Author:
RIKHARI H.C.,PALNI L.M.S.,SHARMA S.,NANDI S.K.
Abstract
Taxus baccata L. subsp. wallichiana (Zucc.) Pilger has come into prominence in recent times due to its uncontrolled harvesting from the Himalayan wilds for the extraction of the anti-cancer drug Taxol. It is a very slow growing tree with poor regeneration, and the extent of canopy damage is likely to have serious consequences on biomass yield, plant survival and natural regeneration by affecting 'seed' output. The present study in the Jageshwar area of the Central Himalaya aimed to determine the stand and canopy structure, microsite characteristics, extent of canopy removal, and regeneration in human-disturbed and undisturbed sites. The number of trees, saplings and seedlings varied amongst plots. Leaf area index and canopy volume increased with increasing circumference at breast height. Of the total canopy volume, 57.4% was found to have been removed from the study area (9.54 ha; representing about 8% of the total T. baccata habitat). Regeneration of the species was found to be better in moist and shady microsites at undisturbed locations than in disturbed sites. Efforts made thus far for its conservation, and future strategies are discussed.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law,Nature and Landscape Conservation,Pollution,Water Science and Technology
Cited by
28 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献