About Me |
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| I'm presently working as Assistant Professor in Department of Agronomy and Agroforestry. I have completed my Ph.D in Forestry from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India with financial assistance from National Medicinal Plants Board as a researcher on a project at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. I have won gold medal and best thesis award for post-graduation research in forestry from Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences. I graduated from Kerala Agriculture University in Forestry. Currently I have about 13 research papers, 6 book chapters, one seminar abstract proceesing and one training manual published in various national and International peer reviewed Journals. Also I'm Reviewer for American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry(AJAF), Editorial Reviewer Board Member for Agri-India Today and Just Agriculture Magazine. I qualified ICAR NET in Agroforestry/ Forestry in 2017. |
- Agroforestry
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Nursery Technology
- Plant Tissue Culture
- Biodiversity Assessment
- Carbon Sequestration
- Ethnobotany
- Teaching in MSSOA
- CUTM
- Agroforestry
- Medicinal and Aromatic plants
- Plant tissue culture
- Nursery Technology
- Ornithology etc.
- Allelopathy
- Wildlife Management
- Ornithology
- Biotechnology
- Non Timber Forest Products etc
Research Fields
Recent Publications (International Journals)
| Sl. No. | Title | Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSc. Gold Medalist Forestry | SAM HIGGINBOTTOM UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |
| 2 | Best Thesis Award for MSc. Thesis | Cooch Behar Association for Agricultural Science |
| 3 | Young Scientist Award | VD GOOD Professional Association |
Academic Honors & Awards
Effect of presowing seed treatments on germination behaviors of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd
Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willde. is a globally vulnerable tropical tree species with immense medicinal and aesthetic value. High demand for its bark in pharmacological industry resulted in severe reduction of its population in wild, thus paving way to adulteration. The declining population can only be restored and multiplied through both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts. The seeds of the species were reported with less germination. The present study was therefore an attempt to improve the seed germination of the species with mechanical, water based and chemical based presowing treatments, which significantly improved the germination as compared to no presowing treatments (55%) except with boiling water based treatments (11.6618.33%) which significantly reduced germination. Exposing the plumule by rubbing the seed coat with sand paper and soaking the seeds in hot water (70oC) for 12 h significantly enhanced germination. Chemical based presowing treatments with salicylic acid and thiourea also enhanced germination by 1.67-15% and 13.33-31.66%, respectively over control. Higher the concentration of thiourea improved germination than salicylic acid. Temperature of water and exposure time to water also influenced germination. Increasing the temperature of water from room temperature to 70oC increased germination but further increasing the temperature significantly reduced germination over control. Increasing soaking time by 12-24 h, however reduced germination. In terai region of West Bengal, for faster, higher and smoother germination of S. asoca, adaptation of presowing seed treatment may be recommended especially via soaking the seeds in hot water for 12 h.
Bioprospecting Wild Plant Resources to Ensure Food and Nutritional Security
Wild edible plant (WEP) resources not only provide vital food supplies, employment, health care and raw materials for billions in the tropical world but also valuable raw materials, cash crops and timber for the developed world as well. Most of these are cheap and readily available with vibrant taste appeal. Their potential in nutritional, medicinal, therapeutic and industrial values is now wellrecognized. WEPs are used or available for income smoothing that determines vulnerability to poverty. Gathering wild plants for food is a major livelihood strategy of indigenous and rural poors in tropical countries. The WEPs rescue these people by providing life-sustaining food during times of food crisis or famine which ensures food and nutritional security. Many value added products can also be obtained from WEP species. However, many of these plant species are now threatened and in the verge of extinction due to over extraction, deforestation, and pollution. This warrants sustainable conservation, documentation of indigenous knowledge base and its subsequent sustainable utilization. Today, almost all modern human food is based on a limited number of crops and since food and phyto-resources are shrinking globally, it is imperative to find new alternatives. Although these species continue to be maintained by cultural preferences and traditional practices but they still remain inadequately characterized and neglected by research and conservation. Lack of attention indicates that their potential value is under-estimated and under-exploited
Linking Social Dimensions of Climate Change: Transforming vulnerable smallholder producers for empowering and Resiliency
Climate Change is an universal fact now. Its impacts is experienced across the globe; however, tropical developing countries are more vulnerable. The impacts on different sectors are discussed. Majority of the poor population in theses countries are rural and smallholder with agriculture as primary occupation. These countries depend more on natural resources and weather dependent agriculture from marginal land holding. etc.
ENDANGERED USE OF ETHANO-MEDICINAL PLANTS BY ETHINIC PEOPLE FOR THE TREATMENT OF DERMATOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
Medicinal plants are a rich source of active ingredients of secondary metabolites which provide a safer and cost effective way to treat diseases. The present article reviewed the published paper on ethno botanical plants used to treat the dermatological problems which are common in the West Bengal state of India and ethnic people of the state used locally available plant resources. A total of 74 plants belonging 69 genera and 36 families have been extracted for their therapeutic use against different skin related problems such as cuts, burns, infection, leucoderma, boils etc. Among all the plant parts, leaves were the most frequently utilized part of plant and most herbal remedies are prepared as paste, extract or juice and applied externally and were found to possess good healing property over a short period of time. The present study concluded that further clinical and phytochemical experimentation is needed.
Ecosystem services provided by home garden
According to Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), ecosystem services are "the benefits people obtain from ecosystems". The MA also delineated the four categories of ecosystem services— supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural. The natural environment provides a wide range of benefits to people. In agroforestry system, the multi-strata homegarden offer a many services as human needs as food, medicine, firewood, construction, fibre, animal fodder and shade as well have ornamental and religious uses. By valuing ecosystem services their importance can be understood to a greater extent and it will also simplify ecosystem management.
Ecosystem Services of Trees Outside Forest
Fuelwood extraction by indigenous, rural and urban poors do not risk trees and forest: a case study from Jharkhand, India
Wood biomass from forest is the major source of domestic energy in most of the developing countries. The present study was an attempt to document information on wood collection, consumption and species used for domestic energy needs by residents of both rural and urban villages in Ranchi district of Jharkhand state, India in different seasons round the year. Wood fuel is the major domestic fuel in the study area which is mainly collected from forests or non–forest lands or purchased. The fuel need is also supplemented by coal in urban localities. The consumption of wood and coal in both urban and rural areas increases during winter and gradually decreases from rainy to summer season. The quantity of wood consumption per family in study area varied from 2.5–6.5Kg/day in urban areas while it was 6.0–12.0Kg/day in rural areas. The wood of species Mangifera indica, Syzigium cumini, Gmelina arborea, Madhuca indica and Dalbergia sissoo were found mostly used for domestic energy purposes because of their availability. Firewood extraction by indigenous, rural and urban poor in our study area are no way causing loss to forest or threatening tree species to risk as they are using dead stems, twigs or branches of trees either from non–forest lands or from forest those species which are in lesser priority list of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Instead, there should be capacity built for involvement of urban poor in more and more afforestation/reforestation programmes of multi– purpose species in non–forest lands and their rights safeguarded so that they can also use firewood solely for their domestic energy need and not supplement hydrocarbon fossils like coal.
Potential of Homestead Gardens to gain from global carbon markets to mitigate climate change in Cooch Behar, West Bengal
Under Paris Agreement on Climate Change India has pledged for creating an additional 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO equivalent by 2030. In this context 2 strengthening of traditional agro-forestry and homestead garden systems practically spread all over India would be important for creating carbon sinks. International Compliance as well as Voluntary Carbon Markets provides excellent opportunities to incentivize the local communities by getting carbon credits from agro-forestry plantations. In the present study a total of 45 homestead gardens from three villages in Pundibari area of Cooch Behar-II Block of district Cooch Behar, West Bengal are selected for study purpose. The study demonstrates carbon sequestration potential and avoided deforestation due to the maintenance of the homestead gardens. These homestead gardens also play an important role in maintaining the diversity of the domesticated trees covering a total of 71 woody tree species belonging to 59 genera and 30 families. Total biomass of 7482.67 Mg is stored among all the woody species in all the 45 home gardens. The total live biomass has the potential to offset 507.94 Mg CO . 2e The homestead gardens produce 110.86 Mg of fuelwood / year and 39.15 Mg of fodder/year which reduce the dependence on the natural forests. Thus by avoided deforestation and forest degradation in Cooch Block II there is net gain of 247.06 Mg of CO annually. The monetary value of live 2e carbon offsets estimated is US$ 1270.00 and average value of carbon credit per home garden is Rs. US$ 28.22 with assumed value of 2.5USD per VER/CER in the present study annually. A cluster based approach by bundling together villages in the entire Cooch Behar-II Block would result in approximately sequestering 2058051.8 ton CO and hence would claim 2e US$ 5,145,129.5 per annum for maintaining and strengthening the ecosystem services from homestead gardens for livelihood sustenance.
Ethno-Botanical Plant Diversity in Home Gardens based Agroforestry System in Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim, India
study was conducted to assess the present status, plant diversity, structure, uses, and importance of homestead garden for biodiversity conservation in Dzongu area, Sikkim, India. Assessment was done by means of multistage random sampling from a total of 100 households using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 102 plant species belonging to 54 families and72 genera were recorded from the study area. Dominating family in the homegarden was Moraceae with eight species followed by Rosaceae and Solanaceae with seven species each. The most dominating habit was observed for trees representing 39 % of species followed by 38% represented herbs, 7% represented shrubs. Out of the total documented species, the most dominating plant part used by homestead growers was fruits (45%) followed by leaves (29%) and wood (13%). The majority of the species is utilized for edible purpose (71%) followed by fodder (34%) and fuelwood (29%). This study presented the baseline data about plant diversity in the home gardens, uses of plants and arrangement of the plants in the home gardens.
Birds of the Kerala Agricultural University campus, Thrissur District, Kerala, India - an update
An updated checklist of the birds of the Kerala Agricultural University main campus is presented here. The current checklist includes 172 species in 60 families and 17 orders. The campus avifauna includes two Western Ghats endemic species and three globally threatened species. The Kerala Agricultural University main campus also supports 11 species of birds included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and 16 species that are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). Seasonality chart prepared using eBird is also provided for each of the species.
Effects of Leaf Extract of Lantana camara on Germination and Growth Behavior of Selected Tree Species
Laboratory bioassays were conducted to investigate the allelopathic effects of leaf aqueous extracts of Lantana camara on selected tree species (Albizia lebbeck and Dalbergia sissoo). Lantana leaf extracts has significant impact on seed germination on various forest tree species. The effect of different concentrations of lantana leaf extracts (10, 20, 30 and 40%) were recorded and compared with control (Distilled water). The aqueous extracts of Lantana camara causes inhibitory effect on seed germination; shoot length, root length, fresh weight of shoot and root, and vigour index of both the tree species on increasing the concentration of Lantana camara. The leaf extracts have more inhibitory effect on the germination percentage of Dalbergia sissoo than Albizia lebbeck. Results depicted that significant (P<0.05) difference in concentration levels and their interaction for the aforementioned parameters. From this study it is found that Lantana causes inhibitory effect over the germination and growth of these tree species which may be possibly due to allelopathic chemicals present in it
Quantification of diversity, biomass and carbon storage of climber and liana community in a foothill forest of Indian Eastern Himalayas
Climbers and lianas occupy an important niche in the forest ecosystem. However, as compared to trees, studies on biodiversity and ecology of this life form of forest remains neglected. Thus a study was carried out at sub-humid tropical foothill forest of West Bengal, India to document the status of climber and liana diversity, biomass and carbon accumulation. Qualitative and quantitative characters were analysed with the help of random quadrate sampling method. Species richness of the climbers and liana in the forest was 42.
Diversity, Biomass Accumulation and Carbon Storage of Shrub Community in a Foothill Forest of Indian Eastern Himalayas
Understorey vegetation especially the shrub is a dynamic layer of the forest strata. Shrub communities are very useful for protecting the soil and water regimes and improves productivity and soil fertility. However, as compared to trees, studies on shrub diversity and ecology still remains neglected. Thus, a study was carried out at sub-humid tropical foothill forest of West Bengal, India to document the status of shrub diversity, biomass and carbon accumulation. Quantitative characters were analyzed with help of random quadrate sampling method. Species richness of the shrubs in the forest was thirty two. The shrub diversity index, concentration of dominance, Shannon and Wiener index and evenness index was estimated as 0.73, 0.037, 2.87 and 1.89, respectively. Relative frequency -1varied from 0.22 to 2.00. Density ranged from 0.84 to 456.1 1 individuals ha and relative density ranged from 0.08 to 1.25%. Relative abundance ranged from 0.14 to 1.79%. IVI values ranged from 0.47 to 3.71. This indicates the the shrub communities in the forest diverse but dominance distributed with less skewed IVI values. Biomass and carbon storage of shrub communities -1in the forest was 4.90 and 2.21 Mg ha , respectively. Stems contributed the most to the total shrub biomass and carbon storage.
Stevia (stevia rebaudiana :A promising drug for the future
A novel avenue for quality planting material production of an endangered medicinal plant, Valeriana jatamansi
Carbon Storage of Single Tree and Mixed Tree Dominant Species Stands in a Reserve Forest—Case Study of the Eastern Sub-Himalayan Region of India
Gender perspectives in forest management
URGENCY OF CONSERVING A GLOBALLY VULNERABLE TROPICAL MEDICINAL TREE: SARACA ASOCA
Effects of Plant Growth Regulators and Growing Media on Propagation and Field Establishment of Stevia rebaudiana: A Medicinal Plant of Commerce
Background: Stevia rebaudiana is an economically important medicinal plant that has generated interest amongthe growers and pharmacologists in terms of its industrial or pharmaceutical value. For the mass production of theseedlings, easy and convenient techniques are lacking while, micro propagation was reported promising but still outof reach at farm level. The unavailability of quality planting materials due to non-viable seeds is restricting its masscommercial scale cultivation. The present study was therefore attempted to standardize the plant growth regulatorsand growing media to standardize the vegetative propagation protocol through cuttings for its mass multiplication inTerai region of West Bengal, India.Methods: Growing media (soil, FYM, saw dust and sand) as sole and in combination and growth hormones (IAA, IBAand NAA in different concentration and a commercial formulation i.e. Totoroot© with different exposure time) werecompared with control (i.e. sole soil and no hormone treatment, respectively) to standardize the nursery protocol ofStevia.Results: Sand used as sole was found the best growing media for survival and growth of cuttings while, cuttingstreated with commercial growth hormone formulation for 5 mins was best. Cuttings treated with commercial growthhormone formulation performed significantly better in the field with respect to survival, growth and production ofleaves.Conclusion: The study recommends the use of sole sand media and commercial growth hormone formulation with5 mins exposure time for mass nursery production of Stevia cuttings in Terai zone of West Bengal due to their betterperformance both in the nursery and after transplanting in the field.Keywords: Asexual propagation, Growth regulators, Rooting media, Stevia
(1) (PDF) Effects of plant growth regulators and growing media on propagation and field establishment of Stevia rebaudiana: a medicinal plant of commerce. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357634364_Effects_of_plant_growth_regulators_and_growing_media_on_propagation_and_field_establishment_of_Stevia_rebaudiana_a_medicinal_plant_of_commerce [accessed Jun 26 2022].
Sustainable Management and Conservation Approaches of medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Rural Livelihood Improvement
Gender perspectives in forest management
Fuelwood species diversity and consumption pattern in the homegardens from foothills of Indian Eastern Himalayas
Biomass bioenergy is an essential sourceof energy in many parts of rural India. Studies show alarge scale fuelwood extraction from the local forestshas resulted in the degradation of forest structure andcomposition. A detailed study on fuel wood speciesdiversity and its utilization pattern is lacking for theIndian Eastern Himalayan region. The present studyaims to inventorize the fuelwood species diversity andits utilization pattern among the homegarden ownersin the Terai zone of West Bengal, India.
(1) (PDF) Fuelwood species diversity and consumption pattern in the homegardens from foothills of Indian Eastern Himalayas. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358234637_Fuelwood_species_diversity_and_consumption_pattern_in_the_homegardens_from_foothills_of_Indian_Eastern_Himalayas [accessed Jun 26 2022].
Unraveling the potentials of an underutilized wild herb: Hygrophila spinosa
Growth and productivity of rabi maize as influenced by foliar application of urea and nano-urea
Biomass carbon and soil nutrient status in urban green sites at foothills of eastern Himalayas: Implication for carbon management
Urban green spaces are effective extension of carbon sinks in human dominant landscapes to supplement climatechange mitigation. There have been several studies on the environmental effects of urbanization, but few studieson the services offered by urban green areas. The current research took place at four urban green sites in CoochBehar, West Bengal, India, which is situated in the Eastern Himalayas. The biomass, primary nutrients, andcarbon stock, as well as carbon fractions, were recorded in the study. The research used stratified randomquadrate sampling with the line transact process. The physico-chemical characteristics of collected compositesoils samples at various depths were analyzed. For biomass estimation, the indirect approach was used. Based onoverall estimated plant biomass (869.46 Mg ha
Role of Sulphur Nutrition in Enhancing the Productivity of Pulses and Oilseeds
Effects of plant growth regulators and growing media on propagation and field establishment of Stevia rebaudiana: a medicinal plant of commerce
Background
Stevia rebaudiana is an economically important medicinal plant that has generated interest among the growers and pharmacologists in terms of its industrial or pharmaceutical value. For the mass production of the seedlings, easy and convenient techniques are lacking while, micro propagation was reported promising but still out of reach at farm level. The unavailability of quality planting materials due to non-viable seeds is restricting its mass commercial scale cultivation. The present study was therefore attempted to standardize the plant growth regulators and growing media to standardize the vegetative propagation protocol through cuttings for its mass multiplication in Terai region of West Bengal, India.
Methods
Growing media (soil, FYM, saw dust and sand) as sole and in combination and growth hormones (IAA, IBA and NAA in different concentration and a commercial formulation i.e. Totoroot© with different exposure time) were compared with control (i.e. sole soil and no hormone treatment, respectively) to standardize the nursery protocol of Stevia.
Results
Sand used as sole was found the best growing media for survival and growth of cuttings while, cuttings treated with commercial growth hormone formulation for 5 mins was best. Cuttings treated with commercial growth hormone formulation performed significantly better in the field with respect to survival, growth and production of leaves.
Conclusion
The study recommends the use of sole sand media and commercial growth hormone formulation with 5 mins exposure time for mass nursery production of Stevia cuttings in Terai zone of West Bengal due to their better performance both in the nursery and after transplanting in the field.
Optimization of in vitro protocol for mass multiplication of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz (Dhawai) via indirect and directregeneration system.
Fuelwood species diversity and consumption pattern in the homegardens from foothills of Indian Eastern Himalayas
Agroforestry Systems is an international scientific journal that publishes results of novel, high impact original research, critical reviews and short communications on any aspect of agroforestry. The journal particularly encourages contributions that demonstrate the role of agroforestry in providing commodity as well non-commodity benefits such as ecosystem services. Papers dealing with both biophysical and socioeconomic aspects are welcome. These include results of investigations of a fundamental or applied nature dealing with integrated systems involving trees and crops and/or livestock. Manuscripts that are purely descriptive in nature or confirmatory in nature of well-established findings, and with limited international scope are discouraged. To be acceptable for publication, the information presented must be relevant to a context wider than the specific location where the study was undertaken, and provide new insight or make a significant contribution to the agroforestry knowledge base
Unraveling the potentials of an underutilized wild herb: Hygrophila spinosa
Traditional medicines have been a boon in resolving health problems is on a globallevel. Many plants continue to provide valuable therapeutic agents, in both modern andtraditional medicine. Hygrophila spinosa T. Ander, is a promising medicinal plant withgreat latent economic value. The plant grows in marshy places in different area of Asiaand Africa which can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings as well as bymicropropagation techniques. The medicinal value of H. spinosa is well appreciated inthe ancient medical literature of with its seeds, roots leaves are used. It is well knownfor treating anaemia and also used as a cure in different pathophysiological conditionsuch as jaundice, rheumatism, renalstone, gonorrhoea, hepatic disorder etc. Thephytosterols, polyphenols, proanthocyanins, mucilage, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoidsand glycosides present in the crude drug poses haematinic, antidiabetic, anti-nociceptive, hepato-protective, antioxidative and androgenic property with no sideeffects. Though its used in traditional medicine, in modern medicine it is not verypopular. Owing to the varied pharmacological properties this species need to beexploited more scientifically and commercialization of the quality products need to bedone. Considering the miraculous healing properties of the plant conservation andpopularization of the species is indeed necessary for the well being of the mankind withscientific explorations.
(PDF) Unraveling the potentials of an underutilized wild herb: Hygrophila spinosa. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360217535_Unraveling_the_potentials_of_an_underutilized_wild_herb_Hygrophila_spinosa [accessed Jan 12 2023].
The effect of growth media on the roots and field establishment of Hygrophila spinosa (T. Anderson) in varying intensities of shade in sub-humid region of West Bengal
Hygrophila spinosa is a potent, neglected Indian medicinal plant. There has been very little re-search done on the species. Changes in landuse patterns and habitat loss resulted in a significant reductionin population. Farmers also disregard this species due to a lack of awareness about its therapeutic benefitsand commercialization potential. Thus, it is past time to devise a conservation strategy; else, we will losethis plant species as well. Because seed viability and germination are poor, vegetative propagation methodsare the best option. To standardise nursery protocols, stem cuttings were submitted to diverse growth me-dia, and plants were subjected to different field environments. In nursery circumstances, media containingFYM proved the best initial roots and survival, whereas, plants grown in open field condition performedbetter in all growth metrics except vegetative biomass, which was recorded maximum in partial shadesettings governed by better initial performance in the nursery and after transplanting
(1) (PDF) The effect of growth media on the roots and field establishment of Hygrophila spinosa (T. Anderson) in varying intensities of shade in sub-humid region of West Bengal. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362680556_The_effect_of_growth_media_on_the_roots_and_field_establishment_of_Hygrophila_spinosa_T_Anderson_in_varying_intensities_of_shade_in_sub-humid_region_of_West_Bengal [accessed Jan 12 2023].
Role of Sulphur Nutrition in Enhancing the Productivity of Pulses and Oilseeds
After nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, sulphur is the fourth most important nutrients for plant.Sulphur has numerous functions in plant development, ranging from being a structural constituent ofmacro biomolecules to influencing several physiological processes and abiotic stress tolerance. Despitethe fact that sulphur nutrition has been long been recognized element but in the aspect of agriculture itpaid little attention towards it. Recently serious problem with sulphur has been noticed, as theintensification of food, fibre and enery production to feed the ever-growing human population, livestockproduction is increasing. sulphur can help to meet the growing need for high quality pulses and oilseedcrops. sulphur is a key element to improve the quality of oil extracted from oilseed crops. sulphur isresponsible for the formation of proteins, vitamins and chlorophyll. Sulphur is a necessary ingredient forall living cells, as it is contained 21 amino acids that helps in formation of protein. Pulses are especiallysusceptible to sulphur deficiency, which results in lower quality and yields. Sulphur is exclusively takenup by plants in the form of sulphate (SO42-), and it decomposes into sulphur. A mixture of amino acidsand other substances. The usage of sulphur enhances the use of nitrogen. Sulphur deficit has a significantimpact on the efficiency of N, P, and K. The application of 30 and 40 kg S/ha-1, together with theprescribed dose, was found to be effective in pulses.
(1) (PDF) Role of Sulphur Nutrition in Enhancing the Productivity of Pulses and Oilseeds. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361534635_Role_of_Sulphur_Nutrition_in_Enhancing_the_Productivity_of_Pulses_and_Oilseeds [accessed Jan 12 2023].
Effect of growing media on rooting of stem cuttings and growth performance of Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine (Acanthaceae) under different shade conditions in the foothill area of Eastern Himalaya
Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine is an underutilized medicinal herb and is native to Indian
subcontinent. Very little research has been reported on the species. The species produces seeds
with poor viability and low germination; thereby, vegetative propagation techniques are the best
alternative. The present study was an attempt to standardize growing media for better rooting and
survival of stem cuttings of the species including its growth performance under different shade
intensities in the sub-humid region of West Bengal. The growing media composition with FYM
was found better for initial seedling survival due to successful root formation. Growth of the
species was similar with no shade and 50 % shade indicating suitability of the species as an understorey crop in agroforestry systems. However, influence of shade on composition of active
ingredients needs to be analysed before recommending the species under agroforestry systems in
the sub-humid foot-hill conditions of Eastern Himalayas.
Reviewing the adaptability of pure and mixed Norway Spruce forests to climate change in Central Europe
Climate change is an inevitable challenge to forest managers around the world. Adaptive forest management allows forests to cope with the changing climate. Norway spruce is an important tree species with significant production and economic value in Central Europe. However, climate change resilience of the species is doubted nowadays especially after severe wind damages and bark beetle infestation in many parts of Europe. This review aims at comparing monoculture Norway spruce forests to mixed Norway spruce forests in terms to their performance against climate change and resulted disturbances. The studies from different parts of Central Europe followed different techniques such as tree ring studies, forest damage surveys, survival analysis. All the studies reviewed here suggest that mixed Norway spruce forests outperform monocultures during droughts, storms, or bark beetle infestations. Thus, we suggest that mixed forests as a silvicultural solution for better climate change adaptation.
Climate change is an inevitable challenge to forest managers around the world. Adaptive forest management allows forests to cope with the changing climate. Norway spruce is an important tree species with significant production and economic value in Central Europe. However, climate change resilience of the species is doubted nowadays especially after severe wind damages and bark beetle infestation in many parts of Europe. This review aims at comparing monoculture Norway spruce forests to mixed Norway spruce forests in terms to their performance against climate change and resulted disturbances. The studies from different parts of Central Europe followed different techniques such as tree ring studies, forest damage surveys, survival analysis. All the studies reviewed here suggest that mixed Norway spruce forests outperform monocultures during droughts, storms, or bark beetle infestations. Thus, we suggest that mixed forests as a silvicultural solution for better climate change adaptation.