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Open Access
Provenance evaluation of acacia mangium wild for growth and wood traits
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2015) Ringyao, Jajo; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A V
A provenance evaluation of A. mangium was conducted in 14 year old plantation at Livestock Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu, to understand the variation in growth and wood traits among the provenances. Ten provenances and one local seed source was used for the trial. The provenances had high survival percentage (77.44%), but did not differ significantly between provenances. Significant differences between provenances were found in tree height, while they were on par for DBH, volume, tree form and branching habit. The provenances of Kuranda, Arufi Village, Upper Aramia, Oriomo, Balimo and Binaturi were taller than the rest. Heritability of growth attributes was highest for height (63%). Morphometric traits of seeds were found to be significantly different between the provenances. Arufi Village provenance was found to be better than the other provenances for the traits. Seed weight and seed width were found to be strongly correlated with seedling height. Variation in germination energy, germination value and germination period were also significantly different between provenances. Lake Murray provenances showed the best performance in most of the parameters studied for germination. No significant differences between provenances were observed for germination capacity. Germination parameters are under moderate to high genetic control. Significant differences were noticed among the progenies of the provenances in height, while they did not differ in terms of collar girth and RGR. The provenances differed significantly in physical properties of wood, but not in mechanical properties. The provenances differed significantly for heartwood only at the base, while basic density was significantly different at all the height levels. Density was significantly and positively correlated with fiber length and slenderness, but negatively with fiber diameter and fiber wall thickness. The variations in fiber morphology between the provenances were also found to be significant. However, runkel ratio, flexibility and rigidity coefficient did not differ significantly between the provenances. Wood properties of the provenances were under strong genetic control. Based on the study, Tully-Mission Beach, Arufi Village, Kuranda, Upper Aramia, Lake Murray and Binaturi provenances can be recommended for growing under Kerala condition.
Open Access
Wood quality evaluation of tree species raised in research trials of the Kerala forest department at various localities
(Department of wood Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2012) Sindhumathi, .C.R.; KAU; Anoop, E.V
A study entitled “Wood quality evaluation of tree species raised in research trials of the Kerala Forest Department at various localities” was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2010-2012. The objective of the study was to evaluate the wood quality of Pterocarpus dalbergioides Roxb., Swietinia macrophylla King. and Pericopsis mooniana (Thwaites) Thwaites, raised in research trials of the Kerala forest department at three localities, viz., Mananthavady research range at Wayanad, Olavakkode research range at Palakkad and Nilambur north research range at Nilambur districts, Kerala. Increment core samples and wooden blocks were collected at breast height from trees, selected at random for each species. These samples were subject to intensive investigations to explore the radial variation in anatomical properties as well as variation between species. The study revealed that most of the anatomical properties varied significantly within species and between species. Tree species were also felled to assess the strength characteristics as well as to study the various physical properties. Specific gravity was higher in P. mooniana, the other two species showing similar values. Heartwood – sapwood ratio showed significantly higher value in S. macrophylla, whereas the other two species were at par. Tangential shrinkage showed higher value compared to radial shrinkage in all the three species. Results revealed that P. mooniana exhibited better strength properties which was almost similar or even better than teak as reported by Sekhar (1988). P. dalbergioides showed lower values for strength properties when compared to natural grown P. dalbergioides (Limaye, 1933). Even though P. mooniana showed higher strength properties compared to the two species, overall results revealed that all the three species has good potential for being used as various solid wood purposes. Regression analysis revealed that P. mooniana and P. dalbergioides showed linear relationship between specific gravity and anatomical properties. The present results on wood quality can be used as a baseline data for future tree improvement aspects of these species with reference to wood quality and bring out their potential utility for future afforestation programmes and various end uses.
Open Access
Influence of host plant on the physiological attributes of field grown sandal (santalum album L.).
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding,College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2011) Delphy, Rocha; KAU; Ashokan, P K
Effects of host plant, casuarina on the carbon assimilation, water and nutrient absorption in field grown sandalwood was studied at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the year 2009-2011. Radioisotopic study to understand the trans-haustorial translocation from the host to field grown sandalwood tree and anatomical studies of sandalwood haustoria were also taken up during the investigation. The investigations were carried out in a six year old sandal-field, where sandalwood tree with and without host were established as a part of an earlier research project. The experiment was laid out with single tree plants, in RBD with three treatments viz, T1 - Sandalwood tree without host (Casuarina) (Host plant dead naturally within 2 years after establishment of sandal), T2 - Sandalwood tree with host (Casuarina), T3 - Sandalwood tree with host (Casuarina) and the host plant cut and removed at six year stage of growth. The host plant casuarina did not influence the height and diameter (dbh) of the sandalwood tree significantly during its six years growth. Sandalwood trees growing with host showed higher rate of photosynthesis (carbon assimilation) than sandalwood trees growing without host. Sandalwood tree growing without specific host can extend its root for finding a host in its vicinity, and forming haustorial connections, for meeting its water and nutrient requirements. Sandalwood trees grown with host showed higher plant water potential than sandalwood trees grown without host. Plant water potential has decreased significantly after the removal of host plant from the sandalwood pit. It also resulted in leaf wilting and leaf fall in sandalwood tree, indicating the contribution of the host in maintaining higher water potential in sandalwood trees. Sandalwood trees growing with host showed higher leaf N, P and K content. The N, P and K content of the sandalwood tree leaf decreased considerably after the removal of the host plant. The removal of host did not show any significant effect on leaf micronutrient content of sandalwood tree. Sandalwood growing without host also formed haustoria with roots of host plants growing in the adjacent pit. The sandalwood growing with host in the same pit showed higher number of haustoria. Total number of haustoria was higher on the primary root of the host followed by secondary and tertiary roots. Size of the haustorium, the depth of the penetration, the length of the penetration peg and area of coverage of endophyte was higher in the case of secondary root haustoria than in tertiary. Anatomical study of sandalwood haustoria showed that elongated parenchyma cells of the haustorium projected towards the host root xylem, making vascular connection between sandalwood tree root and the host plant root. Radioactive phosphorus (32P) labelling on host plant, casuarina and tracing in sandalwood tree and other hosts revealed that there is inter-translocation of nutrients between sandalwood and host plants, sandalwood and sandalwood, host and host. The data indicated that a network of roots of sandalwood tree and the hosts are formed through haustorial connection resulting in xylem-translocation. Peak count of 32P was obtained on the eighth day of its application. Radiotracer studies on different sandalwood tree-host associations showed that association of sandalwood and cocoa as host was efficient in haustorial translocation of 32P. Labelling of wild grasses growing around sandalwood tree with 32P revealed that, sandalwood also depends on wild grass for meeting its nutrient requirements.
Open Access
Floristic and edaphic attributes of three land use systems in Wayanad, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2011) Aneesh, K S; KAU; Gopakumar, S
The present study was conducted in Thollayiram area of South Wayanad Forest Division of Wayanad district. The objective of the study is to compare the various floristic and edaphic attributes of three land use systems, viz an ecologically fragile land (EFL), a section 5 land (as per section 5 of Kerala Preservation of Trees Act (1986) and vested forest found in South Wayanad Forest Division. A total area of one hectare was surveyed in each of the three land use systems. The floristic study revealed that species richness of these land use systems were 40, 26 and 32 respectively. The major associations of trees in the ecologically fragile land were Melicope lunu-ankenda- Litsea oleoides- Litsea wightiana and Diospyros nilagirica. In section 5 land, the major associations are Litsea wightiana- Dillenia bracteata and Diospyros nilagirica whereas the vested forest is dominated with Palaquium ellipticum, Myristica beddomei, Dimocarpus longan and Mesua ferrea. Total basal area of vested forest is 44.56 m2 followed by ecologically fragile land (37.47 m2) and section 5 land (33.60 m2). By comparing the Shannon –wiener index of these land use system, vested forest recorded the highest value (2.96) followed by ecologically fragile land (2.93) and section 5 land (2.80) whereas Simpson indices are 0.93, 0.91 and 0.92 respectively. Regarding vegetation structure, a typical three storeys was noticed for ecologically fragile land and vested forest but section 5 land has only two storeys. Texture analysis revealed that soil texture of these land use systems are sandy loam. The pH values of the soil ranges from 3.84 to 4.79. The higher value of bulk density was recorded for section 5 land (1.46 g cm-3) followed by ecologically fragile land (1.34 g cm-3) and vested forest (0.88 g cm-3). There is no significant difference in the values of organic carbon and available potassium across three land use systems whereas available phosphorous was significantly higher in vested forest. The information regarding diversity of ecologically fragile land in Thollayiram will be helpful to the state forest department in designing better strategies for the long term conservation of this ecosystem.
Open Access
Variation in wood physical and anatomical properties of anjily (Artocarpus hirsutus LAM.) grown in different agro-climatic zones of Thrissur district, Kerala
(Department of Wood Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2015) Swagatika Sahoo; KAU; Anoop, E V
A study entitled “Variation in wood physical and anatomical properties of Anjily (Artocarpus hirsutus Lam.) grown in different agro-climatic zones of Thrissur district, Kerala” was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2015-2017. The present investigation was conducted with the objective to assess the variation in wood anatomical and physical properties of anjily (Artocarpus hirsutus Lam.) grown in different agro-climatic zones (Coastal sandy, Central mid land and Malayoram) of Thrissur district, Kerala and to compare the anatomical and physical property of wood between plantations and homesteads. Samples from anjily trees were selected from the three agro-climatic zones of Thrissur district following stratified random sampling technique. The experimental materials were collected from three agro-climatic zones (9 Costal sandy + 9 Central midlands + 9 Malayoram) which also include trees from three girth classes viz., 50- 100 cm, 100-150 cm. and more than 150 cm. Wood samples of three trees were collected from each girth class. Wood samples were also collected from three plantations in Thalassery taluk of Kannur district. Analysis revealed that some of the anatomical properties were significantly different between girth classes across three agro-climatic zones. Basic density, moisture content, heartwood colour, vessel frequency, vessel area, vessel diameter, ray width, fibre wall thickness and fibre lumen diameter did not show significant difference across three agro-climatic zones. Ray frequency, ray height, ray width and fibre lumen diameter showed significant difference between three girth classes across the zones. Analysis revealed that there was significant differences in vessel frequency, vessel diameter, vessel length, ray width, fibre length, fibre lumen diameter, moisture content and basic density between homesteads and plantation. Ecoanatomical characters like vulnerability index and vessel mesomorphy were also analysed and vulnerability index was found to be highest in central mid land. Mesomorphy values of anjily wood indicated that it was mesic in nature. Correlation analysis also showed that basic density was positively correlated with moisture content, ray height, fibre length and fibre wall thickness. The wood properties of anjily was also found to be comparable to teak wood in various aspects
Open Access
Diversity and distribution of polypores in the moist deciduous forests of Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2015) Muhammed, Iqbal A; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
The study entitled “Diversity and distribution of polypores in the moist deciduous forests of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala” was carried out with the objectives to find out the diversity, distribution and host preference of polypores in the moist deciduous forests of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary during three different seasons. An attempt has also been made to find out the effect of substrate features like diameter, type and decay class on the diversity and abundance of polypores. Three fixed size permanent sample plots of 100 m×100 m were established in three different locations and these permanent plots were enumerated during three different seasons to collect information on influence of seasonal fluctuation in fruitbody production and details on substratum. Apart from the plot based sampling, opportunistic sampling method was also adopted to maximize the documentation of polypore fungal diversity and distribution. A total of thirty six species were recorded from the sanctuary and among this Pycnoporus cinnabarinus and Datronia mollis were the first report from South India. Out of this, white rot fungi contributed 94.44 per cent and 5.56 per cent were brown rot fungi. The density and frequency of occurrence have been varied significantly during different seasons and the community structure and species composition during monsoon and post monsoon season were distinct from pre-monsoon season. However, fungal diversity analysis showed that species richness was higher during monsoon season and revealed the influence of seasonal variation on fungal diversity. The high species similarity was observed between monsoon and post monsoon season compared to pre-monsoon and monsoon. A total of 17 host tree species were identified in ten different families and Terminalia paniculata was found to be highly preferred by polypores. Polypores like Fulvifomes nilgheriensis and Fuscoporia senex were found to be host specific and were found only on Xylia xylocarpa. The maximum fungal density has been recorded in host trees with 21-<30 cm diameter class. Among the substrate types, maximum number of individuals was observed on trunk and living trees supported only very few polypores. The newly emerged species during monsoon season showed more association with decay class 2 and the decay class association of some species remained unchanged during all the seasons. The conceptual framework on primary ecological strategy revealed that polypores exhibits ruderal, combative and stress tolerant behaviours. The present study concluded that the diversity and distribution of polypores are determined by seasonal fluctuations and substrate features.
Open Access
Quality evaluation and value addition of fruits of Elaeocarpus serratus L. (Ceylon olive tree)
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2015) Yeshma, Machamma; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study “Quality evaluation and Value Addition of fruits of Elaeocarpus serratus L. (Ceylon Olive Tree)” was conducted in Vazhachal forest division of Thrissur district, Kerala. From the selected trees the fruits were collected to evaluate their physical parameters, biochemical and mineral composition. Two products were also, prepared from the fruits and their bio chemical parameters were analyzed. The physical characteristics of the fruits revealed that the mean fruit weight, volume, length, diameter for the fruit were 3.55 g, 5.97 cm3, 23.07 mm and 15.58 mm respectively. The mean pulp and seed weight was observed as 2.03 g and 1.52 g respectively for the fruits. The pulp and seed proportion was estimated to be 57.50 per cent and 42.50 per cent of the total Elaeocarpus serratus fruit content. Correlation matrix revealed a significant and positive relation among all the studied physical parameters. The biochemical parameters of the fruit such as moisture, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar, starch, fibre, titrable acidity, beta carotene, vitamin C were obtained as 62.45 per cent, 5.990 brix, 12.05 per cent, 8.26 per cent, 18.78 per cent, 1.73 per cent, 1.36 per cent, 1.04 μ g /100gm and 2.9 mg /100gm respectively. Minerals like phosphorous, potassium, iron and calcium were found to be 62.80 mg/100g, 331.48 mg/100g, 2.14 mg/100g and 10.94 mg/100g. The nutritional composition of the fruits was found to be in par with other tropical fruits like tamarind, passion fruit, jackfruit etc. In terms of organoleptic evaluation the fruit showed the mean scores for appearance, colour, flavour, texture, odour, taste, after taste was found as 6.7, 6.8, 5, 5, 4.9, 4 and 4.1 respectively. Since the mean value for the above characteristics of the fruit are low, the overall acceptability of the fruit is low with the value of 4.1. Two products were developed from the fruit i.e. pickle and candy. The chemical composition of the fruit product pickle was analysed to evaluate the acidity, total soluble solids, vitamin C, total sugar and reducing sugar which were found to be 1.2 per cent, 10.450 brix, 2.6 mg/100g, 6.05 mg/100g and 0.76 mg/100g respectively. Similarly Candy chemical composition analysed values was found to be 1.42 per cent, 68.060 brix, 2.8 mg/100g, 40.10 mg/100g and 15.01 mg/100g respectively. The organoleptic scores for the pickle and candy showed high values for all the parameters with the overall acceptability mean score of 8.4 and 7.7 respectively. Hence, the present study of fruits of Elaeocarpus serratus clearly reflects the potential of this underutilized wild edible fruit for commercial utilization.
Open Access
Dependence on non timber forest products (NTFP) for the sustainable livelihood enhancement of tribals of western Attappady
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Ashish, Alex; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) play a crucial role in the daily life and welfare of people all over the world. The livelihoods of the people living close to the forest and within the forests are inextricably linked to the forest ecosystem. In Kerala, out of 4000 tribal settlements, 671 settlements are forest settlements, which depended on NTFPs for meeting their various requirements. The present study was conducted in the Western part of Attappady among the three tribal groups namely; Irula, Muduga and Kurumba. The main objective of the study was to document the NTFPs collected and utilized by the tribes for their sustainable livelihood and explore the various marketing mechanisms followed in Western Attappady. A pre-tested questionnaire survey and semi structured interviews were conducted in fifty houses from each community. Secondary data were collected from the cooperative societies, SC/ST Federation and Silent Valley National Park Wildlife Warden’s Office etc. The Irula community who are basically daily wage workers settled on the lower plains of the valley had the highest literacy rate and obtained one per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The Mudugas settled on the midlands had the least literacy rate and derived 9 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The particular vulnerable tribal group Kurumba settled in the interior areas of the forests obtained 44 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The tribes of Western Attappady depended on 17 plant species for food, 19 for medicine, 8 for construction and firewood and 6 for religious purpose. The Irulas collected 9 commercial NTFPs, whereas Mudugas and Kurumbas collected 14 and 18 NTFPs respectively. The Irula and Muduga were mostly involved in the collection of honey, whereas Kurumbas involved in the collection of Acacia concinna. The NTFPs have contributed an annual income of Rs. 5755, Rs. 27220 and Rs. 46255 to the Irulas, Mudugas and Kurumbas households respectively.The Irulas got maximum income (Rs. 2880/annum) from honey, whereas Mudugas and Kurumbas got the highest income from Canarium strictum (Rs. 4800/annum) and Solanum torvum (Rs 5880/annum) respectively. Honey was collected only by men and roots were collected by women. In Irula, both the genders made equal contribution to their income from NTFP, whereas in Mudugas the men and women contributed 65 and 35 per cent respectively. The Kurumba women contributed 56 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The most of the medicinal plants whose roots were the exploitable part were harvested during November to February. The Irulas made 30 trips/ year for NTFP collection, whereas Mudugas and Irulas undertook 78 and 123 trips/year respectively. The three institutions involved in the marketing of NTFPs were Kurumba Cooperative society, Eco shop of EDC and private traders. The Kurumba was marketing most of the NTFPs through the Kurumba society, whereas Irula and Muduga marketed NTFPs through the private shops. The private traders gave better price to the collectors than the society. For Irulas and Mudugas NTFP collection was a subsidiary source of income, whereas for Kurumbas, it was the major source of income. The private traders maintained a constant link with the tribes and ensured the private marketing channels are always active.
Open Access
Co-managed forestry as a function of stakeholders perceptions and demographic profile in eastern Attappady, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Remya, Raghavan; KAU; Gopakumar, S
A study titled “Co-managed forestry as a function of stakeholders’ perceptions and demographic profile in Eastern Attappady” was carried out during 2013-2014. The main objectives were to analyse the performance of the co- managed forestry activities from the perspectives of the various stakeholders, and to explore the link between socio-economic variables and variations in members’ perceptions about the success of these initiatives. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic characteristics of the stakeholders’, performance and impacts of co-managed activities on forest and livelihood status. A total of 183 respondents from three Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and four Vana Samrakshana Samithies (VSS) drawn from seven locations, namely Sambarcode, Paloor, Kalkandy, Puthur, Bhomiampady, Sholayur, and Gonjiyur in Eastern Attappady, were surveyed. Additionally constraints of JFMC and VSS institutions were also studied using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools such as Venn-diagram, Problem-causes linkages and SWOC analysis. The study found that the JFMC and VSS activities positively influenced the ecology of the area. However, there was a significant contrast between the perceptions of the JFMC and the VSS members with regards to its influence on the livelihood of the local people. The JFMC members’ reported that the co-managed activities, increased the household income and encouraged women participation, which reduced many social evils. Whereas, the VSS members opined that the performance of VSS activities was not upto the JFMC activities in improving the socio-economic status of its members. The JFMC was observed to be a better performer than VSS from the perspectives of stakeholders on the ecological and social aspects. Further, the study observed that the success of co-managed programs depended on education, age, income, occupation and social participation. All these significantly contributed to higher levels of women participation and livelihood opportunities. Social participation also influenced the attitude of people towards the forest and co-managed activities. The major constraints of JFMC, were lack of integration with other departments, unnecessary political interference and lack of group feeling among members. The major constraints for VSS were lack of income generating opportunities, lower level of people participation and constant transfer of VSS secretary.

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