P. K. Ponnuswamy

Abstract

Trials with tropical pines have been taken up in the state of Tamil Nudu for the last few years. In the altitudinal zone below 1100 m with rainfall 1000 mm or less Pinus caribaea has been tried but the conclusions cannot be drawn yet; in the altitudinal zone 1050-1250 m which has a rainfall 1100-1200 mm Pinus caribaea appears to be the best choice followed by P. kesiya though at Topsiip Pinus radiata grows quite fast. In the higher hills in the Pains and Nilgiris P. patula has already established itself as an outstanding species and is now being raised in conjuction with kumri crop for afforestation of forestry localities. Nearly 2,000 ha have already been planted with P. potula. The spacing used with kumri is 3.5 m × 3.5 m. A mean annual increment of 20 m^s per ha per year is expected at a rotation of 15 years. 120 candidates have been selected and 31 approved as plus trees till now for Pinus patula. A germplasm bank has been established and another is being raised. Top cleft grafting of tender shoots on 1 to 2 year old stock (container seedlings) has given 85% success.

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A. M. Mahmood Husain , P. K. Ponnuswamy

Abstract

Casuarina junghuniana does Dot produce seeds as the original stock is only male. Therefore it is indispensable to propagate only by vegetative means. This paper describes ischolar_maining of sprigs and ischolar_main suckers Vegetatively.

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A. M. Mahmood Husain , P. K. Ponnuswamy

Abstract

Air-layering was carried out successfully on Eucalyptus micro theca, introduced at Coimba-tore. Root development was very good in air layers tied in different season. and methods Application of hormones improves the ischolar_maining.

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P. K. Ponnuswamy

Abstract

Situated in the Western Ghats, the Anaimalai Wild Life Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu falls mostly in Coimbatore District and partly in Madurai District. Steps were taken in 1971 to constitute the Sanctuary which was eventually inaugurated on 21st January, 1973. Spread over an area of 900 square kilometres it contains various types of forests ranging from plain thorn forests to temperate forests of high elevation which make the entire Anaimalais suitable for a veriety of fauna a different altitudes. Most of the South Indian species are well represented here, e.g. elephants, Tigers, Panthers, the sloth hear, Gaurs, Nilgiri Wild Goat (Nilgiri tahr), Dears, Wild boars, Wild dogs, Brown flying squirrel, the Nilgiri langur the Indian porcupine, the Block-naped hare among mammals. Cobra, king Cobra, the keeled Viper among Snakes, as also a rich avifauna and a variety of fishes. Many tourist spots exist for observing wildlife. The sanctuary abounds in many scenic spots Karianshola, Anaikunthi shola Grass Hills, many waterfalls. Wood's grave, 1872 teak plantation (one of the oldest teak plantations). Panchalingam, many dams and reservoirs. Pollachi Headquarters of the Sanctuary is connected by bus rail routes. The Wild Life Officer, Madras and the District Forest Officer, Coimbatore South Division at Pollachi of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department administer the sanctuary.

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