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Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soó (Orchidaceae), popularly known as Saalmpanja, is a high value perennialherb. It inhabits sub-alpine to alpine regions, ranging at elevations between 2500 - 5000 m.a.s.l., Due to overharvesting, it has now been declared as ‘Critically endangered’ medicinal orchid in Himalayan region. Exsituproduction and sustainable harvesting from wild habitats are viable options for its conservation. Anexperimental trial following Randomized Block Design was carried out to analyze plant growth, phenologyand productivity (per ha) under cultivation as compared with the plants of the same age group growingnaturally in nearby forest area. Seed germination was found nil however all the tubers sprouted withoutany treatment. Comparatively, cultivated plants were found to be superior in every aspect of growth,biomass, and productivity. The study concludes that there are high possibilities of ex-situ production of thisspecies in high altitude zones resembling to its wild habitats. The plants can be easily raised throughtubers; however, intensive studies are suggested here to under seed germination mechanism in this species.Due to its high demand in Ayurvedic formulations, ex-situ production of the species will open new avenuesfor consistent supply of raw materials and thus, good returns to the high-altitude farmers. The studyrecommends an extensive scientific effort to develop GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) and sustainableGFCP (Good Forest Collection Practices) in such Himalayan RET (Rare Endangered Threatened) plantspecies.

Rhododendron arboreum Sm. a wild flowering tree is on the verge of extinction from natural habitat due to overexploitation of its flowers and slow regeneration rate. The objective of this research was to explore the effective method for propagation of this species vegetatively, therefore, to maintain its genetic identity and population. In this context, effectiveness of vegetative propagation methods like FRI-Wire Technique and Air Layering in combination with root promoting hormones such as Indole 3- Butyric Acid (IBA), Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and Napthelene Acetic Acid (NAA) at concentration of 1000 ppm (ppm), 2500 ppm and 5000 ppm each were evaluated through well designed experiments. Air Layering method failed to produce roots on this species, whereas, FRI-Wire Technique showed a remarkable success for rooting in the month of April with hormones IAA and NAA at 1000 ppm and 2500 ppm concentrations and no response from IBA. Branch sizes of length 45--51 cm, when treated with 2500 ppm IAA concentration performed significantly better and produced 66.66% rooting in comparison to other treatments with the technique.

Developing the knowledge base concerning the agroforestry’s contribution to fodder production that integrate livelihood security, relieve forest pressure and safeguard ecosystem services is pre-requisite for sustainable development. The study investigated the extraction and consumption pattern of fodder and extent of livestock dependency on natural forests to evolve silvipastoral agroforestry strategy for revitalizing fodder security in forest-fringe landscape of Ganderbal district, Kashmir. A total of 222 households were selected from 5 sample villages adopting multi-stage random sampling technique for field survey. Both secondary and primary sources were used for data collection. Household data were gathered administrating well-structured interview schedule and non-participant observations. Simple descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data. Results revealed that total fodder extraction from various sources was 27,066.21 tons/year @12.19 tons/household/year and the forests were exposed to fodder pressure of 11,995.92 tons/year (44.31%) posing ample degradation. Focusing on the socioeconomic and ecological aspects, silvipastoral agroforestry strategy is designed, the implementation of which on cultivable wastelands would secure 11,847.73 tons/year of green fodder, tree fodder of 3846.67 tons/year, fuel wood of 307.73 tons/year, small timber of 320.43 m3/year, grass seed of 8.46 tons/year besides income of $ 66.13/household/year and employment of 9.98 man-days/household/year. Economic viability of the silvipastoral agroforestry strategy confirmed NPV of $ 734,192.67, BCR of 3.57 and IRR of 155.73% @12% annual discount rate on 12-year rotation. The strategy proposed needs to be implemented to mitigate the present unsustainable fodder extraction, safeguard the future fodder crisis, eliminate the fodder pressure on forests besides socioeconomic improvement.

Considering the rich nutritional status and possibility of broccoli in improving the profitable yield, and wide role of Mel in regulating the plant physiological process, an investigation was carried out at the division of Basic Sciences and Humanities during 2017 to investigate the effect of foliar application of Mel on leaf photosynthetic and biochemical attributes broccoli. Thirty days old and uniform seedlings of broccoli cv. Palam Samridhi were transplanted in the field at a spacing of 45 × 45cm. Different concentrations of Mel, viz. 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 ppm were sprayed on the plant foliage at 15 days after transplanting (DAT) replicating each treatment four times. Leaf gas exchange and biochemical attributes were tested following the standard procedures. The Results showed the lowest stipulated rate of photosynthesis (10.87 µmole.m-2.sec-1), stomatal conductance (301.44 mole H2O.m-2ses-1) and leaf transpiration (1. 14 mole H2O.m-2ses-1) in untreated plants. Different doses of Mel significantly increased the values of these attributes and the highest values of photosynthesis (18.63 µmole.m-2.sec-1), stomatal conductance (324.37 mmole.m-2.ses-1) and leaf transpiration (3.23 mmole.m-2.ses-1) with Mel 60 ppm were recorded. The alterations in different biochemical attributes were also evident due to foliar application of Mel and maximum leaf sugar (77.0 and 85.9µg/g), protein (56.9 and 77.3 µg/g), total phenols (260.1 and 339.9 mg/100g), antioxidants (142.8 and 159.9 mg GAE /100g DW) and MSI (94.89 and 97.43 percent) values with Mel 60ppm at 30 and 60DAT, respectively. Therefore, the present study signifies the useful effects of Mel in regulating the physio-biochemical properties of broccoli.

Performance of two fodder crops namely, sorghum (Sorghum vulgare L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated with Willow (Salix alba L.) to evaluate productivity and economics of the silvopastoral agroforestry system in Kashmir valley. The experiment was laid out by planting two year old willows at 2.0m × 2.0m spacing and dividing the main plot into sub-plots of size 8m × 2m each with 5 replications in randomized block design (RDB). The intercrops of sorghum and maize were maintained at 20cm × 10 cm spacing and supplied with recommended doses of fertilizers. The economics of the willow plantation intercropped with fodder crops was compared with sole willow farming by the benefit-cost ratio and net present worth. The study revealed the differential behaviour of Salix alba regarding growth parameters (height, diameter and girth) by different intercrops and various fodder intercrops with respect to yield, above ground biomass, dry matter production and soil nutrient status (pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). The willow based silvopastoral system was estimated to have benefit-cost ratio of 2.71 with maize and 2.68 with sorghum, while as sole crop the willows accrued a benefit-cost ratio of 2.66. The study is useful in discovering growth of willows, productivity of fodder crops and soil nutrient status under various silvopastoral agroforestry systems for maximizing economic gains. The findings envisaged evidences in favour of adopting willow based silvopastoral agroforestry instead of sole tree farming and the knowledge of interactions will be helpful in proper management of the system for sustained multiple productions.

Ganoderma a traditional Chinese medicine popularly used for complementary cancer therapy and longevity for centuries. The vast amount of study has been performed on the medicinal properties of Ganoderma lucidum. G. lucidum contains various compounds with a high grade of biological activity, which increase the immunity. Several of these substances belong to the triterpenoids and polysaccharides. Proteins, sterols, phenols, lipids, etc., are also present. Ganoderma triterpenes are important secondary metabolites of G. lucidum. Ganoderma triterpenes are limestone-tetracyclic terpenes which have been reported to possess antioxidant, antitumor, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, anticancer, anti-inflammation, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective activities. This review deals with most important triterpenes isolated from Ganoderma and their therapeutic effects.

Effect of edible coatings of gum Arabic, carrageenan and xanthan gum containing lemon grass essential oil 1% w/v on postharvest quality of strawberry was studied under refrigeration for a period of 12 days. Results showed all the three coatings maintained fruit quality parameters during storage compared to control. Among all the coatings, carrageenan coated fruits showed delayed weight loss (10.1 to 8%), decay percentage (78.42 to 14.29%), retained ascorbic acid (0.15 to 0.27 g kg-1), antioxidant activity (18.17 to 25.85%), firmness (9.07 to 12.43 N), L* (32.38 to 40.42), a* (16.08 to 17.22) and b* (27.36 to 33.54). Carrageenan gum also showed lowest cellulase activity (0.03 units h−1 mg protein−1), pectin methylesterase activity (1.13 A620 min−1 mg protein−1) and β-galactosidase activity (0.51 μmol min−1 mg protein−1), while showed maximum reduction in polygalacturonase activity (0.07 units h−1 mg protein−1) at the end of storage. Carrageenan gum was found effective in retention of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds during storage. Coatings loaded with antimicrobial agent inhibited psychrophilic bacteria, yeast and mold growth. It is concluded that carrageenan gum could better retain strawberry quality up to 12 days under refrigeration.

Available nutrient status and their correlation with the physico-chemical properties is an important indicator of soil health and plant nutrition. To comprehend the nutrient status in relation to soil properties in apple orchards a study was conducted in temperate Kashmir Himalayas. We analyzed soil samples from major apple growing areas of South District Kulgam for various physio-chemical properties and available nutrient status of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The soils varied from silty clay loam to loam in texture with pH and organic carbon ranging from 4.97 to 6.24 and 1.52% to 2.78% respectively. The available N, P, K, Ca and Mg ranged from 152.32 to 428.62, 9.85 to 24.39, 206.86 to 464.92, 209.78 to 501.12, 509.43 to 621.23 Kg ha-1 respectively. Almost all samples were found to be in low to medium range for pH and electrical conductivity indicating soils are slightly alkaline and non-saline in nature.

The effect of nanoemulsion coatings with antioxidant and antimicrobial agents on the physicochemical, antioxidant properties and microbial stability of ready to eat fresh cut kiwi slices during storage at 5 ± 1 °C for 7 days was studied. Nanoemulsion coating formulations used were alginate 2% (w/w) and carboxymethylcellulose 2% (w/w) containing Tween 80 (2 mg), ascorbic acid 0.5% and vanillin 0.5 and 1.0%. Fresh cut kiwi slices were coated with nanoemulsion coatings, while the uncoated sample dipped in water served as control. Average drop diameter of the nanoemulsions was between 220 and 335 nm. Nanoemulsions had high negative ζ-potential value, significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower viscosity and whiteness index values than coarse emulsions. During storage fresh cut kiwi fruit quality attributes especially weight loss, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid, firmness and microbial load were measured. Results confirmed that nanoemulsion coatings significantly delayed physiological weight loss 8–14%, decay percentage 3–59%, retained firmness 14.1–17.9 N, DPPH radical scavenging activity 53–59% and ascorbic acid content 73–79 mg 100−1 g compared to control. Dispersion of several concentrations of the antimicrobial agent in a combination with emulsion coatings successfully slowed bacteria, yeast and mold growth during storage, thus leading to increased shelf life of fresh cut ready to eat kiwi fruit during storage.

Pears Pyrus communis L. collected from different sites of Kashmir Valley were found infected with Penicillium glaucum causing Penicillium rot. The diseased fruits appears light tan to dark brown. The decayed tissue becomes soft, watery and the lesion has a very sharp margin between diseased and healthy tissues. Decayed fruit has an earthy, musty odor. The pathogen was isolated and cultured on PDA medium for further fungal morphological observation and confirming its pathogenicity according to Koch’s postulates. Results of morphological data and pathogenicity test showed that the pears were infected by Penicillium glaucum Link resulting in Penicillium rot of pears. To our knowledge, it is the first report of pear fruit rot caused by P. glaucum in India. Study was also undertaken for the management of Penicillium rot of pear with some fungicides. It was revealed from the study that different concentration of fungicides brought about significant reduction in the mycelial growth and spore germination of Penicillium glaucum under in vitro conditions. Amongst the tested fungicides, carbendazim proved highly effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth and spore germination of Penicillium glaucum followed by hexaconozole, bitertanol and myclobutanil respectively. Higher concentration proved effective than lower concentrations.

The seeds of chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) show moderate germination and not retain better germinability under normal ambient storage. In the present study, five storage containers [polythene bags (C1), plastic jars (C2), canvas bags (C3), earthen pots (C4) and tin boxes (C5)] and four temperature regimes (19–22 °C) (room temperature, T1), 0 ± 1 °C (T2), −4 ± 1 °C (T3) and 4 ± 1 °C (T4) were tested and the suitable seed storage conditions of chilgoza pine to retain viability were standardized. The storage devices preserve and retain viability trend of C4 > C3 > C1 > C2 > C5 and T2 > T3 > T4 > T1 in the species throughout the storage period. However, the interaction treatment (C4T2) of earthen pots under 0 ± 1 °C temperature regime maintained significantly (P

Himalayan yew (Taxus baccata Hook. F. syn. T. wallichiana Zucc), is in high demand for the preparation of Paclitaxel, a drug for treatment of ovarian cancer. Due to over-harvesting of its bark and leaves, most wild populations are threatened with extinction and are endangered in the Himalaya. Himalayan yew is very slow growing, with poor natural regeneration primarily due to low seed production and germination. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the natural regeneration status of this species. Three Taxus containing forest divisions in the northwest Himalaya, India, were selected for study. Two sites were selected in each division and further divided into lower (2400–2600 m a.s.l.) and higher (2600–2800 m a.s.l.) elevations. It was found that recruitment of T. baccata was higher at higher elevations, but there is no sustainable regeneration in any of the three forest divisions. Over-harvesting and other anthropogenic pressures were comparatively higher at lower elevations, leading to poor r...

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of monsoon rains and topography on plant communities of desert ecosystem of District Khairpur. The study was conducted at three desert sites differing in topography i.e. Kotdiji sand dunes, Ubhan Shah flat dunes and Sorah inter dunes, designated as site A, B and C respectively using quadrate method. The data of plant communities were recorded twice in a year during study period i.e. pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons and compared. The 35 plant species formed five plant communities at three sites. At site A Aerva - Calligonum-Leptadenia, formed pre-monsoon community and Aerva - Leptadenia–Salvadora formed post monsoon community. At site B, Aerva-Calligonum-Leptadenia and Aerva-Leptadenia-Citrullus formed pre and post monsoon communities respectively. While at site C, Calotropis-Alhagi, were dominant at pre and post monsoon. L. pyrotechnica showed significant correlation with C. colosynthesis and S. oleoides.

Objective: Mushrooms are known for their nutritional and medicinal importance from ancient times throughout the world. The use of mushrooms as valuable tonic, food, and ethnomedicines has also been reported from India. However, information on the ethnomedicinal use of mushrooms is not available from the surveyed area of Kashmir valley. Therefore, the objective of this work is to study the ethnomedicinal use of wild mushrooms from the Northern districts of Jammu and Kashmir.Materials and Methods: Different remote areas of Northern districts, Baramulla and Kupwara of Kashmir Valley were surveyed to document the indigenous use of various mushrooms growing in the area by local tribal people and local herbalists. Mushroom hunters, local Hakims, herbalists and aged people from tribal communities and nomads were consulted, interviewed and taken as guides to collect various mushroom species.Results: The mushroom samples collected from the study area were used as a source of food and medicines for different ailments. The specimens collected were photographed by Sony cyber shot 12.1 megapixel camera in their natural habitats and were identified on the basis of macro and microscopic characters, expert mushroom taxonomists, field guides and standard related literature. The study revealed that 33 mushroom species belonging to Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes were used for their nutritional and medicinal values. These mushrooms were used by the local hakims against various ailments ranging from respiratory, blood and heart ailments, arthritis, nervous and urogenital diseases either alone or in combination with some herbs.Conclusions: It was concluded from this study that all the mushrooms used by the local tribal people and local herbalists for different ailments can be further evaluated for medicinal value and for bioactive constituents.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of low dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy for children with chronic anterior and intermediate uveitis. Methods: A retrospective case review of 10 children who received MTX for chronic uveitis at a tertiary referral centre was performed. The following data were recorded for each patient: age, sex, race, duration of uveitis, primary diagnosis, anatomical localisation of uveitis, corticosteroid therapy, dose range of MTX, duration of MTX therapy, and side effects of MTX therapy. Several clinical parameters were evaluated to study the effect of MTX. These included visual acuity, anterior chamber inflammation, and topical and oral corticosteroid requirement. Results: After MTX VA of 6/6 or better was present in 100% right eyes and 80% left eyes (p = 0.055 and p = 0.016, respectively). Anterior chamber inflammation decreased in 60% of children after MTX (p = 0.0168). The requirement of topical steroid decreased from a mean of 5.6 times a day before MTX to 1.5 times a day after MTX (p = 0.005). The dose of oral steroid decreased from a mean of 18 mg per day to 2.85 mg per day (p = 0.012). The most common adverse effect was nausea (20%). No patient required discontinuation of MTX because of side effects. Conclusion: MTX is effective and safe for chronic anterior and intermediate uveitis in children. An increase awareness of its efficacy is required among paediatricians and ophthalmologists to prevent sight threatening complication of chronic uveitis and its treatment with long term use of steroids.

Gandrayan (Angelica glauca Edgew., Family Apiaceae), a high value medicinal cum aromatic herb, is native, endemic and critically endangered to the Indian Himalayan Region. Its aromatic roots have been traditionally used as spice and now, industrial demand of its essential oil is increasing for modern herbal medicines and aromatherapy. The present study was carried out to document its ethno-medicinal importance among local inhabitants of three Indian Himalayan States viz., Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Results indicate that dried rhizomatous roots of the species are traditionally used for various ailments like vomiting, dyspepsia, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, dysentery, influenza, loss of appetite, post delivery weakness, asthma, etc. Besides, it is used as veterinary medicine against diarrhea and constipation. It was also noted that the traditional knowledge of its utilization is more common in indigenous communities of Uttarakhand as compared than that of other states. Considering the culinary and medicinal uses, its mass scale production for livelihood support and conservation has been suggested in this communication.

The study investigated the extent of live-lihood dependency on forest, socioeconomic characteristics and their relationship with forest dependency in indigenous people of Bundu block in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. The sample for the study was drawn by multi-stage random sampling technique. The data were collected through personal interviews, direct observations, semi-structure interview with key informants and focus group discussion. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to ascertain the relationships between the livelihood dependen-cy on forest in the indigenous households and their socioeconomic characteristics. Results re-veal that the small timber, fuelwood, fodder, sal leaf, lac and tooth brush are the main income generation sources backing up the livelihood needs of the target population. The forest acts as the second prime contributor to livelihoods. The indigenous people are in underprivileged condition with respect to their socioeconomic characteristics. Among the socioeconomic char-acteristics of the indigenous households, educa-tion, social participation, family composition, main occupation, housing status, farm power, farm implements, livestock possession, wealth status and gross annual income had exhibited positively significant correlation with the liveli-hood dependency on forest and age and size of land holding have non-significant association with the livelihood dependency on forest. All the socioeconomic characteristics of the indigenous people put together had contributed to 70.05% (R2= 0.705) variation on the livelihood depend-ency on forest. Further, among these variables, only family composition exercised positive and significant contribution on livelihood dependen-cy on forest. The findings and perspective of the study could be crucial bases in planning and ad-ministration of innovative interventions through various rural developmental installations for all-round development of the indigenous people.

The effectiveness of pre-harvest calcium, chloride on post-harvest life and quality of peach fruits were studied. Calcium chloride viz. 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% was sprayed to peach plants at pit hardening stage, 10 and 20 days after pit hardening. Peach fruits harvested at physiological mature stage were sorted, washed, air dried and packed in CFB boxes before placing in cold store (temperature 0–10 and RH 85–90%). Changes in PLW, fruit firmness, sensory quality, pulp: stone, total sugars, total phenolics and calcium content were studied. Calcium chloride @ 1.5% (three sprays) resulted in minimum PLW, total sugars and maximum fruit firmness, sensory quality score, pulp: stone, total phenolics and calcium content during the stipulated storage period.

Angelica glauca Edgew., a high value medicinal, aromatic and edible plant species, is native and endemic to the Himalaya region. Due to unsustainable in-situ harvesting, human excessive interference, habitat loss and fragmentation and grazing pressure, the natural populations of the species are at high risk of extinction. The present article gives comprehensive information on distribution, habitat, local names, present status, market value, taxonomic description, active ingredients, traditional and contemporary uses, propagation, agrotechniques and post harvesting process of the species. We suggest that this technology package should be adopted for increasing crop productivity ensuring sustainable supply of raw material and thus, mitigating harvesting pressure on wild populations of the species. Besides effective conservation management and sustainable utilization, the potential of the species should be adequately harnessed for socio-economic development of rural communities in Himalayan region.