The present study attempted to assess the contribution of NTFPs to income and employment by ensur... more The present study attempted to assess the contribution of NTFPs to income and employment by ensuring food and livelihood security for the tribal economy in Dang’s district of Gujarat. This indicates that most employment (42.51%) was generated by the wage sector followed by NTFPs collection (31.67%) and livestock rearing (15.85%) respectively. About 42 species of NTFPs were found to be collected and utilized for various purposes such as food, medicines, and raw materials for making implements and also as a source of income. It suggested that alternate sources of income to the villagers to improve their socio-economic conditions as well as increasing the income level and employment opportunities by effective collection and selling of Non-Timber Forest Products.
Phenology has been defined as the study of the timing of recurring biological events, the causes ... more Phenology has been defined as the study of the timing of recurring biological events, the causes of their timing with regard to abiotic and biotic forces and the interrelation among phases of the same or different event. The role of phenology in forest ecosystems has been discussed for several decades. Recently, understanding of tree phenology is quantitatively related to environment is even more important because of anticipated global environmental climate change. The present study describes the phenology such as leaf drop, leaf flush, vegetative growth, fruit formation and seed maturation of different tree species of South Gujarat. Random sampling of the site to assess the abundance of individuals was followed by tagging / marking the individuals with five adult individuals (>20 cm girth over bark) was selected. Four major branches (one in each direction) were marked and observations were taken at fifteen days interval. Vegetative growth which started with leaf flushes in March to April was completed by May in 72.4% of the species studied. For most species studied, leaf drop and simultaneous leafing occurred during warm-day period of the year. About 68.0% of species showed multiple leafing. In deciduous trees, flower (17.2%) and fruit formation (3.4%) occurred in March, a month earlier than evergreen trees. Fruit maturation between March and June was again ahead by one month in deciduous species. In all fifteen observations viz., leaf flush initiation, leaf flush completion, leaf fall initiation, leaf fall completion, leaf less condition, initiation of flowering, flowering (full bloom), completion of flowering, time lag between start of vegetative (first leaf flush) and reproductive (first visible flower), initiation of fruiting, time of fruit ripening, completion of fruiting, fruit fall initiation, completion of fruit fall and any pest and diseases incidence were recorded. The overall purpose of such study is to provide base line data for those working on tree improvement, silviculture and to initiate a progressive step to establish co-relation of climate change with phenograms.
Field survey was conducted to study the structural and functional features of the peri-urban home... more Field survey was conducted to study the structural and functional features of the peri-urban homegardens of southern Kerala, India. 90 homegardens with 30 each belonging to three holding size classes viz. large (> 0.08 ha), medium (0.04-0.08 ha) and small (0-0.04 ha) were surveyed from Neyyatinkara Municipality area, Trivandrum. Altogether, 95 species were recorded belonging to 80 genera and 35 families in large homegardens. Shannon's diversity index was 3.77, 3.23 and 3.87, respectively for large, medium and small homegardens and respective value for Simpsons Dominance Index 0.92, 0.89 and 0.81. The average tree density of small, medium and large classes was 147, 1 165 and 76 trees ha and number of species per homegarden was 24, 48 and 94, respectively. The floral diversity is high in large homegardens compared with small and medium holdings. The overall decline in tree diversity, density and low dependence of homegardens for livelihood and nutritional demand suggest the ill fated status of the traditional homegardens of Kerala.
The tropical region, it is clearly understood that decomposition of wood by polypore fungi is inf... more The tropical region, it is clearly understood that decomposition of wood by polypore fungi is influenced by the distribution of host species; forest types; ecological, environmental and seasonal interactions; decomposition and nutrient cycling; mode of attack and anthropogenic activities. It has been found that the white rot polypore prefer angiosperm wood than gymnosperm wood because the angiosperm lignin is relatively easier to oxidize than gymnosperm lignin and therefore angiosperm trees might be preferred by more white rot polypores. Among the common species in tropics, like, Coriolopsis retropicta, Microporus xanthopus, Fomitopsis palustris, Hexagonia sulcata, Rigidoporus lineatus, etc. exhibited restricted distribution and very narrow host range. Among the Fomitopsis dochmius and F. rhodophaeus were the most widespread in occurrence as well as they exhibited a wide host range. Some species such as Cyclomyces tabacinus, Earliella scabrosa, Ganoderma australe, Microporus affinis, and Rigidoporus microporus were found mainly found on newly fallen trees while other species such as Antrodiella species, Nigroporus vinosus, Postia species, and Tyromyces species were found on well-decomposed trees. Species richness of wood-decaying basidiomycetes was higher in a primary forest plot than in a regenerating forest plot and suggested that a low frequency of tree fall in the regenerating forest reduced the species richness of wood-decaying basidiomycetes. Studies shown that Ganoderma australe has been collected from species in the Leguminosae, Dipterocarpaceae, and Euphorbiaceae, and Phellinus lamaensis has been collected from species in the Dipterocarpaceae and Meliaceae. Amongst all the families, genera of Fabaceae are found to be most susceptible, followed by Rosaceae, Myrtaceae, Cupressaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Lauraceae. The families like Meliaceae, Pinaceae, Rubiaceae Arecaceae, Fagaceae and Olecaceae were also reported as the most frequently infected families. Quercus was the most frequent host of Phellinus species. To ensure the well- being of the forests, management of coarse wood debris need to be strengthened. The domestication of useful species and crafting market regimes for the products derived from polypores should be promoted.
Present investigation was carried out to assess the variation in seed attributes and pulp content... more Present investigation was carried out to assess the variation in seed attributes and pulp content of Elaeocarpus serratus from different seed sources. The fruits were obtained from different parts of Kerala, natural forest (Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary), Orchard (Kerala Agricultural University, main campus), homegardens (Neyyattinkara Municipality in the Thiruvananthapuram District) during June, 2013 to May, 2014. Prominent size variation was observed in among the fruits of different seed sources. Individual fruit pulp content (g) was 6.22, 4.84 and 3.85 for natural forest, orchard and homegardens respectively. Individual seed characters like length, breadth and volume also recorded higher value in natural forest compared with orchard and Homegardens. The edible percentage in different seed source was at on par with each other. Hence, the natural seed sources can be advocated for the value addition and planting stock production in the nursery followed by orchard and homegardens fruits can be discarded.
The present study attempted to assess the contribution of NTFPs to income and employment by ensur... more The present study attempted to assess the contribution of NTFPs to income and employment by ensuring food and livelihood security for the tribal economy in Dang’s district of Gujarat. This indicates that most employment (42.51%) was generated by the wage sector followed by NTFPs collection (31.67%) and livestock rearing (15.85%) respectively. About 42 species of NTFPs were found to be collected and utilized for various purposes such as food, medicines, and raw materials for making implements and also as a source of income. It suggested that alternate sources of income to the villagers to improve their socio-economic conditions as well as increasing the income level and employment opportunities by effective collection and selling of Non-Timber Forest Products.
Phenology has been defined as the study of the timing of recurring biological events, the causes ... more Phenology has been defined as the study of the timing of recurring biological events, the causes of their timing with regard to abiotic and biotic forces and the interrelation among phases of the same or different event. The role of phenology in forest ecosystems has been discussed for several decades. Recently, understanding of tree phenology is quantitatively related to environment is even more important because of anticipated global environmental climate change. The present study describes the phenology such as leaf drop, leaf flush, vegetative growth, fruit formation and seed maturation of different tree species of South Gujarat. Random sampling of the site to assess the abundance of individuals was followed by tagging / marking the individuals with five adult individuals (>20 cm girth over bark) was selected. Four major branches (one in each direction) were marked and observations were taken at fifteen days interval. Vegetative growth which started with leaf flushes in March to April was completed by May in 72.4% of the species studied. For most species studied, leaf drop and simultaneous leafing occurred during warm-day period of the year. About 68.0% of species showed multiple leafing. In deciduous trees, flower (17.2%) and fruit formation (3.4%) occurred in March, a month earlier than evergreen trees. Fruit maturation between March and June was again ahead by one month in deciduous species. In all fifteen observations viz., leaf flush initiation, leaf flush completion, leaf fall initiation, leaf fall completion, leaf less condition, initiation of flowering, flowering (full bloom), completion of flowering, time lag between start of vegetative (first leaf flush) and reproductive (first visible flower), initiation of fruiting, time of fruit ripening, completion of fruiting, fruit fall initiation, completion of fruit fall and any pest and diseases incidence were recorded. The overall purpose of such study is to provide base line data for those working on tree improvement, silviculture and to initiate a progressive step to establish co-relation of climate change with phenograms.
Field survey was conducted to study the structural and functional features of the peri-urban home... more Field survey was conducted to study the structural and functional features of the peri-urban homegardens of southern Kerala, India. 90 homegardens with 30 each belonging to three holding size classes viz. large (> 0.08 ha), medium (0.04-0.08 ha) and small (0-0.04 ha) were surveyed from Neyyatinkara Municipality area, Trivandrum. Altogether, 95 species were recorded belonging to 80 genera and 35 families in large homegardens. Shannon's diversity index was 3.77, 3.23 and 3.87, respectively for large, medium and small homegardens and respective value for Simpsons Dominance Index 0.92, 0.89 and 0.81. The average tree density of small, medium and large classes was 147, 1 165 and 76 trees ha and number of species per homegarden was 24, 48 and 94, respectively. The floral diversity is high in large homegardens compared with small and medium holdings. The overall decline in tree diversity, density and low dependence of homegardens for livelihood and nutritional demand suggest the ill fated status of the traditional homegardens of Kerala.
The tropical region, it is clearly understood that decomposition of wood by polypore fungi is inf... more The tropical region, it is clearly understood that decomposition of wood by polypore fungi is influenced by the distribution of host species; forest types; ecological, environmental and seasonal interactions; decomposition and nutrient cycling; mode of attack and anthropogenic activities. It has been found that the white rot polypore prefer angiosperm wood than gymnosperm wood because the angiosperm lignin is relatively easier to oxidize than gymnosperm lignin and therefore angiosperm trees might be preferred by more white rot polypores. Among the common species in tropics, like, Coriolopsis retropicta, Microporus xanthopus, Fomitopsis palustris, Hexagonia sulcata, Rigidoporus lineatus, etc. exhibited restricted distribution and very narrow host range. Among the Fomitopsis dochmius and F. rhodophaeus were the most widespread in occurrence as well as they exhibited a wide host range. Some species such as Cyclomyces tabacinus, Earliella scabrosa, Ganoderma australe, Microporus affinis, and Rigidoporus microporus were found mainly found on newly fallen trees while other species such as Antrodiella species, Nigroporus vinosus, Postia species, and Tyromyces species were found on well-decomposed trees. Species richness of wood-decaying basidiomycetes was higher in a primary forest plot than in a regenerating forest plot and suggested that a low frequency of tree fall in the regenerating forest reduced the species richness of wood-decaying basidiomycetes. Studies shown that Ganoderma australe has been collected from species in the Leguminosae, Dipterocarpaceae, and Euphorbiaceae, and Phellinus lamaensis has been collected from species in the Dipterocarpaceae and Meliaceae. Amongst all the families, genera of Fabaceae are found to be most susceptible, followed by Rosaceae, Myrtaceae, Cupressaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Lauraceae. The families like Meliaceae, Pinaceae, Rubiaceae Arecaceae, Fagaceae and Olecaceae were also reported as the most frequently infected families. Quercus was the most frequent host of Phellinus species. To ensure the well- being of the forests, management of coarse wood debris need to be strengthened. The domestication of useful species and crafting market regimes for the products derived from polypores should be promoted.
Present investigation was carried out to assess the variation in seed attributes and pulp content... more Present investigation was carried out to assess the variation in seed attributes and pulp content of Elaeocarpus serratus from different seed sources. The fruits were obtained from different parts of Kerala, natural forest (Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary), Orchard (Kerala Agricultural University, main campus), homegardens (Neyyattinkara Municipality in the Thiruvananthapuram District) during June, 2013 to May, 2014. Prominent size variation was observed in among the fruits of different seed sources. Individual fruit pulp content (g) was 6.22, 4.84 and 3.85 for natural forest, orchard and homegardens respectively. Individual seed characters like length, breadth and volume also recorded higher value in natural forest compared with orchard and Homegardens. The edible percentage in different seed source was at on par with each other. Hence, the natural seed sources can be advocated for the value addition and planting stock production in the nursery followed by orchard and homegardens fruits can be discarded.
Uploads
Papers by Vikas Kumar
The present study describes the phenology such as leaf drop, leaf flush, vegetative growth, fruit formation and seed
maturation of different tree species of South Gujarat. Random sampling of the site to assess the abundance of individuals was
followed by tagging / marking the individuals with five adult individuals (>20 cm girth over bark) was selected. Four major
branches (one in each direction) were marked and observations were taken at fifteen days interval. Vegetative growth which
started with leaf flushes in March to April was completed by May in 72.4% of the species studied. For most species studied,
leaf drop and simultaneous leafing occurred during warm-day period of the year. About 68.0% of species showed multiple
leafing. In deciduous trees, flower (17.2%) and fruit formation (3.4%) occurred in March, a month earlier than evergreen trees.
Fruit maturation between March and June was again ahead by one month in deciduous species. In all fifteen observations
viz., leaf flush initiation, leaf flush completion, leaf fall initiation, leaf fall completion, leaf less condition, initiation of flowering,
flowering (full bloom), completion of flowering, time lag between start of vegetative (first leaf flush) and reproductive (first visible flower), initiation of fruiting, time of fruit ripening, completion of fruiting, fruit fall initiation, completion of fruit fall and any pest and diseases incidence were recorded. The overall purpose of such study is to provide base line data for those
working on tree improvement, silviculture and to initiate a progressive step to establish co-relation of climate change with
phenograms.
host species; forest types; ecological, environmental and seasonal interactions; decomposition and nutrient cycling; mode of
attack and anthropogenic activities. It has been found that the white rot polypore prefer angiosperm wood than gymnosperm
wood because the angiosperm lignin is relatively easier to oxidize than gymnosperm lignin and therefore angiosperm trees
might be preferred by more white rot polypores. Among the common species in tropics, like, Coriolopsis retropicta,
Microporus xanthopus, Fomitopsis palustris, Hexagonia sulcata, Rigidoporus lineatus, etc. exhibited restricted distribution
and very narrow host range. Among the Fomitopsis dochmius and F. rhodophaeus were the most widespread in occurrence
as well as they exhibited a wide host range. Some species such as Cyclomyces tabacinus, Earliella scabrosa, Ganoderma
australe, Microporus affinis, and Rigidoporus microporus were found mainly found on newly fallen trees while other species
such as Antrodiella species, Nigroporus vinosus, Postia species, and Tyromyces species were found on well-decomposed
trees. Species richness of wood-decaying basidiomycetes was higher in a primary forest plot than in a regenerating forest
plot and suggested that a low frequency of tree fall in the regenerating forest reduced the species richness of wood-decaying
basidiomycetes. Studies shown that Ganoderma australe has been collected from species in the Leguminosae,
Dipterocarpaceae, and Euphorbiaceae, and Phellinus lamaensis has been collected from species in the Dipterocarpaceae
and Meliaceae. Amongst all the families, genera of Fabaceae are found to be most susceptible, followed by Rosaceae,
Myrtaceae, Cupressaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Lauraceae. The families like Meliaceae,
Pinaceae, Rubiaceae Arecaceae, Fagaceae and Olecaceae were also reported as the most frequently infected families.
Quercus was the most frequent host of Phellinus species. To ensure the well- being of the forests, management of coarse
wood debris need to be strengthened. The domestication of useful species and crafting market regimes for the products
derived from polypores should be promoted.
The present study describes the phenology such as leaf drop, leaf flush, vegetative growth, fruit formation and seed
maturation of different tree species of South Gujarat. Random sampling of the site to assess the abundance of individuals was
followed by tagging / marking the individuals with five adult individuals (>20 cm girth over bark) was selected. Four major
branches (one in each direction) were marked and observations were taken at fifteen days interval. Vegetative growth which
started with leaf flushes in March to April was completed by May in 72.4% of the species studied. For most species studied,
leaf drop and simultaneous leafing occurred during warm-day period of the year. About 68.0% of species showed multiple
leafing. In deciduous trees, flower (17.2%) and fruit formation (3.4%) occurred in March, a month earlier than evergreen trees.
Fruit maturation between March and June was again ahead by one month in deciduous species. In all fifteen observations
viz., leaf flush initiation, leaf flush completion, leaf fall initiation, leaf fall completion, leaf less condition, initiation of flowering,
flowering (full bloom), completion of flowering, time lag between start of vegetative (first leaf flush) and reproductive (first visible flower), initiation of fruiting, time of fruit ripening, completion of fruiting, fruit fall initiation, completion of fruit fall and any pest and diseases incidence were recorded. The overall purpose of such study is to provide base line data for those
working on tree improvement, silviculture and to initiate a progressive step to establish co-relation of climate change with
phenograms.
host species; forest types; ecological, environmental and seasonal interactions; decomposition and nutrient cycling; mode of
attack and anthropogenic activities. It has been found that the white rot polypore prefer angiosperm wood than gymnosperm
wood because the angiosperm lignin is relatively easier to oxidize than gymnosperm lignin and therefore angiosperm trees
might be preferred by more white rot polypores. Among the common species in tropics, like, Coriolopsis retropicta,
Microporus xanthopus, Fomitopsis palustris, Hexagonia sulcata, Rigidoporus lineatus, etc. exhibited restricted distribution
and very narrow host range. Among the Fomitopsis dochmius and F. rhodophaeus were the most widespread in occurrence
as well as they exhibited a wide host range. Some species such as Cyclomyces tabacinus, Earliella scabrosa, Ganoderma
australe, Microporus affinis, and Rigidoporus microporus were found mainly found on newly fallen trees while other species
such as Antrodiella species, Nigroporus vinosus, Postia species, and Tyromyces species were found on well-decomposed
trees. Species richness of wood-decaying basidiomycetes was higher in a primary forest plot than in a regenerating forest
plot and suggested that a low frequency of tree fall in the regenerating forest reduced the species richness of wood-decaying
basidiomycetes. Studies shown that Ganoderma australe has been collected from species in the Leguminosae,
Dipterocarpaceae, and Euphorbiaceae, and Phellinus lamaensis has been collected from species in the Dipterocarpaceae
and Meliaceae. Amongst all the families, genera of Fabaceae are found to be most susceptible, followed by Rosaceae,
Myrtaceae, Cupressaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Lauraceae. The families like Meliaceae,
Pinaceae, Rubiaceae Arecaceae, Fagaceae and Olecaceae were also reported as the most frequently infected families.
Quercus was the most frequent host of Phellinus species. To ensure the well- being of the forests, management of coarse
wood debris need to be strengthened. The domestication of useful species and crafting market regimes for the products
derived from polypores should be promoted.