Pinus Roxburghii Research Articles

Predictive Modelling of Height and Diameter Relationships of Himalayan Chir Pine

Background: In this study 11 height and diameter prediction models were fitted and evaluated for Himalayan Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) in Jammu region of UT J and K (India). The data were collected from 50 permanent sample plots in uneven aged stands of Pinus roxburghii and total of 500 individual tree height and diameter measurement were used for this study. At initial stage all the models fitted resulted in significant coefficients, besides various selection criteria’s were also used to test the predictive performance of fitted models. The results of these criteria were generated from various libraries of R studio (version 3.5.1, 2018). The models were further cross validated and results revealed Manfred (MG) and Michaelis-Menten2 (MJ) models described the highest amount of height variation in terms of fit statistics and more crucially with lowest prediction error rate as compared to other models. Methods: The study was carried out in Jammu region of UT J and K (India). Data used in this study were collected on 50 permanent sample plots of 0.25 ha in size.In order to achieve stipulated objectives, Height diameter data on 500 trees from Jammu forest division was utilized in this study. Result: The summary statistics of height and diameter variable and the overall summary of the coefficients of various height and diameter models in Jammu forest division are presented. Almost all the coefficients of the statistical models were statistically significant which is an indication that fitted models are capturing the height diameter relationship an important aspect in context to biological realism.

Soil organic carbon estimation along an altitudinal gradient of chir pine forests in the Garhwal Himalaya, India: A field inventory to remote sensing approach

AbstractChir pine (Pinus roxburghii, Sarg.) forests are dominant in the Indian Himalayan region and act as a huge carbon (C) sink. However, measuring the C sink in soil is complex and time‐intensive, and therefore the present study attempts to estimate the soil organic carbon (SOC) through a remote sensing (RS) approach. We estimated SOC stock of chir pine forests along an altitudinal gradient at three soil depths (0–30, 30–60 and 60–100 cm) in the Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Fourteen forest stands at four altitudes, viz., <1000 m above sea level (m asl), 1001–1400 m asl, 1401–1800 m asl and >1801 m asl were surveyed and served for data collection. A model for predicting SOC was developed through stepwise regression analysis based on vegetation information and altitude as independent variables with the field data on SOC. For vegetation information, we used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measured through remote sensing (RS). The mean SOC stock up to 100 cm depth was increased with increasing altitude and were in the order of 69.66 ± 19.86, 85.27 ± 17.53, 95.68 ± 7.90 and 148.41 ± 71.39 million g ha−1 (million gram per hectare) for <1000, 1001–1400, 1401–1800 and >1801 m_asl, respectively. The result showed that NDVI was a good predictor for SOC estimation. The model predicted SOC stock between 57 and 152 million g ha−1 with a mean of 93 million g ha−1, which was close to the SOCs from field inventory. Therefore, RS could be used to precisely map the SOC stock in the chir pine forests of the Himalayas through NDVI and provide information to policymakers for forest management.

Impact of forest fire frequency on floristic diversity in the forests of Uttarakhand, western Himalaya

The Uttarakhand State of India is rich in forest wealth with 45.4% forest cover (India State of Forest Report (2021). However, forest cover may change due to a number of anthropogenic and environmental factors. One of the factors leading to forest degradation is forest fires. Forest fires are related to factors that may be biotic, such as heavy accumulation of Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii, a dominant forest forming tree) needles on the forest floor influencing fuel load accumulation and flammability, or abiotic, such as climate, topography, or soil type influencing fuel moisture and fire spread. This study was carried out using satellite images of study area where fire was classified using the geographical information system (GIS) into four frequency classes (no fire, low fire, moderate fire, and high fire). We sampled a total of 160 quadrates for trees, 320 for shrubs and 480 for herbaceous plants to assess vegetation diversity for each forest fire frequency class. No fire was recorded for 13,619 sample points, which covers an area of 84% of the study area, whereas low fire frequency was recorded for 1784 sample points covering an area of 11%. In the present study, significant differences in species diversity were observed across the fire frequency classes. While species diversity increased in the low fire frequency class, an increase in fire frequency led to a decline in diversity and increased dominance of certain fire-tolerant species. Our results show that species richness and density decreased in higher fire frequency classes, which could be due to a poor regeneration process. We found that tree species diversity was higher for the low fire frequency class, followed by moderate fire frequency class, no fire frequency class, and was lowest for the high fire frequency class. The diversity of herbs decreased with increasing fire frequency, from a minimum of 12 species in the high fire frequency class to a maximum of 37 in the no fire frequency class. Some of the fire-adapted species were Myrica esculenta, Pyrus pashia, Lyonia ovalifolia, Carissa spinarum, Pyracantha crenulata, Desmodium microphyllum, and Micromeria biflora the regeneration of which should be promoted rehabilitate the fire damage forest ecosystem of Uttarakhand.

Response of understorey vegetation in chir pine forests to prescribed burning in Shiwalik region of Himalaya

Aim: The present investigation was carried out to understand the impact of controlled/prescribed burning on understorey vegetation in chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forests of Shiwalik region to manage the summer fire damage. Methodology: Chir pine forest areas of two hectares (ha) each were selected at three sites in Shiwalik region of Himalaya for prescribed burning. Each forest area was delineated into three plots of which one plot was burnt during mid-winter in the year 2017 (B1) and another plot burnt twice (B2) during 2017 and 2018 whereas the third was kept unburnt plot (C) in each site. The phytosociological attributes of understorey vegetation were studied in November, 2018. The difference in density of shrubs (plants 25 m-2) and herbs (plants m-2) in unburnt (C), once burnt (B1) and twice burnt (B2) was analyzed through critical difference (CD). Results: Total density (plants 25m-2) of shrubs ranged from 7.15 to 12.95 in unburnt (C), 3.90 to 8.40 in once burnt (B1) and 2.25 to 4.65 in twice burnt (B2) plots whereas total density (plants m-2) of herbs varied from 25.83 to 44.95 in unburnt (C), 33.20 to 75.92 in once burnt (B1) and 29.31 to 90.93 in twice burnt (B2) plots. The density of shrubs was significantly higher in unburnt plots (C) as compared to burnt plots and vice versa for herbs. The Shanonn Wiener Index (H) ranged from 1.76 to 2.39 for shrubs and 2.32 to 3.15 for herbs. Interpretation: The density of herbs was higher in burnt plots and it was vice versa for shrubs. The prescribed burning enhanced diversity of herbs while shrubs diversity decreased with burning.

Carbon density and C‐sequestration of tree plantation ecosystems in the mid‐hills of the NW‐Himalayas: Implications for climate change mitigation

AbstractIn the current era of global warming, the Himalayan forests are under tremendous pressure due to intensified anthropogenic activity, resulting in the loss of forest diversity. However, the potential of carbon (C) sinks for increasing carbon storage and/or sequestration is still uncertain. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine the C‐sequestration and mitigation potential of eight different tree plantations, namely: Pinus roxburghii, Quercus leucotrichophora, Acacia mollissima, Acacia catechu, Alnus nitida, Albizia procera, Ulmus villosa, and Eucalyptus tereticornis in the mid‐hills of the Indian Himalayas. The soil samples used in our study (humus, 0–20cm, 20–40cm, and 40–100 cm) were used to determine the soil and ecosystem C‐density. The analysis revealed that the maximum tree biomass (300.19 Mg ha−1), vegetation biomass (305.43 Mg ha−1), vegetation carbon (153.59 Mg ha−1), and total ecosystem C density (369.93 Mg ha−1) occurred under U. villosa plantation. Similarly, P. roxburghii plantations had the maximum detritus C‐density (7.25 Mg ha−1), whereas A. nitida (224.71 Mg ha−1) had the maximum soil C‐density. The highest C‐sequestration was recorded under U. villosa (183.0 Mg ha−1). A significantly higher and lower rate of C‐sequestration and CO2 mitigation was observed in Ulmus villosa (5.9 and 21.64 Mg ha−1 yr−1) and Eucalyptus tereticornis (3.9 and 14.3 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Our study found that indigenous tree species such as U. villosa, A. procera, A. nitida, and Q. leucotrichophora should be encouraged for afforestation on degraded lands to support climate change mitigation strategies in the sub‐temperate forest ecosystem.

Investigations on dynamics of juvenile hormone mimics on the economic parameters of silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

Juvenile hormone mimics are known to prolong larval life in insects and thus in sericulture, it has been shown to boost good cocoon and silk yield. In the present experiment, the double hybrid (FC1XFC2) silkworm was utilized and analysed the performance of economic traits. The influence of juvenile hormone mimics ie., phytojuvenoids from Pinus (Pinus roxburghii), Custard apple (Annona squamosa) and Tapioca (Manihot esculenta), a commercially available juvenile hormone mimic Serimore and Pyriproxyfen has been recorded as quantitative characters of silkworm when administered topically with two different doses at two distinct larval instars. The quantum of expression of economic trait like cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio, filament length and denier were found to be increasing with the increase in the number of larval treatments which is double administration at the rate of 20% and 30% concentration for Pinus and Tapioca treated larvae. In case of custard apple treated larvae, double treatment at 20% concentration showed best results. Single treatment at 5µl and 10µl concentration of pyriproxyfen gave similar outcome with respect to all economic parameters. Among all, Pinus was found to be on par with Serimore for all the economic characters.

Studies of Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Pinus gerardiana and Pinus roxburghii Seed Extracts.

Pine seeds are considered as nonwood forest products (NWFP) with regularly increasing market's demand. They can be eaten in various ways such as roasted or raw. In addition, they are included in various traditional dishes like in cookies, sauces, candies, cakes, breads, and other bakery items and, moreover, for medicinal purposes. GC-MS study is performed to analyze the phytochemical compounds present in the seed extracts of Pinus roxburghii (Chir) and Pinus gerardiana (Chilgoza). In total, 25 compounds were identified each in Chir and Chilgoza. In Chir seeds, abundantly present compounds were 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (16.6%), followed by ç-Terpinene (9.9%) and cyclohexanol, 4-ethenyl-4-methyl-3-(1-methylethenyl)-, (1à,3à,4á) (9.8%), whereas in Chilgoza seeds, the maximum amount of compound was 1-hexyl-1-nitrocyclohexane (17.3%), followed by phenol, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) (15.4%), and heptadecane, 2-methyl (8.4%). The total phenolic content of Chir seed sample was 1536 ± 4.35 (mg GAE/100 g), whereas in the Chilgoza seed extract was 642.66 ± 2.08 (mg GAE/100 g). The application of RP-HPLC-DAD system revealed that Chir and Chilgoza seeds have maximum quantity of catechin (15.77 ± 0.16 μg/mg and 17.49 ± 0.32 μg/mg, respectively). Both Chir and Chilgoza seed extracts exhibited significant antioxidant (radical scavenging) potential, through H2O2 (618.94 ± 21.45 μg/mL and 575.16 ± 19.88 μg/mL) and DPPH (552.60 ± 13.03 μg/mL and 429.15 ± 3.80 μg/mL) assays, respectively. Additionally, a well-known antibacterial potential was also found in both plants' dichloromethane extracts, with 64 to 256 μg/mL of minimum inhibitory concentrations. As a whole, result shows the importance of both plants as a naturally occurring phytochemical source with significant antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

Relationships between soil and microbial biomass properties and annual flux of nutrients in Central Himalaya forests, India

AbstractThe interrelationship among soil attributes and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP) of Indian Central Himalaya forest soils were analyzed. The forest ecosystem studied composed of chir pine (CPF), banj oak (BOF), and mixed oak‐pine forest (MOPF). This study reported 429–739 mg kg−1 MBC, 67–121 mg kg−1 MBN, and 18–63 mg kg−1 MBP. The contribution of MBC, MBN, and MBP appears to be 1.47–4.11 (X = 2.66%), 2.65–11.17 (5.93%), and 5.61–19.0 (X = 10.47%) of the soil organic carbon, total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), respectively. Significant variations were observed in terms of C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios among various sites which ranged between 5.95 and 8.08, 11.73 and 26.42, and 1.92 and 3.72, respectively. The linear association between MBP with MBC and MBN was observed. Further, a positive correlation was recorded between MBC, MBN, and MBP with various soil characteristics. The annual flux of N and P estimated by microbial biomass using the turnover rates of 0.67 was approximately 100–181 kg N and 27–94 kg P ha−1 yr−l, respectively, which was twice the level for mixed oak‐pine forest (MOPF) than CPF soils. Our study reports a significant decrease in soil microbial biomass C, N, and P with change in forest type from BOF to CPF. So, MOPF can be an alternative for sustainable management of degraded forest ecosystems in the Central Himalaya belt.

Movement Paradigm for Hazara Torrent Frog Allopaahazarensis and Murree Hills Frog Nanoranavicina (Anura: Dicroglossidae).

Endemic anurans are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, and are susceptible to population declines because of their restricted distribution ranges. The Murree Hills Frog Nanoranavicina and Hazara Torrent Frog Allopaahazarensis are associated with the torrential streams and nearby clear water pools in subtropical chir pine forest and other forest types, at elevations higher than 1000 m in Pakistan. In this study, we have provided data on the extent of movement of these frog species for the first time. We installed radio transmitters on a total of 13 Murree Hills Frogs and 13 Hazara Torrent Frogs during eight consecutive days in September 2017 and 2018. Our results showed that these frogs did not move long distances along the stream or away from the stream into the forest. All the radio-tracked frogs showed movement of < 3 m. We found a significant differences only in the distance moved by Murree Hills Frogs between the two years studied. Based on our findings, we propose a movement paradigm that focuses on conservation implications for these endemic frogs.

Litter decomposition of Chir-Pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) in the Himalayan region

Leaf litter decomposition plays a vital role in managing the health of forests and carbon sequestration. Present study is an attempt to study the needle litter decomposition rates of native pine species -Pinus roxburghii in western Himalaya (Uttarakhand). The results reveals needle weight loss (%) ranged between 92% and 94.4% during the study and varied significantly. The variation is defined in following way, at Site 1 forest (92.9 % to 93.3%), at Site 2 forest (93.2%- 94.4%), at site 3 forest (92.9 % to 93.5%) and at site 4 forest (92 % to 92.2%) across the slopes. The litter decomposed fully after the duration of 780 days as the mean minimal weight remained 0.79 gm. ± 0.003 gm. The maximum litter decomposition was reported at the hill base while the minimum litter decomposition was reported at ridge top. The study shows that as the duration of needle decomposition is fairly long and the slow decomposition is governed by various climatic factors and site specific conditions.

Fluctuations in soil nutrients and physico-chemical properties following controlled fire in North-Western Himalayas

Controlled fire effect on nutrients and physico-chemical properties of soil was investigated after a span of one year of controlled fire under four land uses viz. chir pine forest (Pinus roxburghii), grassland, scrubland and non-fire site in chir pine (control). In March 2018, a controlled fire was caused, and soil samples were taken after one year of burning at different soil depths (viz. 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm). The experiment consisted of five replications in factorial randomized block design. The results revealed that in comparison to pre-fire assessment, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium slightly increased, whereas, soil organic carbon decreased slightly in post-fire assessment. The soil pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density and soil texture did not show any significant change after one year of burning. The study concludes that controlled fire did not cause any drastic fluctuations in nutrients and physico-chemical properties of soil and can be used as an effective management practice for combating the negative effects of wildfire on soil.

Vegetation and Soil Carbon Pool in Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) Forest of Mahabharat Hill, Nepal

This study analyzed the vegetation and soil carbon stock in natural forest in Mahabharat hill of Bagmati Province, Pinus roxburghii Nepal. Systematic random sampling method was applied for forest inventory and forest biomass was estimated by using standard allometric models. Soil samples were taken from soil profile up to 60 cm depth at the interval of 20 cm. Total carbon stock in forest was Pinus roxburghii found 193.54 t ha and 226.54 t ha for Aphnai CF and Okhe CF, respectively. Among the carbon pools carbon stock was found in the order of -1 -1 above ground carbon stock &gt; soil organic carbon stock &gt; below ground carbon stock for both CF. The forest carbon stock showed a positive relationship with biomass, tree diameter, and height but no relationship with tree density. The study concluded that forest vegetation and soil can play vital role on carbon sequestration and subsequently mitigating the problem of global warming.

Quantification and Consumption Pattern of Fuel Wood in Mornaula Reserve Forest in Kumaun, Indian Himalaya: Implication for Sustainability and Conservation

Present study provides information on biomass utilization, fuel wood species diversity, their regeneration status, and impact of fuel wood harvesting in Mornaula Reserve Forest (MRF) in Kumaun, India. A total of 34 plant species (32 trees and 2 shrubs) were collected by the inhabitants for fuel, belonging to 22 families, dominated by Rosaceae (04 species) followed by Pinaceae and Lauraceae (02 each). Distribution of plant species ranges from1500-2200 in a wide range of habitats, forests being the most preferred one. High preference and Resource Use Index of Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda , and Rhododendron arboreum, Pinus roxburghii, Myrica esculenta, Symplocos chinensis, and Cedrus deodara as fuel indicated high pressure on these species. The continuous exploitation of these species from the MRF may lead to rapid deletion of their population. Therefore, adequate conservation measures have to be taken to maintain the current status of the habitats, species and communities for the effective management of the MRF. Awareness among the villagers needs to be created for the resource utilization techniques, so that sustainable utilization of the species could be done by the villagers. Further, the degraded forests may be re-established through plantations of the seedlings of the preferred fuel wood species with the participation of local inhabitants.

FACTORS AFFECTING DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT ASSOCIATION OF RED PANDA IN BHOJPUR DISTRICT, NEPAL

Status and distribution of red panda outside the protected area are poorly explored in Nepal despite of occupying the large share of potential red panda habitat. This study attempted to identify the factors affecting distribution and habitat association of red panda in Bhojpur district, Nepal. Bhalukhola Forest Patch, Kholakharka Forest Patch and Silichung Forest Patches were selected as intensive study sites. Altitudinal line intercepts method and sign surveys were applied to determine the distribution of red panda along different elevations. Quadrate method was implemented to explore the habitat association of the species. Twenty-four altitudinal transects each of 1,000 m on every 100 m altitude were surveyed following contour lines from the elevation of 2,400 m to 3,550 m. All the data were analysed by using Microsoft Excel 2016, ArcGIS 10.4 and Past 3.26 Software. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was used to assess the influence of elevation and habitat parameters (predictor variables) with presence of red panda i.e. pellet frequency (response variable). Red panda was confirmed in all the surveyed forest patches between 2,700 m to 3,000 m altitude. In addition, 44 tree species were documented from red panda sign plots, out of which most common was Pinus roxburghii (77.39), Rhododendron arboretum (29.35), Tsuga dumosa (28.51) and Rhododendron grande (22.06). Based on the habitat association analysis, GLM revealed that elevation (R2=0.23), bamboo canopy cover (P˂ 0.01), tree canopy cover (P˂ 0.01), bamboo density (P˂ 0.01), and distance to settlement (P˂ 0.01) were positively associated with red panda presence. Likewise, tree height (P˂ 0.01), distance to water source (P˂ 0.01) and DBH of tree (P˂ 0.01) were negatively associated. The most preferred aspect was found to be North-West (31%) with the average slope of 30o. Tree branches were mostly used substrate by the red panda for defecation (56.36%). Mostly used tree species for defecation was Hymenodictylon excelsum (26%). This study has provided vivid information about the presence of red panda in one of the potential regions outside protected area. Further research should be conducted to find out distribution pattern, abundance and association of red panda with different habitat characteristics throughout the Bhojpur district.

Carbon sequestration potential of reserve forests present in the protected Margalla Hills National Park

ObjectiveProtected areas are of immense importance to enhance the functional role of plants due to abundance of woody species, their carbon sequestration ability and the rich organic matter and hence it needs to be documented and quantified scientifically with special focus on its carbon sink potential. MathodsIn this study, the Carbon sequestration, diversity and abundance of woody plants were evaluated in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), Pakistan using quantitative and functional ecological approaches. We randomly sampled 40 (20 m × 20 m) plots from March, 2020 to March, 2021. PC-ORD version-5 and CANOCO software were used to evaluate relationships of different environmental factors with species composition, distribution pattern and other quantitative traits of forests. R program was used for regression and correlation analyses to model Carbon sequestration capacity of MHNP. ResultsA total of 4916 individuals belonging to 49 species and 28 families were reported. The higher carbon sequestration was found in Albizia lebbeck 2620.75 lbs per year followed by Pinus roxburghii 2214.48 lbs and Castanea sativa 1731.59 lbs while the lower rate of carbon dioxide sequestration per year were found in Myrsine africana 1.81 (lbs) followed by Nerium oleander 2.84 (lbs) and Jasminum officinale 3.92 (lbs). The Two-way Cluster Analysis shows the distribution of species in the study area. The CCA analysis show that pH, EC, and TDS play a significant role in the distribution of woody plant vegetation. Carbon sequestration mainly depends on plant DBH, followed by plant crown. ConclusionThe results prove that the DBH has a leading role in the carbon sequestration rather than height of the woody species. The present study indicates the MHNP is a rich source of woody plant vegetation because of its conserve nature and plays a significant role in ecosystem stability and air quality, therefore, more studies are required to study other aspects of the woody plant vegetation in the MHNP.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FOREST COVER AND CARBON STOCK CONCERNING CLIMATE CHANGE; A CASE STUDY OF MARGALLA HILLS NATIONAL PARK, ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

In the global carbon reserves, the forest is one of the central reserves. Humans face critical challenges with the intensification of ozone gases in the atmosphere. The study conducted in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), Islamabad capital territory, has analyzed environmental changes and carbon stock estimation. This area has multiple species types: Acacia Modesta, Quercus incana, Pinus roxburghii, Dodonaea viscosa, Olea ferruginea, Ziziphus mauritiana, etc. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology were used to illustrate Land use land cover (LULC), Contour, Slope, Aspect, and total Rainfall calculation.&#x0D; LULC data of different years from 1997 to 2019 for every five years were analyzed. The analysis results showed that in Margalla Hills National Park, during the year 1997, total settlements were on about 145 hectares. Dense forest had an area of about 7262 ha, rocks were on about 5920 ha, barren land was about 2680 ha, and water bodies on about 38 ha By 2005, the Settlement area increased by about 877 ha in 8 years. While the increase noted in the dense forest was about 1000 ha. Findings reveal that water bodies in MHNP decreased by about 37 hectares. Furthermore, by 2010, the Settlement area was increased, and the areas of barren land and water bodies decreased. It is evaluated that during the year 1997 northeastern part of the study area had a higher amount of vegetation than the NDVI results. Whereas, within eight years, the same portion contains less vegetation. Rainfall results were analyzed for 2019, which shows that rainfall in MHNP increased. Sixty-seven species are enlisted in MHNP, and a detailed inventory was prepared for the first time. The study results can be helpful in the analysis of future impacts of these developments on the land cover and C stocks in the forest ecosystem.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF WILD BOAR IN SUB- TROPICAL CHIR PINE FOREST IN SIRAN FOREST DIVISION, TANGLAI RESERVE FOREST, DISTRICT MANSEHRA, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

The current study was conducted in May &amp; June 2021 in Tanglai State Forest which is a Sub-Tropical Chir Pine Forest Type, the key species are: Common Leopard (Pathera Pardus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Jackals (Canis aureus), Rhesus Monkey (Macaca Mulatta), Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos), Flying Squirrels (Pteromyini). In KPK, Wild Boar is found mostly in the west of Indus around Peshawar, Mardan Bannu, D.I Khan etc. In this paper; it is recommended that the presence of Wild Boar and the way they may affect their habitat should be monitored because its population multiplies so fastly having high reproduction potential i.e. reaching sexual maturity as early as six (06) months of age, therefore, it is required to be managed in the habitats, the aim of such control should be to bring Wild Boar population into balance on particularly sensitive sites or in response to disease control. Moreover, this work is also aimed to suggest wild boar management to the authorized department, these approaches of management will be profitable to mitigate its adverse damages to the agricultural crops, forest crops, human beings, livestock i.e. wildlife conflicts.

Terpenes and phenolics in alcoholic extracts of pine needles exhibit biocontrol of weeds (Melilotus albus and Asphodelus tenuifolius) and insect-pest (Plutella xylostella)

Massive use of synthetic chemicals exerts deleterious effects on human and environmental health, which calls for the development of novel alternatives to manage agricultural pests. Botanical pesticides have drawn great interest due to their non-toxic and eco-friendly nature. Therefore, under this study, leaf-needles of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) were extracted by different solvents to obtain effective biochemical. These extracts were evaluated for biocontrol of two weed and an insect-pest species. Pine needles were soaked separately in methanol, ethanol, hot and cold water in the volume to weight ratio of 5:1 (solvent:pine needles) for 7 days. Extraction yield, and contents of organic acids, siloxanes and amides were higher with hot and cold water, while alcohols, ketones, terpenes and phenolic compounds were greater in methanolic and ethanolic extracts. These biochemicals with respective extractants increased quantitatively and progressively but not beyond 7 days. Raw extracts (with variable dilution) were employed topically against two weed species (Melilotus albus and Asphodelus tenuifolius) and an insect-pest (Plutella xylostella L.). Greater weed biocontrol efficacy through soaking of M. albus and A. tenuifolius weed seeds was exhibited by methanolic extract (100% concentration) with the highest germination inhibition (74% and 65%) followed by ethanolic extract (68% and 64%), respectively. The highest mortality (92%) of P. xylostella insects was achieved through methanolic extract bath (20% concentration) after 120 h. These results conclude that alcoholic extracts of pine needle contain more effective biochemicals (e.g., phenols and terpenes) with bio-pesticidal characteristics as compared to that from aqueous extracts. Therefore, the alcoholic extracts bear great potential to develop the bio-pesticides as novel and safe alternatives for weeds as well as insect-pest management.

Ethnobotanical and conservation studies of tree flora of Shiwalik mountainous range of District Bhimber Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

The present study was carried out to explore and document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of indigenous rural communities of Shiwalik mountainous range regarding tree flora of the area, District Bhimber of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The local people of the area primarily depend on wild flora for life sustenance and cure of different infirmities. In this research, data was collected through visual appraisal and participatory rural approach using questionnaire method by applying semi-structured and structured-interview protocols (S4 Table). To validate and explore novelty of research work, various quantitative ethnobotanical indices like informant consensus factor, use value index, fidelity level, relative frequency of citation, relative importance of plants, rank order of priority, Jaccard index and priority ranking were used. The highest ICF was found for jaundice with 0.91 value followed by ICF values of 0.89, 0.86 and 0.85 for wounds, skin diseases and stomach pains, respectively. Fidelity level predicted that Azadirachta indica (Indian lilac tree) ranked first (100%) for its prevalent use in ethnomedicines. Highest use value index (0.61) was found for Azadirachta indica while the highest relative frequency of citation (55) was measured for Melia azedarach. The relative order of priority index was the highest for Azadirachta indica and Acacia arabica L. (ROP = 100) depicting their prevalent use in ethnomedicines. For EB study, the highest relative importance (50.8) was found for Azadirachta indica with good number of agro-uses and its seeds and bark are sold or marketed in local markets to prepare herbal therapeutics by indigenous practioners. The Jaccard index depicted that many traditional ethnomedicinal uses of prescribed trees were novel in recipe form or first time reported such as Senegalia modesta (Phulai) resin was used to prepare ‘Panjoori’ a local tonic prepared from cow or buffalo butter mixing with seeds of Papaver somnifera (Kashkhash) and Prunus amygdalus (Badaam). The wood of many trees like Pinus roxburghii (pine), Dalbergia sissoo (rosewood), Senegalia modesta (Phulai), Acacia. Arabica (kikar), Bombax cieba (cotton tree) is commercially sold as timber in markets (S3 Table). The research proved that population explosion and climate changes have triggered severe biotic and abiotic pressure on tree flora of the study area of Bhimber, AJK. The research describes that plants like Terminalia belerica (belerica), Terminalia arjuna (arjun tree), Cassia fistula (Indian laburnum), Butea monosperma (bastard teak), Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry), Morus laevigata (Shah toot), Bauhinia variegata (orchid tree) and Flacourtia indica (Indian plum/ kakoo) are threatened species and their population is highly reduced and if reclamation measures for their conservation are not taken, it may lead towards their complete loss from the area. This research recommends sustainable ethnobotanical use of tree flora, their growth and conservation for green and ecofriendly environment for safe and secure future of human generation.

Species richness, diversity, structure, and distribution patterns across dominating forest communities of low and mid-hills in the Central Himalaya

ABSTRACT The forests of the central Himalayan region are characterized by the dominance of some populous and conspicuous tree species across altitudes that are crucial for ecosystem functions and services. An understanding of such forests with relation to species richness, diversity, structural pattern, and distribution is crucial in maintaining ecosystem stability. Considering this, the present study was undertaken on the four most common forest types dominated with Sal (Shorea robusta), Chir-pine (Pinus roxburghii), and Banj-oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), and mixed-oak (Q. lanuginosa and Q. floribunda) between 300 and 2250 m msl. Across the studied forest stands, we recorded a total of 110 plant species, belonging to 53 families. The most dominating life form was herbaceous (52%), followed by trees (27%), and shrubs (21%). Tree density was recorded maximum (884 ind. ha−1) at the mixed oak stand and minimum (652 ind. ha−1) recorded at the chir-pine forest; however, maximum (51.58 m2 ha−1) total basal area (TBA) was recorded in banj-oak forest and minimum (33.42 m2 ha−1) at mixed-oak forest stand. Tree density, seedling density, and TBA are significantly varied among the forest stands. The temperate oak forests comprised higher species richness and diversity at tree and shrub stratum. However, subtropical sal and chir-pine stand recorded higher regeneration. All stands exhibited high community dependence on forest resources that may increase the vulnerability of forest with respect to human interference, thus deserve immediate attention. Site-specific management and conservation measures have been suggested to provide opportunities for sustainable management of all forest stands.