Pterocarpus Marsupium (Malabar Kino or Vijayasar) | Forestry Optional for UPSC IFS
Pterocarpus marsupium, commonly known as Indian Kino Tree or Malabar Kino, is a deciduous tree native to India. It is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is also used for timber and resin production.
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Introduction of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
Pterocarpus marsupium, commonly known as Indian Kino Tree or Malabar Kino, is a deciduous tree native to India. It is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is also used for timber and resin production.
Taxonomy for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms (flowering plants)
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- Genus: Pterocarpus
- Species: Pterocarpus marsupium
Phenology of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Flowering: Pterocarpus marsupium typically flowers during the dry season, which can vary depending on its specific habitat but is often observed in late winter or early spring.
- Fruiting: The tree bears fruit following the flowering period, with the fruits maturing during the early part of the wet season.
- Leaf Shedding: In response to environmental conditions, such as drought, this species may undergo leaf shedding as a survival mechanism.
Ecology for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Habitat: Pterocarpus marsupium is commonly found in deciduous forests and dry, rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soils.
- Associations: It often grows alongside other drought-resistant species and plays a role in providing shade and shelter for other plants and animals.
- Fire Adaptation: Some populations of P. marsupium have developed adaptations to survive periodic wildfires common in their habitat, such as thick bark or fire-resistant seeds.
Origin of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Pterocarpus marsupium is native to the Indian subcontinent.
- It is indigenous to countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
- This tree has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India.
Natural Distribution of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Pterocarpus marsupium is primarily distributed in India, where it is widely distributed across the central and southern regions.
- It is also found in parts of Sri Lanka and Nepal.
- Within India, it can be found in various states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, where it grows in both natural and cultivated settings.
Characteristics of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Pterocarpus Marsupium is a medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family.
- It is commonly known as Indian Kino Tree or Malabar Kino Tree.
- The tree can reach a height of up to 30 meters and has a straight trunk with a diameter of about 1 meter.
- The bark of Pterocarpus Marsupium is dark brown and rough, with deep vertical fissures.
- The leaves are compound, alternate, and pinnate, with 3-5 pairs of leaflets.
- The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and arranged in axillary or terminal racemes.
- The fruit is a flat, oblong pod that contains one or two seeds.
Propagation of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
1. Seed Propagation:
- Collect mature seeds from healthy Pterocarpus Marsupium trees.
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to enhance germination.
- Sow the seeds in well-draining soil or seed trays.
- Maintain a warm temperature of around 25-30°C for optimal germination.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.
- Transplant the seedlings into individual pots or desired planting location once they have developed a few true leaves.
2. Vegetative Propagation:
- Select healthy and disease-free branches or stems from mature Pterocarpus Marsupium trees.
- Prepare the cuttings by removing any leaves from the lower portion and making a clean cut just below a node.
- Dip the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone to promote root development.
- Plant the cuttings in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of sand and peat moss.
- Place the cuttings in a warm and humid environment, ideally with bottom heat.
- Mist the cuttings regularly to maintain high humidity levels.
- Rooting usually occurs within 4-8 weeks.
- Transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots or desired planting location once they have developed a strong root system.
3. Grafting:
- Select a healthy rootstock of a closely related Pterocarpus species or a compatible plant.
- Prepare a scion by taking a young shoot or bud from a desired Pterocarpus Marsupium tree.
- Make a clean cut on the rootstock and scion, ensuring they have matching diameters.
- Join the rootstock and scion together using a grafting technique such as whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting.
- Secure the graft union with grafting tape or a similar material.
- Place the grafted plant in a warm and humid environment, protecting it from direct sunlight.
- Monitor the graft union for successful fusion, which usually takes several weeks.
- Transplant the grafted plant into a suitable container or desired planting location once the graft has fully healed.
Seed Treatment for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
1. Scarification:
- Process of mechanically scratching or nicking the seed coat.
- Helps in breaking seed dormancy by allowing water and oxygen to penetrate.
- Increases germination rates.
2. Stratification:
- Involves exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to simulate natural winter conditions.
- Typically used for species with hard seed coats or cold-stratification requirements.
- Enhances uniform germination.
3. Hot Water Treatment:
- Seeds are soaked in hot water (usually around 50-60°C) for a specified period.
- Effective in reducing fungal and bacterial pathogens on the seed surface.
- Helps to improve germination rates.
4. Pre-soaking:
- Seeds are soaked in water for a certain duration before sowing.
- Promotes hydration and softening of seed coats, aiding germination.
5. Chemical Seed Treatment:
- Involves the use of chemicals such as fungicides and insecticides.
- Protects seeds from fungal and insect damage during germination.
- Requires careful handling to avoid harm to the environment.
6. Priming:
- Seeds are exposed to controlled moisture and temperature conditions for a specific period.
- Promotes rapid and uniform germination.
- Reduces the time taken for seedlings to emerge.
7. Smoke Treatment:
- Some species, including Pterocarpus marsupium, benefit from exposure to smoke or smoke water.
- Mimics the natural conditions of wildfires, stimulating germination.
- Useful for species with smoke-induced dormancy.
8. Seed Coating:
- Seeds are coated with materials like clay, nutrients, or beneficial microorganisms.
- Enhances seed protection, nutrient availability, and seedling vigor.
9. Biological Seed Treatment:
- Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi or beneficial bacteria.
- Promotes symbiotic relationships that improve nutrient uptake and growth.
Pterocarpus Marsupium: Rotation Age, Spacing, Tending Operations and Yield
Rotation Age:
- Pterocarpus Marsupium is a slow-growing tree species with a rotation age of around 50-60 years.
- The rotation age refers to the time it takes for the tree to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.
- This long rotation age ensures that the tree has enough time to develop a strong and durable wood quality.
Spacing:
- The spacing of Pterocarpus Marsupium trees is an important factor in their growth and development.
- The recommended spacing for this species is around 3-4 meters between individual trees.
- Adequate spacing allows each tree to receive sufficient sunlight, nutrients, and water, promoting healthy growth and development.
Tending Operations:
- Tending operations are essential for the proper management and care of Pterocarpus Marsupium trees.
- These operations include activities such as weeding, pruning, and thinning.
- Weeding helps to control the growth of competing vegetation, reducing competition for resources.
- Pruning involves removing dead or diseased branches, promoting better tree health and growth.
- Thinning is the selective removal of some trees to create more space and resources for the remaining trees, improving overall stand quality.
Yield:
- Pterocarpus Marsupium is primarily valued for its high-quality timber, which has various commercial uses.
- The yield of this species refers to the amount of usable timber obtained from a harvested tree.
- The yield can vary depending on factors such as tree age, size, and growth conditions.
- On average, a mature Pterocarpus Marsupium tree can yield around 10-15 cubic meters of timber.
- The yield can be further enhanced through proper tending operations and management practices.
Soil Requirements for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Well-drained soil: Pterocarpus Marsupium prefers soil that is well-drained to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Sandy loam soil: It thrives in sandy loam soil, which provides good drainage while retaining some moisture.
- pH level: The ideal pH range for Pterocarpus Marsupium is between 6.0 and 7.5, indicating a slightly acidic to neutral soil condition.
- Organic matter: The presence of organic matter in the soil enhances its fertility and nutrient content, promoting healthy growth of Pterocarpus Marsupium.
Climate for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Tropical climate: Pterocarpus Marsupium is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm climates.
- Temperature: It prefers temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius (68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Rainfall: Pterocarpus Marsupium requires a moderate amount of rainfall, around 1000 to 2000 mm (39 to 79 inches) annually, for optimal growth.
- Sunlight: It requires full sunlight exposure to thrive and develop properly.
- Humidity: Pterocarpus Marsupium prefers a humid environment, with relative humidity levels around 60-80%.
Silvicultural Characters of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
1. Growth habit:
- Pterocarpus Marsupium is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree.
- It has a straight and cylindrical bole with a spreading crown.
2. Height and diameter:
- The tree can reach a height of 30-40 meters.
- The diameter of the trunk can range from 1-2 meters.
3. Bark:
- The bark of Pterocarpus Marsupium is thick, dark brown, and deeply fissured.
- It exudes a red resin known as "Indian kino" when wounded.
4. Leaves:
- The leaves are compound, alternate, and pinnate.
- Each leaf has 5-7 leaflets that are elliptical or ovate in shape.
5. Flowers:
- The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers in dense axillary or terminal panicles.
- The flowering period usually occurs during the summer months.
6. Fruits:
- The fruits are flat, oblong pods that are brown in color.
- Each pod contains 1-2 seeds.
Nursery Techniques for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
1. Seed collection and storage:
- Collect mature seeds from healthy trees.
- Clean and dry the seeds before storage.
- Store the seeds in a cool and dry place to maintain viability.
2. Seed treatment:
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.
- Scarify the seeds by nicking or filing the hard seed coat to enhance germination.
3. Germination:
- Sow the scarified seeds in well-drained nursery beds or containers.
- Maintain a moist and shaded environment for germination.
- Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.
4. Seedling care:
- Provide regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Protect the seedlings from direct sunlight and strong winds.
- Apply organic fertilizers to promote healthy growth.
5. Transplanting:
- Transplant the seedlings into polybags or containers when they reach a height of 15-20 cm.
- Ensure proper spacing between seedlings to allow for their growth.
6. Hardening and field planting:
- Gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions to harden them.
- After 6-8 months, the seedlings can be planted in the field.
- Choose a well-drained site with sufficient sunlight for optimal growth.
Silvicultural Techniques for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
1. Site Selection:
- Choose well-drained soils with good fertility.
- Opt for areas with adequate sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
2. Nursery Techniques:
- Collect mature seeds from healthy parent trees.
- Treat seeds with fungicides to prevent diseases.
- Sow seeds in well-prepared nursery beds.
- Provide regular watering and protection from pests.
3. Seedling Production:
- Transplant seedlings into polybags or containers.
- Maintain optimal moisture levels and provide regular fertilization.
- Protect seedlings from extreme weather conditions and pests.
4. Plantation Establishment:
- Prepare the planting site by removing weeds and debris.
- Dig pits or trenches for planting.
- Space the plants appropriately to allow for proper growth.
- Provide support to young plants if necessary.
5. Weed Control:
- Regularly remove weeds from the plantation area.
- Use manual or mechanical methods for weed control.
- Apply herbicides selectively to control persistent weeds.
Silvicultural Systems for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
1. Clear Cutting:
- Remove all trees in a designated area.
- Plant Pterocarpus Marsupium seedlings in the cleared area.
- Suitable for large-scale commercial plantations.
2. Shelterwood System:
- Gradually remove older trees in stages.
- Allow younger Pterocarpus Marsupium trees to grow under the shade of remaining trees.
- Promotes natural regeneration and maintains forest structure.
3. Selection System:
- Selectively remove mature trees while leaving younger ones.
- Promotes natural regeneration and maintains biodiversity.
- Suitable for sustainable management of Pterocarpus Marsupium forests.
4. Coppice System:
- Cut the tree at ground level, allowing it to regrow from the stump.
- Promotes multiple stems and increases wood production.
- Suitable for fuelwood and small-scale timber production.
5. Agroforestry System:
- Integrate Pterocarpus Marsupium with agricultural crops or livestock.
- Provides additional income sources and enhances ecosystem services.
- Suitable for small-scale farmers and sustainable land use.
Economic Importance of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Timber: Pterocarpus Marsupium is highly valued for its timber, which is known as Indian Kino or Malabar Kino. The wood is durable, termite-resistant, and has a beautiful reddish-brown color. It is used for making furniture, flooring, and construction materials.
- Medicinal Uses: The tree has significant medicinal properties. The resin extracted from the tree, known as Kino, is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating various ailments such as diabetes, diarrhea, and skin diseases. It is also used as an astringent and in the treatment of wounds.
- Gum Production: Pterocarpus Marsupium produces a gum-like substance known as Kino gum. This gum is used in the pharmaceutical and food industries as a binding agent, stabilizer, and flavoring agent.
Natural Regeneration Methods of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
1. Seed Dispersal:
- Seeds of Pterocarpus Marsupium are dispersed naturally by wind, water, or animals.
- Wind dispersal occurs when the mature seeds are released from the tree and carried away by the wind to new locations.
- Water dispersal occurs when the seeds fall into water bodies such as rivers or streams and are carried downstream to germinate in suitable habitats.
- Animal dispersal occurs when animals consume the fruits of Pterocarpus Marsupium and excrete the seeds in different areas, aiding in their dispersal.
2. Germination:
- Pterocarpus Marsupium seeds require specific conditions for germination.
- The seeds need to be exposed to sunlight, as they are light-dependent germinators.
- They also require a suitable substrate, such as well-drained soil, for successful germination.
- Germination can occur naturally when the seeds fall onto suitable soil and receive the necessary sunlight and moisture.
3. Vegetative Propagation:
- Pterocarpus Marsupium can also regenerate naturally through vegetative propagation.
- This occurs when new plants sprout from the roots or stems of existing trees.
- Adventitious buds or shoots develop from the root system or the base of the tree, allowing for the formation of new individuals.
- Vegetative propagation can be advantageous as it allows for the rapid expansion of Pterocarpus Marsupium populations in favorable conditions.
4. Fire Regeneration:
- Pterocarpus Marsupium has adapted to fire-prone habitats and can regenerate after fire events.
- The tree possesses thick bark that protects the inner tissues from heat damage.
- After a fire, the tree can resprout from dormant buds located beneath the bark or from the root system.
- Fire can also stimulate the germination of Pterocarpus Marsupium seeds, as the heat breaks seed dormancy and triggers their growth.
5. Shade Tolerance:
- Pterocarpus Marsupium exhibits varying degrees of shade tolerance during its regeneration process.
- While it can tolerate some shade, it generally prefers open, sunny habitats for optimal growth and regeneration.
- In shaded areas, the tree may face competition from other plant species, limiting its natural regeneration.
Artificial Regeneration Methods of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
1. Seed Collection and Storage:
- Collect mature seeds from healthy Pterocarpus Marsupium trees.
- Ensure proper cleaning and drying of seeds before storage.
- Store seeds in a cool and dry place to maintain viability.
2. Seed Treatment:
- Scarify the hard seed coat to enhance germination.
- Soak the seeds in water for 24-48 hours to soften the coat.
- Treat seeds with fungicides to prevent fungal infections.
3. Nursery Techniques:
- Prepare a well-drained nursery bed with fertile soil.
- Sow the treated seeds at a suitable depth and spacing.
- Provide regular watering and protection from extreme weather conditions.
- Apply organic fertilizers to promote healthy seedling growth.
4. Vegetative Propagation:
- Utilize vegetative propagation methods like stem cuttings or grafting.
- Select healthy and disease-free plant material for propagation.
- Provide appropriate environmental conditions for successful rooting or grafting.
5. Tissue Culture:
- Use tissue culture techniques to propagate Pterocarpus Marsupium.
- Collect plant tissue samples and sterilize them to eliminate contaminants.
- Cultivate the tissue samples in a nutrient-rich medium under controlled conditions.
- Transfer the developed plantlets to the nursery for further growth.
6. Planting Techniques:
- Select suitable sites with well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight.
- Prepare pits or trenches for planting seedlings.
- Ensure proper spacing between seedlings for optimal growth.
- Water the newly planted seedlings regularly to establish root systems.
7. Weed Control:
- Implement effective weed control measures in the plantation area.
- Use manual or mechanical methods to remove weeds.
- Apply mulch or herbicides to suppress weed growth and competition.
8. Maintenance and Care:
- Provide regular watering and fertilization to young plants.
- Protect the plantation from pests and diseases through appropriate measures.
- Prune the plants to shape and promote healthy growth.
- Monitor the overall health and growth of the plantation.
9. Harvesting and Utilization:
- Allow the Pterocarpus Marsupium trees to mature for a minimum of 10-15 years.
- Harvest the trees selectively, considering sustainable management practices.
- Utilize the harvested wood for various purposes like furniture, construction, or medicinal products.
Pterocarpus Marsupium: Principles Governing the Felling of Trees in Forests
1. Sustainable Forest Management:
- This principle ensures that the felling of trees is done in a manner that allows for the regeneration and long-term sustainability of the forest ecosystem.
- It involves assessing the forest's capacity to regenerate and setting limits on the number and type of trees that can be felled.
2. Selective Logging:
- Selective logging involves carefully choosing which trees to cut down, focusing on mature trees that are ready for harvest.
- This practice helps maintain the overall structure and biodiversity of the forest, as it allows for the regeneration of younger trees and the preservation of habitat for various species.
3. Minimum Impact Logging:
- Minimum impact logging techniques aim to minimize the negative effects of tree felling on the surrounding environment.
- This includes using specialized equipment and methods that reduce soil disturbance, prevent erosion, and minimize damage to other trees and vegetation.
Pterocarpus Marsupium: Indian Forest Laws Governing Cultivation and Trade
1. The Indian Forest Act, 1927:
- This act provides the legal framework for the conservation, management, and sustainable use of forests in India.
- It regulates the felling, transportation, and trade of forest produce, including timber from trees like Pterocarpus Marsupium.
2. Forest Conservation Act, 1980:
- The Forest Conservation Act aims to protect and conserve forests by regulating the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
- It requires prior approval from the central government for any activities that may result in the loss of forest cover, including the cultivation and trade of forest produce.
3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:
- The Wildlife Protection Act focuses on the conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats.
- It prohibits the hunting, poaching, and trade of endangered species, including those found in forests where Pterocarpus Marsupium grows.
4. Biodiversity Act, 2002:
- The Biodiversity Act aims to conserve India's rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge associated with it.
- It regulates access to biological resources, including those found in forests, and ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use.
5. Forest Certification:
- Forest certification schemes, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), provide voluntary standards for sustainable forest management.
- These certifications help ensure that the cultivation and trade of forest produce, including Pterocarpus Marsupium, meet internationally recognized sustainability criteria.
Pterocarpus Marsupium: Mortality, Pests, Diseases and Their Control
- Mortality: Pterocarpus Marsupium is susceptible to mortality due to various factors such as drought, flooding, and extreme temperatures.
- Pests: Common pests that affect Pterocarpus Marsupium include bark beetles, termites, and wood borers. These pests can cause damage to the tree's bark, wood, and roots.
- Diseases: Pterocarpus Marsupium can be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. These diseases can weaken the tree and lead to decline or death.
- Control measures: To control mortality, it is important to provide proper irrigation and drainage, protect the tree from extreme weather conditions, and ensure adequate nutrition. Pests can be controlled through regular monitoring, use of insecticides, and proper tree maintenance. Fungal diseases can be managed by improving air circulation, avoiding overwatering, and applying fungicides when necessary.
Tree Improvement for Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Genetic diversity: Pterocarpus Marsupium tree improvement programs aim to enhance genetic diversity within the species by collecting and conserving seeds from different populations.
- Selective breeding: Selective breeding techniques can be used to develop improved varieties of Pterocarpus Marsupium with desirable traits such as faster growth, higher wood quality, and resistance to pests and diseases.
- Hybridization: Hybridization can be employed to create new Pterocarpus Marsupium varieties by crossing different individuals with desirable traits.
- Clonal propagation: Clonal propagation techniques like grafting and tissue culture can be used to produce genetically identical copies of superior Pterocarpus Marsupium trees.
Management of Pterocarpus Marsupium:
- Silvicultural practices: Proper silvicultural practices, such as thinning, pruning, and weeding, can be implemented to promote healthy growth and development of Pterocarpus Marsupium trees.
- Harvesting: Appropriate harvesting techniques should be followed to ensure sustainable utilization of Pterocarpus Marsupium. This includes selective cutting, avoiding overharvesting, and allowing sufficient time for regeneration.
- Conservation: Conservation measures should be taken to protect Pterocarpus Marsupium populations and their habitats. This may involve establishing protected areas, implementing sustainable harvesting practices, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation.
- Community involvement: Involving local communities in the management of Pterocarpus Marsupium forests can help ensure their long-term sustainability. This can be done through participatory approaches, capacity building, and providing economic incentives for sustainable forest management.
Conclusion:
Silviculture practices for Pterocarpus marsupium involve careful site selection, seed collection and storage, nursery techniques, planting, weed control, pruning and thinning, and pest and disease management. By implementing these practices, sustainable cultivation of Pterocarpus marsupium can be achieved, ensuring its continued availability for medicinal and commercial purposes.