S. Jolly , R. K. Garg , K. J. Kaur , K. R. Yadav , R. K. Sharma , R. M. Kothari

Abstract

Analyses of reducing sugars (RS), starch, cellulose and moisture content from 137 samples of Bamhoo, Dendrocalamus strictus, were carried out during October, 1995 and January, 1996. On dry weight basis, these analyses revealed reducing sugars in 0.2-6.5% range, starch in zero - 15.2% range and cellulose in 44-58% range, except in ten samples, it ranged 60-65%. Analysis of such data qualified sample from Kothi area to be an elite by virtue of its (i) 61% cellulose content, about 10% over the average value and (ii) meager reducing sugars and poor starch content in contrast to a general trend found in the population. The correlation profiles in the population indicated what when high amount of starch was detected, amount of RS too was high, so also cellulose. Conversely, when low amount of starch was detected, amount of RS too was low, so also cellulose. Based on regression analysis, it is hypothesized that starch was probably mobilised to RS which in turn enhanced cellulose synthesis; conversely, meager amount of starch reflected lower levels of RS and in turn lower level of cellulose.

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R. K. Garg , A. K. Pandey , D. Goyal , R. K. Sharma

Abstract

To identify an efficient mycorrhiza for promoting the growth of Eucalyptus tereticornis in nursery, six species of mycorrhizae [Laccaria fraterna (EM-1083), G. fesciculatum, G. mosseae and three VAM consortia dominated by G. mosseae (G. mosseae 85, G. mosseae 88 and G. mosseae 92)] were screened. The screening procedure involved (i) prior to sowing, mycorrhizae application on elite seeds of E. tereticornis in ischolar_main trainer cups at three different geographical locations of India namely Patiala (North India), Choudwar (South-East India) and Sewa (Central East India) containing a potting mix; (ii) allowing germination and growth at 32±2°C in ischolar_main trainer cups, periodic irrigation of seedlings to maintain 30±5% moisture in a greenhouse; and (iii) monitoring the rate of germination, ischolar_main ramification, shoot biomass and general vigour of the seedlings as a function of mycorrhizal infection, 100 days (from sowing until harvesting/transplantation). It was observed that, in nursery studies vis-a-vis control L. fraterna promoted maximum plant biomass at Patiala and Sewa, while G. mosseae 85 at Choudwar. Mycorrhizal strains affected differently at different sites on the basis of height, chlorophyll, and per cent infection.

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U. K. Varshney , R. K. Garg

Abstract

Litter production was estimated in Albizia lebbek (Linn.) benth. Plantation stand under the prevailing area, tropical to sub-tropical climatic conditions. The annual litter production was found to be 799.1 gm^-2 (799J kg ha^-1 or 7.9 t ha^-1 ). Contribution ofleaves to the total annual litter production was maximum (569.8 gm^-2 or 71.3%). This was followed by reproductive structures (171.8 gm^-2 or 21.5%) and twigs (57.5 g m^-2 or 7.2%). Two peaks were observed in the monthly production of stand litter, highest one in winter during February and the other in summer during May. Major contribution to the litter during winter was by maximum leaf flush while during summer it was by the reproductive structure. and chiefly by pods.

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