Scrubland Forest Research Articles

Relationship between seasonal cambial activity, development of xylem and phenology in Azadirachta indica growing in different forests of Gujarat State

Seasonal cycle of cambial activity was compared among the trees of Azadirachta indica growing in Moist Deciduous (MDF), Dry Deciduous (DDF) and Scrub land Forest (SF) of Gujarat State. Radial growth occurred in two growth flushes in MDF and DDF. Cambial cell divisions in MDF started in February and June resulting maximal radial growth in August-September when the rains were heavy and ceased in January and May during the drier part of the year. In DDF the first flush of growth commenced in January with maximal xylem development in April and ceased in May. The second flush of cambial activity began in June with the arrival of rains, reached peak in October and ceased in December. Cambium was active throughout the year in SF and attained its peak activity thrice i.e. in February, July and October. With complete maturation of leaves in November, the cell divisions were rather slow in MDF and SF whereas no divisions were encountered in DDF. Cambial rays exhibited large intercellular spaces during drier months in all the three fo- rests. Seasonal behavior of vascular cambium was discussed in relation to phenology and local climatic conditions.

Cambial activity and development of wood in Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. growing in different forests of Gujarat State

Seasonal activity of cambium was studied in Acacia nilotica (L.) D el . growing in Moist Deciduous (MDF), Dry Deciduous (DDF) and Scrub land Forests (SF) of Gujarat State for one annual cycle. In MDF cambium was active for major part of the year reaching peak in August. In DDF, cambial cells underwent divisions throughout the year, but recorded maximum in August and September. Cell division and differentiation of cambium in SF occurred in two growth flushes. The first flush of cambial activity began in January, reached peak in April and then declined suddenly in May. The second flush of activity started in October and continued until November. However, cambium remained inactive during monsoon. Seasonal behaviour of vascular cambium has been discussed in relation to local climatic conditions and phenology of the trees.