Tropical Forest Research Institute

This study was carried out to show variation in soil nutrients under the different land use types of the upper catchment area of Narmada River Amarkantak in Central India. The soil sample was collected from 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm using a soil auger and under six land use types. The land use were dense mixed forest, sal mixed forest, mixed forest, open land, rangeland and agriculture land. A total of 60 composite samples were obtained (6 land use types x 5 quadrates x 2 depths) and analysed for pH, EC, N, P, K and SOC. The results revealed that the average pH ranged from 5.75±0.15 to 6.79±0.58, average EC values ranged from 0.13±0.03 to 0.31±0.08 dS m-1 statistically significant in different land use types. The average nitrogen ranged from 115.83±22.74 to 523.75±161.54 kg ha-1. The average nitrogen was highest measured in dense mixed forest and lowest was in open land. The average potassium content varied from 240.97±31.20 to 474.56±90.69 kg ha-1. The highest potassium was observed in dense mixed forests and the lowest was in open land. The average phosphorus contents were lies from 6.77±1.50 to 23.03±9.42 kg ha-1. The maximum average P was measured in dense mixed forest and the minimum was in open land. The average SOC and SOM varied from 0.58±0.35 to 2.38±0.70% and 0.99±0.61 to 4.11±1.21%, respectively. The highest SOC and SOM were recorded in mixed forest and the lowest was recorded in open land. The highly positive correlation was observed between nitrogen to phosphorus, potassium, soil organic carbon and soil organic matter with R2 value was 0.96, 0.96, 0.91 and 0.91, respectively. The phosphorus was showing highly positive correlation with nitrogen, potassium, soil organic carbon and soil organic matter with R2 value was 0.96, 0.94, 0.93 and 0.93, respectively. The soil organic carbon and soil organic matter was statistically positive correlation was performed of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with R2 value 0.91, 0.93 and 0.92, respectively. The electrical conductivity was negatively correlation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, soil organic carbon and soil organic matter with R2 value -0.39, -0.32, -0.34, -0.17 and -0.17, respectively. The present study indicated that the soil nutrient (NPK) contents were statistically significant relation to different land use types. The soil nutrient was highest in forest vegetation as compared to agricultural land, rangeland, and open land due to the forest area’s large no. of plant vegetation are present and higher litter decomposition rate.

Lowland rice productivity in India is often constrained by heterogeneous agro-ecological conditions and the wide diversity of rice varieties, leading to yield gaps and inconsistent profitability for smallholder farmers. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of location and varietal differences on growth, yield and economics of rice under System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Siddharth Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, during the Kharif season of 2024.The trial was laid out in a two-factorial randomized block design (RBD) with three locations-Bansi (L1), Barhni (L2) and Itwa (L3) and four rice varieties, viz., Gorakhnath-509 (V1), Kaveri Sampurna (V2), Sambha-5204 (V3) and MTU-7029 (V4), replicated thrice. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effects of location, variety, and their interaction on growth, yield and economic parameters. Results revealed that location significantly influenced grain yield, with Bansi block producing the highest yield (61.69 q ha⁻¹) and Barhni the lowest (59.08 q ha⁻¹), while other growth and yield parameters were largely unaffected by location. Among varieties, Kaveri Sampurna recorded the highest grain yield (62.87 q ha⁻¹) along with superior tillering and grain number per plant, whereas Gorakhnath-509 yielded the lowest (58.66 q ha⁻¹). Economic analysis showed that Kaveri Sampurna provided the highest gross return (₹1,44,604 ha⁻¹), net return (₹1,10,646 ha⁻¹) and B:C ratio (3.26), whereas Gorakhnath-509 recorded the lowest profitability. The location × variety interaction was non-significant for all parameters, indicating stable varietal performance across blocks. These findings suggest that Kaveri Sampurna is the most suitable variety for achieving higher productivity and profitability in Siddharth Nagar under SRI conditions, providing evidence-based recommendations for smallholder farmers and contributing to the optimization of varietal selection under diverse lowland conditions.

A research investigation was conducted at the Research Farm, the Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of various land-use regimes on the physical and chemical characteristics of soil during the Rabi season, namely during the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. An experimental split-split plot design was used to perform the experiment. The main plot consisted of two land-use systems: Agroforestry system (S1) and Open system (S2). The sub-plots were the different crop establishment methods: Broadcasting (M1), Line sowing (M2) and Transplanting (M3). Within each sub-plot, four sub-sub plots were laid which represented different boron levels: Control (B0), 1 kg B ha-1 as Basal (B1), 2 kg B ha-1 as Basal (B2) and ½ kg B ha-1 as Basal + ½ kg B ha-1 as foliar (B3). The soil samples under the treatments were tested to determine the physico-chemical properties of the soil. The results indicated that the agroforestry system had a significantly positive influence on the physical and chemical properties of the soil, in comparison to the open system. The agroforestry system reduced pH (7.07), bulk density (1.30 g cm-3) and electrical conductivity (0.28 dS m-1) in soil. The agroforestry system promoted organic carbon (0.72%) and water holding capacity (39.52%) of soil. Available nutrients viz. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron in the soil, with respective values of 290, 18.8, 191 kg ha-1 and 0.76 mg ha-1 increased under agroforestry system compared to the open system. Therefore, this study asserts that among the different land-use systems, agroforestry enhances the physico-chemical properties, and adoption of tree based farming system in the long run can improve soil fertility.

High-quality genomic DNA extraction is crucial for the conservation of forest genetic resources, particularly for endangered species like Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. (Karmal) and Hardwickia binata Roxb. (Anjan), which hold significant value in traditional medicine and economics. The presence of contaminants such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and secondary metabolites in forest trees complicates the isolation of sufficient, uncontaminated DNA. In this study, we evaluated five DNA extraction protocols, including those by Doyle and Doyle (1990), Michiels et al., (2003), Porebski et al., (1997), Khanuja et al., (1999), and Deshmukh et al., (2007). Quantification and quality analysis of the extracted DNA were conducted using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis. Notably, minor modifications to the CTAB-based method outlined by Doyle and Doyle (1990) significantly enhanced DNA quality. The absorbance ratio at 260/280nm indicated mean purity ratios of 1.62 for D. pentagyna and 1.7 for H. binata, with DNA concentrations recorded at 341.6 μg/ml and 317.72 μg/ml, respectively. The Doyle and Doyle (1990) method consistently produced high-quality DNA, devoid of contaminants. Subsequent PCR amplification with SSR primers confirmed the suitability of the extracted DNA, exhibiting distinct and well-defined bands. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(2): 54-61.

The study investigates the impact of Lantana camara, an invasive alien species, on biodiversity, agricultural productivity, and non-timber forest products (NTFP) in central India. The aggressive growth and spread of the weed have resulted in the displacement of native flora and fauna, leading to substantial ecological and economic consequences. Regression analysis reveals a statistically significant negative correlation between proximity to Lantana camara infested plots and average annual crop loss, with closer proximity resulting in higher crop destruction. Additionally, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test confirms substantial reductions in NTFP collection post-infestation, highlighting significant economic losses for local communities reliant on these resources. The study also employs linear and non-linear regression analyses to assess the impact of Lantana camara infestation on species richness across various vegetation species, revealing a consistent negative effect on biodiversity. ANOVA and SIMPER analyses further corroborate these findings, indicating significant decreases in species richness, particularly among NTFP species. The results underscore the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate the adverse ecological and socioeconomic effects of Lantana camara invasions, emphasizing conservation efforts and sustainable practices to support the livelihoods of affected communities.

ABSTRACT After-ripening (AR) is a time and environmental regulated process which determines the germination potential of the dry seeds. The after-ripened seeds swell after absorbing water and initiates metabolic activity linked to the germination process. Such after-ripening process is not studied in detail in Schleichera oleosa species. Therefore, an experiment was designed to assess the effect of different pretreatments on seed dormancy and AR patterns in the seeds of S. oleosa. The seeds were subjected to various pre-treatments, viz., mechanical scarification, scarification + Gibberellic acid (GA3, 0.02% and 0.05%), scarification + KNO3 (0.02% and 0.05%) for 24 hours. Further, the seeds were desiccated at four levels (10, 12, 14 and 16%) of intact seed water content (SWC) and were kept at either uncontrolled ambient room temperature or controlled constant temperatures (22°C, 25°C and 28°C), and their germination was tested fortnightly for 60 days. The results revealed that S. oleosa possess combined physical+ physiological dormancy and soaking of scarified seeds in GA3 solution (0.05%) for 24 hours showed the maximum germination percentage (80.0%), vigour index (721.4), and mean germination time (6.6 days). Results also indicated that AR process under optimum conditions (25°C, 16% SWC and 60 days) can increase germination percentage up to six times (81.25%) as compared to freshly collected seeds (12.5%) in the species. These findings can be utilized for developing the seed germination protocol with the aim to devise the propagation techniques and conservation programme for the species.

The gum-yielding species Sterculia urens Roxb., known for its valuable ‘Karaya Gum,’ plays a crucial role in various industries. However, unscientific exploitation, poor natural regeneration and inadequate seedling recruitment have led to a significant decline in its natural populations. A pilot study was conducted across ten sites in different forest divisions of Madhya Pradesh to assess the natural regeneration status. Study revealed that overall natural regeneration status was poor. Based on field observations, the study recommends the inclusion of S. urens in plantation programs of State Forest Departments to enhance its long-term security. Additionally, we advocate for assisted natural regeneration (ANR) activities within its natural ranges, emphasizing monitoring and adaptive management to ensure successful regeneration.

Climate change may affect the weed biology and ability to thrive well in adverse situations in comparison to biocontrol agents used to manage these weeds though biological control methods. The complex interactions between invasive terrestrial and aquatic weeds and their biocontrol agents have challenges under climate change scenarios. Increased climatic parameters like temperature, CO2 and rainfall have been documented well for increasing the fitness of terrestrial and aquatic weeds in different areas. Some studies have also pointed out the effect of elevated temperature, CO2 and rainfall on the insect life-cycle and their performance to manage the invasive weeds by the biocontrol agents. Many prediction models based on climatic parameters have been developed in context to the distribution and range expansion of terrestrial and aquatic weeds and also suitability of their biocontrol agents to manage them. In this review, we synthesize and discuss studies describing the potential of biocontrol agents for the management of invasive terrestrial and aquatic weeds under climate change in context to India and the world as well. We also discuss potential methodologies of prediction models that can be used for the fast establishment of biocontrol agents against the invasive weeds under climate change.