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Introduction: The Indian Himalayan forests are remarkable landforms experiencing tremendous climatic variation, constituting complex and diversified ecosystems with prominent vegetation zones. Despite their global significance and substantial research efforts focused on plant diversity in the temperate Himalayan region, only a few studies have explicitly assessed the distribution patterns of understory vegetation in relation to forest compositional types along altitudinal gradients. Methods: To cover a wide range of altitudes and diverse overstory compositions, stands were sampled across four altitudinal ranges from 1500 to 3500 meters above mean sea level with increments of 500 meters in elevation steps. The overstory compositions were classified on the basis of dominant tree species in each stand on the similar sites. Vegetation in the shrub and ground layers was surveyed by visually estimating the percentage coverage within circular plots. Results: A total of 99 understory species including 37 species each in the shrub layer, 62 species in the herb layer vegetation were recorded. The abundance, species diversity and composition of understory vegetation differed significantly along the altitudinal gradient and dominant overstory composition types. Moreover, distinct understory vegetation communities were observed at lower elevations compared to higher elevations, with middle elevations exhibiting intermediate vegetation characteristics. The study also highlighted the importance of dominant overstory composition types in shaping the pattern of understory vegetation abundance, species diversity and composition in the temperate Himalayan region. The higher resource conditions associated with broadleaved stands supported higher understory species abundance at lower elevations, while the heterogeneous conditions induced by the mixedwood stands promoted higher understory species diversity. Conclusion: The hump shaped pattern along the altitudinal gradient appeared to be the most dominant pattern of plant abundance and species diversity and call for more conservation concern towards the middle elevation zones in the temperate Himalayan region. Furthermore, the management interventions should aim at maintaining diverse range of overstory composition types for conserving biodiversity and their ecological functions in the temperate Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is nutritionally and medicinally rich cucurbit crop and widely cultivated during summer and kharif season in India but suffer a lot with several biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic stresses, root-knot nematodes are one of the most damaging pests which cause 13.5% yield loss amounting to 252.82 million rupees annually. Use of resistant sources and development of new cultivars, is an eco-friendly approach to combat nematode incidence in this crop. In this endeavour, morphologically distinct twenty genotypes of M. charantia was screened against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) by challenged inoculation of 2000 J2/kg of soil under screen house condition. The results revealed that, among twenty genotypes, two genotypes IC-44438 and IC-44428 were found resistant, three genotypes IC-212504, VRBTG-10 and VRBTG11-1 were moderately resistance and remaining were noted to be susceptible to M. incognita. The promising bitter gourd genotypes were again reconfirmed for their resistance against M. incognita by comparing with a susceptible check 'Kalyanpur Baramasi'. Hence, the identified resistant genotypes i.e. IC-44438 and IC-44428 from the present study can serve as useful genetic material to plant breeders for developing root-knot nematode resistant bitter gourd varieties or hybrids to combat root knot nematode incidence in prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to scrutinize the production of biomass and C storage budgeting that varies in diverse forest types of Himalayan dry-temperate and alpine forest ecosystem, India. Dry-temperate and alpine forest ecosystem is classified into nine forest types viz., 13C1-Dry broadleaved and coniferous forests (DBCF), 13C2a-Neoza pine forest (NPF), 13C2b-Dry deodar forest (DDF), 13C3- West Himalayan high level dry bluepine forest (DBF), 14C1a- West Himalayan sub-alpine birch forest (SBF), 14C1b- West Himalayan sub-alpine fir forest (SFF), 15C1- Birch-rhododendron scrub forest (BSF), 15C3-Alpine pasture (AP) and 16C1-Dry alpine scrub (DAS). Vegetative biomass (trees, shrubs and herbs) was ranged from 0.29 in AP to 252.24 t ha-1 in DDF. Total detritus biomass varied significantly among these forest types with maximum in BSF (5.99 t ha-1) and minimum in DAS (0.11 t ha-1). However, total detritus C density was recorded highest in BSF (3.00 t C ha-1) and lowest in DAS (0.06 t C ha-1). Among forest types total soil C density (humus + soil) varied significantly in 0-40 cm layer. BSF showed maximum C density (130.39 t C ha-1), while minimum was recorded in DAS (37.73 t C ha-1. Total ecosystem C density (vegetation + soil + detritus) among forest types displayed highest value for DDF (212.21 t C ha-1), whereas minimum value (38.43 t C ha-1) for DAS. Hence, this investigation suggests that in dry-temperate and alpine forest ecosystem, DDF should be encouraged for augmentation of biomass and C stock in Indian Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multipurpose tree species are recognized as an important fodder source for livestock, but their potential remains untapped due to dearth of knowledge about their nutritive value. Therefore, 15 MPTs, i.e., Acacia catechu, Albizia chinensis, Bauhinia variegata, Celtis australis, Ficus roxburghii, Grewia optiva, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia composita, Morus serrata, Olea glandulifera, Ougienia oojeinensis, Pittosporum floribundum, Quercus glauca, Q. leucotrichophora and Salix tetrasperma were evaluated for nutritional characteristics, relative nutritive value index (RNVI), palatability index and farmers' preference on a seasonal basis in north-western Himalayas mid-hills. Most of the nutritive and mineral content decreased as leaves matured with the exception of ether extract, calcium, copper, organic matter and carbohydrate content, while cell-wall constituents and anti-nutritional contents increased. Overall, M. serrata had the highest RNVI in spring and summer, while G. optiva during autumn and winter. Similarly, L. leucocephala had the highest palatability (97.86%), while M. composita (38.47%) had the lowest one. Additionally, G. optiva was the most favored MPT for livestock among farmers, while M. composita was the least ones. The outcome of the study will help policy makers, planners and farm managers in establishing large scale plantations of highly nutritious and palatable species, like G. optiva, L. leucocephala, B. variegata, and M. serrata for year-round supply of green leaves and as a supplement to low-quality feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiment with 45 hybrids (F1s) under 10 x 10 diallel analysis was carried out to estimate the extent of heterosis over mid and better parents for yield and its contributing traits in bitter gourd. The inbreeding depression for various traits was also worked out. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences for almost all characters except plant height suggesting presence of wide genetic variability. The heterosis exhibited for fruit characters and fruit yield was mostly positive. Ten cross combinations (DVBTG-1 x VRBT-6, VRBT-94 x VRBT-39, VRBT-94 x VRBT-49, VRBT-94 x VRBT-103, VRBT-94 x VRBT-63, VRBT-94 x VRBT-32, VRBT-94 x VRBT-6, VRBT-41 x VRBT-6, VRBT-103 x VRBT-6 and VRBT-63 x VRBT-32) which recorded high heterosis for yield and also expressed high heterosis for yield components, indicating the additive or synergistic effect on the fruit yield. These cross combinations can be utilized for commercial exploitation and determining the strategies for future in bitter gourd hybrid development. The inbreeding depression results due to fixation of unfavorable recessive genes in F2. In the present results high inbreeding depression indicates the presence of non-additive gene action (dominance and epistasis) for the traits like first male and female flower anthesis, fruit weight, plant height and number of fruits/plant. The minimum inbreeding depression was observed in cross VRBT-32 x VRBT-6 and VRBT-94 x VRBT-49. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of the species for dendrochronological studies is of great relevance to understand various aspects of climate change. However, in the northwestern Himalayan region, dendroclimatological investigations are confined to conifer species, with broadleaved species being disregarded. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the growth response of seven multipurpose tree species (MPTs), namely Bauhinia variegata, Celtis australis, Grewia optiva, Paulownia fortunei, Toona ciliata, Ulmus villosa and Melia composita to local climate variables, viz. temperature as well as rainfall (seasonal, monthly, average) and CO2 level by evaluating the climatic signal in tree ring chronologies at Solan district, India (altitude 1 250 m) in the mid-hills of the northwestern Himalayas. The results indicated that only the maximum, rainy season temperature and CO2 level varied significantly (P < 0.05) between 1991 and 2017. Only G. optiva exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) tendency toward increased growth. C. australis has a remarkable negative correlation with temperature variables, viz. average, maximum, spring season, March temperature, whereas T. ciliata exhibits a positive correlation with temperature variables, such as rainy season, average and April temperature. Similarly, winter, total and December rainfall have a profound effect on P. fortunei, while March rainfall adversely affected the growth of B. variegata. On the other hand, G. optiva demonstrated sensitivity to both temperature (February and May) and rainfall variables (winter, February and May). U. villosa recorded a positive correlation with rainfall (autumn and October rainfall) but a negative correlation with temperature variables (maximum and April temperature). Elevated CO2 levels affected only two species (G. optiva, M. composita) out of the seven selected species. Our findings will contribute to a better understanding of the climate growth relationships of investigated tree species, as a result, to more accurate projections of the effects of climate change on these MPTs and directing future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Himalayan forest has been threatened by rapid anthropogenic activities, resulting in the loss of forest diversity and climate change. The present study was carried out on four aspects (northern, southern, western and eastern), at three different altitudinal ranges, namely, 1000-1300 m above sea level (m a.s.l.), 1300-1600 m a.s.l. and 1600-1900 m a.s.l., and at three diverse mountain ranges (Kalaghat, Barog and Nangali) of sub-temperate forest ecosystems of the mid Himalayan ranges, to elucidate their influence on vegetation, tree characteristics and ecosystem carbon density. The results revealed that Pinus roxburghii is the most dominant forest community of the mid Himalaya's forest, irrespective of altitudinal gradient and slope. The south-facing slopes are occupied by the xerophytic tree species frequently found in the lower Shiwalik P. roxburghii forest, whereas the north-facing ones are dominated by mesophyllic species, such as Cedrus deodara and Quercus leucotrichophora, which commonly grows in the northwestern Himalayan temperate forest ecosystem. The maximum stem density (211.00 Nha-1) northern aspect (211.00 Nha-1) The maximum stem volume (236.50 m³ ha-1 northern aspect at 1000-1300 m a.s.l., whereas the minimum (32.167 m³ ha-1 at 1300-1600 m a.s.l. The maximum carbon density (149.90 Mg ha-1 aspect and declined with increasing elevation from 123.20 to 74.78 Mg ha-1. Overall, the study establishes that the southern and western aspects are very low in carbon density, whereas the northern aspect represents higher biodiversity as well as carbon and nutrient stocks. Therefore, aspect and altitude should be given due importance for efficient managing of biodiversity and mitigating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An on‐farm bamboo intercropping study was conducted near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. It uses a split‐plot design with two bamboo species (Dendrocalamus asper and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii) and an open field condition as main plots, under which ginger (Zingiber officinale) was grown at five nutrient levels supplied through chemical fertilizers and organic sources (subplots). In the intercropping with bamboo species, ginger yield increased by 10.5–15.6% in comparison to the open field condition. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) based on N equivalent ratio showed the best (P ≤.05) yield response of ginger (rhizome length, 7.65 cm; yield, 4,028 kg ha−1). Photoactive radiation was reduced by 60% under the bamboo canopy. Simultaneously, higher soil moisture (%) content was noticed for D. asper. Various soil physico‐chemical properties (top 0–15 cm) were significantly higher in the FYM treatment under D. asper than under D. hamiltonii or sole ginger cropping. Maximum returns (3,595.67 US$ ha−1 yr−1) were realized when the ginger crop was raised under the canopy of D. asper and supplied with FYM on N equivalent ratio + plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria. Overall, the results establish that ginger production in the northwest Himalayan region of India is a viable use of land resources for improved economic returns. Core Ideas: Identification of the scientific designed bamboo based agroforestry systems is vital.Ginger in bamboo alleys has vast potential for increasing productivity and maintain soil health.Organic manures with biofertilizers can sustain bamboo‐based agroforestry systems in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IIn this study an effort has been made for the plasma ion nitriding (PIN) of Inconel 600 and 601 alloys at low temperatures. After plasma ion nitriding and microstructural study, growth kinetics of nitrided layer formation and wear properties were investigated by various characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, micro-hardness measurement and wear test by pin on disk technique. It was found that surface micro-hardness increases after the PIN process. A mixed peak of epsilon (e) and fcc (?) phase was detected for all temperature range (350 to 450 0C), while the chromium nitride (CrN) phase was detected at elevated temperature range ~450 0C in Inconel 601 alloy. The calculated values of the diffusion coefficient and activation energy for the diffusion of nitrogen are in accordance with the literature. Volume loss and wear rate of the plasma nitrided samples decreases, but it increases as PIN process temperature increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Sham. Goyal, D. Bhardwaj, U. Shenoy, Bhavya. Reddy Congenital afibrinogenemia is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder, results from mutation that affects plasma fibrinogen concentration. It is frequently associated [...]