Northwest Himalaya Research Articles

Generative traits of litchi (Litchi × chinensis Sonn.) cultivars in Shiwalik foothills of North-West Himalayas

Generative traits of litchi (Litchi × chinensis Sonn.) cultivars in Shiwalik foothills of North-West Himalayas

Towards sustainable tourism energy practices: evaluating fuelwood consumption in the North-West Himalayas

Towards sustainable tourism energy practices: evaluating fuelwood consumption in the North-West Himalayas

Digital restoration of the snout of Khirtharia inflata (Raoellidae, Artiodactyla) from the middle Eocene of northwest Himalaya

Digital restoration of the snout of Khirtharia inflata (Raoellidae, Artiodactyla) from the middle Eocene of northwest Himalaya

Hydrological modeling for rainfall–runoff assessment in a sub-himalayan catchment using a distributed MIKE SHE/MIKE+ model

ABSTRACT The management of water resources, including flood forecasting, infrastructure planning, environmental preservations, and climate change adaptation, depends highly on accurate assessment of rainfall–runoff processes. In the present study, a distributed hydrological model has been developed using MIKE System Hydrological European coupled with MIKE+ approach for the Gambhar catchment located in the northwest Himalayas, India. For model development, the hydrometeorological data i.e., precipitation, land use land cover, evapotranspiration, and soil types for the duration 2010 to 2018 have been acquired, while observed daily streamflow data of the Gambhar River has been used for calibration and validation purposes. The model's performance has been evaluated using statistical indicators i.e., mean average error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), scatter index (SI) and coefficient of determination (R2), and found to be 65.43, 283.5, 0.80, 0.08, and 0.85, respectively during validation indicating a strong correlation between predicted and observed streamflow. The sensitivity analysis of the model infers that the rainfall and canopy intercept parameters are major controlling factors in the runoff generation. The findings of the study are beneficial for hydrologists and water resources managers.

Evaluating instability & failure pattern of landslides, Giri valley, Northwest Himalaya, India

Evaluating instability & failure pattern of landslides, Giri valley, Northwest Himalaya, India

Assessment of Plant Growth Promotion Potential of Endophytic Bacterium B. subtilis KU21 Isolated from Rosmarinus officinalis.

The current study aimed to evaluate the plant growth-promoting (PGP) potential of endophytic strain Bacillus subtilis KU21 isolated from the roots of Rosmarinus officinalis. The strain exhibited multiple traits of plant growth promotion viz., phosphate (P) solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), lytic enzymes production, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. The isolate also exhibited antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi, i.e., Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminiarum, and Rhizoctonia solani. The P-solubilization activity of B. subtilis KU21 was further elucidated via detection of glucose dehydrogenase (gdh) gene involved in the production of gluconic acid which is responsible for P-solubilization. Further, B. subtilis KU21 was evaluated for in vivo growth promotion studies of tomato (test crop) under net house conditions. A remarkable increase in seed germination, plant growth parameters, nutrient acquisition, and soil quality parameters (NPK) was observed in B. subtilis KU21-treated plants over untreated control. Hence, the proposed module could be recommended for sustainable tomato production in the Northwest Himalayan region without compromising soil health and fertility.

Lateral electrical conductivity variations along the Main Himalayan thrust in the northwestern Himalayas: Insights from 3D Magnetotelluric forward modeling

Understanding the arc parallel variation on the geometry of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) is as important as understanding the arc perpendicular variation in the Himalayas. The geometric variability of the MHT holds significant implications for the occurrence of major and great earthquakes. Three-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) forward modeling enables the investigation of potential crustal models along the MHT in northwest Himalayas. MT impedance tensors were computed utilizing the 3D forward modeling code MTD3FWD. Previously established MT resistivity and seismic velocity models from various sectors of the northwestern Himalayas were employed as inputs for generating the resistivity mesh necessary for 3D forward modeling. The computed impedance tensors by 3D forward computation were cross-referenced with the original published MT data to validate their accuracy. A lateral resistivity cross section is also derived from the 3D forward model along the sub-Himalaya and lesser-Himalaya region to study the lateral heterogeneity. The lateral resistivity cross-section reveals significant heterogeneity within the crust, marked by both high and low-resistive structures and a possible lateral ramp along the MHT. The geometry of the lateral MHT showcases a gradual incline within the Himachal sector and a steep ramp within the Garhwal and Kumaun sectors in the northwestern Himalayas. The crustal architecture exhibits distinct nearly-vertical resistive and conductive features beneath the study area. Consequently, the crust within this region is characterized by considerable heterogeneity, influenced by a network of subsurface faults and ridges. The Delhi Haridwar Ridge, which exhibits high resistivity, plays a significant role in dictating the lateral dip of the MHT and exerting control over seismic activity patterns in the region.

Additions to the Flora of Himachal Pradesh, North-West Himalaya

Botanical explorations were made in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh from 1984-1988 under "BSI District Flora Project" sponsored by Botanical Survey of India. Consequently, studies on phytogeography (Singh & Sharma 1989, Sharma & Singh 1990 a), floristic composition (Sharma & Singh 1990 b), herbaceous vegetation (Sharma & Singh 1994) and biological spectnun (Sharma & Singh 1995) of the district have been published. Occurrence of Gnaphalium coarctatum Wil1d.-A South American taxon naturalized in India, has recently been reported for the first time from the district (Singh & Sharma 1988). In continuation, following 28 taxa are being reported as the new plant reports for Himachal Pradesh. These have not been included earlier in their comprehensive three volume compilation entitled 'Flora of Himachal Pradesh, Analysis' by Chowdhery & Wadhwa (1984) or by the subsequent 30 authors (see under references) who have contributed additional plant reports to this work. The arrangement of the families is as in Hooker (1872-1897). All the specimens are preserved in Herbarium, Punjabi University, Patiala (PUN).

Spatio-temporal evaluation of physico-chemical parameters of snow-fed River Poonch in Northwest Himalayan region of India

The rapid deterioration of freshwater ecosystems, particularly rivers, has threatened many living organisms, including human beings. In order to comprehend and maintain the well-being of a river ecosystem, it is important to assess the spatial and temporal variations in its physico-chemical parameters. The aim of the present study was to examine spatial and temporal physico-chemical parameters of snow-fed River Poonch in the Northwest Himalayas from July 2021 to June 2023. In order to generate precise and reliable data, one-way ANOVA, Duncan's multiple range test, Pearson correlation, linear regression, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used to analyse a total of fifteen physico-chemical parameters of the river. Significant (p < 0.05) differences spatio-temporally in physico-chemical parameters were found through one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test. Pearson correlation revealed that majority of the examined physico-chemical parameters exhibited a robust positive association (r > 0.70) in most cases, apart from DO (r ≥ − 0.80). Linear regression indicated significant (p < 0.05) associations among various physico-chemical parameters, which were substantial both in nature and size, with a coefficient of determination (r2 > 0.70) in most of the cases. PCA showed that physico-chemical parameters such as AT, WT, EC, TDS, FCO2, TA, TH, NO2-N, NO3-N, TP, SO42− and F− were significant for the determination of qualitative characteristics of River Poonch. In CA, two distinct clusters, viz. Cluster-I consisting of Site-III, downstream site prone to pollution and Cluster-II consisting of Site-II and Site-I, mid and upstream sites, respectively, less prone to pollution were obtained. The results of the study revealed that the water quality parameters were found well within the recommended ranges, suggesting that they are conducive for the existence of inhabitant fish species, which influence the local economy of the region.

Morels as a source of Food, Medicine and Income in Himachal Pradesh - A North West Himalayan Region, India

Himachal Pradesh is situated in north India between 300 22’ to 330 12’ N latitudes and 750 47’’ to 790 04’ E longitudes within the Western Himalayas in northern India. The elevation varies from 450 meters to more than 7,026 meters above the mean sea level. Tribal and indigenous communities of Himachal Pradesh are associated with collection of wild mushrooms for edible, medicinal and sale purpose. The Morels (Morchella spp.) are fungi belong to family Morchellaceae commonly known as Guchhi in Himachal Pradesh. The traditional people of Himachal Himalayan Region (HHR) cooked it as food and used in medicine and health care system. Traditionally, it has been used for gastric problems, as a tonic, to cure cuts and wounds, and reduce joint pain. The native people gather it from the forest regions and sold it to nearby merchants after drying it at home. Presence of nutrients like amino acids, vitamins and minerals, the Guchhi mushrooms are in high demand not only in India but also in various foreign markets such as Switzerland, France, the USA, Italy etc. Commercial cultivation of Guchhi mushrooms will help rural masses and farmers obtain benefits due to their high demand.

Optimization of production conditions, isolation, purification, and characterization of tannase from filamentous fungi.

Tannase-producing filamentous fungi residing alongside tannin-rich ambient in the Northwest Himalayas were isolated at laboratory conditions and further identified by 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Five most potent tannase producing strains (EI ≥ 2.0), designated Aspergillus fumigatus AN1, Fusarium redolens AN2, Penicillium crustosum AN3, Penicillium restrictum AN4, and Penicillium commune AN5, were characterized. The strain Penicillium crustosum AN3 exhibited a maximum zone dia (25.66mm ± 0.38). During solid-state fermentation, a maximal amount of tannase was attained withPenicillium crustosum AN3 usingpine needles (substrate) by adopting response surface methodology for culture parameter optimization. Gel filtration chromatography yielded 46.48% of the partially purified enzyme with 3.94-fold of tannase purification. We found two subunits in enzyme-117.76 KDa and 88.51 KDa, respectively, in the SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, the characterization of partially purified tannase revealed a maximum enzyme activity of 8.36 U/mL at 30°C using a substrate concentration (methyl gallate) of 10mM. To broaden the knowledge of crude enzyme application, dye degradation studies were subjected to extracellular crude tannase fromPenicillium crustosum AN3 where the maximumdegradation achievedat a low enzyme concentration (5ppm).

Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC: A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ancient medicinal and pharmacological Uses

Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC., a member of the Asteraceae family, is an annual herbaceous plant with a rich array of phytochemicals that hold immense therapeutic promise. Commonly known as Karanda jangli muli (in Hindi) and kukkuradru (in Sanskrit), this herb is cultivated for its applications in food, essential oil extraction and various ethnomedical purposes. It thrives in diverse regions, including the Indian plains, the northwest Himalayas, China, Tropical Africa, the Malay Islands, Australia, Ceylon and Malaya. B. lacera boasts a multitude of valuable phytochemical components, including alpha-amyrin, ß-sitosterol, acetates, hentriacontane, stigmasterol, lupeol and lupeol acetate. These phytochemicals exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, diuretic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, astringent, hepatoprotective, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-viral, analgesic, hypothermic, anti-bacterial, anti-atherothrombotic, anti-leukemic and tranquilizing effects. Additionally, the phytochemicals derived from B. lacera align with various Ayurvedic attributes, encompassing dravya (substance), rasa (taste), guna (qualities), veerya (potency), vipaka (post-digestion outcome), karma (pharmacological actions) and prabha (therapeutics). Despite the plant's extensive bioactive chemical profile and therapeutic significance, scientific studies on B. lacera remain surprisingly scarce. In light of its numerous applications, this review aims to elucidate the diversity of phytochemicals, ethnomedicinal uses and therapeutic potentials of B. lacera.

Paleoclimatic reconstruction of the Karewa deposits of Kashmir Valley, northwest Himalaya: A review

Plio-Pleistocene sedimentary successions, comprised of fluvio-glacial-lacustrine sediments capped by loess, are widespread in the Kashmir Valley, NW Himalaya, India. These sediments act as a repository of climate records for the past 4.4 Ma suggesting the dominance of southwestern monsoon up to 1.95 Ma and thereafter the dominance of mid-latitude western disturbances in the region. However, the younger strata of the loess-paleosol sequences (LPSs), <200 ka old, and Holocene sediments have been studied for high-resolution climate records compared to older archives because of the contentious chronological issues of the older deposits. Earlier studies revealed moderate climatic conditions from ∼65.8 ± 7.2 ka to 44.3 ± 5.8 ka, followed by periods of extreme dry phases of enhanced wind velocity, coinciding with the last major magnetic inversion. The climatic conditions have produced strong pedogenic signatures on the LPSs during the MIS-3 (∼43–34.7 ± 2.3). The dry arid climate phases recorded during the MIS-2 stage up to ∼14.7 ± 5.4 ka revealed a weak pedogenic alteration and a high amount of CaCO3 accumulation in the loess. Subsequent sporadic alluvial deposition of sediments over the LPSs implies widespread precipitation and glacial melting linked to the onset of the Holocene warming punctuated by dry and cold climate phases corresponding to the Bond events of 0, 3, 4, 5, and 7, which indicated a westerly-dominated climate during the Holocene. This review therefore critically examines existing literature on Karewa deposits in the Kashmir Valley, identifies knowledge gaps, and offers recommendations for future research, emphasizing their paleoclimatic potential for the Quaternary Period.

Prevalence and Epidemiology of Apple Powdery Mildew in Northwest Himalayan Region of Himachal Pradesh

A survey was conducted to assess the incidence and severity of powdery mildew of apples during April to July of 2020 and 2021 at the different locations of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Assessment scale of Hofer et al. (2019) with slight modification was used for cultivar screening. Apple seedlings were grown in the pots in the polyhouse of the Department of Plant Pathology in order to test the pathogenicity of Podosphaera leucotricha. Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation tests by gently pressing diseased leaves on young leaves of five asymptomatic, potted one-year-old Gale Gala seedlings of apple. Five non-inoculated plants were used for a control treatment. Overall, twenty different apple cultivars were screened against powdery mildew planted under field conditions at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Sharbo, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India. Out of these cultivars, five cultivars viz. Red Delicious, Royal Delicious, Red Velox, Auvil Early Fuji and Oregon Spur II, were found to be less susceptible to Podosphaera leucotricha, causing powdery mildew of apples, while Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Gale Gala were found extremely susceptible. Gala series of cultivars were found to be extremely susceptible to the pathogen. Incidence of the disease ranged from 25.42% to 53.80% and severity from 39.75% to 66.25%, respectively. According to the present study the disease initiated during the first week of May and peaked in the month of July in district Kinnaur. Temperatures between 18–24°C and RH between 50–65% were found to be favourable for the disease development. The conditions in the region were found to favourable for disease development and spread.

A new species of the genus Rhyacophila Pictet, 1834 (Insecta, Trichoptera, Rhyacophilidae), from India

Rhyacophila masudisp. nov. from Northwest Himalaya of India is described and illustrated. The species mostly occurs in the Pir Panjal Region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. With this new addition, the genus Rhyacophila is represented by 166 valid species from India.

Tajuria yajna yajna (Doherty, 1886), a new record in Himachal Pradesh, India (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

During an opportunistic field survey in the Balh Valley of the district Mandi in Himachal Pradesh Tajuria yajna yajna (Doherty, 1886) was documented for the first time. The species has never been reported from Himachal Pradesh and hence the present study extends the known distribution range of T. y. yajna in the North West Himalayas. The study also reports a new larval host plant and the first detailed description of the life history of T. y. yajna from India.

Modelling of debris-flow susceptibility and propagation: a case study from Northwest Himalaya

Modelling of debris-flow susceptibility and propagation: a case study from Northwest Himalaya

Probabilistic flood risk assessment using coupled hydrologic and 2D-hydraulic model in the Jhelum River, Northwest Himalayas

Probabilistic flood risk assessment using coupled hydrologic and 2D-hydraulic model in the Jhelum River, Northwest Himalayas

Potential of pine forest in controlling soil erosion in Himalayan region - Investigation using fallout radionuclide (137Cs) measurements

The Himalayas possess a distinctive topography owe to the dynamic interplay of tectonic activity, geological erosion and sedimentation, glacial processes, and climatic influences over the millions of years. The rugged, steep terrain and poor land management make it more prone to water erosion, negatively impacts the soil, affecting the goods and services supported by the soil ecosystems. Traditional methods used in soil erosion assessment face limitations when dealing with topographically complex hillslopes. The use of Fallout Radionuclide (FRN) -137Cs provides a feasible alternative for measurement of soil erosion in the region with such topography. However, there is lack of 137Cs-based soil erosion studies in the north-west Himalayas. Pine (Pinus roxburghii) is the predominant forest type in the Himalayas, offering numerous benefits to both natural ecosystems and human beings. In this study, we selected a typical steep hillslope covered with pine forest in the Himalayas for soil erosion assessment. The study measured 137Cs reference inventory of 1409 Bq m−2 in the landscape. Importantly, the concentration of 137Cs along the hillslope positions showed a significant variation attributed to topographic variability. Topographic factors, such as the slope shape and gradient, were identified as the major governing parameters of soil erosion in the hilly and mountainous region. The net soil erosion rate over hillslope positions revealed highest at upper hillslope followed by ridge, middle and valley hillslope positions. The net soil erosion rate under the pine forest ranged from 8.0 to 14.6 t ha−1 yr−1, with an average rate of 9.9 t ha−1 yr−1. Erosion rate over the hillslope positions were found in accordance to the soil loss tolerance limit (SLTL) except for the upper hillslope, indicating it as critical slope position requires to adopt suitable conservation measures. The study signifies the role of the forest in mitigating soil erosion and, in turn, conserving soil resources. The findings provide crucial insights and guidance to land managers and decision-makers, emphasizing the necessity of conserving and restoring forests in the Himalayas.

Delineating Local Rice Landraces of Kashmir Valley for Cooking Quality and Physico-Chemical Traits

Crop plant improvement depends on genetic diversity. The regional collections contain a variety of genes, some of which are useful despite the shifting socioeconomic and environmental/climatic circumstances. Plant breeders can produce new and enhanced cultivars with desirable features by utilizing the diversity of available plant genetic resources. Twenty five traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces from the NorthWest Himalayan region of Kashmir were assessed for cooking quality and physic-chemical characteristics. The majority of the cooking quality traits, such as kernel length before and after cooking, kernel breadth before and after cooking, amylose content gel, consistency, and alkali spreading value, showed a wide range of variability in the rice landraces under study. Extensive genetic variety across the landraces under investigation, which may be used for agricultural development programs, was suggested by the wide variation among the morphological and other cooking quality parameters.