Pinus Roxburghii Research Articles

Effect of management practice and age on increment in Pinus patula plantations in Nepal

With the large-scale plantation commenced in the early 1980s, nearly 370,000 hectares of plantations have been successfully established in Nepal. More than 26 thousand hectares (ha) of plantations have been established since late seventies in Sindhupalchok and Kavrepalanchok districts and are handed over to communities as community forests. Pinus roxburghii and Pinus patula are the dominant species of these plantations aiming to maximize biomass productions and restore greenery in degraded hills. The growth rate Pinus patula was estimated 15 m³ ha-1 yr-1 in 1995 which but reduced to 7 m³ ha-1 yr-1 in 2011. As P. patula is an exotic species to Nepal, knowledge on effect of age and management practices on increment was limited in Nepal as well as in the regions. This is hindering in implementations of appropriate silviculture by the forest managers. To fill this knowledge gap, primary data were collected taking sample cores from 120 trees in 2015 from four community forests of Chaubas ridge of Kavrepalanchok district for dendrochronological assessment. Among these four community forests, two followed improved management practices and two followed conventional management practices. To substantiate the data, secondary data of similar studies were used. Dendrochronological assessment taking sample cores of 120 and 80 were conducted in 2000 and 2005 respectively in plantations, managed by community forest users groups, carried out between 1975 AD and 1990 AD in Chaubas ridge of Kavrepalanchok districts. The study found that the growth rate decreased after 12 years and this rate was bigger in the higher density class. The cumulative increment was higher in the lower density class but was found to have retarded rapidly after 15–17 years of age in the higher density class as well as in the conventionally managed plantations. The study recommends conducting planned thinning from the early age of 10–12 years while the final felling is recommended to be executed at the age of 30±5 years for P. patula to maximize volume production. However, most of the plantations have crossed its rotation age, growth rate has been stagnated and there is slim scope of increment from further thinning. In such case, as natural regeneration of the same species is observed encouraging, the study suggest to keep 10–15 seed trees and harvest the remaining. Banko JanakariA Journal of Forestry Information for Nepal Special Issue No. 4, 2018, Page : 27-37

Can control of invasive vegetation improve water and rural livelihood security in Nepal?

Nepal’s predominantly rural population depends on the ecosystem services of heterogeneous mountainous landscapes that are degrading under changing climate and development pressures. Invasive alien plants (IAPs) compound threats to ecosystem services including water resource security from mid-hill springs, though implications for Nepal’s water resources are under-researched. South Africa’s Working for Water (WfW) programme addresses linked policy priorities related to IAP management including water, biodiversity and employability. We use the STEEP (Social, Technological, Environmental, Economic, Political) framework to explore success criteria behind WfW and their potential translation into the geographically, culturally and politically different Nepali context, including local considerations at three sites in Kavrepalanchok district. An adapted WfW approach could potentially contribute to water, food, biodiversity, forest, soil, gender equity, community development and security outcomes in Nepal, delivering national and international policy priorities. Evidence from study sites suggests four priority IAPs – Lantana camara, Ageratina adenophora, Chromolaena odorata and Pinus roxburghii – of differing characteristics, extents of invasion and perceived impacts at selected sites requiring control. These initial observations warrant trial management of IAPs in a test area with monitoring to evaluate outcomes for water, food and livelihood security, with potential for subsequent regional or national roll-out of a management programme.

Physico-chemical characterization of Oak, Pine and Sal forest soil profiles of Betalghat Region of Kumaun Himalaya

Soil is one of the basic natural resources on which all forms of terrestrial life co-exist. The soils of three forest types i.e., banj-oak ( Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) chir-pine ( Pinus roxburghii Sargent) and sal ( Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) of Betalghat block, Nainital District, (Kumaun Himalaya). Soils were drawn from three depths viz. 0-10 cm, 11-20 cm, 21-30 cm. The present study were studied resulted to soil physico-chemical properties i.e. maximum soil texture (sand 34.30 %, silt 57.21 % and clay 33.23 %), soil moisture ( 12.6 %), bulk density ( 1.43 g.cm -3 ), porosity ( 52.06 %), water holding capacity ( 69.27 %) and the maximum values of chemical analysis i.e. pH ( 6.80 ), total carbon ( 3.82 %), organic matter (6.57 %), total nitrogen ( 0.36 % ), available potassium ( 267 mg/kg ) and available phosphorous ( 62 mg/kg ). Banj-oak forest shows rich physical properties followed by sal and chir-pine forest while chir-pine forest shows rich chemical properties in compared to sal and banj-oak forest.

Spatial distribution of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (Pinaceae) in Rasuwa District of Nepal with the application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

Spatial distribution of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (Pinaceae) in Rasuwa District of Nepal with the application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

Quantification of potential area of incursion of pine in oak forest in western Himalaya using fuzzy classification technique

Changes in the plant community composition due to biological invasion result in extensive changes to the ecosystem structure and functioning. Encroachment of Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) in Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) habitats in the western Himalaya is a well-established phenomenon and in due course eliminates the latter completely. Monitoring the impact of Chir pine incursion into Banj oak habitats is important for conservation and management of the oak ecosystems in western Himalaya. A remote-sensing-based classification method has been developed to precisely map and measure the potentially invaded forest areas in part of the western Himalaya. Timely identification of location and extent of invaded pine areas provides the opportunity to control the invasion. Temporal Landsat 8 OLI satellite data were used for temporal vegetation index database. Fuzzy-based, possibilistic C-means classifier is a soft classification technique used to identify the oak habitats and its coexistence with Chir pine. The outputs were validated using field data. A total of 33.16 ± 10.01 km2 was estimated as the mixed class showing coexistence of Banj oak and Chir pine. The overall accuracy was found to be 0.86 ± 0.06 from the error matrix based on the estimated area proportion. In addition to providing a method for mapping coexistence of Banj oak and Chir pine, this study also provides information on the potential extent of the incursion of Chir pine in Banj oak forests in the western Himalaya. The critical information on potential area under invasion provides forest managers to take essential steps to minimize the incursion.

Moisture-Limited Tree Growth for a Subtropical Himalayan Conifer Forest in Western Nepal

Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) is a common tree species with ecological and economic importance across the subtropical forests of the central Himalayas. However, little is known about its growth response to the recent warming and drying trends observed in this region. Here, we developed a 268-year-long ring-width chronology (1743–2010) from western Nepal to investigate its growth response to climate. Based on nearby available meteorological records, growth was positively correlated with winter (November to February; r = 0.39, p < 0.05) as well as March to April (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) precipitation. Growth also showed a strong positive correlation with the sum of precipitation from November of the previous year to April of the current year (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). In contrast, a negative relationship with the mean temperature in March to April (r = −0.48, p < 0.05) suggests the influence of warming-induced evapotranspiration on tree growth. Spring droughts lasting 4–6 months constrain Chir pine growth. These results are supported by the synchronization between droughts and very narrow or locally missing rings. Warming and drying tendencies during winter and spring will reduce forest growth and resilience and make Chir pine forests more vulnerable and at higher risk of growth decline and dieback.

Variation in structure and composition of two pine forests in Kailash Sacred Landscape, Nepal

Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) and blue pine (Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jacks.) are two common species found in mid-hill forests of Nepal where households largely depend on forest resources for their livelihoods and subsistence. The management of such forests is supported by our understanding of the dynamics in forest structure and species composition and the relationship between different forest community characteristics. This study was designed to determine the variation in species composition and the relationship between various forest community characteristics in two pine forests of Kailash Sacred Landscape, Nepal. Quadrat sampling was applied to collect information on forest species, forest community structure, and disturbance factors.Data was statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS. There were a total of 31 plant species under 28 genera and 20 families in the P. roxburghii forest, and 38 plant species under 37 genera and 19 families in the P. wallichiana forest. Mean DBH, height and canopy diameter of P. roxburghii was 23.98 cm, 12.77 m and 1.97 m, respectively, and that of P. wallichiana was 31.5 cm, 11.48 m and 2.79 m, respectively. The relationship between DBH and both height and crown diameter showed strong relationships in the two forest types. In both forests, DBH and height class distribution showed a hump-shaped (unimodal type) distribution with a greater proportion of medium-sized individuals that indicated disruptive forest regeneration. Fire and tree cut were significant disturbance factors in P. roxburghii forest, while grazing and trampling were significant in P. wallichiana forest. The extent of these disturbance factors as determinants of regeneration and species recruitment is important to assess for effective forest management. Banko JanakariA Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 28, No. 1, 2018, page: 26-36

Estimation of pine needle availability in the Central Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, India for use as energy feedstock

Abstract Results of an attempt to estimate the availability of pine needles (pinus roxburghii) in the state of Uttarakhand, India that can be used as energy feedstock have been presented. Three somewhat different approaches have been used to estimate the gross annual availability of pine needles in the state. By taking into account several different factors that are expected to reduce the availability of pine needles for their use as energy feedstock; the likely net availability of the same has been estimated. The gross annual availability of pine needle is found to vary from 1.37 to 2.37 million tons in the three approaches. The annual availability of pine needles for energy applications is estimated to be in the range of 0.96–1.66 million tons. The annual primary energy potential of pine needles available as energy feedstock in the state has also been estimated. Annual energy delivery potential of pine needles likely to be available has also been estimated in terms of thermal and electrical energy generation.

Safe Use of Highly Inflammable Dry Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii) Needles: A Successful Case Study from Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand, India

Safe Use of Highly Inflammable Dry Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii) Needles: A Successful Case Study from Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand, India

Elevational behaviour on dominance–diversity, regeneration, biomass and carbon storage in ridge forests of Garhwal Himalaya, India

The present study was conducted along the elevational gradient in ridge forests of Bhagirathi catchment area of Garhwal Himalaya. The purpose of the study was to understand the growth behaviour of tree species at different altitudes in terms of dominance–diversity, regeneration dynamics, biomass and carbon storage in forests of Bhagirathi catchment area. Plot design, with main plot size of 0.1 ha, was used to analyse quantitatively and qualitatively the tree, sapling and seedling vegetation. The maximum mean tree density (708 ± 153 trees ha–1) was recorded in Abies spectabilis–Quercus semecarpifolia forest association (between 2800 and 3100 m asl), while minimum (425 ± 32 trees ha–1) in Q. semecarpifolia–Cedrus deodara forest association (between 3100 and 3400 m asl). The total basal cover values ranged between 28.80 ± 5.27 m2 ha–1 (below 700 m asl) to 99.69 ± 29.64 m2 ha–1 (above 3400 m asl). The highest Shannon index value (0.83 ± 0.14) was observed in Anogeissus latifolia–Mallotus philippensis forest association whereas, lowest (0.26 ± 0.09) in Q. semecarpifolia–C. deodara forest association. The maximum similarity (85.23 ± 5.04%) was noticed in Quercus floribunda–Rhododendron arboreum forest association while, minimum (59.32 ± 5.18%) in A. latifolia–M. philippensis association. Similarly the species richness, Simpson index, Shannon index, seedling density, total basal cover and above ground biomass density showed positive–significant elevation–wise variation in various growth phases (i.e., tree, sapling and seedling). The total biomass density values oscillated from 189.38 ± 14.35 Mg ha–1 (between 1600 and 1900 m asl) to 520.72 ± 114.57 Mg ha–1 (between 3100 and 3400 m asl). Consequently, the total carbon density at various elevational ranges varied from 85.22 ± 6.46 Mg C ha–1 to 234.32 ± 51.56 Mg C ha–1 for the corresponding elevations. The Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) clearly indicated the prevalence of distinct habitats and resultant associations of tree species in various ridge forests whereas, on the other hand the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) has shown a complex interrelationship amongst species clustering, mountain ranges and climatic/environmental variables. The study revealed that the Pinus roxburghii was invariably affecting the habitats of mixed broad–leaved forests at lower altitudes, whereas Cedrus deodara was noticed to encroach continuously the higher elevational habitats. The study has also indicated that the old growth coniferous and broad leaved forests of higher altitudes of Garhwal Himalaya (like A. pindrow, A. spectabilis, A. acuminatum, B. utilis, C. deodara, Q. semecarpifolia and R. arboreum) have more carbon storage potential and hence recommended for carbon management through afforestation at higher altitudes of Himalaya.

Plant diversity and regeneration potential of three different forests of Central Himalaya

Plant diversity is essential for human survival and economic well-being and also for the ecosystem function and stability. The total number of accessible seedlings and saplings in a forest community indicates the regeneration status/potential of a species or a forest. In this study, composition, diversity and population structure of three different forests (Banj oak, Chir-pine and Mixed oak-pine) was assessed around Nainital town of Uttarakhand state. Species richness and diversity were maximum in Banj-oak forest (9 species and 1.970, respectively) and minimum in Chir-pine forest (4 species and 0.634, respectively). The total tree density ranged from 1670 (Chir pine forest) to 1830 ind.ha-1 (Mixed oak pine forest) and the total basal area ranged from 87.22 (Mixed oak pine forest) to 208.37 m2ha-1 (Banj oak forest). Population structure revealed dominancy of mature trees and less number of seedlings evidently indicated the poor regeneration across the forests type. Viability of seeds, disturbances brought by frequent fire incidence, erosion of soil and water, uncontrolled grazing by animals, lopping/cuttings of under canopy plant species by villagers for fuel and fodder are the possible causes of the poor regeneration of the forests.

Pinus Roxburghii essential oil anticancer activity and chemical composition evaluation.

The present study was conducted to appraise the anticancer activity of Pinus roxburghii essential oil along with chemical composition evaluation. MTT assay revealed cytotoxicity induction in colon, leukemia, multiple myeloma, pancreatic, head and neck and lung cancer cells exposed to essential oil. Cancer cell death was also observed through live/dead cell viability assay and FACS analysis. Apoptosis induced by essential oil was confirmed by cleavage of PARP and caspase-3 that suppressed the colony-forming ability of tumor cells and 50 % inhibition occurred at a dose of 25 μg/mL. Moreover, essential oil inhibited the activation of inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB and inhibited expression of NF-κB regulated gene products linked to cell survival (survivin, c-FLIP, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, c-Myc, c-IAP2), proliferation (Cyclin D1) and metastasis (MMP-9). P. roxburghii essential oil has considerable anticancer activity and could be used as anticancer agent, which needs further investigation to identify and purify the bioactive compounds followed by in vivo studies.

Antioxidant Effects of Four Heartwood Extractives on Midgut Enzyme Activity in Heterotermes indicola (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae).

Heterotermes indicola (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) is a species of subterranean termite that is a destructive pest of wood and wood products in Pakistan. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antienzyme potential of heartwood extractives against H. indicola. Heartwood extractives of four durable wood species, Tectona grandis (L.f), Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb.), Cedrus deodara (Roxb.), and Pinus roxburghii (Sarg.) were removed from wood shavings via soxhlet extraction with an ethanol:toluene solvent system. The antioxidant potential of the extractive compounds was determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging test. Results showed maximum antioxidant activity for extractives of D. sissoo. D. sissoo had the lowest IC50 (the concentration where 50% inhibition of the DPPH radical is obtained) at 28.83 µg/ml among the heartwood extractives evaluated. This antioxidant activity, however, was not concentration dependent as was observed in the other heartwood extractives tested. At the maximum test concentration, T. grandis showed the highest percent inhibition at 89.7%, but this inhibition was lower compared to the positive control antioxidant compounds butylated hydroxytoluene and quercetin. When termites were fed filter paper treated with IC50s of the extractives and control compounds, glutathione S-transferase activity in the guts of H. indicola workers was significantly reduced by T. grandis and D. sissoo extractives. Similarly, esterase activity was reduced more by P. roxburghii extractives compared to control antioxidant treatments and other tested extractives. However, none of the extractives examined significantly reduced the activity of catalase enzymes in H. indicola compared to treatments with the antioxidant control compounds.

Assessment of forest vegetation and anthropogenic pressure in Ramgarh region of Uttarakhand, West Himalaya

Forest is a complex system, consisting of distinct forest communities, and status of any forest can be recognized by analysing its vegetation. For vegetation analysis phytosociological analysis is the best approach. The present study was carried out at 8 different sites of Ramgarh region using different phytosociological parameters. The results of this study revealed, on the basis of IVI, that five major vegetation types viz. Pinus roxburghii, Quercus leucotrichophora, mixed broad leaved, Quercus floribunda and Rhododendron arboreum were dominating this region. The distribution of most of the tree species was random and there was no species having good regeneration status at any site of the region. It was also observed that the anthropogenic disturbance is changing the species richness and diversity of the region. Thus, the conservation and management of these sites are important for the sustainability of forests in the region.

Quantitative analysis, distributional pattern and species diversity of woody plant species of Lamberi Forest Range, Rajouri, J&K, India

Quantitative analysis, distributional pattern and species diversity of woody plant species of Lamberi Range of Rajouri Forest division, J&K, has been carried out by laying 50 quadrats (10m X 10m size) for trees and 100 quadrats (5m X 5m size) for shrubs. Various phytosociological parameters like frequency, density, abundance, importance value index IVI and diversity indices for trees and shrubs has been used to reveal the plant community structure of the area. The abundance to frequency ratio (A/F) for different species was determined to assess the distribution pattern of the species (regular <0.025, random 0.025-0.05 and contagious >0.05) which indicated the contagious distribution for all the species. Survey of the area revealed presence of 63 woody plant species from the study area comprising of 43 trees and 20 shrubs. Pinus roxburghii (IVI 49.7, Abundance 81.1) and Carissa opaca (IVI 81.12 abundance 7.05) have been recorded as the dominant tree and shrub, respectively, of the area. The computation of diversity indices showed that species richness and evenness i.e Shannon- Weiner’s, Margalef’s and Menhinick’s remained high for trees and low for shrubs. Simpson’s index of dominance was also high for trees. Species which needs priorities for conservation and protection and also required to be monitored have also been highlighted.

Community Plantations with Chir Pine Pinus roxburghii (Sarg.) in Eastern Bhutan: The Role of Community Preferences, Site Condition and Site Location Factors

Community Plantations with Chir Pine Pinus roxburghii (Sarg.) in Eastern Bhutan: The Role of Community Preferences, Site Condition and Site Location Factors

Natural regeneration status of tree species in pong dam wildlife sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh

The present study was carried out at three sites namely Nagrota Surian, Jarpal and Badela in Nagrota Surian forest range having natural forests surrounding the Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary area. In each site 5 quadrats of 2 × 2 m (4 m2) size were laid down randomly to study the regeneration status of tree species. The study revealed the complete absence of natural regeneration of dominant tree species like Pinus roxburghii and Acacia catechu in natural forests of study sites. However high natural regeneration of associate species like Mallotus philippinensis and Cassia fistula was observed in all sites.

Effect of microwave heating on ph and termite resistance of Pinus roxburghii wood

This study investigated the effect of microwave treatment on wood pH and termite resistance. Pinus roxburghii heartwood was exposed to four different microwave intensities at 2450 MHz frequency for 5 minutes. Preservative impregnation, pH variation and termite resistance of microwave-treated and control specimens were studied. Wood pH decreased from 4.6 (C1) to 3.9 (T4) and preservative uptake increased (i.e., 10.41 to 21.61 kgm-3) with increasing microwave treatment intensities. However, microwave treatment had little effect on termite resistance.

Yield performance and nutritional value of pleurotus ostreatus f. florida on different forest wastes

The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield performance and nutritional content of Pleurotus ostreatus f. florida when grown on the fallen leaves/needles of forest trees. It was observed that the time period required for complete spawn run on these substrates varied from 12 to 20 days and minimum period was recorded on the fallen leaves of Dendrocalamus strictus. Maximum biological efficiency (54.4%) was also achieved on the leaves ofDendrocalamus strictus and minimum on Sterculia alata (20.1%). Assessment of nutritional value of P. ostreatus f. florida showed maximum moisture content (93.4%) in sporophores grown on Morus alba, ash content (8.1%) on Dalbergia sissoo, fat content (3.0%) on Eucalyptus globulus, crude fiber content (21.2%) on Pinus roxburghii and protein content (23.8%) on Ficus religiosa. Forest wastes can be effectively utilized for production of oyster mushroom as food supplements as well as for income generation. The use of forest wastes (leaf litter) in oyster mushroom production provides an alternative cellulose source for commercial mushroom production.

Chemical profiling and biological activity analysis of cone, bark and needle of Pinus roxburghii collected from Nepal

Aims: The present study aims to investigate chemical composition and biological activities of Pinus roxburghii collected from Kavre district of Nepal. Material and Methods: Phytochemical screening, antibacterial activities and antioxidant activities were measured. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content was determined using the spectrophotometric analysis. Chemical composition was carried out using GC-MS analysis. Results: Phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of interesting metabolites like cardiac glycosides, saponin, protein, quinone, sterols, tannin and terpenoids. Highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content was observed in bark crude methanol extract. Result further revealed that bark methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. Furthermore, methanol and acetone extract of cone, bark and needle showed range of in-vitro antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative pathogens. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy analysis of crude acetone extract of bark revealed the presence of 14 different compounds. The major chemical constituents identified in the bark extract are 1,8 cineole, linalool, beta-thujone, chrysantheone, camphor and terpinen-4-ol. Conclusions: This study showed that among that needle, cone and bark of Pinus roxburghii as a huge source of biological active metabolites. Furthermore, bark extract revealed the presence of diverse chemical constituent.