Himalaya Research Articles

Evolving road networks and urban landscape transformation in the Himalayan foothills, India.

The amalgamation of Himalayan and Indo-Burmese biodiversity has made the state of Manipur, India, a unique ecosystem. In addition, the region is a strategic place for the country to establish an economic corridor to Southeast Asia. In recent times, the region has witnessed tremendous infrastructural/road development. Subsequently, forest fragmentation related to urbanization and road expansion has emerged in the Himalayan foothills. The development of roads brought rapid changes in land use and land cover (LULC) and thus subsequent environmental degradation. The current study attempts to understand how the development of road networks has impacted the natural cover in Manipur, India. A spatio-temporal analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the development of road networks and LULC changes using the Landsat satellite images over a decade (2012-2022). The results showed significant changes in the area coverage of LULC categories such as agricultural land, built-up areas, forest, and water bodies with the increase in road density. To have a holistic view, the study area was segregated into three functional zones based on their urban land use pattern, i.e., urban center, peri-urban, and urban peripheral fringes. Urban sprawl in the urban center has led to the rapid conversion of forested lands into built-up areas and agricultural lands in the peri-urban and urban peripheral fringes, respectively. The decline of forest areas to urbanization in peri-urban and urban peripheral fringes calls for conservation and restoration initiatives. The study also emphasizes how different stakeholders can be involved and empowered to strengthen public-private partnerships for conservation and restoration in such sensitive ecosystems. Urban planners and developers should be critical in making informed decisions through understanding ecological concerns in tandem with infrastructural development.

Geochemical and mineralogical analysis of low-grade metamorphic rocks and their response to shallow landslide occurrence in Central Nepal

BackgroundThe weathering intensity and geochemical properties of a rock contribute to shallow landslide occurrences. This study aims to establish the role of rock weathering in shallow slope instability in low-grade metamorphic rocks of the Lesser Himalaya region of central Nepal. The rocks of the Kuncha Formation, which consist of phyllites, metasandstones, and gritty phyllites are characterized by the formation of shallow landslides. Field characterization of the rock mass within the landslide body, along with petrographic observations, clay mineral analysis, and major bulk geochemistry were adopted to establish a relationship between rock weathering and landslide occurrence.ResultsThe landslides distributed within the Kuncha Formation in the study area are debris-related slides and falls, rock falls, and complex slides. Microscopic petrographic observation of rock from the landslide area revealed well-developed microcracks and intergranular microfractures within the weathered samples, which suggests extensive disintegration and physical alteration. Kinematic analysis of the landslide slope revealed that discontinuities and bedding planes also affected the failure of the slope. The occurrence of neo-formed clay minerals and the conversion of biotite-muscovite to vermiculite, kaolinite, and mixed-layer clays indicate chemical weathering. The CIA ranges between 71 and 80 for the rock samples and between 72 and 84 for the soil samples, signifying moderate to extreme weathering effects. The higher values of PIA and CIW reveal K-feldspar and plagioclase alteration to clay minerals by weathering and alteration. CIA-LOI plots reveal significant relationships corresponding to weathering effects.ConclusionThe transition of rock from a fresh to a moderately weathered state and the development of clay minerals and major discontinuities played a crucial role in shallow landslide occurrence. The weakened physical properties of the rock mass due to weathering coupled with unfavorable joints and fracture conditions have led to instability of the hillslopes in the study area. It was observed that one of the driving factors that drives slopes to erosion and landslides is weathering. The dominant occurrence of landslides in the weathered rock domain within the study area validates the occurrence of landslides and weathering interconnections.

Deciphering the effect of Potentilla fulgens root extract against healthy HUVEC cell line and cancer cell lines (A549 and SKOV-3)

BackgroundPotentilla fulgens, a highly valued indigenous medicinal herb grown in high altitudes of the Himalayan region with anticancer, hypoglycaemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcerogenic properties, are used in traditional systems of medicine. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of P. fulgens root extract, as one of the natural alternatives to chemotherapeutic drugs used in cancer treatment, on proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy of human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549), human ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3), and healthy human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC). MethodsAnti-proliferative effect was assessed by MTT assay. The expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins was evaluated by western blotting. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) test were determined using standard kit methods. ResultsOur results showed that the extract inhibited proliferation of HUVEC, A549, and SKOV-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. MTT assay analysis revealed that the extract significantly (P<0.05) induced mortality in HUVEC, A549, and SKOV-3 cells. Western blot results revealed increased expression of NF-κB after the extract treatment but led to the down-regulation in Beclin-1, Bax, extracellular-signal-related kinase 1 and 2, Sequestosome-1, and Cleaved Casp-3 levels. Treatment groups showed an increase in TOS and TAC values in A549 and SKOV-3 cell lines, while HUVEC cell line showed an increase in TAC and a decrease in TOS values, compared to the control group. ConclusionsOur findings indicated that P. fulgens root extract inhibited the proliferation of healthy cells and cancer cells through cell cycle arrest, representing its limited application as therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.

Experimental investigation of thermal performance of ground source heat pump system for summer and monsoon seasons of Himalayan region of India: A case study

Experimental investigation of thermal performance of ground source heat pump system for summer and monsoon seasons of Himalayan region of India: A case study

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity of Wild Medicinal Plants of Himalayan Range

Plants that are indigenous to the Himalayas have been exploited for their therapeutic properties for over 6,500 years. Using their deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna, traditional healers in the region are able to treat a wide variety of maladies with herbal treatments. People who live in rural areas of the Himalayas rely on wild medicinal plants for their health, and we need to do everything in our power to ensure that these plants continue to thrive in the harsh desert climate of the Himalayas. Raw materials that are obtained from wild plants are in high demand all around the world, particularly among pharmaceutical companies, ethnomedics, and practitioners of traditional medicine as well as other medical practitioners. India has been a top exporter of raw herbal medications all over the world. This is mostly due to the number of medicinal plants that can be found in the Himalayas. The aim of this study was to determine the Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of various parts of 20 selected wild medicinal plants, found in the Himalayan regions in India, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan including Swertia bimaculate, Ficus neriifolia, Rubus treutleri, Periploca calophylla, G. depressa, Buddleja napaulensis, Habenaria edgeworthii, Pyracantha crenulate, Roscoea procera, Allium rubellum, Berberis chitria, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Artemisia maritima, C. glanduliferum, C. distans, Juniperus macropoda, Origanum vulgare, Valeriana jatamansi, Polygonatum verticillatum, Meconopsis aculeate and Fragaria nubicolais. There were several different parts of the species that were examined to determine their total polyphenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, and tannin concentrations. One fraction of the plant extracts was found to contain a higher quantity of phytochemicals when compared to the other portions. Through the utilisation of the DPPH and FRAP model systems, the antioxidant capacity of a number of different components was assessed. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique can be combined with the DPPH and/or ABTS tests in order to rapidly screen extracts for the presence of active chemicals.

Harnessing community participation tourism development in Himalayan region of Uttarakhand State, India

The article aims to evaluate the participation of below-poverty-line local community in tourism-related business activity in Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Further, this article addressed for those who work in the tourism sector. The study employs a mix of methods, including survey data from 500 respondents with a random sampling approach, using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical tools for analysis, other methods were interviews and observations at six tourism sites in Garhwal and four sites in Kumaun. Our findings showed that there has declined in community participation in tourism development, due to the lack of economic benefits obtained in the tourism sector, many believe that the tourism sector does not provide much income growth for them and does not make a significant contribution to the development of their region. Moreover, lack of understanding is considered the basis for community’s inability to play an active role, and lack of stakeholders’ involvement in encouraging them to improve their economy and culture through the tourism sector. Ultimately, this research also underlines the existence of some efforts by tourism travel to encourage public trust, which can help reduce poverty and increase community trust in tourism development in their region.

A taxonomic monograph of subfamily Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Western Himalaya

We investigated the scolytine fauna of the West Himalayan region of India. The present study combines field samples, museum specimens, and published data to catalog the scolytine diversity. We recognize 57 scolytine species from 15 tribes and 25 genera. Five new species Cryphalus himalayensis sp. nov., Dryocoetes asperatus sp. nov., Ernoporus squamosus sp. nov., Scolytoplatypus denticauda sp. nov., and Hypothenemus ficivorus sp. nov. are described from the region. Previously reported and inadequately characterized species are imaged and redescribed. Two new Indian records, seven new regional records, and fifteen new host records are reported. Keys to genera and photographs of each species are provided to facilitate identification. Mitochondrial COX-1 sequences were generated from some Himalayan species and sequences from GenBank were utilized for comparison with other related species. The current monographic study includes an overview of each species' taxonomic diagnosis, range, and host plants. Furthermore, an updated list of 165 scolytine species, distributed in the Himalaya but excluding its eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, is also provided.

Crustal Heterogeneity of the Bhutan Himalaya: Insights from PgQ Tomography

Abstract We present the results of a seismic investigation conducted in Bhutan using data from the Geodynamics and Seismic Structure of the Eastern Himalaya Region broadband network, focusing on variations in crustal structure and seismic attenuation properties. Through analysis of seismic data from 56 events recorded between 2013 and 2014, with magnitudes exceeding 4.5 and depths shallower than 50 km, we examined 1 Hz PgQ (Q0)-values among multiple station pairs using the two-station method. Our findings reveal significant disparities in PgQ0-values across Bhutan. The western region exhibits low PgQ0 values, indicating high seismic attenuation, whereas the central region shows medium-to-high PgQ0 values, suggesting lower attenuation. Notably, these results are consistent with the geometry of the Moho, providing valuable insights into crustal geometry and rheology. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s complex crustal structure, offering insights into crustal properties and seismic attenuation mechanisms in this geologically significant region.

Assessment of natural radioactivity in the Higher and Tethys Himalayan Rocks along Manali-Leh Highway, India.

The Higher and Tethys Himalayan region of NW-Himalaya is less explored from the natural radioactivity mapping assessment, though geologically and tectonically, this region is still active. The concentration of primordial radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in rock samples of the Manali-Leh Highway region of the Himalayas is determined in the present study using the HPGe detector. The radiological hazard parameters are also estimated in terms of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual effective dose (Ein and Eout), hazard indices (Hin, Hex, Hα, and Hγ), and gamma absorbed dose rate. SEM-EDS analysis was used to understand the mineralogical composition of the rocks. The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides varies from 1.4 ± 0.9 to 25.3 ± 1.2, 0.7 ± 0.5 to 59.6 ± 1.6, and BDL (below detection limit) to 830.3 ± 45.7Bqkg-1, with an average value of 13.0 ± 1.0, 21.7 ± 1.0, and 243.7 ± 25.2Bqkg-1, respectively. The average of Raeq in the study region lies within the safe limit of 370Bqkg-1. The hazard indices have values < 1, indicating no radiological hazards to the population from the rocks. The annual effective dose also has values less than the global average value. This study revealed that the rocks of the Higher Himalayan region have a higher concentration of natural radioactivity, while the Tethys Himalayan rocks have lower concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides. The origin of rocks from different lithologies may be the reason for the natural radioactivity variation. The average concentrations of primordial radionuclides in the region are within the world average indicating that the rocks of the region are safe to be used for different purposes.

Estimation of glacier-stored freshwater volume present in major tributaries of the Brahmaputra basin.

Estimation of the glacier-stored freshwater is important to understand the water security in the Himalayan region. While previous work has studied the western and central Himalayan glaciers, the eastern counterpart received less and more scattered attention. In this study, an attempt is made to quantify the total glacier-stored freshwater in the Brahmaputra basin and later compared with previous global models. Using open-source tools such as COSI-Corr and the Himalayan Glacier Thickness Mapper (HIGTHIM), the surface velocity and thickness of 1075 glaciers (> 1 km2) in the Brahmaputra basin were estimated, resulting in a current ice-volume estimate of 283 × 109 m3. Based on the laminar flow model, the mean ice volume ranges from 8284 to 230,186 m3, with an average of 36,570 m3. Sub-basin-wise evaluations of the total glacier-stored freshwater availability in the basin were also conducted, revealing that the Siang (89.998 × 109 m3, 31.45%) and Lohit (84.371 × 109 m3, 29.49%) sub-basins have significantly larger ice volumes than others. The average mean ice volume for each sub-basin are as follows: Teesta (45,233 m3), Sankosh (45,552 m3), Manas (39,581.7 m3), Subansiri (40,922.4 m3), Kameng (41,241.2 m3), Siang (36,120.5 m3), Dibang (31,792.2 m3), and Lohit (30,340.6 m3). Teesta, Sankosh, and Manas exhibit relatively higher average mean ice volumes than others. In comparison with the global studies, the present study's findings are acceptable with ensemble ice-volume estimates considering an uncertainty of ± 17.35%. Therefore, these results serve as a primary input for assessing the future changes in water resources and hazards related to water in the Brahmaputra basin.

Evaluating tree-ring proxies for representing the ecosystem productivity in India.

Terrestrial ecosystems are one of the major sinks of atmospheric CO2 and play a key role in climate change mitigation. Forest ecosystems offset nearly 25% of the global annual CO2 emissions, and a large part of this is stored in the aboveground woody biomass. Several studies have focused on understanding the carbon sequestration processes in forest ecosystems and their response to climate change using the eddy covariance (EC) technique and remotely sensed vegetation indices. However, very few of them address the linkage of tree-ring growth with the ecosystem-atmosphere carbon exchange, and nearly none have tested this linkage over a long-term (> 100 years) - limited by the short-term (< 50 years) availability of measured ecosystem carbon flux. Nevertheless, tree-ring indices can potentially act as proxies for ecosystem productivity. We utilise the Coupled Climate Carbon Cycle Model Intercomparison Project (C4MIP) model outputs for its 140-year-long simulated records of mean monthly gross primary productivity (GPP) and compare them with the tree-ring growth indices over the northwestern Himalayan region in India. In this study, we examine three coniferous tree species: Pinus roxburghii and Picea smithiana wall. Boiss and Cedrus deodara and find that the strength of the correlation between GPP and tree ring growth indices (RWI) varies among the species.

(In)tangible Journeying and Its Transformation among the Rang from Byans, Far Western Nepal

The main inhabitants of Byans have traditionally undertaken seasonal migrations between their home villages and their winter residences in the southern hills of the Himalayas. Some have also been trans-Himalayan traders. Upon their death, their souls were traditionally guided from the Himalayan foothills in the south, through Chaudans and Byans, to their ancestral lands in the far north, by a long oral text called se yāmo. However, over the past seventy years, sociocultural transformation and the development of transport infrastructure have substantially transformed both their tangible and intangible journeyings. In this article, I demonstrate, through linguistic anthropological and ethnographic analyses, the interdependency between these two aspects of their journeying experience, and show how changes in the performance of posthumous rituals mirror the broader changes affecting their traditional journeying and movements across familiar landscapes.

Physiological traits and population dynamics of Schizothorax niger (Heckel, 1838): Insights from Dal Lake and the Jhelum River, Kashmir, Himalayan region.

This study examines the physicochemical characteristics, morphometric features, biometric growth parameters, biological indices, physiological parameters, and biochemical profiles of Schizothorax niger population. The physicochemical analysis revealed a maximum temperature of 12.93 ± 1.33°C and hardness of 156.53 ± 12.82 mg/L in Dal Lake, whereas the Jhelum River had a minimum level of 10.94 ± 1.12°C temperature and 128.31 ± 11.62 mg/L of hardness. Dal Lake had a neutral pH (7.5 ± 0.2) and lower dissolved oxygen (6.8 ± 0.4 mg/L) compared to the Jhelum River (pH 7.2 ± 0.3; dissolved oxygen 7.5 ± 0.5 mg/L). Morphometric analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in fish length (Dal Lake: 18.4 ± 2.1 cm; the Jhelum River: 21.0 ± 1.8 cm) and weight (Dal Lake: 74.5 ± 9.8 g; the Jhelum River: 92.2 ± 7.4 g) between the sites. Biometric growth parameters demonstrated a positive allometric growth pattern, with Dal Lake having a steeper slope (b = 3.15) than the Jhelum River (b = 2.98). Biological indices revealed gender-based variations in the gonado-somatic index (GSI) and hepato-somatic index (HSI), with GSI being higher in Dal Lake (0.21 ± 0.02) and HSI in the Jhelum River (1.04 ± 0.09). Haematological and biochemical analyses showed significant differences in parameters such as haematocrit (Dal Lake: 29.2 ± 2.1%; the Jhelum River: 32.4 ± 1.8%), glucose (Dal Lake: 85.3 ± 5.4 mg/dL; the Jhelum River: 68.1 ± 4.2 mg/dL), and total protein (Dal Lake: 6.2 ± 0.4 g/dL; the Jhelum River: 5.8 ± 0.3 g/dL) between sites. These findings provide valuable insights into the physiological traits and population dynamics of S. niger, informing species-specific conservation strategies and ecosystem management practices.

Evaluation of Different Mass Production Techniques to Enhance the Progeny of Isolated Indigenous Entomopathogenic Nematodes from Indian Himalayan Region

Evaluation of Different Mass Production Techniques to Enhance the Progeny of Isolated Indigenous Entomopathogenic Nematodes from Indian Himalayan Region

Climate change vulnerability assessment for adaptation planning in Uttarakhand, Indian Himalaya

Climate change vulnerability estimation at all spatial scales is imperative for the development of effective adaptation strategies in the biogeographically fragile Himalayan region. This study aims to estimate district-wise climate change vulnerability in the state of Uttarakhand for the year 2022 by integrating climatic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. Employing an integrated approach, nine components (climate change, natural disaster, ecosystem services, agriculture, socio-economic status, human resource capacity, infrastructure, basic facilities, and social/natural capital) incorporating a total of 63 indicators, are used to estimate exposure (E), sensitivity (S), adaptive capacity (AC) and the vulnerability of the study area. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to assess the suitability and weights of all the indicators. The findings show that middle (1400–2400 m a.s.l.) and higher (>2400 m a.s.l.) districts of the state are more vulnerable (−0.68 to −1.50) than lower (1–1400 m a.s.l.) districts (0.16 to −0.26). Based on the vulnerability index (−0.68 to −1.50), five districts-Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar are identified as priority districts for adaptation planning. The high vulnerability is primarily attributed to increased exposure to excessive precipitation, cold waves, cloudbursts, and flood events, coupled with high ecosystem sensitivity and low adaptive capacity. In contrast, the lower districts of the state benefit from better infrastructure, social and natural capital, and connectivity, which contribute to low vulnerability. The suggested strategies in the present study would help policymakers to allocate resources efficiently, fostering long-term resilience to climate change and sustainable development.

Yield Attributes and Economics of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Cultivars under Irrigated Uphill Condition of Indian Himalayan Region in Nagaland

Background: Linseed is an upright annual herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of 30-120 cm with slight glabrous, grayish green stem while flax types grow to a height of 80-120 cm with straight culms and fewer secondary branches near the top of the stem. The colour of linseed flowers depends on the varieties. According to Vavilov, the small-seeded type is grown primarily for oil purposes while the bold seeded type is grown primarily for fibre purposes. Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and consisted of seven linseed varieties viz., JLS-95, RLC-153, LSL-93, T-397, Shekhar, Priyam and Parvati. Result: Among all the varieties JLS-95 produced higher yield attributes viz., number of capsules plants-1, seed yield (Kg ha-1) and stover yield as well was statistically superior in variety JLS-95 over the other varieties. The variety JLS-95 recorded maximum gross returns, net returns and B:C compared to the other varieties.

First photographic record of Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis (Aves: Passeriformes: Fringillidae) from Jammu &amp; Kashmir, India

The Brown Bullfinch (Pyrrhula nipalensis) is a passerine bird within the family Fringillidae. This study reports the first photographic record of the Brown Bullfinch from the Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The bird was sighted through a camera trap installed in Butamali Tullail, a meadow for herders at an altitude of 3,400 meters. This shy bird typically forages in pairs or small flocks and feeds on seeds, berries, and buds. The Brown Bullfinch thrives in dense temperate forests and breeds from May to July. It constructs well-concealed nests in shrubs or low trees, and both parents participate in raising the young. The Brown Bullfinch is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but habitat destruction poses potential threats. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting temperate forests in the Himalayan region.

Unveiling Geographical Variation and Chemotypes of Cupressus torulosa Needle Essential Oil: A Novel Approach Using t‐SNE and HCA

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to assess the geographical variation in the content and chemical composition of Cupressus torulosa needles essential oil across different locations in the Himalayan region of India. The methodology involved the collection of needles from 14 distinct locations, followed by hydro‐distillation using a Clevenger‐type apparatus. Qualitative analysis was conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), while gas chromatography with flame ionisation detector (GC‐FID) was employed for quantitative analysis. The GC–MS analysis identified a total of 57 compounds, with oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons being the dominant chemical constituents, ranging from 22.5% to 63.01% and from 10.39% to 63.95%, respectively. Terpinen‐4‐ol emerged as the major compound, with concentrations ranging from 101.2 ± 45.7 μg/mg to 393.8 ± 12.5 μg/mg across different locations, with the highest concentration observed in the Dehradun location. The application of t‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t‐SNE) analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed the presence of five distinct chemotypes within the essential oil, characterised by different combinations of chemical constituents. These chemotypes were identified as terpinen‐4‐ol/limonene, terpinen‐4‐ol/sabinene, terpinen‐4‐ol, terpinen‐4‐ol/umbellulone, and terpinen‐4‐ol/totarol chemotypes. This research serves as a foundational framework for future investigations aimed at harnessing the unique properties of different chemotypes for specific purposes, potentially facilitating the successful commercialization and utilisation of C. torulosa needles essential oil.

Assessment of sowing environment for wheat cultivars and evaluation of growing degree days for phenological stages in the Northwest Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh

BackgroundThe date of sowing is a non-monetary input factor that plays a crucial role in field crop management. Based on the sowing time, management practices of crop production affect crop growth, development, and yield. Under varied environmental conditions, this factor may be useful in addressing low yields and combating/escaping stresses either due to diseases or due to any unfavourable environment.ResultsA field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 to study the accumulated growing degree days (GDD) and performance of six wheat cultivars (HS 562, HD 2967, HD 3086, HI 1544, MACS 6222 and WR 544) under four sowing dates (5th November, 25th November, 15th December and 5th January). The study revealed that 5th November is the best date for sowing resulting in higher pooled grain yield of 4.85 Mg ha−1 and 3.94 Mg ha−1 at Bajaura and Malan, respectively. Significant reductions in the grain yield and yield attributes were observed when the date of sowing was set beyond 5th November. Among the cultivars tested, HS 562 gave a significantly higher pooled grain yield of 4.46 and 3.75 Mg ha−1 at Bajaura and Malan, respectively. Pooled data on physiological maturity revealed that variety HS 562 took the highest calendar days (168 days) and GDD (1573.42 °C days) to attain physiological maturity at Bajaura while at Malan HI 1544 and HD 3086 took the highest calendar days (156 and 155 days, respectively) and GDD (2055.41 and 2051.81 °C days, respectively) to attain their physiological maturity.ConclusionFrom the study, it can be concluded that the early date of sowing provides the crop with ample duration to accumulate growing degree days resulting in a higher accumulation of photosynthates resulting in significantly higher yield attributes and grain yield. Therefore, 5th November is recommended as the best time for sowing of wheat crop whereas the sowing must not be delayed beyond 25th November. HS 562 was superior among the cultivars and is recommended for Malan and Bajaura regions for attaining higher yield.

Extended distribution of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D.Don (Melanthiaceae), an endangered species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D.Don is an endangered herbaceous species under the family Melanthiaceae, endemic to the Himalayan region of India at an elevation between 2,400–3,500 m. The species is mostly distributed in temperate and sub-alpine zones of the Himalaya. This paper reports an extended distribution of T. govanianum Wall. ex D.Don as a new addition to the flora of Arunachal Pradesh, India for the first time. In the present study, the species was recorded from the Mandala region, West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh. Five locations of the individuals of the species were reported and distribution was mapped along with a detailed description and colour photographs provided for the easy identification of the species.