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Open Access
Impact of seed priming techniques on germination and seedling performance in sandal (Santalum album L.)
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2019) Chithra, P; KAU; Jijeesh, C M
Santalum album L, known as the East Indian Sandalwood is a semi-root parasitic tree native to South India and it is one of the most precious and valuable among Indian forest trees. The poor rate of germination coupled with long germination period is the major constraints in the regeneration of sandal. Present study was conducted to assess the impact of seed priming techniques on the germination and seedling growth attributes of sandal at College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. The effect of different duration and concentration of priming agents viz. water (Hydropriming for 3, 6, 9 and 12 days), Pseudomonas fluorescens (Biopriming at 25, 50, 75 and 100% for 2, 4, 6 and 8 days), Polyethylene Glycol 6000 (Osmopriming at 5, 10, 15 and 20% for 3, 6, 9 and 12 days) and MnSO4 (Chemical priming at 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 M for 3, 6, 9 and 12 days) on seed germination and subsequent seedling growth in sandal were studied. The non- primed seeds were kept as control. Primed seeds were stored for one day and one month after the completion of priming processes and the germination and seedling growth were observed. The germination was obtained only in the seeds stored for one day after priming process and the seeds stored for one month failed to germinate. Results indicated that the hydropriming of the seeds could not improve the germination of the sandal seeds compared to control. Biopriming significantly increased the seed germination and the highest germination percentage (88%) was recorded in the seeds subjected to biopriming for 8 days at 100% concentration, which was 1.9 times higher compared to control. The highest germination recorded in osmopriming was 78%. The chemical priming with MnSO4 at different concentrations for 3 days also recorded the higher germination (88%) comparable to biopriming. Electrical conductivity was the highest in the leachates of seeds hydroprimed for 12 days (1.96 dS cm-1) and was the lowest in seeds subjected to biopriming (0.03 dS cm-1). The leachate conductivity of the seeds subjected to osmopriming treatments (1.69 dS cm-1) was comparable to that of the hydropriming treatments. Although the different concentrations and duration of MnSO4 reduced the leakage of solutes from the sandal seeds, the electrical conductivity was higher than that of the biopriming treatments. Hence, biopriming treatments were the best in reducing the leakage of solutes from the cells leading to better membrane integrity and stability. Biochemical analysis of the primed and non-primed seeds indicated that the hydropriming treatments recorded significantly lower carbohydrate, protein and crude fat content compared to control.
Open Access
Productivity of tree fodder banks in selected homegardens of central Kerala
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2019) Anush Patric; KAU; Asha, K Raj
The field study entitled “Productivity of tree fodder banks in selected homegardens of Central Kerala” was carried out as three separate experiments in selected small, medium, and large scale homegarden with livestock component in Arimboor panchayath, Thrissur, Kerala during 2018-2019. The study aimed to assess the forage yield and nutritive value of five fodder tree species viz. Mulberry (Morus indica), Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) and Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) under hedgerow planting (45 x 45 cm spacing) in homegardens; and to explore the short term changes in soil nutrient status of homegardens with tree fodder integration. The treatments were laid out in randomized block design replicated four times. The trees were harvested at 1m height and at the interval of two months during rainy season and three months during summer season The result revealed that all the tree species established well in the homegardens after planting. Initial growth of Agathi and Calliandra was faster in terms of plant height, whereas Gliricidia showed excellence in lateral branching. In general, coppice parameters were better for Gliricidia followed by Agathi and Calliandra. The annual green and dry forage yields were higher for Gliricidia (24.27 & 4.39 Mg ha-1) and Calliandra (16.38 & 4.60 Mg ha-1) respectively followed by Agathi and Mulberry. The yield from Moringa was comparatively poor. Seasonal fodder yields were higher for rainy period than summer. Forage quality also differed among tree species. Calliandra (22.57 %) and Gliricidia (19.99 %) fodder had more crude protein content and yield followed by Mulberry (16.74 %). Crude fibre content was lower in Gliricidia, Calliandra and Mulberry than other species. Mulberry (7.93 %), Moringa (7.61 %) and Agathi (7.12 %) had higher ash content, whereas Moringa and Mulberry had higher P and K content. Dry matter content was significantly higher for Calliandra (30.40 %) and Mulberry (28.73 %). Higher leaf-stem ratio was observed in Mulberry (2.09) and Gliricidia (2.05), followed by Calliandra (1.67). In general, Gliricidia and Calliandra had higher forage yields and protein content, followed by Agathi. Mulberry showed intermediate performance with respect to yield and quality. Moringa was inferior in forage yields but rich in quality attributes like ash, minerals and P content. Comparing homegardens, yield performance of fodder banks was higher in medium homegarden (MHG) followed by large (LHG) and small homegarden (SHG). Whereas reverse trend was observed in quality attributes of fodder. Survival count of the trees after one year of planting was significantly higher in Mulberry (80.06 %) and Calliandra (71.13 %), followed by Gliricidia (44.35 %), whereas survival was drastically lower for Agathi (31.55 %) and Moringa (31.55 %). Inspite of poor yields of Mulberry in the initial year, higher persistence of Mulberry indicates its better performance in the subsequent years. Comparing different homegardens, survival percentage was higher for SHG (59.47 %) and MHG (54.46 %) followed by LHG (41.07 %). Low survival in LHG was due to waterlogging during rainy season. In general, the soil organic carbon, N and P content improved with fodder tree integration in SHG and MHG. There was no visible changes in K content. Soil N and P levels also improved in LHG whereas SOC showed a declining trend. Comparing tree species, Agathi plots showed more soil improvement with higher SOC and NPK levels whereas soil depletion was more evident in Moringa with respect to carbon, P and K, and in Calliandra in terms of carbon and nitrogen. PAR transmittance ranged from 50.10 % in SHG to 52.75 % in MHG and LHG which were on par. PAR transmittance levels in various tree plots ranged from 45.50 – 58.57 % with no statistical significance. A marginal reduction in transmittance was observed in Mulberry (45.50 %) when compared to other species. The economics of fodder bank cultivation in homegardens varied significantly with respect to tree species. Gliricidia fodder banks generated higher returns and B: C ratio (1.28) whereas all other species showed B: C ratio of less than one. The initial cost for raising fodder banks in homesteads is high whereas the forage yield in the initial year of planting is comparatively less as trees are under the establishment phase. Hence, in conclusion, fodder trees like Gliricidia, Calliandra, and Mulberry with good yield/persistence are found to be ideal for hedgerow planting in the understorey of homesteads. Agathi is not amenable to heavy pruning, hence frequent replanting is a management option due to its faster growth. Cultivation of Moringa should be confined to light intensive as well as dry areas of homesteads. Moreover, pruning of overhead trees in homesteads to enhance understorey light regimes can further elevate the yield levels of fodder banks. Scientific cultivation and management of multispecies tree fodder banks and feeding mixed forages will provide quality and balanced nutrition to enhance livestock production at minimal cost in homegardens.
Open Access
Performance of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus meissn.) under diverse mangement regimes in a coconut based hedge row fodder production system
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Anu Sagaran, K; KAU; Asha, K Raj
A study entitled “Performance of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) under diverse management regimes in a coconut based hedge row fodder production system” was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2014-2015. The main objective of the study was to assess the influence of management practices like tree density, pruning height and pruning frequency on initial growth, forage yield and nutritional qualities of calliandra intercropped in coconut gardens under humid tropical conditions of Kerala. The treatments consisted of three levels of plant density (27,777; 22,222 and 17,777 plants ha-1), three levels of pruning frequency (8, 12 and 16 weeks interval) and two levels of pruning height (0.5m and 1m) in all possible combinations laid out under factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that various management practices had a profound influence on the forage yield and quality aspects of calliandra when grown as an intercrop in coconut garden. Comparing plant densities, highest density stand (27,777 plants ha-1) yielded 55 percent more forage (11.73Mg ha-1yr-1, dry basis) than the lowest density (17,777 plants ha-1), with higher foliage fraction. Quality parameters of forage like crude protein, ash, dry matter, phosphorus and potassium content increased and crude fibre content decreased at higher densities indicating closer spacing for production of tender nutritive fodder. Pruning at the prolonged interval of 16 weeks yielded more total forage, but the majority of the fodder comprised of stem fraction as indicated by the poor leaf-stem ratio. Leaf –stem ratio of fodder harvested at 8 and 12 weeks showed an increment of 125 percent over that of the 16 weeks interval, indicating more foliage production than stem fractions when harvested at shorter intervals. Pruning frequencies also had profound influence on nutritive value of the forage. Harvesting at shortest interval of 8 weeks and 12 weeks yielded fodder with maximum crude protein, phosphorus and potassium content when compared to 16 weeks. Ash and dry matter content in 99 fodder was significantly higher at the longest interval of 16 weeks. Crude fibre content of forage increased sharply from 28.33 to 49.98 percent by prolonging the harvest interval from 8 to 16 weeks thereby adversely affecting the palatability of the forage. Pruning height showed more prominent influence on forage yield of calliandra than the nutritive parameters. Dry fodder yield increased from 8.11 to 10.81 Mg ha-1yr-1 with increasing pruning height from 0.5 to 1m, with a higher leaf-stem ratio for taller stocks. Similarly there was a significant improvement in CP yield from taller stocks (1.67 Mgha-1 )when compared to shorter ones (1.23 Mgha-1) The interaction effects of plant density, pruning height and pruning frequency had no significant effect on yield and quality parameters of callianrda. The highest yielding combination (13.39 Mg ha-1dry basis) was found to be D1H2F2 (27,777 plants ha-1 + pruning height 1 m + pruning interval 12 weeks ) with higher foliage fraction and better nutritive parameters, compared to all other management levels, which were inferior either in forage yield or nutritive value or palatability of forage. On the whole, the study revealed that forage yield and quality of young stands of calliandra underneath coconut garden could be optimized at the cheapest level by adopting a tree density of 27,777plants ha-1, pruning height of 1m and pruning interval of 12 weeks. Moreover, based on the growth and yield performance and quality aspects, it is found that calliandra is a promising fodder tree, which can be successfully integrated with the existing coconut gardens of Kerala. Establishment and proper management of calliandra in coconut garden at appropriate management levels thus offers a cheap source of quality forage to Kerala farmers against the highly expensive concentrate feeds.
Open Access
Forage yield, soil fertility and carbon dynamics of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus meissn,) in coconut plantation
(Departament of Silviculture and Agroforestry , College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Jilna Joy; KAU; Asha, K Raj
A study entitled “Performance of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) under diverse management regimes in a coconut based hedge row fodder production system” was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2014-2015. The main objective of the study was to assess the influence of management practices like tree density, pruning height and pruning frequency on initial growth, forage yield and nutritional qualities of calliandra intercropped in coconut gardens under humid tropical conditions of Kerala. The treatments consisted of three levels of plant density (27,777; 22,222 and 17,777 plants ha-1), three levels of pruning frequency (8, 12 and 16 weeks interval) and two levels of pruning height (0.5m and 1m) in all possible combinations laid out under factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that various management practices had a profound influence on the forage yield and quality aspects of calliandra when grown as an intercrop in coconut garden. Comparing plant densities, highest density stand (27,777 plants ha-1) yielded 55 percent more forage (11.73Mg ha-1yr-1, dry basis) than the lowest density (17,777 plants ha-1), with higher foliage fraction. Quality parameters of forage like crude protein, ash, dry matter, phosphorus and potassium content increased and crude fibre content decreased at higher densities indicating closer spacing for production of tender nutritive fodder. Pruning at the prolonged interval of 16 weeks yielded more total forage, but the majority of the fodder comprised of stem fraction as indicated by the poor leaf-stem ratio. Leaf –stem ratio of fodder harvested at 8 and 12 weeks showed an increment of 125 percent over that of the 16 weeks interval, indicating more foliage production than stem fractions when harvested at shorter intervals. Pruning frequencies also had profound influence on nutritive value of the forage. Harvesting at shortest interval of 8 weeks and 12 weeks yielded fodder with maximum crude protein, phosphorus and potassium content when compared to 16 weeks. Ash and dry matter content in 99 fodder was significantly higher at the longest interval of 16 weeks. Crude fibre content of forage increased sharply from 28.33 to 49.98 percent by prolonging the harvest interval from 8 to 16 weeks thereby adversely affecting the palatability of the forage. Pruning height showed more prominent influence on forage yield of calliandra than the nutritive parameters. Dry fodder yield increased from 8.11 to 10.81 Mg ha-1yr-1 with increasing pruning height from 0.5 to 1m, with a higher leaf-stem ratio for taller stocks. Similarly there was a significant improvement in CP yield from taller stocks (1.67 Mgha-1 )when compared to shorter ones (1.23 Mgha-1) The interaction effects of plant density, pruning height and pruning frequency had no significant effect on yield and quality parameters of callianrda. The highest yielding combination (13.39 Mg ha-1dry basis) was found to be D1H2F2 (27,777 plants ha-1 + pruning height 1 m + pruning interval 12 weeks ) with higher foliage fraction and better nutritive parameters, compared to all other management levels, which were inferior either in forage yield or nutritive value or palatability of forage. On the whole, the study revealed that forage yield and quality of young stands of calliandra underneath coconut garden could be optimized at the cheapest level by adopting a tree density of 27,777plants ha-1, pruning height of 1m and pruning interval of 12 weeks. Moreover, based on the growth and yield performance and quality aspects, it is found that calliandra is a promising fodder tree, which can be successfully integrated with the existing coconut gardens of Kerala. Establishment and proper management of calliandra in coconut garden at appropriate management levels thus offers a cheap source of quality forage to Kerala farmers against the highly expensive concentrate feeds.
Open Access
Autoallelopathy of selected multipurpose tree species and the effect of their leachates on Agricultural test crop
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Neenu, P; KAU; Jamaludheen, V
A study carried out in the tree nursery of College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, Thrissur to assess the autoallelopathic effect of selected multipurpose trees and the effect of their leachate on agricultural test crop. The study on allelopathy is very essential in agroforestry as it effect the yield and performance of the trees and crops grown together and is essential to make judgment on the compatibility of trees and crops. The allelopathic effect of different tree part leachates such as leaf leachate, bark leachate and root leachate of selected trees viz., Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Ailanthus. triphysa, Grevillea robusta and Swietenia macrophylla on the germination and growth of their own seedling and an agricultural test crop cowpea (Var. Anaswara) were studied. The soil for the pot culture experiment was collected from well established plantations of the MPTs and is used as potting mixture with sand in equal proportion. The pots were irrigated with leachates of different tree parts of these trees by soaking the tree part in water for 24 hours in 1:10 w/v concentration. The monthly variation in nutrient status of the soil used for pot culture experiment and the variation in the physicochemical properties of leachates at six intervals is also estimated. The effect of tree part leachates considerably varied among the germination and biomass production in both allelopathic and autoallelopathic studies. The observations on the germination per cent in allelopathic and autoallelopathic study revealed greater inhibition in the pots treated with leaf leachate in all tree species, except for S. macrophylla. With regard to biometric observations and biomass production also, S. macrophylla performed as the best compared to other selected species investigated for autoallelopathy. In case of the test crop also, it showed a better growth in pots treated with the leachates from S. macrophylla. The physicochemical analysis of the leachate of tree parts used to irrigate the pots showed increasing trend in total solid, electrical conductivity, total phenol, total carbohydrate and a decreasing trend in pH upto 36 hours. The physicochemical analysis of leachates for total phenol showed a greater concentration in the leaves than the bark and root. Results converge to the generalisation that among the five selected tree species the effect of auto allelopathy is negligible in case of S. macrophylla. The better growth performance of the test crop in S. macrophylla tree part leachates shows the compatibility of the test crop with the tree than the other selected tree species.
Open Access
Productivity, carbon and nutrient stocks in mulberry (Morus indica L.) and subabul (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) based high density fodder production system in coconut
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2018) Acsah Rose, John; KAU; Asha K Raj
The research programme entitled “Productivity, carbon and nutrient stocks in mulberry (Morus indica L.) and subabul (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) based high density fodder production system in coconut”, was conducted at Instructional farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2017-18, to evaluate the influence of tree density and harvest interval on forage yield, carbon and nutrient stocks of three- years- old mulberry and subabul fodder banks in coconut garden. The study also examined the variation in coconut productivity and soil fertility changes associated with fodder bank integration in coconut plantations. The treatments included intercropping of fodder tree species like mulberry and subabul-1 at three levels of tree densities (49,382; 37,037 and 27, 777 plants ha-1 ) and three levels of harvest intervals (8, 12 and 16 weeks) in all possible combinations with randomized block design replicated thrice. The study indicated that annual fresh fodder yield from fodder tree banks per hectare of coconut garden in the third year of intercropping was significantly higher in mulberry (33.93 Mg ha-1 yr ) than that of subabul (20.14 Mg ha-1 yr ). Forage yields of tree banks increased from 18.97 to 35.04 Mg ha yr from lower to higher density classes, and were also found to be higher (33.98 Mg ha-1 yr ) for medium harvest interval of 12 weeks than longer or shorter intervals. Comparing the cumulative effects of stand management practices, forage yields of mulberry and subabul stands showed drastic variation which ranged from 16.40 to 63.38 and 9.33 to 30.96 Mg ha-1 yr-1respectively under various management levels, there by indicating the critical role of proper management for productivity enhancement from tree fodder banks. Maximum yield was obtained from the highest density stand (49,382 plants ha-1 ) and at medium harvest interval of 12 weeks in both the tree species. In general, fodder tree intercropping and various management regimes showed no significant influence on coconut productivity. However, a slight decrease in nut yield was observed under very high fodder tree density (49,382 plants ha-1 ), especially with that of mulberry, there by pointing out the need for crop specificnutrient and moisture supplementation to prevent competition and yield loss in coconut under high density intercropping. Intercropping of fodder trees and various management practices resulted in significant enhancement in total biomass production and carbon storage potential of coconut plantations (82.70-108.48 Mg ha-1 ) than that of coconut monoculture system (75.35 Mg ha-1 ). The intercropped fodder trees have fixed additional carbon to a maximum of 33 Mg ha-1 in the plant biomass and in soil up to 40 cm depth, thereby making considerable contribution for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Significant difference was observed in nutrient uptake by the two fodder tree species, tree density and harvest schedule. N, P and K uptake was found to be significantly higher for mulberry (70.77, 4.80 and 38.22 kg ha-1 ) than that of subabul (51.62, 2.97 and 24.45 kg ha-1 ). N, P and K uptake enhanced by 81, 113 and 96 per cent from lower to higher densities. The nutrient uptake was higher in the medium interval of 12 weeks when compared to shorter or longer intervals. In general, intercropping practices in coconut have overall improved the fertility status of soil compared to coconut monoculture. However, proper nutrient supplementation should be ensured while adopting very high tree densities to avoid any possible competition with coconut palms. Fodder tree species and tree density had significant effect on soil properties like pH and water holding capacity (WHC) in mulberry and subabul plots intercropped in coconut plantation. Soil pH was observed higher in subabul (4.84) than mulberry (4.58). Water holding capacity (WHC) was observed higher in mulberry plots (53.96 %) than that of subabul (50.84%). Comparing the economics of tree fodder integration in coconut garden, significantly higher B: C ratio was obtained from mulberry (2.94) than subabul (2.54). B: C ratio showed an increasing trend (2.26 to 3.05) from lower to higher density classes. The highest B: C ratio (3.07) was obtained from 12 weeks harvest interval.Hence, the present field study clearly demonstrates the possibility of integrating mulberry and subabul fodder banks in coconut gardens of Kerala to enhance quality forage production, so as to minimize farmer’s expenses on feed cost. Adoption of ideal stand management practices viz., tree density of 49,382 plants ha-1 and 12 weeks harvest interval, can generate higher forage yields from limited land area. Moreover, the intercropped fodder trees have fixed additional carbon to a maximum of 33 Mg ha-1 , thereby making considerable contribution for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels to minimize global warming. Thus, establishment and proper management of mulberry and subabul fodder banks in coconut garden is a low cost technology to enhance quality forage production in humid tropics, and a promising strategy for climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration.
Open Access
Understorey productivity of selected fodder grasses in mature coconut and rubber plantations
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Vellanikkara, 2018) Rose Mary Jose; KAU; Jamaludheen, V
A field experiment was conducted at Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala from May 2017 to February 2018 to assess the understorey productivity of four fodder grasses viz congosignal (Brachiaria ruziziensis), guinea (Panicum maximum) and two hybrid napier cultivars CO-3 and CO-5 when grown under mature coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and rubber (Heavea barsiliensis Muell. Arg,) plantations, which are the two prominent land use systems in Kerala. The biophysical attributes influencing the productivity of these land use systems and the biochemical changes in the products of understorey crops were also studied. Growth parameters of understorey fodder crops varied remarkably among these land use systems. The fodder grasses grown in coconut plantations showed an increased plant height, leaf area index, leaf area ratio, and leaf weight ratio as compared with treeless open plot. However, the number of tillers per clump and number of leaves per clump showed a decreasing trend when grown as understorey crops in mature coconut and rubber plantations. Rubber grown fodder grasses expressed substantially poor performance both in growth and yield attributes. Regarding fodder production, open grown fodder grasses consistently showed maximum biomass dry weight throughout the harvests. On comparing with the open, the rubber plot showed a substantial reduction of 91.35% in the total biomass dry weight from all harvests whereas the reduction was only 39.02% under coconut plantations. Mean mid day (12–1p.m) understorey photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) were 1342.5 moles μ m -2 sec -1 in rubber and 1575 μ molesm -2 sec -1 in coconut, with respective understorey PAR transmittance of 39.84 % and 56.08% of full sunlight. The understorey crops in coconut and rubber showed an increased chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, and total chlorophyll content and leaf moisture content over treeless control. The maximum crude protein value was noticed in the rubber (11.97%) grown fodder grasses and was on par with open while 124 coconut (9.29 %) accounted the least crude protein content. The understorey crops showed a decreased crude fibre content as compared to open. The maximum leaf nitrogen content was observed in the rubber plot (1.92%) and this was followed by open plot (1.87%). The lowest nitrogen content was observed in the coconut plot (1.49%). No noticeable changes were observed in foliar phosphorus and potassium content across both land use systems. The soil analysis revealed that the organic carbon and available nitrogen content of the top soil were increased under both the tree based cropping systems as a result of understory intercropping. However, on comparing with the initial values of different soil properties studied, only modest changes were observed in the soil properties in general across both the land use systems and treeless open plot. It is concluded that the coconut based fodder production systems with these grasses are almost comparable, in terms of growth and yield, to the open areas and hence recommended for farmers adaption. This practice of integrating fodder grasses in coconut plantations gains immense importance in Kerala, where mature coconut plantations forms one of the extensive and prominent land management system. Thus, judicious use of the vast area of interspaces under these matures coconut plantations for fodder production is very ideal especially in the state of Kerala. The best proven combination of land use system and the fodder grass in a coconut based intercropping scenario was the cultivation of CO-3 fodder grass under matured coconut plantations. However, the rubber based fodder production system is not at all feasible and further conclusive studies may be done for affirming more reasons for such a substantial reduction of growth and yield in rubber based system.
Open Access
Standardisation of propagation through branch cuttings in selected bamboo species of Kerala
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Sreejith, M M; KAU; Jijeesh, C M
The present study attempted root induction in the branch cuttings of three commercially important bamboo species namely; Bambusa balcooa, Dendrocalamus giganteus and Thyrsostachys oliveri. The primary branches of each species were collected during three seasons viz. October to January (Season I), February to May (Season II) and June to September (Season III). Two noded branch cuttings were prepared out of the primary branches and subjected to soaking in growth regulator solutions of IBA and NAA at different concentrations of 0 (control), 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg l-1 for 24 hours and planted horizontally in two media viz. sand alone and mixture of sand, soil and cow dung (1:1:1) filled in plastic trays. Results indicated that sprouting attributes of bamboo species varied among different treatments. In B. balcooa, sprouting percentage varied from 1.67 (branch cuttings of season I treated with IBA 250 mg l-1 kept in second medium) to 48.33% (branch cuttings of season II treated with NAA 250 mg l-1 kept in the sand). In D. giganteus, sprouting in the branch cuttings ranged from 5.00 to 43.3%. The highest sprouting was observed during season II in cuttings treated with NAA 500 mg l-1 kept in the second media and the least was in control of NAA kept in sand in the same season. Meanwhile, in T. oliveri, maximum sprouting was observed in cuttings treated with IBA 100 mg l-1 (41.67%) in third season kept in sand, while sprouting was absent in some treatment combinations along with the control. However, sprouted cuttings failed to initiate rooting in any of treatment combinations in three bamboo species. Further trials were conducted with higher concentrations (0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg l- 1 ) of growth regulators in sand medium. Maximum sprouting in B. balcooa, was observed in cuttings treated with IBA 1000 mg l-1 (36.66%) while, the least was in those treated with NAA 1000 mg l-1 (10.00%). Branch cuttings treated with IBA 1000 mg l-1 recorded the highest sprouting (26.66%) and those treated with IBA 3000 mg l-1 recorded the lowest value (10.00%) in T. oliveri. Here also, the expected rooting of cuttings was not observed. Hence, another trial with the application of NAA and IBA by quick dip method at concentrations 0(control), 1000, 1500 and 2500 mg l-1 was carried out. In B. balcooa, the highest sprouting was in the cuttings treated with NAA 1000 mg l-1 (30%) and the lowest was in those treated with IBA 2500 mg l- (6.00%). Whereas, in T. oliveri highest sprouting was observed in cuttings treated with IBA 1000 mg l-1 (33.33%) followed by IBA 1500 mg l-1 (23.33%). The least sprouting was observed in cuttings treated with NAA 2500 mg l-1 (13.33 %) followed by control (15%). Here also, the rooting was absent in different treatments. In the last experiment, B. balcooa branch cutting were treated with IBA and NAA solutions 0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg l-1 concentration and planted in standard nursery beds. The lowest sprouting percentage was observed in cuttings treated with NAA 2000 mg l-1 (20.00 %) and the highest sprouting was in cuttings treated with IBA 500 and 1000 mg l-1 (40 %) but the sprouted cuttings did not produce any root. As the present study did not give the expected results, further trials are needed for the standardization of propagation through branch cuttings in the selected bamboo species.

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