regeneration and soil physiochemical properties at different altitudes viz. 400-600 and 1300-1600 masl before fire(pre-fire) and after fire (post-fire) during January to September 2019 in the Pinus roxburghii(Chir pine) forest in Tehri Forest Division . The soil properties were analyzed at different soildepths viz. 0–10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm. The results of the present study indicated that fire plays animportant role in influencing natural regeneration and soil properties of the Chir pine forest.Density of trees was recorded same in both conditions. At both the elevations incrementinshrubsandherbsdensitywereobservedafterfire.Decreaseindensityofseedlingwasobservedat lower elevation however, it increased in upper elevation. At higher elevation species diversityof shrubs, seedlings and herbs increased after fire while, at lower elevation shrubs diversityincreased while, seedlings and herbs diversity decreased after fire. At both the elevations speciesrichness of shrubs was increased however, species richness of seedlings decreased after fire. Incase of herbs species richness was observed more after fire at higher elevation while, reduced atlowerelevation.TheforestfiresignificantlyincreasedsoilpH,electricconductivityandavailablepotassiumwhile,significantly decreased organiccarbon and available enitrogen incomparison with unburned soil at both elevations soil depths. After fire, available sulphur and phosphorous increment recorded at 0-10 and 10-20 cm soil depth while, it decreased at 20-30 cmsoil depth at lower elevation while, It also decreased at higher elevation in all soil depth. Ove rall,forest fire affects on soil were directly related to the depth of burn and forest fire has significant positive effect on surface layer of soil (0-10 cm) and it results in higher availability of nutrients.Forest fire have positive impact on regeneration.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of root pruning and nitrogen application on growth performance and establishment of Celtis australis seedlings in Garhwal Himalaya(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2021) UNIYAL, POOJA; Vasishth, Amol (Dr.); Butola, B.S.(Dr.) (Co-Advisor)The present investigation was conducted during July to December 2019 in the nursery block of College of Forestry, Ranichauri. Celtis australis is an important agroforestry tree species of Garhwal Himalaya and its plants are generally containerized grown which results in higher cost of transportation in the hills for carrying out plantation activities. Transportation of seedlings without containers might help in reduction of transportation cost therefore, the present investigation has been taken up to study the effect of root pruning and nitrogen application on growth performance and establishment of Celtis australis seedlings. The experiment consists of three root pruning lengths i.e. 0 (control), 6 and 12 cm root pruning from collar region and four nitrogen doses i.e. 0, 50, 100 and 150 Kg/ha to study the growth performance, physiological characteristics and nutritional content and uptake of the seedlings. Root pruning and nitrogen application significantly increased morphological, physiological and nutritional parameters. The light pruned (12 cm) seedling showed better performance as compared to severely pruned (6 cm) seedlings. Application of nitrogen up to 100kg/ha increased morphological, physiological and nutritional parameters of C. australis seedlings. Root pruning at 12 cm coupled with nitrogen application at the rate of 100kg/ha showed a significant increase in survival percent, collar diameter, number of leaves, white root regeneration, biomass (fresh and dry weight basis), chlorophyll and NPK content and their uptake in seedlings. Hence root pruning at 12 cm from the collar region with 100kg N/ha application may be suitable for better establishment of Celtis australis seedlings in this region.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of rooting hormone with different growing media on sprouting and rooting response of Eucalyptus clones(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2021) Kumar, Gaurav; Bali, R.S.(Dr.)Eucalyptus is an indigenous multipurpose fast-growing tree species and also used across the globe for timbers, poles, fuel woods, gums, oils, pulp and papers. Clonal propagation of the genus Eucalyptus is considered strategic for improving its yield and quality of its products. The present study entitled “Effect of rooting hormone with different growing media on sprouting and rooting response of Eucalyptus clones” is aimed to examine the effect of various IBA concentrations, different growing media and early growth of cuttings on two Eucalyptus clones. The investigation consisted of twenty-four treatments with two clones, three growing media and three concentrations of IBA along with control. The data were analyzed according to the procedure of analysis of variance for three factorial Randomized Block Design. Different parameters; early growth in raised cuttings, sprouting and rooting attributes were investigated with respect to two Eucalyptus clones. Clone C1 (FRI-32) was showed superiority with respect to sprouting percent, number of leaves per cutting, number of roots per cutting, rooting percent, survival percent, shoot length, root length, total plant height at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 DAP,while the highest sprout length and mortality percent was found in Clone C2 (SPM-23). In growing media, M1 Cocopeat growing media was produced highest sprouting percent, number of leaves per cutting, number of roots per cutting, rooting percent, survival percent, shoot length, root length and total plant height at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 DAP, while maximum sprout length and mortality percent were observed in M2 Vermicompost and M3 fly ash growing media respectively. In IBA concentrations, the maximum sprouting percent, sprout length, number of leaves per cutting, number of roots per cutting, rooting percent, survival percent, root length, total plant height were recorded at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 DAP in H2 (3000 ppm) concentrations of IBA, while the H3 (4000 ppm) concentrations of IBA was produced the longest shoot and highest mortality percent was recorded in H1 control (without IBA). The overall study suggested that Clone C1 (FRI-32) showed superiority as compared to Clone C2 (SPM-23). On other hand, M1 Cocopeat growing media and H2 (3000 ppm) concentrations of IBA showed better results in case of Eucalyptus clones.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of seed source on fruit, seed characteristics and seed germination of Prunus cerasoides (D. Don)(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2021) DHIMAN, SHWETA; Dhanai, C.S.(Dr.); Butola, B.S.(Dr.) (Co-Advisor)Prunus cerasoides is indigenous multipurpose tree species of the Himalayan regions and is also used for religious purpose, edible fruit, seed and gum as well as different medical applications, lumber, dyestuff and tannins. The present investigation was carried out to estimation the variability in fruit, seed characteristics and seed germination of P. cerasoides from different sources of Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. The experiment consisted of six seed sources and fifteen different pre-sowing treatments, the data regarding on fruit and seed morphology were analyzed for Randomized Block Design, while seed germination and seedling growth data were analyzed for Completely Randomized Design. Among the seed sources, Silyara, Kuteti and Sadargaun seed source were showed superiority with respect to fruit and seed morphology. For seed germination and growth attributes, the highest (72.86%) germination percent was recorded in Silyara seed source followed by Sadargaun (69.00%), Kuteti (66.66%), Develgaun (64.4%), Chaurangikhal (63.06%) and Ranichauri (55.00%). In pre-sowing treatments, Gibberellic acid and hot water for 100⁰C at 24 hours was showed maximum germination percent and total seedling growth as compared to other treatments. The maximum heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain were found in seed length and seed weight. These two characters might be considered for the improvement in P. cerasoides. Correlation coefficient among various geographical, edaphic and climatic factors of seed sources with different fruit and seed characteristics were showed significant interrelationship between fruit and seed parameters. The overall study indicated that Silyara, Kuteti and Sadargaun seed sources are superior with respect to fruit, seed, seedling morphology and germination attributes as compared to Develgaun, Chaurangikhal and Ranichauri seed sources. The application of treatment GA3 solution and hot water for 100⁰C at 24 hours are better for seed germination and seedling growth in case of P. cerasoides.ThesisItem Open Access Effects of seed source variation in cone, seed characteristics and seed germination of Cedrus deodara from Uttarakhand, Himalaya(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2022) Topwal, Divya; Khanduri, V.P.(Dr.)This study was carried out in College of Forestry Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, (Uttarakhand) during Oct 2019 March 2020. Cones of C. deodara were collected from 10 different natural growing ranges of Uttarakhand, Himalaya. Cedrus deodara (Deodar) is an important industrial/commercial timber yielding tree. Cones of C. deodara were collected to understand the extent and pattern of variation in morphological characteristics of cones and seeds among the seed sources. Seeds were germinated under laboratory conditions to assess the effect of temperature on germination. On the basis of morphological variation among the seed sources broad sense heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain were estimated. Simple correlation was also calculated with geographical attributes. Significant variation (P 95% germination in Kandoliya, Dhanaulti, Dandachalli and Hulanakhal seed sources. It is also observed that seed germination decreases after three months of storage period. Altitude, latitude, longitude, temperature, rainfall, pH and electric conductivity had significant positive relationship with cone weight, cone length, seed thickness and number of seeds. Broad sense heritability (h2) calculated for different morphological characters and germination characters showed a considerable possibility of genetic evaluation for rapid genetic improvement of these traits. The variability appeared to be geographically structured and would be mainly genetically controlled. Based on cone, seed germination and seedling traits, Pauri, Dhanaulti and Dandachalli were the best seed source among the studied seed sources. Thus, the result of present study should be helpful for collecting quality seeds and producing quality planting material of this potential tree species for afforestation of temperate region of Garhwal Uttarakhand, Himalaya India.ThesisItem Open Access Floral biology and reproductive effort of Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Camb.) Hook: An andromonoecious species in temperate region of Garhwal Himalaya, India.(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus , V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2017-07) Pradhan, Priya; Khanduri, Dr. V. P. (Advisor); Gusain, Y.S. (Co- advisor)Aesculus indica a large deciduous tree is widely distributed along the Himalayan lowlands. The studies in relation to floral biology and reproductive effort of A. indica conducted at Ranichauri exhibited that the sex expression of A. indica is andromonoecious. Total number of flowers per inflorescence was 341.9 ± 65.67 to 441.4 ± 74.62 of which13.3 ± 3.19 to 20.15± 6.68 flowers were with developed style. An average duration of 7.5 months is required for the completion of one reproductive cycle. The flowering pattern of A. indica was asynchronous. The peak period of anthesis was recorded between 06:00 to 08:00 hrs in a day. Pollen production (2016) per tree varied from 1010008499 ± 26217045 to 8078958841 ± 97679046. Viable pollen of 87.54 ± 4.02% to 90.04 ± 0.82% and 85.34 ± 3.23% to 89.57 ± 3.65% were observed in flowers with developed and underdeveloped style respectively. Maximum germination was observed in 20% sucrose concentrations. The pollen ovule ratio varied from 8855 ± 65.38 to 9078.61 ± 198.43 (developed) and 8863.95 ± 107.17to 9029.61 ± 198.23(underdeveloped) flowers supporting xenogamy. Pollination observations have shown that A. indica being pollinated by wind while insects also play a major role in performing pollination. Major visitors were Bombus spp. and Tagiades menaka. The study demonstrates that A. indica donot have much difference on fruit set between the cross pollination and the open cross pollination but it possesses a type of barriers to selfing. The average seed set per fruit is one in all the pollination treatments. The seed set and fruit set varied for different canopy layers, i.e., 0.53% to 0.63% (lower canopy), 0.68% to 0.84% (middle canopy) and 0.82% to 1.01% (upper canopy). The reproductive success in canopy layer showed marked variations. Therefore, the current findings may be useful in studying breeding system, pollination ecology, pollen – pistil interactions, distribution and composition of the A. indica populations in future.ThesisItem Open Access Phytosociology, Regeneration and soil properties in Quercus leucotrichophora (A.Camus) forests of Garhwal Himalaya, India(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2022) Sajwan, Nikita; Bijalwan, Arvind(Dr.)The present investigation titled “Phytosociology, Regeneration and soil proprerties in Quercus leucotrichophora (A.Camus) forests of Garhwal Himalaya, India” was carried out during the year 2020-21 to know the status of Phytosociology, Carbon stock, soil properties and Regeneration. The study was carried out in 4 study sites viz; Arakot, Chopriyal Gaon, Jharipani and Kanatal forests in district Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand, India. Under this study, 40 quadrats (with 10 replications each site) of size 10×10 m for trees were laid out randomly in which two sub-quadrats of size of 2m × 2m for regeneration and 5m × 5 m for shrubs were laid out. Among all the locations, total 22 plant species were observed which included 11 tree species from 7 families and 11 shrub species belonging to 10 families. The tree density (trees/ha) of Q. leucotrichophora was found maximum 510 at Arakot and minimum 390 at Jharipani and in Q. leucotrichophora bearing forests (total) tree density ranged from 740 at Jharipani to 950 at Arakot. For shrubs, the density (individual /ha-1) was varied between 460 to 530. The IVI value of Q. leucotrichophora varied from 113.9-131.4 and The IVI value of Q. leucotrichophora associated shrub species varied from 4.3-43.8. Tree total biomass of forest and total carbon density of forest was observed following a trend: Chopriyal Gaon> Arakot> Kanatal>Jharipani. However biomass and Carbon density of the banj oak was observed following a trend: Chopriyal Gaon> Arakot> Jharipani > Kanatal. Regeneration success of Q. leucotrichophora was found maximum (18.75 %) at Jharipani followed by Arakot (17.75 %), Kanatal (14.5 %) and Chopriyal Gaon (14%). The soil organic matter and soil organic carbon ranged between 1.9 - 3.4 % and 1.161 - 2.027 % respectively which was found maximum in Arakot and minimum in Kanatal. The pH of the studied forest soil was slightly acidic and found to be maximum 6.4 in Chopriyal Gaon and minimum in 5.0 in Arakot. Total soil nitrogen in all sites ranged from 257.4 to 394.08 Kg/ha, which was found minimum in Jharipani and maximum in Arakot. The available phosphorus Kg/ha ranged between 13.02 to 21.22 which was found minimum in Arakot and maximum in Jharipani respectively. The available potassium Kg/ha was found minimum in Jharipani 72.80 and maximum in Arakot 237.8. The dehydrogenase enzyme activity was between 5.95 and 7.57 µg/g/h in Arakot and Chopriyal Gaon respectively. On the basis of above result it is concluded that the substantial amount of carbon stored by these trees makes them viable for the region. Thus, identification and conservation of such forests are recommended.ThesisItem Open Access Plant species richness of the campus of College of Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2022) Singh, Chandramohan; Khanduri, V.P.(Dr.); Butola, B.S.(Dr.) (Co-Advisor)A study on the “Plant species richness of the Campus of College of Forestry Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand” was carried out during the month of August 2021 to October 2021. The survey was done to observe, record and to initiate the activities, such as collection of plant taxa, habitat characteristics and identification of potential species for various medicinal uses. The collected plants were preserved using herbarium preparation techniques. During the study a total of 253 species belonging to 188 genera and 81 were documented. The majority of the documented plants were herbs (54 %), followed by trees (23 %), shrubs (12 %), ferns (5 %) and climber (4%). Poaceae was the dominant family with 23 genera and 37 species, followed by Asteraceae (23 species in 15 genera) and Rosaceae (16 species in 9 genera). From the total 87 plant taxa, 77 plant taxa were least concern, 02 rare, 02 endangered, 04 vulnerable and 02 were data deficient. Regarding traditional utilization, about 88 ethno-botanical species (42 herbs, 27 trees, 14 shrubs, 5 climbers) are being utilized by the local people in study area. Some of the medicinal plants species such as Cinnamomum tamala, Tinospora cordifolia, Chenopodium album, Berginia ciliata, Myrica esculenta, Cannabis sativa, Berberis asiatica, Urtica dioica, Rhododendron arboreum, Cuscuta reflexa, Eupatorium adenophorum and Zanthoxylum armatum used by local people for medicine purposes. Local people were keen to provide the information and transferring the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants from one generation to other generation. The information obtained from the study can be utilized for conservation, sustainable utilization and management of forest resources from the study area for socio-economic development of the inhabitants and maintaining diversity.ThesisItem Open Access Reproductive Biology of Cornus capitata (Evergreen dogwood, Bhamora...) in a temperate region of Garhwal Himalaya, India(College of Forestry, Ranichauri, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry., 2016-06) Sukumaran, Arun; Khanduri, Dr. V.P.Cornus capitata is a medium sized semi evergreen or sub deciduous tree native to East Asian and Montane Himalaya. It is a mass bloomer and popularly used as an avenue tree. The studies in relation to reproductive biology conducted at Ranichuari (Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India) exhibited that the reproduction in Cornus capitata is a continues cycle. Floral morphology studies showed that tree producing ball shaped cymose inflorescence consist of an average number of 67.6 ± 2.05 flowers per ball. One complete reproductive period last up to 16-17 months from flower bud initiation to fruit maturity. The flowers opened around 341 ± 1.87 days after the ball initiation. The time of maximum anthesis was between 08:00 to 10:00 h of the day. An inflorescence ball took 14-15 days for complete blooming. The total pollen production within a tree recorded between 4.0×107to 9.3× 107. However pollen production and number of inflorescence varied significantly among trees. Stigma remained receptive up to 2-3 days after anther dehiscence. Pollen ovule ratio was 632.8 ± 6.57 to 712 ± 10.58. The mean pollen viability was 68.28 ± 1.25%. To effectively assess in-vitro pollen viability in Cornus capitata, an optimised germination medium NAA 150ppm (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) was developed.The maximum germination observed in NAA was 42.97%. Anthophora bees and trips were observed as the main pollinators. The result of breeding system showed fruit setting 100% and 92% in open pollination and self pollination respectively. Results from the assessment of self compatibility reported that the seed ovule ratio of autogamous flower is 55% and natural pollination was 36%. The pollen ovule ratio result suggests that breeding system of Cornus capitata coming under the class facultative xenogamy. Seed set per fruit was observed more in fruit formed through autogamous self pollinations. Limited seed set within fruit imply that high amount of ovule abortion existing in inflorescence ball. Seed germination test under in –vitro showed that the seed germinated only in quality seed derived from open pollination which supporting xenogamy in Cornus capitata. Detailed studies on reproductive biology conclude that the species is supporting autogamy, geitonogamy and xenogamy. Information on timing of floral anthesis, pollen viability and floral characteristics will be helpful for initiation of controlled crossing programmes. The current findings in Cornus capitata will be useful for formulating effective forest management plan and initiating various tree improvement programmes in future.ThesisItem Open Access Reproductive Phenology, Floral Biology and Pollination Mechanisms of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. in a Temperate forest of Garhwal Himalaya, India.(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus , V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2017-07) Chand, Vaishakhy P.; khanduri, V.P. (Dr.) (Advisory)R. arboreum is a medium sized evergreen tree, widely distributed from subtropical to temperate forest. The present study in relation to phenology, floral biology and pollination mechanisms of R. arboreum carried out in two reproductive episodes from 2016 to 2017 in temperate forest of Garhwal Himalayas. Phenological study indicated that beginning and terminations of all the phenological events earlier in 2017 than 2016. Phenological events in R. arboreum varied 44 days to 66 days in 2016 and 37 to 65 days in 2017. Peak flowering in both the year during mid-February to midMarch. Flowers are hermaphrodites, actinomorphic and arranged in a corymbose cluster with the average number of 15.5 ± 1.58 to 19 ± 1.94 flowers. Flowers possess protogyny, showed temporal separations and it retains the receptivity upto 4-5 days. The peak anthesis time was between 6:00 am to 8:00 am of the day. The pollen production within tree ranges between 1574111512 ± 75728849 to 2893516569 ± 88351584 per tree. The average percentage of pollen viability varied between 68 ± 4 to 78 ± 7%. The pollen ovule ratio varies 109.72 ± 2.58 to 113.25 ± 3.45 pollen grains per ovule which fall under facultative autogamy. The major pollinators observed were birds. Black Bulbul, Oriental White Eye and Grey Winged Blackbird were the major floral visitors. Result of the breeding system showed that fruit setting of 74.6%, 73.04%, 76.23%, and 63.33% on natural pollinations, hand self-pollinations, hand cross pollinations, and open cross pollinations respectively. The total fruit formed per tree varied from 6800 ± 1569 to 11356 ± 2011. Mean percent of fruits varied among trees from 61.95 ± 8.9 to 72.66 ± 5.49 %. Mean number of seeds per inflorescence varies from 6904.3 ± 1739.3 to 8633.13 ± 1610.8. This study providing information about phenology, floral biology and pollination mechanisms of R. arboreum, will be helps formulating effective conservations strategy for these threatened populations in the hills.ThesisItem Open Access Reproductive Phenology, Pollen Production and Pollen Mediated Gene Flow in Alnus nepalensis D. Don.(College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, 2021) BISHT, ANCHAL; Khanduri, V.P.(Dr.)Alnus nepalensis is a medium sized, deciduous important of tree not only occurs in the Indian sub-continent, but also in South America, Hawaii and China. It is cultivated in the hills of Himalayas around 2000 m (amsl). It is a multipurpose tree of Himalayan region growing in temperate and subtropical regions. Being non leguminous it has nitrogen fixing capacity due to the symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria, i.e., Frankia residing in its roots. It is prolific pioneer species in freshly exposed soil in landslide affected areas. It is used as a commercial timber production. The study of reproductive phenology, pollen production, pollen germination and pollen flow was conducted at Ranichuari, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, The observation revealed that the A. nepalensis is a monoecious tree. The male flower are composed of staminate flower called “cymules”. Importantly, it was observed that, the presence of previous year female cone, bifid stigma and protoandry condition was the unique feature of the species. Flowering in male phase was started in the last week of September and continued till November. Peak shedding of pollen generally proceeds peak receptivity by 1-2 weeks. Time between onset and peak flowering was 2 weeks 4 days and the total average duration of flowering period was about 24.8 days. Temperature played a major role in pollen release and maximum pollen was released in 300C at 13.00 hrs. Average pollen grains per tree were 2.20 × 1010. However, pollen production varied significantly among trees. The mean pollen viability was found 100%. The maximum pollen germination of 3.69% was observed in Boric acid (25 ppm), followed by Boric acid + Sucrose 10% (2.03% in 50 ppm). The pollen ovule ratio suggests that breeding system of A. nepalensis coming under the class xenogamy. Pollen mediated gene flow study was carried out to assess the travel distance of pollen of species. It was observed that pollen of A. nepalensis can travel upto 80 m. Detailed research on reproductive phenology were conducted to determine the temporality of key events in a species' life cycle, pollen release in relation to temperature to determine the maximum pollen concentration in the atmosphere, pollen production to determine the reproductive success and health of a natural population, and long distance dispersal to eliminate population isolation. The current findings in A. nepalensis will be useful for formulating effective forest management plan and initiating various tree improvement programme.ThesisItem Open Access Seed source variation in pod, seed and seedling characteristics of Bauhinia variegata Linn. from Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand.(College of Forestry, Ranichauri, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry., 2016-06) Nagar, Ambalal; Khanduri, Dr. V. P.Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar) is an important tree species of India which produces nutritive and palatable leaf fodder. The aim of this investigation was to measure the variability of seed and seedling morphological characteristics and germination in B. variegata seeds from throughout the natural range, in order to understand the extent and pattern of variation with respect to seed, seedling characters, germination and biomass among ten seed source from Garhwal Himalaya. Pods were collected from ten seed source and sown in nursery under randomized block design to assess the association among different seed, seedling growth characteristics, biomass traits, broad-sense heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain. After 12 month growth, data were recorded and statistically analyzed analysis of variance for association studies. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were recorded for different morphological parameters of seed and seedling among the different seed sources. Significant genotypic, phenotypic and environmental variance, coefficient of variation was observed between seed morphological traits especially survival, seedling length, collar diameter, number of leaves/ seedling and biomass traits. Seed weight was the most variable character among morphological characteristics. Shoot/ root ratio and root growth were more variable characters among the seedling traits. Altitude had non-significant positive relationship with seed weight, seed length and germination percent. These parameters could be used as important criteria for seed source selection. Broad-sense heritability (h2) calculated for different seed and seedling traits showed a considerable portion of genetic variation suggesting the possibility of rapid genetic improvement of these traits. Furthermore, this variability appeared to be geographically structured and would be mainly genetically controlled. Present study identifies four best seed sources based upon seed and seedling traits for those places of Gajeli, Khandikhal, Khadi and Dugadda which were sampled. Hence, seed source screening provides a great opportunity to the tree breeder to screen and capture natural variation for success of afforestation, besides providing information on the raw material for breeding and evolving improved planting stock within a seed source. Such an investigation may help in selection of most suitable seed source for a given site for conservation, breeding and improvement in this species. Thus the result of present study should be helpful for growing quality planting material of this potential tree species in afforestation of tropical to subtropical region of Garhwal Himalaya, India.