2008-'09 - Kerala Forest Research Institute
2008-'09 - Kerala Forest Research Institute
2008-'09 - Kerala Forest Research Institute
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Annual Report <strong>2008</strong>-09<br />
characters related to tree height, GBH, tree form and leaves were measured or observed<br />
to study the phenotypic variations. All the characters related to tree form were recorded<br />
as per the recommendations of international teak provenance trials of DANIDA <strong>Forest</strong><br />
Seed Center. After collecting seeds from 25 different geographic locations, a nursery<br />
was raised and germplasm bank established so as to study the genetic variations. Growth<br />
and other measurements were periodically recorded.<br />
Wood samples in the form of discs/core samples were also collected from all the locations<br />
to study the wood characteristics. Important anatomical properties under study are ring<br />
width, vessel diameter, vessel frequency, proportion of fibres, vessels and parenchyma.<br />
Wood density, heartwood content and colour variation of wood are also under study.<br />
Extractive content is being analyzed to ascertain the effects on natural durability.<br />
Ecological/Ecosystem studies<br />
Species recovery plan for Semecarpus kathalekanensis: A critically endangered<br />
fresh-water swamp species of the Western Ghats<br />
Semecarpus travancoricum was located in Athirappally area, at slightly higher<br />
elevation. The same was located also from Periyar area and from Parambikulam<br />
Wildlife Sanctuary. From the Athirappally population, vegetative propagation and<br />
germination trials were carried out. It was found that the species grew slightly away<br />
from swamps in contrast to Semecarpus kathalekanensis found in Kathalekan<br />
region, right inside the swamp. Elevation-wise, both species were at about the same<br />
altitude. Swamps in southern <strong>Kerala</strong> were found at about 200m elevation. One<br />
could observe lattice of roots extending to water in Kathalekan swamps.<br />
Seedlings of Semecarpus kathalekanensis<br />
Field planted seedlings<br />
Seedlings of Semecarpus kathalekanensis obtained from Sirsi were planted in three<br />
sets. The first set consisted of 100 seedlings planted in a square block within the<br />
KFRI campus with 3m x 3m spacing. The plot contained both regions with rock<br />
<strong>Kerala</strong> <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Institute</strong><br />
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