North Eastern Hill Region Of India Research Articles

Morphological Characterization of Underutilized Legume Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata Jacq.) Genotypes of North-Eastern Hill Region of India Under Foot Hill of Arunachal Pradesh

Morphological Characterization of Underutilized Legume Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata Jacq.) Genotypes of North-Eastern Hill Region of India Under Foot Hill of Arunachal Pradesh

Review: Ethnomedicinal plants used for wound healing and dermatological problem in the North-Eastern Hill Region of India

Abstract. Das G, Thou K, Mondal P, Meeran SM. 2022. Review: Ethnomedicinal plants used for wound healing and dermatological problem in the North-Eastern Hill Region of India. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 102-119. Wound healing is a complex process that facilitates tissue cohesion and homeostasis renewal. Medicinal plants have several bioactive compounds and play a principal role in healing and curing human and animal diseases. In our review, we collected ethnobotanical information mostly from Nagaland, a North-Eastern state of India, from various ethnic groups through personal communication, articles, surveys, and sources. In this study, we selected 26 plant species belonging to 20 families categorized as herbs (15 species), shrubs (5 species), trees (4 species), and climbers (2 species) with scientifically demonstrated medicinal properties or reported from ethnic groups on wound healing, dermatological problem, other numerous diseases and disorders relating to the urinary system, inflammation, tumors, diabetes, diarrhea, gastritis, scabies, skin sores, animal/insect bites, parasitic related problems, and rheumatism. They have been compiled and reviewed. Medicinal plants are considered efficacious adjuvants or alternatives to conventional therapies to treat various diseases, and the use of medicinal plants and their products to cure different ailments was reported and recorded. Our review will help create awareness about using medicinal plants and alternative medicine to ameliorate dermatological problems and treat various diseases in humans and animals.

DNA Barcoding and ITS2 Secondary Structure Predictions in Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) from the North Eastern Hill Region of India.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott, Araceae), an ancient root and tuber crop, is highly polygenic, polyphyletic, and polygeographic in nature, which leads to its rapid genetic erosion. To prevent the perceived loss of taro diversity, species discrimination and genetic conservation of promising taro genotypes need special attention. Reports on genetic discrimination of taro at its center of origin are still untapped. We performed DNA barcoding of twenty promising genotypes of taro indigenous to the northeastern hill region of India, deploying two chloroplast-plastid genes, matK and rbcL, and the ribosomal nuclear gene ITS2. The secondary structure of ITS2 was determined and molecular phylogeny was performed to assess genetic discrimination among the taro genotypes. The matK and rbcL genes were highly efficient (>90%) in amplification and sequencing. However, the ITS2 barcode region achieved significant discrimination among the tested taro genotypes. All the taro genotypes displayed most similar sequences at the conserved matK and rbcL loci. However, distinct sequence lengths were observed in the ITS2 barcode region, revealing accurate discriminations among the genotypes. Multiple barcode markers are unrelated to one another and change independently, providing different estimations of heritable traits and genetic lineages; thus, they are advantageous over a single locus in genetic discrimination studies. A dynamic programming algorithm that used base-pairing interactions within a single nucleic acid polymer or between two polymers transformed the secondary structures into the symbol code data to predict seven different minimum free energy secondary structures. Our analysis strengthens the potential of the ITS2 gene as a potent DNA barcode candidate in the prediction of a valuable secondary structure that would help in genetic discrimination between the genotypes while augmenting future breeding strategies in taro.

Usability of the Weather Forecast for Tackling Climatic Variability and Its Effect on Maize Crop Yield in Northeastern Hill Region of India

Weather forecasts are important for the planning of agricultural operations, especially during times of heightened climatic variability. This study analyzed and verified the medium-range weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for different weather parameters over four locations in the northeastern hill (NEH) region of India considering five years of daily datasets. Results revealed good overall accuracy of the forecast over the NEH region. The accuracy of relative humidity (>80%), rainfall (>79%), and wind speed (>70%) were good, and the accuracy of temperature was average, with the usability values for maximum temperatures (44.7–62.7%) comparatively better than for minimum temperatures (38.5–58.6%). The correlation coefficient between the observed and forecasted values was positive (0.24–0.70) and statistically significant for most of the cases, indicating that the forecast could capture variations. Field experiments for maize crops showed that a near-real-time weather forecast-based agro-advisory could manage the uncertainties related to the in-season weather and thereby help in its day-to-day management, which is depicted by the statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvements in the yield of maize. The accuracy of the minimum temperature was poor during winter and post-monsoon seasons, when it plays a crucial role in the determination of optimal growing conditions. Usability of the maximum temperature needs improvement during the pre-monsoon season, as crop cultivation over the region starts from this season due to the high probability of assured rainfall. Therefore, the forecasts were found to be useful but in need of improvement for minimum temperature, which is very crucial for the region.

Shifting cultivation, soil degradation, and agricultural land‐use planning in the northeastern hill region of India using geo‐spatial techniques

AbstractShifting cultivation is widely practiced in the northeastern hill (NEH) region of India. It is known that the destruction of natural forests and its conversion to cropland leads to soil resource degradation. The impacts on soil due to jhuming (jhum practice followed in shifting cultivation) have not been studied adequately. Also, study of alternatives to jhum land use is lacking. In our study, a soil resource inventory of jhum lands was generated for a part of the Purvanchal Ranges of Eastern Himalaya, India to ascertain the nature of soil resource degradation due to jhuming using geo‐spatial techniques. High‐resolution IRS P6 LISS‐IV and stereo‐pair CARTOSAT‐I satellite images along with digital elevation model data were used to map soil resources of jhum lands through a detailed soil survey. Typical pedons were also studied in the native forest adjacent to the jhum lands. Further, land suitability evaluation of the identified soil series for crop growth was carried out to propose alternative land‐use models for jhum lands distributed over different landforms. Results indicated that soils of jhum lands were organically degraded and followed regressive pedogenesis, whereas forest soils followed progressive pedogenesis, particularly on high (650–1250 masl) and medium hills (250–650 masl). Alternaive land‐use models with the inclusion of upland rice and without the inclusion of rice have been proposed. Results of the investigation should be useful for policy makers to seeking make the best use of the land resources under jhum cultivation.

Phytochemical investigations on the therapeutic properties of the of Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman

The traditional Khasi tribal community of North-Eastern hill region of India cite the use of pseudostem sap of Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman for therapeutic purpose, especially for diarrhoea. This preliminary study has been conducted to evaluate the curative properties of the pseudostem sap by screening for the presence of alkaloids, amino acids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, polyphenols, oils and fats, reducing sugars, starch, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. Standard tests confirmed the presence of reducing sugars, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids, which together contribute to the curative property of the sap as discussed. Polyphenol content in the sap was found to be 10.59 mg GAE mL -1 and total antioxidant capacity estimated is 54.538 mg AAE mL -1 , and total flavonoids was measured at 2.52 mg QE mL -1 of fresh sap.

Bio-efficacy of weed management practices in rainfed potato

A field experiment was conducted during 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 at ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Shillong to evaluate the bio-efficacy of weed management practices in rainfed potato under North-Eastern hill region of India. Maximum potato tubers yield (21.3 t/ha) was recorded under weed free treatment followed by metribuzin application 0.75 kg/ha as a pre-emergence (PE). Reduction in crop yield due to presence of weeds was 54.0 per cent. Maximum uptake of nutrients, viz. nitrogen (113.2 kg/ha), phosphorus (14.5 kg/ha) and potassium (89.4 kg/ha) were recorded by the potato under weed free fb application of metribuzin 0.75 kg/ha as a PE. The highest net returns (₹ 176100/ha) and B:C ratio (2.3) were recorded under the metribuzin application 0.75 kg/ha. Thus, application of metribuzin 0.75 kg/ha as PE was found more effective in potato under the rainfed ecosystem of North-Eastern hill region of India.

Impact of factors share on productivity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in NEHR of India

The ginger crop being major crop in the region plays a vital role in livelihood and income of the farmers of the North Eastern Hill Region (NEHR). Study covered NEHR states except Assam. The data pertains to year 2017–18 containing sample size of 271 farmers. The results discussed ample scope to increase factor share to scale-up productivity of ginger. Among the different factors of ginger production, the ginger seed and human labour have contributed large share in ginger production. The study recommends for construction of post harvest storage structures for ginger rhizome in the locality of ginger growing area to store their rhizome for next season crop. To enhance research and development expenditures in North Eastern Hill Region was especially to develop small size of machinery with the intent to reduce cost of human labour. The potential of ginger crop in the study area needs to be tapped not only to enhance the factor share but also through technological interventions.

Influence of varieties and nutrient management practices on productivity, nutrient acquisition and resource-use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa) in North-eastern hill region of India

It is concluded that the INM practice and rice variety Shahsarang 1 showed their superiority over their respective counterparts, i.e. other nutrient management practices and rice varieties w.r.t. crop productivity, NPK acquisition behavior in rice grains and straw vis–à –vis NPK uptake, and resource–use efficiency in current study. Thus, INM practice and rice variety Shahsarang 1 can be recommended to the resource-poor hill farmers for enhancing rice productivity, plant nutrient acquisition and resource–use efficiency in north-eastern hill region of eastern Himalayas.

Market potential and opportunities for commercialization of traditional meat products in North East Hill Region of India.

The North Eastern (NE) India is renowned for its preference for animal-based food. This region is known for its traditional meat products. However, the popularity of these products remains confined to the specific community/location. The knowledge on the traditional preparation methods is generally passed across generations through practice and word of mouth. The traditional style of preparation and the specific ingredients added to each product makes them unique. In this review, an attempt has been made to identify the initiatives, opportunities, and market potential for commercialization of the traditional meat products. These unique features and properties of the traditional meat products have been highlighted. The commercialization of these products will enhance entrepreneurship development and ensure quality ethnic products to the consumer in the NE hill region of India.

Characterization of Perilla frutescens (Linn.) Britt based on morphological, biochemical and STMS markers

In the present study, morphological, biochemical and molecular diversities were assessed for 62 accessions and four checks of Perilla frutescens collected from Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim states of the North-eastern Hill (NEH) region of India. In the field, 8 qualitative and 13 quantitative traits were recorded to assess the diversity at the morphological level. Oil, protein, total phenol and fatty acids profiling was done to estimate diversity present at biochemical level and accessions namely IC524554, IC524504, IC52445, IC422885, IC275959, IC016443, IC006444, IC006442 and IC599246 were found with more than 50% oil content. Fourteen STMS markers which showed reproducible and clear amplification were selected for diversity study. Total 92 bands were amplified with 14 STMS primers out of which 92.85 (%) bands were polymorphic. Polymorphic information content (PIC) for STMS primers varied from 0.32 for primer GBFM75 to 0.92 for primer KWPE57. The average PIC was with an average of 0.62, and the gene diversity varied from 0.41 to 0.92. Cluster analysis based on biochemical and molecular characterization divided Perilla accessions into four groups whereas; morphological (qualitative and quantitative) markers divided accessions into three groups. Based on population structure analysis three clear populations were obtained. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) in Perilla accessions with STMS markers showed that the variation explained by the first three axes was 31.16%. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), based on the hierarchical cluster showed 6% diversity among population, 87% among individual and 6% within the individual, whereas the model based approach showed 21% diversity among population, 73% among individual and 6% within the individual. The study based on genetic diversity and population structure showed that great extent of diversity exists in Perilla accessions collected from NEH region of India and accessions; more than 50% oil content can be utilized for oil improvement programme and industrial applications.

Modified system of rice intensification for higher crop and water productivity in Meghalaya, India: opportunities for improving livelihoods for resource-poor farmers

The productivity and water-use efficiency of traditional rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems in northeastern hill region of India is low and needs to be revisited for improving food security and mitigating the impact of climate change. The adoption of modern agricultural technologies is a necessity for upliftment of agricultural productivity and livelihood of the farming households. Therefore, a modified system of rice intensification (MSRI) was demonstrated in participatory mode during 2010–2012 in 16 farmers’ field of Meghalaya, India, to increase cropping intensity, yield, water productivity (WP) and improve livelihood. The 20-day-old seedlings of improved rice variety ‘Shahsarang-1’ were transplanted at 20 cm × 20 cm spacing with two seedlings hill−1 under MSRI as against 30-days-old seedlings transplanted randomly using 4–5 seedlings hill−1 under farmers’ practice (FP). The average rice productivity under MSRI was enhanced by 39% than that under FP. The employment and net returns were enhanced by 15 and 61% over FP, respectively. Adoption of MSRI also increased water-use efficiency by 12% and WP by 59% compared to FP. The rice crop under MSRI matured 15 days earlier than that under FP. Thus, adoption of MSRI facilitated growing of vegetable pea (Pisum sativum) with average productivity of 4.2 t ha−1 after rice which doubled the cropping intensity and increased farmers’ income. In addition, the available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and organic carbon content of soils under rice (MSRI)-pea cropping system were also increased by 7.5, 5.2, 3.4 and 4.3% over antecedent level after 2 years. Hence, MSRI is recommended for enhancing rice productivity, sustaining soil fertility and income of hill farmers in studied ecosystem.

Biology of the ornamental cyprinid fish Danio dangila (Hamilton, 1822) from the North-eastern hill region of India

The moustache danio Danio dangila (Hamilton, 1822) is one of the most popular native ornamental fishes of theNorth-eastern hill region of India. The species needs immediate attention owing to its reduced abundance in the wild. The length-weight relationship of D. dangila indicated an isometric growth in general and was found to follow the cube law. The L-W relationships derived for the species were: log W = -5.009 + 3.00 log L (male and female combined); log W = -5.542 + 3.31 log L (male) and log W = -5.462 + 3.26 log L (female). The 41-50 mm size group was found to be predominant (44.25%) in the wild. The fish predominantly feeds on phytoplankton (97.12%), with Myxophycea forming 68%, followed by Zygnemophyceae 25%, Ulvophyceae 3%, Zygnematophyceae 2%, Cryptophyceae 1% and Bacillariophyceae 1%. The major zooplankton group in the diet was Rotifera. Nematodes and other similar worms also formed a part of their diet. The sex ratio (female: male) estimated was 1:1.77. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) for gravid females ranged from 2.55 to 24.12 with an average value of 7.65. The minimum and maximum fecundity were 400 and 2000 in females having a length of 52 and 64 mm and weight of 2.52 and 3.15 g respectively.

Study on Growth and Instability of Sesame in North-Eastern Hill Region of India

Alongside making considerable progress in the production of food grains and oilseeds especially during the last three decades, the Indian agriculture has simultaneously been indicative of growing instability in the production front for several reasons. It was in this backdrop, an attempt was made through the present study to examine the growth and instability of sesame over five of the six sesame growing states of North-Eastern Hill Region of the country by way of analyzing the time series data of 20 years. The growth rate of area and production found to be highest in Nagaland state but in terms of productivity it was highest in Manipur state. The instability which was highest observed in case of area and productivity for Manipur was observed lowest in Nagaland state. Hence, the study highly recommends the use and adoption of site specific scientific package of practices of the crop to avoid the prevailed instability.

Productivity and quality enhancement of rice through micronutrients and soil amendments in acid soils of north-eastern hill region of India

A field experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil at Lamphelpat, Manipur during kharif seasons of 2013 and 2014 to assess the effect of soil amendments and micronutrients fortification on productivity and quality of rice. The experiment was laid outin split plot design with foursoil amendmenttreatments in the main plots and fourmicronutrients fortification treatments in the sub-plots. The results showed that application FYM 5.0 t/ha, lime 200 and 400 kg/ha improved growth attributes and increased yield components of rice over those of the control plots. Use of lime 400 kg/ha recorded highest rice grain (7.16 t/ha) and straw (8.95 t/ha) yields as compared to the other soil amendment practices. It also recorded higher N, P, K, Zn, Fe and Se contents in rice grain, greater returns and higher crop profitability (Rs. 1240/ha/day) than those of control plots, but comparable to the other soil amendment practices. Soil amendments (5 t/ha FYM, 200 and 400 kg/ha lime) significantly increased the available N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu content in soil over those of the control plots. Micronutrient fortification also improved growth, increased productivity and nutrient contents in rice grain and enhanced gross and net returns, returns per rupee invested and crop profitability.

Rodent outbreak in relation to bamboo flowering in north-eastern region of India

Rodent outbreaks have been recorded in the north-eastern hill region of India since time immemorial. This study was carried out in Arunachal Pradesh where rodent outbreaks are associated with Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa tulda, Bambusa balcoa and Schizostachyum arunachalensis. Four species of rodents are reported in the flowering area of which Rattus rattus is predominant and causes greatest damage to many crops. The greatest damage recorded in rice ranged from 12.9% to 15.4% in the bamboo flowering year, whereas it was 5.3% to 5.8% in the non-flowering year. Higher levels of damage were also observed in maize, pineapple, cabbage, French bean, potato, tomato and tapioca in bamboo flowering affected area than in other areas. Live burrows count, trap index and percent damage revealed that in bamboo flowering areas, the rodent population was significantly increased. The comparison of nutrient content of bamboo seeds and other food materials suggested that higher carbohydrate content of the bamboo seeds triggered the active behaviour of rodents. Damage was caused only to those crops which are a very good source of carbohydrate. The cumulative effects of rainfall, flowering season, hunting of predatory animals or birds and geographical barriers might be responsible for the outbreak of rodents. The study also explains why every flowering season does not result in a rodent outbreak of the same severity.

Soil health as affected by altered land configuration and conservation tillage in a groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) - toria (Brassica campestris var toria) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during the year 2009-11 at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region (NEHR), Meghalaya to study the influence of land configuration and conservation tillage on soil health in a groundnut-toria cropping system. The experiment consisted of seven treatments [i. flat bed farmer’s practice (FP) no residue; ii. broad beds and furrows (BBF) with residue incorporation; iii. BBF with residue + hedge leaves (Tephrosia sp) incorporation; iv. BBF with residue + hedge leaves (no tillage, NT); v. raised bed (RB) with residue incorporation; vi. RB with residue + hedge leaves incorporation; vii. RB with residue + hedge leaves (NT)] laid out in randomised block design and replicated thrice. The conservation treatments were found to significantly improve biological activity and chemical properties of soil. However, physical properties such as texture and bulk density were not significantly affected by any of the treatments. Infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity were 108% and 46% higher, respectively, in the treatments under RB with residue + hedge leaves (NT) as compared to FP. Soil microbial biomass carbon was 67% higher under RB with residue + hedge leaves incorporation than FP after the harvest of both the crops in the second year while dehydrogenase activity was 135% higher in RB with residue + hedge leaves (NT) after the harvest of groundnut and RB with residue incorporation after the harvest of toria than FP, respectively. System productivity under RBs were significantly higher than that recorded under BBF and FB. Conservation treatments showed better soil health at the end of the cropping cycles and it is concluded that raised beds along with residue management can provide an alternative and sustainable technology contributing to sustainable agriculture in the NEHR of India which can be extrapolated to other similar areas.

Effect of planting time and spacing on growth characteristics of yellow lantern chilli (Capsicum chinense)

Yellow lantern chilli [(Capsicum chinense (Jacq.)], the world’s hottest chilli is mostly grown in the north eastern part of India. The crop is cultivated by traditional ways since time immemorial. However, very little research towards scientific cultivation has been conducted in the past and until now scientific package of practices is not available. In the present investigation, the effect of various planting time and spacing on the growth characteristics of the hottest chilli, yellow rantern chilli (bhoot jolokia) was studied in north-eastern hill region of India. Seeds of the variety local cultivar, bor Bhoot of bhoot jolokia were planted in four different dates i e September 15 (P1), October 15 (P2), January 15 (P3) and February 15 (P4) with three spacings viz. 75cm × 75cm (S1), 90cm × 90cm (S2) and 105cm × 105cm (S3). The results revealed that the growth parameters and yield attributing characters were significantly influenced by different planting dates and spacings. Sowing in September 15 (P1) and with a spacing 105cm × 105cm (S3) were recorded the highest plant height, number of primary branches, number of fruits/plant, fruit weight and fruit yield/plant. In case of phyllochron index September 15 sowing showed maximum days to phyllochron but closest spacing 75cm × 75cm showed maximum phyllochron. Among all the treatments, the crop sown in September with a spacing of 105cm × 105cm showed better performance for all the parameters studied and can be considered basis for studying the effects of other agronomic practices.

Studies on Grain and Food Quality Traits of Some Indigenous Rice Cultivars of North-eastern Hill Region of India

Searching rice cultivars or variety with good processing and high in important essential nutrients are prime important in the present context of rice research. The north eastern hill region of India which is a mega biodiversity hot spot of the world has numerous cultivars of rice with tremendous potential of high quality rice. Eighteen indigenous cultivars of Tripura, a north eastern hill state of India were subjected to the study. Majority of the cultivars were of short bold grain type. Eleven cultivars were aromatic type with one cultivar of strong aroma comparable to Basmati rice. Eleven cultivars were found to possess higher hulling percentage more than 65% and six cultivars with more than 65% out turn. Majority of the cultivars had low amylose contents (<20%). Four cultivars were having higher total crude protein (>10%), six cultivars were having higher iron contents (>10ppm). In most of the characters, heritability (h2) was more than the genetic advance indicating more of environmental effect. Amylose, crude fibre and iron, genetic advance was high; selection for these traits will improve the genotypic value of selected plants over the parents. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was found in iron and amylose. The association of crude protein is significant but negative with carbohydrates and amylose, while with crude fat and zinc, the association is significant and positive. Carbohydrate was significantly and positively correlated with ash percent and iron concentration and negatively associated with total fat. There was no significant correlation between carbohydrate and amylose.

Micro-Watershed Land Use Systems for Optimization of Bio-Productivity and Resource Conservation in a Humid Subtropical Climate

Four micro-watershed land use systems were studied in the northeastern hill region of India. Agro-pastoral and agri-horti-silvipasture attained a cropping intensity of 175%; in addition, 4.98 tons of fruit and 8.2 tons of fuel wood were obtained in the latter system. In dairy faming, annual milk yield obtained from two livestock units was 5564 litres. In self-regenerating forest, 409 trees/ha accumulated a standing woody biomass of 137 t/ha. Annual net returns per hectare (Indian Rupees) were 64,835, 57,130, and 36,573 in the agro-pastoral, agri-horti-silvipasture, and dairy farming, respectively, and Rs. 66,042/ha in 14 years in the self-regenerated forest. Farming system performance indicated higher biomass productivity and net return, more species diversity and bioresource flow in the three land use systems. Soil fertility, hydrology and farmer perception were also compared in these land use systems.