FINAL PROJECT REPORT. Submitted to. Department of Planning and Economic Affairs Western Ghats Development Programme (WGDP) Govt.

Transcription

1 SURVEY, COLLECTION, PROPAGATION AND POPULARIZATION OF SELECTED THREATENED PALM SPECIES OF SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS AND ELECTRONIC HERBARIUM DATABASE PREPARATION OF PALMS IN KERALA FINAL PROJECT REPORT Submitted to Department of Planning and Economic Affairs Western Ghats Development Programme (WGDP) Govt. of Kerala By Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute Palode, Thiruvananthapuram

2 PROJECT DETAILS Project title : Survey, collection, propagation and popularization of selected threatened palm species of Southern Western Ghats and electronic herbarium database preparation of palms in Kerala Funding agency : Department of Planning and Economic Affairs Western Ghats Development Programme (WGDP), Government of Kerala Total amount sanctioned : 3.41 lakes Period and venue : 3 year; TBGRI, Palode Order No. and Date of sanction : G. O. (M. S) No. 15/06/plg. Dated 24/08/05 Principal investigator : Dr N Mohanan Scientist E1 Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram Co-investigator : Mr Joemon Jacob Technical Officer Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram Project staff : Mr K C Kariyappa, J. R. F 2

3 INTRODUCTION Western Ghats of Kerala is one of the richest areas with respect to biodiversity. Altitudinal variation and high rainfall make vegetation very remarkable. The vegetation mainly includes evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, grass lands etc. Palms are one of the major vegetation in the different ecosystem of the Western Ghats. They are widely recognized as one of the most economically significant families of flowering plants. This group includes about 190 genera and 2364 species through out the world. Out of which 10 genera and 24 species are found in Kerala (Renuka 2000, Renuka C. & V. B. Sreekumar, 2006 & Joemon et al 2008). Palms play a major role in the lives of many tropical and subtropical dwelling aboriginal societies, providing food, clothing, shelter and various ameliorants. Diminishing forest cover and uncontrolled exploitation have serious depleted wild populations of palms through out India as well as in Kerala. Pressure on wild rattans has increased dramatically. Some species are dangerously near total extinction. So immediate attention have to be made for their conservation. Considering this, the present project aimed on framing some strategies for the conservation as well as the popularization of palms. The preparation of palms herbarium involves a significant number of problems. The physical bulk, large inflorescences, difficulty in collection, as well as the oftenchallenging habitats and remote location of many species make the process difficult. More over palms have always been consider as a difficult group to work with in the field. This made us to think of a digital herbarium with images and data for identification and confirmation of the plants. OBJECTIVES 1. To locate habitats of the native palms of Kerala. 2. To record their population strength. 3

4 3. To prepare digital herbarium. 4. To study the seed germination, storage and dormancy of selected threatened species and propagation of seedlings for popularization. 5. To propose suitable ex-situ conservation strategy. 6. To popularize conservationally important species. METHODOLOGY Based on the published work (Renuka, 1999), plan for the plant exploration trips was prepared covering the important localities and round the seasons. The data on the habit, habitat and phenology as far as possible were collected in the field. Digital photographs showing all distinguishing features were taken for the preparation of digital herbarium. Fruits wherever possible were collected in bulk for the mass propagation and for the distribution of the saplings. Herbarium like Central national Herbarium were consulted for identification and recording of earlier localities of collection of various palms. The seed germination experiments were done in selected species, particularly Rattans for the easy propagation strategies. Seedlings were raised in the Palmetum nursery on beds and were transplanted in polybags for sale and distribution among public. Distribution of saplings was also done through conducting extension programmes with Grama Panchayaths and associated Kudumbasree Units. Location of native palms of Kerala and recording of population Based on earlier literature and field experience, about 40 localities were selected within the Western Ghats regions of Kerala State for survey and collection of data pertaining to Palms. Collection trips were made for the three years of project period and data such as distribution, flowering and fruiting, Strength of the populations, Threats in the localities etc of different palms were recorded. Altogether 44 exploration trips (including trips to the established Herbaria like Central National Herbarium, Kolkata) were conducted and populations of various palms were documented. Repeated trips were conducted in some areas to collect fruits and seeds for generation of saplings. Table 1 4

5 below shows the localities explored and Table 2 shows the distribution of various palms as recorded in these surveys. Table 1: Plant exploration and survey conducted. SL.NO. DATE OF COLLECTION PLACE OF COLLECTION Velli Puthenthoppu Museum, TVPM Ponmudi 5. 27, Rosemala Sankili 7. 10, Kollam, Ashramam 8. 27, Thrissure Rosemala to Kozhikode to Peppara Chemungi Ponmudi Brimoor to Palakkad Shankili 17. 5, Nallilakavu Chemunchi Veli , Shiruvani Brimoor 22. 2, Kottayam /05/07 Silent Valley 24. 9/04/07 Kangikuzhi /07/07 Velli /09/07 Silent Valley /09/07 Dhoni Hills /10/07 Rosemala 29. 5/12/07 Shankili /12/07 Kasarcode /12/07 Kannur /01/08 Tiruchirapalli 5

6 /04/08 Indian Botanic Garden, Culcutta /04/08-1/05/08 Agasthyamala /05/08 Silent valley /05/08 Varapuzha /05/08 Enathu /05/08 Kumili /12/08 Coimbatore, Silent Valley, Guruvayoor /01/09 Trichy /02/09 Pandimotta, Cheenikala /03/09 Chinnar, Kottayam, Vagamon /02/09 Thenmalai /03/09 Kasargode Table 2: Distribution of the different species in Western Ghats region of Kerala State. Plant Name Triv andr um Kolla m Kotta yam Kozh zikod e Kannu r Kasargo de Palakk ad Idu kky Remarks Arenga wightii x x x x x x x Fairly common Bentinckia x x Very rare with condapana restricted and localized population Calamus x x x x Not very brandisii common C. delesertianus x x x x x Fairly common C. gambli x x Rare and seen in few populations C. hookerianus x x x x Fairly common C. revalis x x x Fairly common C. thwaitesii x x x x x x Fairly common throughout the State C. renukai x Very rare and only one 6

7 population recorded C. wightii x Very rare and found in only one population C. travancoricus x Very rare C. karnatakensis x Very rare with very few populations C. dransfieldii x Very rare C. nagabathai x Very rare C. vattayila x x x Rsre but seen in fairly good range C. shendurunii x Only one population with very few plants located C. pseudotenuis x x Rare Corypha umbraculifera Pinanga dicksonii x x Only seen in scattered ccultivations x x x x x x Distribute throughout, but with restricted and rare populations Caryota urens x x x x x x x Well distributed but with isolated populations Endemic palms such as Arenga wightii and Pinanga dicksonii and species like Caryota urens showed a wider range of distribution throughout the State, whereas most of the Calamus species were found in restricted populations in smaller populations. Over exploitation of rattans may be one of the reasons for this. The extremely rare species such as Bentinckia condapanna, C. renukai, C. wightii, C. karnatakensis, C. dransfieldii and C. shendurunii were located in 1 or two localities only. Herbarium specimens, seeds and 7

8 seedlings were collected from these localities for further study on seed germination and for nursery development. Digital Herbarium of Palms of Kerala Authentic herbarium specimens preserved at Herbaria are the important tool for identification of plant species. Dried specimen sample preserved at herbaria are used all over the world for this purposes. Palm specimens are poorly represented in all Herbaria because the plant as well as the flowers and fruits are always bulky and of very large size to be accommodated on a herbarium sheet. This makes the authentic identification of palm species difficult. To overcome this problem preparation of a digital Herbarium of Kerala palms was proposed in the project. During the collection trips detailed digital photographs of all the plants and parts were taken for preparation of a digital herbarium. A digital herbarium of all these species was prepared showing the distinguishing features. This will form an authentic data for the correct identification of Palms of Kerala State Table 3 is the list of palms for which digital herbarium was prepared. A hard copy of the digital herbarium is enclosed as annexure. Table 3 -List of species for which digital herbarium was prepared. Sl. No Plant Name 1 Areca catechu 2 Arenga wightii 3 Bentinckia condapana 4 Borassus flabellifer 5 Calamus brandisii 6 C. delesertianus 7 C. dransfeldii 8 C. gambli 9 C. hookerianus 10 C. huegelianus 8

9 11 C. metzianus 12 C. nagabatii 13 C. pseudotenuis 14 C. renukai 15 C. shendurunii 16 C. thwaitesii 17 C. travancoricus 18 C. vattayila 29 Caryota urens 20 Corypha umbraculifera 21 Cocos nucifera 22 Pinanga dicksonii Seed germination, storage and dormancy of selected threatened species and propagation of seedlings for popularization. (Publication in this is given as appendix) As a group of highly economic palms, the genus Clamus was selected for detailed germination and propagation studies. Germination studies of different Calamus species such as Calamus brandisii, C. gamble, C. hookerianus, C. pseudotenuis, C. metzianus C. shendurunii, C.thwaitesii, C. travancoricus, C. vattayila was done. The germination studies were practiced in the laboratory conditions as well as in the field with different media. Mature seeds of palms generally showed % germination when sowed soon after harvest. In Calamus species the viability get reduced on drying. This may be the reason for poor germination of Calamus in the field as they usually get ripened during the summer periods. Calamus species are distributed in the Western Ghats at m altitudinal ranges. The species like C. thewetsii, C. travancoricus, C. hookerianus and C. pseudotenuis inhabit deciduous to evergreen forests while C. metzianus grows well in 9

10 coastal regions. C. bransdsii, C. gambleii, C. shendurnii, C. karnatakensis and C. vattayila inhabit moderate high altitudes 0f m altitudes. Phenological observation reveled that flowering of 5 species (C. bransdsii, C. metzianus, C. karnatakensis, C. travancoricus and C. vattayila) spreads during October December while that of others July August. Fruiting is from March to September accordingly. Fresh moist content of seeds varied from 19 to 34 %. In general majority of palm seeds are with recalcitrant character. Species with high moisture content, i.e., above 30 % are confined to higher altitude (above 1000 m msl) where as species with lower moisture content are seen at lower altitudes. Germination percentage of fresh seeds varied from , except that of C. travancoricus and C. pseudotenuis with 50 and 70 % germination respectively. Most of the species exhibit % seed germination. Seeds of C. gamblei, C. vattayila and C. thwaitesii started germination in 3-8 days. C. travancoiricus, C. hookerianus and C. karnatakensis possess a short dormancy period so that their seeds germinated after 95, 58 and 55 days respectively. Since seed germination is very poor in Calamus species germination of them in nursery condition will help much in taking conservation programmes successful. The present study provides research lead to the bulk propagation of the Calamus species and will add to the effort of cultivation and restoration of the material PROPAGATION Mass propagation of 12 selected palms was done. (List of plants is given below. Approximately 1000 seedlings each of the above species were propagated. Seeds harvested from the wild were sown on beds in the nursery. Germinated seeds were transplanted in poly bags. Grown up seedlings were distributed to the public through Garden outlet as well as conducting extension programmes for farmers through Grama Panchayaths. A tie-up was made with Kerala Forest Department to develop a Calamus conservatory at Kulathurpuzha. 10

11 Table 4. Species in which mass propagation achieved 1. Calamus brandisii 2. Calamus gamblei 3. Calamus shendurunii 4. Calamus karnatakensis 5. Calamus thwaitesi 6. Calamus pseudotenuis 7. Calamus vattayila 8. Calamus hookerianus 9. Corypha umbraculifera 10. Pinanga dicksonii 11. Phoenix pusills 12. Bentinckia condapanna EXTENSION ACTIVITIES A nursery for the palms of Kerala, especially for the rattans was developed through the project. Over 1000 seedlings each of 12 selected palms were grown in the nursery. These species were distributed to the public through sale at the garden outlet. Besides this public interactive extension programmes were arranged with the assistance of Grama Panchayath and Kudumbasree units. Three such extension programmes were conducted at Melila, Velium and Peringla Grama Panchyaths. About 1000 farmers and Kudumbasree members participated in the programme. Seedlings of rare Calamus as well as other palms were distributed among the participants. Representatives from Western Ghats Cell and the institute participated and took classes on the importance of the conservation through people s participation. ACHIEVEMENTS The present project aimed at the explorative inventory of the palms of the southern Western Ghats of Kerala and their multiplication and popularization so as to enhance conservation of the rare and endemic palms. The objectives were not completely fulfilled because the diversity of palm flora in Western Ghats was too high to be done within the time frame 3 years. However every effort was made to survey, collection, propagation and 11

12 popularization of palms from as much forest locality as possible. The following are the highlights of the work. Different forest areas of Western Ghats were surveyed. Populations of 23 different palm and rattan species at different forest localities were documented. Fruits and propagation materials of 12 species were collected for propagation studies and production of saplings. This collection was of high importance since we could develop ex-situ conservatories of many endemic rattan and palms for the first time. Germination and propagation of 12 different Calamus and palm species were done. Approximately 1000 seedlings of each species were made and utilized for restoration, reintroduction, making of conservation plots and distribution among public and for extension programme with farmers and Kudumbasree members in selected Grama Panchayaths. About 500 herbarium sheets of palms were prepared. Digital herbariums of 22 palm species were prepared. This will help in the easy identification of the palms of Kerala, especially Calamus species. During the study a new species of Calamus viz; C. renukae was described new to Science from Silent Valley Forest area. With the collaboration of Kerala Forest Department, a conservation plot for Rattan Palms was developed at Kulathurpuzha forest area as a trial plot for reintroduction and restoration. 250 saplings each of the 10 Calamus species were planted in this plot for developing a conservatory a Calamus conservatory. Extension programmes were conducted for distribution and conservation of endemic and rare palm species in in selected Grama Panchayaths. Melia Gramapanchayath and Velium Gramapanchayath of Kollam district Peringamala Gramapanchayath of Thiruvananthapuram 12

13 District were selected for the programme. Saplings of 5 endemic palms and rattans were distributed to 350 farmers in each Grama Panchayaths. CONCLUTION In Kerala region of the Western Ghats, palms are represented very well with 24 species in 10 genera. Among these, rattans play an important role as poor man s timber, in furniture industry and crafts. Many of these rattans like Calamus travancoricus and Calamus vattaila are endemic and their over exploitation lead to rarity and endangerment. During the three years we conducted field trip to the different forest areas of Southern Western Ghats of Kerala for locating the different natural populations of palms and rattans and for their survey. The survey indicates that the species such as Calamus thwaitesi, C. hookerianus, and C. psuedotenus are the most common species found through the Southern Western Ghats of Kerala. Calamus wighti, C. dransfieldi, C. renukai, C. vattayila are restricted to certain pockets of Western Ghats. Through the project we could develop a conservatory for rare rattans in collaboration with the Forest Department. We could also popularize the planting of conservation of endemic palms among the public through conducting series of seminars and distribution of saplings. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We are thankful to Department of Planning and Economic Affairs Western Ghats Development Programme (WGDP) for sanctioning the project and supporting us in the implementation and conduct of the various extension programmes. We are grateful to the Director, TBGRI, for providing us facilities and encouragements for the functioning of this project. PUBLICATIONS Joemon Jacob, K C Kariyappa, and N Mohanan, Conservation of Corypha umbraculifera L.- a fast depleting palm in Kerala. Natural resource management and livelihood support systems, Compendium of Selected Research Paper and Articles published at the State Level 13

14 Seminar, Western Ghats Cell, Planning and Economic Affairs Department, Trivandrum, Kerala. Pp: Joemon Jacob, K C Kariyappa, E S Santhosh Kumar and N Mohanan, Corypha umbraculifera L. - A fast depleting palm of South India. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products. Vol.14 (1): Joemon Jacob, N Mohanan and K C Kariyappa, A new species of Calamus L. (Arecaceae) from Silent Valley, the Western Ghats, India. Vol. 18(1): Kariyappa K C, Joemon Jacob and N Mohanan Foliar stomatal characters as supplementary tool for identification of rattans: A case study in selected Calamus species of the Western Ghats, Kerala. J. Bamboo and Rattans 8 (1&2): Mohanan, N, Joemon Jacob and K C Kariyappa, Medicinal Palms of Kerala. Pointer Publications, Jaipur, India. Pp: