PHENOLOGICAL STUDIES OF TWO BOMBACACEAEN MEMBERS FROM GIRNAR RESERVE FOREST, JUNAGADH, GUJARAT, INDIA

Indian Forester, 140 (1) : 59-64, 2014 http://www.indianforester.co.in PHENOLOGICAL STUDIES OF TWO BOMBACACEAEN MEMBERS FROM GIRNAR RESERVE FOREST, JUNAGADH, GUJARAT, INDIA 1 R.N. NAKAR, B.A. JADEJA AND H.L. DHADUK Department of Botany, M.D. Science College, Porbandar-360 575, Gujarat, India. rupeshnakar@gmail.com ISSN No. 0019-4816 (Print) ISSN No. 2321-094X (Online) ABSTRACT Phenoloigical observations were carried out on two different tree woody species viz. Adansonia digitata L. and Bomabax ceiba L. of Bombacaceae family in Girnar Reserve Forest, near Junagadh in Gujarat state, in western India (70 28' to 70 27'N latitude and 21 30' to 21 26' E longitude) during the year 2008-10. The phenological behavior of both species were little different throughout the period of observation. In Adansonia digitata L., new foliage and leaf fall remained for 50 and 131.5 days respectively as mean value for both the years, while flowering and fruiting was observed for 50.5 and 33 days respectively. In Bombax ceiba L. new foliage and leaf fall was seen during 48.5 and 138.5 mean days respectively, while flowering and fruiting remained for 51 and 58.5 days respectively. Inter phenophase phenology showed that duration of new foliage to leaf fall remained about 195 days in Adansonia digitata L while 335.5 days in Bombax ceiba L. Different phenological parameters like diameter of stem, branches per tree, leaves per branch, inflorescence per branch, flowering per branch, fruiting per branch were also evaluated. Key words: Phenology, Adansonia digitata L., Bombax ceiba L., Girnar Reserve Forest Introduction drought-induced leaf fall, results in a number of Phenology is the study of responds of plants flowering patterns in tropical trees (Borchert et al., towards climatic changes. The word is derived from 2002). Greek word 'Phaino' means to appear or come into view. Progress made in the field of phenology is very In the ecology, term is used more generally to indicate much inspiring (Croat, 1975; Frankie et al., 1974; Putz, the period for any seasonal phenomena, including the 1979; Singh and Kushwaha, 2005 a & b; Sun et al., 1996). dates of last appearance. Small variations in climate have Tree species in sub tropical forest has been studied in great influence over vegetation. Pattern of phenological northeastern region in India. (Boojh and Ramakrishnan, events are variously used for characterization of 1981; Kikim and Yadava, 2001; Shukla and Ramakrishnan, vegetation type (Opler et al., 1980; Shimwell, 1972). 1982). Very less number of attempts has been made to Rukhdo (Adansonia digitata L.) is one of the endangered evaluate the phenology of tree species in tropical dry trees of Saurashtra region. It has economic importance deciduous forest (Khan, 1999; Kushwaha and Singh, as its bark is used in different types of fevers, leaves are 2005). used as vegetables as fresh or dried, fruits are good food Material and Method for monkeys that's why it is also known as monkeys bred Present study was carried out during August 2008 tree. (Santapau, 1971; Denial and Nagar, 2010). Shemalo to August 2010, for the period of two year to evaluate the (Bombax ceiba) is although well known tree, its spines phenology of two species of Bombacaceae family in and bark are widely used for the preparation of cream Girnar Reserve Forest, Junagadh, which is the city with used against skin diseases and pimples by local people ancient history of Saurashtra region in Gujarat state of here as well as other places also. The study of phenology India. Girnar forest is 6 km away from Junagadh city, is provides information and knowledge about the pattern known for its biodiversity and religious importance, has of plant growth and the development as well as effect of been declared as Girnar Wildlife National Sanctuary by environment and selective pressures on flowering and Government, falls under 70 28' to 70 27'N latitude and fruiting behavior (Zhang et al., 2006). Variation in 21 30' to 21 26' E longitude and has spread of about 182 flowering time relative to vegetative phenology induced square kilometer. Climate is divisible into three seasons: by variety of factors like significant rain in winter or summer (April to mid June), monsoon (mid June to summer, decreasing or increasing photoperiod, or September) and winter (November to February). During New foliage and leaf fall in Adansonia digitata L. was 50 and 131.5 days while it was 48.5 and 138.5 days respectively in Bomabax ceiba L. 1 Department of Agril. Botany, Junagadh Agril. University, Junagadh-362 001,Gujarat, India

60 The Indian Forester [January Fig. 2 : Number of approximate days for different phenological events Fig. 1 : Climate of the Girnar R.F. study period, maximum soil temperature was recorded up to 42.88 C and 44.45 C in May during years 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively. January was coolest month with value of 18.9 C and 21.64 C of soil temperature for years 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively. Average value of wind speed was 6.39 and 6.25 km/h for years 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively. Average rain during 2008-09 and 2009-10 were 103.05 and 69.18 mm respectively (Fig. 1). Overall, the area is dry humid area of Saurashtra region. Field visits were arranged week to week to observe phenological process like new foliage, leaf fall, flowering Table 1 : Phenology from August-2008 to August- 2010 in Girnar R. F. No. Phenological Event Adansonia digitata L. Bombax ceiba L. 2008-09 2009-10 Mean App. days 2008-09 2009-10 Mean App. days 1. New foliage 1 Jun-20 Jul 6 Jun- 25 July 50.0 10 Jun-30 Jul 8 May-22 Jun 48.5 2. Leaf fall 20 Aug-25 Dec 20 Aug- 4 Jan 131.5 15 Dec-25 Apr 3 Dec-26 April 138.5 3. Flowering 1 May-25 Jun 8 May-22 June 50.5 4 Jan- 25 Feb 4 Jan- 22 Feb 51.0 4. Fruiting 30 Jun-25 Jul 16 June- 25 July 33.0 22 Feb-30 Mar 10 Feb-29 May 58.5 Average - - 66.25 - - 74.125 Minimum - - 131.5 - - 138.5 Maximum - - 33.0 - - 48.5

2014] Phenological studies of two bombacaceaen members from Girnar Reserve Forest, Junagadh, Gujarat, India 61 Table 2 : Inter phenophase phenology from August-2008 to August- 2010 in Girnar R.F. No. Phenological Event Adansonia digitata L. Bombax ceiba L. 2008-09 2009-10 Mean App. days 2008-09 2009-10 Mean App. days 1. Nf-Lf 209.0 181.0 195.0 319 352.0 335.5 2. Nf-Fl 81.0 78.0 79.5 207 169.0 188.0 3. NF-Fr 56.0 50.0 53.0 157 132.0 144..5 4. Fl-Fr 56.0 77.0 66.5 85 145.0 115.0 Average 100.5 96.5 98.5 192.0 199.5 195.75 Minimum 56.0 50.0 53.0 85.0 132.0 115.0 Maximum 209.0 181.0 195.0 319.0 352.0 335.5 Table 3 : Mean values of all the parameters of phenological diversity Adansonia digitata L. No. Months Dos Bpt Lpb Ipb Flpb Frpb 1. Aug-Sep,08 90.10 1.60 25.00 1.0.0.00 2. Dec-Jan,09 90.11 1.6.00 22.00 9.00 3.00 3. Apr-May,09 90.11 1.60 148.00 12.00 10.00 6.00 4. Aug-Sep,09 90.11 1.60 90.11 6.00 5.00 1.00 5. Dec-Jan,10 90.11 1.6.00 3.00 1.0.00 6. Apr-May,10 90.11 1.61 0.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 7. Aug-Sep,10 90.15 1.62 23.00 20.00 6.00 1.00 Average 90.11 1.60 40.87 10.00 5.14 2.14 Sd 0.01 0.01 52.76 7.65 3.44 2.10 Max 90.15 1.62 148.00 22.00 10.00 6.00 Table 4 : Mean values of all the parameters of phenological diversity Bombax ceiba L. No. Months Dos Bpt Lpb Ipb Flpb Frpb 1. Aug-Sep,08 75.40 1.90 84.0.0.0.00 2. Dec-Jan,09 75.40 1.90 42.00 28.00 39.00 9.00 3. Apr-May,09 75.40 1.90 99.00 23.00 39.00 9.00 4. Aug-Sep,09 75.40 1.90 75.40 12.0.0.00 5. Dec-Jan,10 75.40 1.90 4.00 17.00 57.0.00 6. Apr-May,10 75.40 1.92 9.00 17.00 57.00 14.00 7. Aug-Sep,10 75.45 1.92 16.00 20.00 64.00 22.00 Average 75.41 1.91 47.06 16.71 36.57 7.71 Sd 0.02 0.01 36.17 8.28 24.71 7.80 Max 75.45 1.92 99.00 28.00 64.00 22.00 Where, Nf= New foliage, Lf= Leaf fall, Fl=Flowering, Fr= Fruiting, DOS= Diameter of stem, Bpt= Branches per tree, Lpb= Leaves per branch, Ipb=Inflorescence per branch, Flpb=Flowers per branch, Frpb= Fruits per branch, Girnar R.F.= Girnar Reserve Forest and fruiting in Girnar Reserve Forest, using method of Opler et al. (1980), includes important data regarding two species occurring in the area. Individuals of both the tree species were marked and tagged. One branch was selected for the production of flowers and fruits in each of tree species. Flowering and fruiting were calculated in number of days and number of cumulative days for each phenological event. Pattern of fruit shedding was also studied whether fruit was dehiscent or indehiscent. Phenological diversity among tree species has been shown in Table 2 and 3, while different phenological parameters like diameter of stem, branches per tree, leaves per branch, inflorescence per branch, flowering per branch, fruiting per branch are shown in Table 4. Photographs were taken of different phonological stages and put here (Fig. 4). Fig. 3 : Correlation between different parameters of Phenology (2008-2010) Where, Nf= New foliage, Lf= Leaf fall, Fl=Flowering, Fr= Fruiting, DOS= Diameter of stem, Bpt= Branches per tree, Lpb= Leaves per branch, Ipb=Inflorescence per branch, Flpb=Flowers per branch, Frpb= Fruits per branch

62 The Indian Forester [January Fig. 4.1 : Bombax ceiba L.without flowering Fig. 4.2 : Bombax ceiba L. in flowering Fig. 4.3 : Adansonia digitata L.without flowering Fig. 4.4 : Adansonia digitata L.in flowering Fig. 4: Different phenological events for both species of Bombacaceae Results and Discussion Two tree species of bombacaceae family viz. Adansonia digita L. and Bombax ceiba L. were selected for phenological study in Girnar Reserve Forest area. Both the species showed little variation in different phenological events. In 2008-09, new foliage remained for approx. 50 and 51 days, while, leaf fall within 125 and 138 days, flowering with same value of 51 days and fruiting was observed for approx. 33 and 59 days in Adansonia digitata L. and Bombax ceiba L. respectively. In, 2009-10, new foliage was recorded for approx. 50 and 46 days, leaf fall with 138 and 145 approximate days, flowering within 46 and 50 days and fruiting with 40 and 81 days. In inter phenophase study, in Adansoinia digitata L., new foliage to leaf drop was observed for 209 and 181 days with mean value of 195 days for study years 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively, new foliage to flowering was seen for 81 and 78 with average value of 79.5 approximate days for study years, for new foliage to fruiting interphenophase, time period varied for 56 and 50 days with average value of 53 approximate days for the study years. Flowering to fruiting remained for 56 and 77 with mean value of 66.5 approximate days. In Bombax ceiba L., new foliage to leaf fall was remained for 319 and 352 approximate days with mean value of 335.5 days for study years 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively, new foliage to flowering observed for 207 and 169 with average value of 188 approximate days for study years, for new foliage to fruiting time period varied little for 157 and 132 days with average value of 144.5 approximate

2014] Phenological studies of two bombacaceaen members from Girnar Reserve Forest, Junagadh, Gujarat, India 63 days for the study years. Flowering to fruiting remained Fruits per branch ranged between upto 6.00 in for 85 and 145 with mean value of 115 approximate days. Adansonia digitata L. and upto 22.00 in Bombax ceiba L. All these data's are shown in Table 1 and 2 (Fig. 2). Data are shown in Table 3 and 4. Phenological behaviour of both bombacean members varied little for two years. But for Adansonia digitata L. flowering remained during May-June followed by sudden fruiting in June-July months for both years, while in case of Bombax ceiba L. flowering was observed during January-February followed by fruiting in March- April months. New foliage was there in June-July in Adansonia digitata L. while it was also observed in May month also in Bombax ceiba L. during study. Heavy leaf fall was observed with start of December month in Adansonia digitata L. Linear correlation of two year data indicated that there was highest correlation 0.96 between branches per tree and leaves per branch characters, and lowest correlation value was 0.41 for branches per tree and inflorescence per branch in Adansonia digitata L while in Bombax ceiba L., highest correlation, 0.83, was recorded for branches per tree and inflorescence per branch and lowest 0.44 for diameter of stem and leaves per branch respectively (Fig. 3). Studying phenological diversity, parameters like branches per tree, diameter of stem, leaves per branch, inflorescence per branch, flowers per branch, fruits per branch were recorded at every two months intervals. For, Adansonia digitata L., average diameter of stem and branches per trees remained with values 90.11 and 1.60 respectively, while in Bombax ceiba L, 75.41 and 1.91 were respective values for both the characters. Leaves per branch, in Adansonia digitata L. remained 40.87 as average with maximum value of 148.00 in April-May in 2009, and in Bombax ceiba L. average leaves per branch remained as 47.06 and 99.00 as maximum in April-May in 2009. Inflorescence per branch varied with 1.00 to 22.00 with average value of 10.00 in Adansonia digitata L., while Bombax ceiba L. exhibited highest value of 28.00 for inflorescence per branch in moths, December- January in 2009 with average value of 16.71. In flowers per branch study, maximum flowering was seen during April May 2009 in Adansonia digitata L. and August- September, 2010 for Bombax ceiba L.with highest values of 10.00 and 64.00 for both the species respectively. Conclusion Acknowledgement Authors are thankful to Forest Department, Girnar Reserve Forest, Junagadh for their continuous help throughout the field visits. We cannot forget support of Dr. A.L. Singh (Head of Basic Science and Plant Physilogy, Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh ) and Miss Lata Raval (Assistant Professor, Department of Agril. Botany, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh) for their encouragement during study. fxjukjfjtoz ou]twukx<+]xqtjkr(hkjr)esa nks ckeckdkfl;uesaclz dk½rqtsodh;vè;u vkj-,u-udj]ch-,-tmstkrfk,p-,y-/knqd lkjka'k 1 01 o"kz 208&10ds nksjkuxqtjkrjkt;esa twukx<+ ds iklfxjukjfjtoz ou]if'pehhkjr(7028ls 7027,uv{ka'krFk2130ls 00 2126bZ ns'karjesa nks dk"bh;iztkfr;ksa vfkzr,mulksfu;kfmthvkvkrfkckecsdkflok,yckeckdkfl;kdqy)ij½rqtsodh;voyksdu fd;s x;savoyksduds nksjkunksuksa iztkfr;ksa ds ½rqtSodh;O;ogkjesa vurjik;kx;ka,mulksfu;kfmthvkvk,y-i.kzikrurfkuoi.kz lewg Øe'k%131-5rFk50fnujgktks nks o"ksza dkvkslrfktcfdiq"iuvksjiqyuøe'k%50-5vksj3fnujgkackecsdlflok,yesa uoi.kz lewgrfki.kz ikruøe'k%48-5rfk138-5ekè;fnoljgktcfdiq"iuvksjiqyuøe'k%51rfk58-5fnujgkavr%½rq vof/ ½rqtSfodhls irkpykfd,mulksfu;kfmthvkvk,yesa uoi.kz lewgrfki.kz ikru195fnuksa rdjgktcfdckecsdlflok,yesa 35&5 fnurdjgkafofhkuu½rqtsodh;izkpyksa dkewy;kadufd;kx;ka;fk%rus dko;kl]izr;sdò{kesa 'k[k;sa]izfr'k[kesa ifrr;ka]izfr'k[kds iq"iu]izfr'k[kesa iq"ilewg]izfr'k[kesa iqyua References Boojh, R. and Ramakrishnan, P.S. (1981). Phenology of tree in sub-tropical evergreen montane forest in northeast India, Geo-Eco-Trop, 5: 189-209. Borchert, R., Rivera, G. and Hagnauer, W. (2002). Modification of vegetative phenology in a tropical semi deciduous forest by abnormal drought and rain, Biotropica, 34: 27-39. Croat, T.B. (1975). Phenological behavior of habit and habitat classes on Barro Colorado Island (Panama Canal Zone), Biotropica, 7: 270-277. Daniel, M. and Nagar, P.S., (2010). Sojourn to the herbal treasures of MSU (Botanical gardens, Arboretum and Dhanvantri). Maharaja Sayaji Rao University of Baroda, Arihant offset printers, Vadodara. Frankie, G.W., Baker, H.G. and Opler, P.A.. (1974). Comparative phenological studies of trees in tropical wet and dry forests in the low lands of Costa Rica, Journal of Ecology, 62: 881-919.

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