“Seedling growth and survival of seven multipurpose Agroforestry tree species of Garhwal Himalaya”

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2016-08
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The present investigation was carried out during the year 2015-16 in the Research Block of Department of Forestry, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Seven multipurpose agroforestry tree species, namely- Celtis australis, Bauhinia variegata, Bauhinia semla, Grewia optiva, Ficus auriculata, Quercus floribunda, and Quercus semecarpifolia were taken for investigation. The growth of nursery raised seedlings was measured at three month interval until one year of establishment in the the nursery. Germination per cent, mean germination time, germination index, seedling vigor index and growth characteristics and biomass (i.e. shoot length, collar diameter, leaf area, number of leaves/plant, root length, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, leaves dry weight, total dry weight and root/shoot dry weight) of each multipurpose tree species were recorded. Fodder and fuel wood deficiency in the Himalayan region is well recognized because rural inhabitants are exploiting these forest resources for their livelihood for generations which leads to severe deforestation. The outcome of the study revealed that germination of Grewia optiva was found highest (80%) and Quercus semecarpifolia was the lowest (21%). G. optiva showed maximum height (50.00 cm) followed by Bauhinia variegata (43.95 cm). Quercus floribunda (10.42 cm) was found to show the poorest growth performance. Celtis australis showed maximum number of leaves (11.55) and followed by B. variegata (10.66) in the nursery condition. G. optiva showed maximum survival percent (22.35%) followed by B. variegata (22.33%). Biomass was recorded highest in G. optiva (6.47 g) followed by B. variegata (5.62 g) and C. australis (5.46 g). B. variegata and G. optiva were found most energetic among all the selected multipurpose tree species. From the study, it can be concluded that G. optiva and B. variegata are the overall best performing species and these species will be most suitable for plantations in the hilly regions of Garhwal Himalayas.
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