On the rediscovery of a rare root parasite Gleadovia ruborum Gamble & Prain (Orobanchaceae) from Uttarakhand, western Himalaya, India

Gleadovia ruborum Gamble & Prain (Orobanchaceae), a rare root parasite is recorded after a gap of 57 years from a new locality in Uttarakhand, western Himalaya. A total of four individuals were located in a shady moist forest of Abies pindrow-Quercus floribunda at Surkanda hill near Mussoorie. All the individual plants were growing on the roots of Rubus pedunculosus D. Don. The current communication provides an updated description, habitat characteristics and host species of Gleadovia ruborum.

Quadracaea mediterranea, a new record from Kumaun Himalaya region, India

Quadracaea mediterranea was collected during our continuing mycological survey of saprobic conidial fungi on decaying leaf litter of Quercus floribunda from the Ramgarh forest, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Detailed taxonomic information on Q. mediterranea includes morphological description, geographical distribution, comments, illustrations, and a comparison with allied taxa. This finding extends the geographic distribution of the species, previously recorded only in China, Italy, and Brazil.

Amanita subjunquillea and its ectomycorrhizal association, reported as new for Pakistan

Amanita subjunquillea and its ectomycorrhizal association are reported for the first time from moist temperate Himalayan forests of Pakistan. The sample was studied based on morphological characters and nucleotide sequence analyses of the ITS region generated from basidiomata and ectomycorrhizal roots of Quercus floribunda. Our collection differs from the type in its dark orange pileus disc and pale yellow margins. Remaining morphological and molecular data are consistent with previously reported specimens. This represents the first report of A. subjunquillea from Pakistan.

Assessment of forest vegetation and anthropogenic pressure in Ramgarh region of Uttarakhand, West Himalaya

Forest is a complex system, consisting of distinct forest communities, and status of any forest can be recognized by analysing its vegetation. For vegetation analysis phytosociological analysis is the best approach. The present study was carried out at 8 different sites of Ramgarh region using different phytosociological parameters. The results of this study revealed, on the basis of IVI, that five major vegetation types viz. Pinus roxburghii, Quercus leucotrichophora, mixed broad leaved, Quercus floribunda and Rhododendron arboreum were dominating this region. The distribution of most of the tree species was random and there was no species having good regeneration status at any site of the region. It was also observed that the anthropogenic disturbance is changing the species richness and diversity of the region. Thus, the conservation and management of these sites are important for the sustainability of forests in the region.

Oak (Quercus Floribunda): A Prominent Indigenous Multipurpose Tree for Carbon Storage and Sequestration Potential

A dynamic growth model (CO2FIX) has been used for estimating the carbon sequestration potential of Oak (Quercus floribunda), an indigenous multipurpose tree used for timber, fuel wood, fiber and specially fodder in addition to its ability of soil binder. The present study has been carried out in the campus of V.C.S.G. College of Horticulture, U.U.H.F., Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. It is capable of thriving on snow and heavy rainfall condition. CO2FIX was parameterized for a simulation of 100 years respectively. The results indicate that the long term tree biomass accumulated was 120.11 t/ha in above ground and 79.89 t/ha in below ground (Soil Carbon) component respectively at the end of simulation period assuming a tree density of 825t/ha (approximately). The net annual carbon sequestration for Oak over the entire simulation period was 1.9 Mg C ha-1 yr -1 (t/ha/yr). Useful for scientific planning and effective implementation of Forestry and Agroforestry developmental programmes at district level as well as at State level for the development of country. For future research work following are few suggestions for better planning and development of State. This type of study can be taken including other parameters/resources such as different trees, different area, and different state and different country as well.