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Open Access
Wood property profile of rosewood (dalbergia latifolia roxb.) ceylon rosewood (albizia odoratissima (Linn.F) Benth.) and raintree(Samanea saman (jacq.) Merr.)
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding,College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2005) Vinay Kumar, Sahu; KAU; Gopakumar, S
In the state of Kerala, heartwoods of lesser known timber species viz., Albizia odoratissima (Ceylon rosewood) and Samanea saman (rain tree) are allegedly being used as “substitutes” and “adulterants” for making furniture of Dalbergia. latifolia (Indian rosewood) mainly due to their similar wood colour. As this spurious practice has serious implication in timber trade, a study was undertaken to profile the selected wood properties of all these three species to highlight their similarities and differences. The study involved analyzing selected physical, mechanical, anatomical and biochemical properties of A. odoratissima and S. saman and comparing it with the wood properties of D. latifolia as available from relevant literatures. Variations of higher magnitude were noted between the three species for some wood properties, and with respect to few other properties, the differences were lesser. Significant variations were also observed between tissue types viz., sapwood and heartwood for some wood properties. Heartwood tissue types of S. saman and D. latifolia displayed high calorific value, where as, for A. odoratissima both tissue types (sapwood and heartwood) exhibited medium calorific value. The physical properties of the heartwood of A. odoratissima were observed to be higher than that of D. latifolia. S. saman possessed lower values for the physical properties as compared to D. latifolia. Basic specific gravity, radial and volumetric shrinkages (green to oven dry) were considerably different for all the three species. Generally, for both Ceylon rosewood and rain tree tangential shrinkage was higher than radial shrinkage for both the tissue types. Mechanical properties of A. odoratissima were superior to D. latifolia and S. saman, except modulus of elasticity in compression parallel to grain. On the other hand mechanical properties of S. saman were closer to D. latifolia. Measure of fibre stress at limit of proportionality and modulus of elasticity in static bending and modulus of elasticity in compression parallel to grain are considerably different for the three species. In A. odoratissima and S. saman, the mechanical properties of sapwoods varied non significantly with the strength properties of heartwoods. S. saman exhibited superior strength properties for heartwood over its sapwood. Vessel diameter, distribution of parenchyma and ray height can be used to differentiate the three species. In all the species, along the radial axis from pith towards periphery, the vessel diameter, ray height, ray width increased along the region of heart wood. Likewise, ray frequency, and vessel frequency decreased along radial axis in heartwood region. Average vessel diameter, ray height and ray width of sapwoods were greater than that of the heartwoods. Lignin, cellulose and holocellulose percent of A. odoratissima and S. saman were significantly greater than D. latifolia. Higher lignin, cellulose and holocellulose content are responsible for the higher strength properties of A. odoratissima. Methanol-acetone extracts of heartwood of D. latifolia exhibits specific peak wavelengths under spectrometric analysis, which are not found in the other two species. Phenolic compounds were observed to influence some of the physical properties.
Open Access
Morphological and anatomical properties of teak seedlings as influenced by nursery techniques
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2004) Girija Pushpom, R P; KAU; Anoop, E V
An experiment was carried out at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara with the objective to evaluate the best nutrient levels and sowing treatments required for the production of good quality stumps based on anatomical properties of the seedlings with particular reference to wood formation due to cambial activity. The different nutrient and sowing methods were randomly allocated following completely randomized design. From the experiment, it was found that the best nutrient and sowing method combinations were N2S3 (cowdung 0.4 kg/rrr' and neem cake 0.2 kg/rn ' with spacing of 12 cm x 12 cm between seeds). In terms of biometric characters and biomass characteristics of seedlings it was also found that in quick growing seedlings, vessel diameter was large and vessel frequency was less. Collar girth was positively related with ring width and negative related with vessel frequency. Comparing the performance of nursery raised seedlings with root trainer raised seedlings it was found that the growth characteristics as well as the anatomical properties were inferior for root trainer raised seedlings. In the present study it was found that the best quality teak stumps could be produced by intensive cultural practices. Intensive management of nursery seedlings could produce VlgOurOUS seedlings and thereby it could produce good quality stumps in less time. Results of the present study showed that traditional system of production of teak stumps were efficient By imposing superior nutrient and sowing methods good quality, vigorous stumps can be produced to meet the immediate plantation requirements within a short period.
Open Access
Evaluation of seed source variation and clonal propagation techniqes in Jatropha curcas linn.
(Department of Tree Physiology and Forestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2007) Anisha Kalkoor, M; KAU; Vijayakumar, N K
A study was conducted in College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, Trichur, during the period 2005-2007 to evaluate different seed sources Jatropha curcas, a potential source of producing biodiesel for their genetic variation and to standardize efficient clonal propagation techniques. The study involved the evaluation of seed sources for their seed and seedling parameters as well as field performance of the plants. Attempts were made to standardize of macro and micro propagation techniques for the multiplication of elite genotypes. The material used for the evaluation consisted of different seed sources from various parts of Kerala and Karnataka. Although the variation among the seed sources for most of the seedling characters in the nursery was found non significant, a considerable variation was observed among them in their field performance. Considerable variation was also noticed for the seed parameters such as length, width, 100 seed weight, germination percentage, kernel: seed weight ratio and seed oil content. None of the seed sources excelled for all the characters studied. Among the different seed sources three seed sources viz., Kasargod, KAU and Palakkad seed sources were found to be superior in terms of most of the characters studied. Standardization of rooting of cuttings was attempted with 10 and 20 cm cuttings taken from semi-hardwood and softwood parts of the stem. Three levels each of IAA, IBA and NAA were used for evaluating their efficiency for rooting as well as shoot formation in the stem cuttings. Effect of these hormones on the shoot parameter was found less significant. However, highest sprouting was recorded in IAA 100 ppm where as IAA 250 ppm recorded highest number of shoots. Almost all the root characters were found to be greatly influenced by growth hormones. The semi-hardwood cuttings were found superior to the soft wood cuttings while, the 20 cm cuttings were found better than 10 cm cuttings with respect to most of the characters studied. Clonal propagation of Jatropha curcas was attempted by micro propagation through tissue culture using nodal segments as explants. Among the three basal media tried viz., MS, WPM and B5 medium, MS was found to be better in terms of bud, leaf and shoot initiation. The culture establishment was greatly influenced by the season of culturing. All explants cultured during the rainy season were got contaminated. A fungicidal dip in 0.2 per cent Bavistin (Carbendazim) and Indofil M- 45 (Mancozeb) for 1 hour followed by 15 minute dip in 0.1 per cent HgCl2 was the most effective surface sterilization procedure. Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l-1 kin was found to be the best medium for shoot production. Highest average number of leaves (3.47), maximum number of leaves (8.67) and maximum shoot length was observed in this medium. The synergistic effect of BA and kin in MS medium was found to be better than supplementing them individually especially for the enhanced release of axillary buds. The treatment MS+0.5 mg l-1BA+1.0 mg l-1 kin was found to be the best treatment combination to get highest shoot initiation.
Open Access
Effect of seed treatments and shade on seedling growth dynamics of pongamia pinnata (Linn.) pierre in the nursery
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2009) Gururaj Sankeshwar, B; KAU; Gopakumar, S
The present study entitled “Effect of seed treatments and shade on seedling growth dynamics of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre in the nursery” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period of 2007-2009. In the first phase, seeds were subjected to six pre-sowing treatments. GA3 treated seeds recorded highest Germination percentage, Final Mean Daily Germination (FMDG), Germination Value (GV) and Peak Value (PV). The effect of seed treatments were observed on various biometric parameters like height, collar diameter, number of leaves and primary branch. GA3 treated seeds recorded better height and collar diameter during the initial stage of seedling growth. At the end of study cold water seed treatment was found to be effective in enhancing seedling growth. However, none of the pretreatments was observed to cast a significant effect on biomass production and root growth parameters in Pongamia pinnata seedlings. In the second phase, to evaluate seedling growth under different shade conditions, seedlings were placed under 25 per cent shade, 50 per cent shade, 75 per cent shade and full sunlight situations. Shade treatments did not significantly influence height and collar diameter growth of Pongamia pinnata seedlings in the nursery. The maximum leaf production and primary branch production was observed in seedlings kept under full sunlight and 50 per cent shade respectively. Under seventy five per cent shade seedlings produce maximum shoot and root dry weight. The shoot: root ratio and total biomass was also maximum for seedlings kept under 75 per cent shade. Root length and spread were maximum under 50 per cent shade. However, shade did not significantly effect secondary root production. Shade levels also did not influence Pongamia pinnata seedlings with respect to relative growth rate and leaf area. However, Specific leaf area and Leaf area ratio was higher under 25 per cent shade. Highest Specific leaf weight was observed for seedlings under full sunlight. Shade had no significant effect on leaf weight ratio of seedlings. Maximum stomatal number was recorded under 25 per cent shade. In the nursery stage shade is casting an overriding influence with regards to various growth parameters of Pongamia pinnata.
Open Access
Influence of soil moisture regimes and stage of host introduction on seedling growth of sandal provenances
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2004) Vijayakumar, J Hiremath; KAU; Ashokan, P K
The influence of soil moisture regimes and stage of host introduction on seedling growth of sandal provenances was investigated in a pot culture experiment at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Two provenances in the South India, Shimoga (Karnataka) and Marayoor (Kerala) were selected for this study. The results showed that the seedlings of Marayoor provenance were taller and having a higher collar diameter as compared to seedlings of Shimoga provenances. The stage of introduction of host did not have any effect on the growth of sandal seedlings. The seedlings where the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal had comparatively higher total chlorophyll in both the provenances as compared to seedlings where the host was introduced three and six months after planting sandal. Highest Nitrogen and Calcium content was observed in Marayoor provenance when the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal, whereas the P content was higher in both the provenances where the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal. The parameters like seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter and chlorophyll content decreased due to water stress. The haustorial connections were found only at 300 days after planting sandal. The seedlings of Marayoor 'provenance recorded lower pre-dawn water potential as compared to seedlings of Shimoga provenance. Introducing host at the time of planting sandal or three months after planting sandal, in Marayoor provenance resulted in higher plant water potential. The leaf diffusive resistance was relatively high in Marayoor provenance when the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal. The leaf diffusive resistance was high in water stressed plants. As the haustorial connections were found only at 300 days after planting sandal, it can be concluded that the host need to be planted only six to nine months after planting sandal. This will avoid the early competition between sandal and host. Fast growing pot host during the early phase of its growth may suppress sandal by competition.
Open Access
Effect of pre treatement on seed germination and shade on seedling growth and yiels of mucuna pruriens (L) DC
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2007) Ravindra, P C; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study entitled “Effect of pre-treatment on seed germination and shade on seedling growth and yield of Mucuna pruriens (l.) DC.” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur during the period of 2005-2007. In the first phase, graded and selected seeds were subjected to 10 different pre-treatment methods and sown in two conditions viz, polybag and nursery bed. In both the cases scarification on dorsal surface gave highest germination per cent and germination energy. Various biometric parameters like height, collar diameter and number of leaves in various treatments under polybag and nursery bed conditions were observed. Biomass produced at nursery stage was also estimated; it is evident from the study that seedlings produced from scarification treatments was most superior for all traits in both polybag and nursery bed. In the second phase, to evaluate yield under different shade situations, selected seedlings were planted out in 25 per cent, 50 per cent, 75 per cent and open situations. Various reproductive characters, yield parameters, and nutrient status were studied, in which early flowering, more number of flower bud production, and higher pod formation was observed in full light situation. The Highest seed yield and biomass production was observed when grown under open condition followed by 25 per cent and least was in 75 per cent or highest shade condition. The nutrient accumulation under different shade was estimated. Nitrogen concentration in leaf and twig was more in case of full shade followed by seedlings grown in 50 per cent shade, whereas for roots concentration of nitrogen under 75 per cent and 50 per cent shade was observed to be non-significant. In case of leaf phosphorus content, highest concentration was seen in seedlings grown under 25 per cent shade followed by seedlings in open condition. Phosphorus content in twigs was highest in 25 per cent and least in 50 per cent. In root, maximum concentration of phosphorous was observed in open condition. Highest potassium content was in 75 per cent shade followed by 50 per cent, and there was no variation in leaf potassium content in plants grown under open condition and 25 per cent shade level. Root potassium content under 50 per cent and 75 per cent was similar and higher than other two treatments.
Open Access
Leaf litter dynamics of ornamental flowering trees
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2007) Jinsy, M Joseph; KAU; Gopikumar, K
A detailed study was conducted at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 2005-2007, to compare the rate of decomposition and mineralization pattern of leaf biomass of five ornamental flowering trees viz., Bauhinia purpurea Lamk., Cassia fistula Linn., Gliricidia sepium Kunth., Lagerstroemia speciosa Auct. and Peltophorum pterocarpum Baker. The experiment was laid out in a typical homegarden. The rate of leaf biomass decomposition was generally faster for all the species studied. Of the five species studied, G. sepium and L. speciosa showed faster rates of leaf biomass decomposition while B. purpurea recorded the lowest rate. Generally, all the species followed a biphasic pattern of biomass decomposition. The initial nitrogen, C: N ratio, lignin content and lignin: nitrogen ratio of the leaf biomass influenced the decomposition rate. The fibre content of leaf biomass was also found to have significant affect on the rate of decomposition. Leaf biomass of L. speciosa and G. sepium showed rapid release of all the nutrients compared to that of B. purpurea. Among the nutrients, potassium registered a faster rate of mineralization, followed by nitrogen for all the species except L. speciosa, which showed faster mineralization for nitrogen. Lower mineralization tendency was seen for phosphorus in all the species. The influence of leaf litter decomposition on soil pH and electrical conductivity was not significant. However, content of most of the nutrient elements in the soil was significantly improved with respect to all the species particularly towards the end of the study.
Open Access
Biomass production and nutrient accumulation in an age series of caesalpinia sappan Linn. plantations
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2006) Imrose, Elias Navas E; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study was conducted at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara on biomass production and nutrient accumulation in an age series (5, 6 and 7) of Caesalpinia sappan plantations in three districts of Kerala. The study reveals that diameter, height, biomass, productivity and volume increased with increasing age. The above ground biomass and biomass components also increased with increasing ages. The above ground biomass produced was 23.81 t ha-1 at 5 year, 37.80 t ha-1 at 6 year and 44.36 t ha-1 at 7 year. The productivity at age 5 year was 4.77 t ha-1yr-1, at age 6 year 6.30 t ha-1 yr-1 and at age 7 year was 6.34 t ha-1 yr-1. The increase of the productivity between 6 and 7 years were very low (0.04 t ha-1yr-1), which indicated that no further increase in the productivity of the trees. It highlights that a levelling off the productivity beyond 6 year. This consideration suggests 6 year as the optimum harvesting period of C. sappan. The percentage contribution of various components to above ground biomass was in the order: bole > branch > twig > fruit > leaves> bark. The biomass components were also showed an increasing trend. The prediction equations were prepared for above ground biomass as well as biomass components with respect to dbh and height. Even though some equations were proved more fit with combination of dbh and height, R2 value and Furnival index were relatively similar to equations with dbh alone could not be selected, it is difficult to measure height of the standing trees with definite accuracy. Hence, equations with dbh alone were selected for predicting the biomass. With respect to the dbh alone as independent variable, the total above ground biomass, the best fit equation was W = b0 +b1 D+ b2 D2. In leaves also this model proves as best fit. The components like bole, bark, branch and fruit, the best fitted equation was ln W =b0 + b1 ln D. But in twig, it was W=b0 + b1 D2. Weight table prepared for bole (UB) and total above ground biomass based on the best fit equation using diameter at breast height The nutrient concentration was increased with increasing age except in bole and branches. Concentration in bole and branches increased from 5 to 6 year and decreased from 6 to 7 year. Leaves had the maximum concentration of the nutrients and bole the lowest. The nutrient accumulation of the above ground biomass as well as biomass components increased with the increasing age of plantation. The maximum nutrients accumulated in bole and minimum in bark. Among the nutrients, N accumulated maximum followed by K and P. Nutrient use efficiency increased with increasing ages. The maximum nutrient use efficiency observed for P followed by K and N. It was found to be maximum in bole and minimum in leaf.
Open Access
Influence of host, light and mineral nutrition on the growth of sandal seedlings ( santalum album L)
(Department Of Tree physiology & Breeding,Co Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2008) Samom, Khelen Singh; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A V
Studies on the effects of light quality, quantity and nutrient deficiency on the growth of sandal seedlings were conducted in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the year 2006-2008. Radioisotopic study to understand the transfer of photosynthates from the host plants to sandal seedlings and anatomical studies of sandal haustoria were also taken up during the investigation. Sandal seedlings had better shoot growth parameters (viz. shoot length, collar diameter and leaf number), root growth parameters (viz. root length and number of secondary roots), biomass production and chlorophyll content under shaded condition and green light quality when different light qualities and quantities are taken into consideration individually. Sandal seedlings also had better rate of photosynthesis under shaded condition. As far as different light qualities are concerned, rate of photosynthesis was better under red and green light qualities. Generally, the combination of 50 per cent shade and green light quality was found to give the maximum values of different growth parameters and chlorophyll content in leaves of sandal seedlings. The combinations of 50 per cent shade and red light quality and 25 per cent shade and blue light quality were found to be the best with regard to rate of photosynthesis in sandal seedlings at the end of the study period Characteristic deficiency symptoms produced by seedlings due to deficiency of N, P and K include yellowing of older leaf tips, formation of brown spots in leaves and change in leaf colouration, curling of leaves and stunting of growth. The seedlings that received complete nutrient solution were healthy with dark green foliage. Vegetative growth of the seedlings was also found to be affected due to the nutrient stress. Nitrogen deficient seedlings showed a decline in all the fractions of chlorophyll during the study period. Visual deficiency symptoms of the nutrient elements also coincided with a corresponding reduction in foliar levels of the concerned element. Radioisotopic study showed that transfer of photosynthates takes place from the host plants to sandal seedlings and the amount of transfer varies from one host species to another host species. Anatomical studies showed that sandal roots can establish close vascular connections with host roots through haustoria.

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