TCT

Transfer of
TREE CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGIES

to
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Compiled by
Dr. C. Buvaneswaran
Dr. V. Sivakumar
Mr. R.S. Prasanth, IFS
Dr. N. Krishna Kumar, IFS
INSTITUTE OF FOREST GENETICS AND TREE BREEDING

(Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education)
Coimbatore - 641 002
2014
Published by
Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding
Coimbatore - 641 002.
Printing
Prdag Print
Coimbatore - 641 012.
Ph : 0422 3059034
E-mail : [email protected]
Dr. N. Krishna Kumar, IFS ou vkuqoaf'kdh ,oa o`{k iztuu laLFkku
Director and Òkjrh; okfudh vuqla/kku ,oa f'k{kk ifj"kn
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
fi-ch-ua- 1061 dks;EcRrwj 641 002
Ministry of Environment and Forests
Government of India
Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding
Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education
(An ISO 9001:2000 Certified Organisation)
P.B. No. 1061, R.S. Puram, HPO., Coimbatore - 641 002, Tamil Nadu, India
Foreword
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors for Indian economy
and about 43 % of India's geographical area is used for farming activity but
the share of Indian agriculture in the GDP has steadily declined over the
years and the farming sectors are becoming unviable. There is, therefore,
an urgent need to provide package of initiatives for transfer of technology,
improving input use efficiency, promoting investments in agriculture and
forestry both in private and public sectors and creating a favourable and
enabling economic environment. The emerging needs in farming sector
includes adoption of location specific skill and knowledge based
technologies, promotion of greater value addition to agriculture and forest
produce, forge new partnerships between public institutions, technology
users and the corporate sector, harnessing IT effectively to realize
financial sustainability and compete in the international market.
What is considered necessary today is revival of farming sector and
making it more economically viable, ecologically sustainable and socially
acceptable. In addition, assessment and refinement of the technologies
before their transfer and a convergent approach involving various
stakeholder institutions and various technology components relevant to
the farmers in varying farming conditions and situations are considered
important. The technology assessment and refinement should be based on
participatory mode to ensure greater linkage between scientists and
farming communities and continuous access to technologies developed by
the research Institutes, academic Institutions and line departments. For
this Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of ICAR, Van Vigyan Kendras
(VVKs) of ICFRE, Extension Centres of the State Forest department,
Tree Growers Societies and Farmers Clubs should coordinate and work
with greater focus, attention, determination, commitment and result
oriented for overall rural development through agriculture and forestry
sectors. Today Agro-forestry is gaining greater impetus in all programmes
of Government.
I am sure the Workshop on Tree Cultivation Technologies
organized by the institute under the Networking of VVKs and KVKs will
not only provide the needed convergent approach for transfer of
appropriate technologies, products and services to the farming
communities but will help in understanding the need in each sub sectors
within farming sector and team building among forestry and agricultural
scientists, extension workers on participatory way.
The manual on Tree Cultivation technologies will certainly benefit
the participants and will be useful to the scientists, farming communities,
academicians and institutions involved in tree farming.
I congratulate and compliment the efforts of Dr. V. Sivakumar,
Scientist-E, GTB and the Nodal Officer for VVK and KVK network in
Tamil Nadu and Shri R.S. Prashanth, IFS, Head, Forest Economics and
Extension Division. I wish to thank the Director General, Indian Council
of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) for the support and
encouragement. I wish to thank Deputy Director General (Research),
Deputy Director General (Admn.) and particularly Deputy Director
General (Extn.), ICFRE for their support. We are extremely thankful to
the Director General, Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Director
(Extension Education), Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Extension
wing of Tamil Nadu Forest Department and scientists of all Krishi Vigyan
Kendras in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry for the conduct of the workshop.
I also extend my thanks to the GCR, scientists and staff associated with the
VVK and KVK network and demo village for organizing the workshop
and bringing out this useful reading material.
Dr. N. Krishna Kumar

Director
Content
Sl. No. Title Page No.

1. Cultivation Techniques for TEAK 1
K. Palanisamy
2. Cultivation Techniques for Casuarina 6
A. Nicodemus
3. Cultivation Techniques for Eucalyptus 12
V. Sivakumar
4. Cultivation Techniques for Melia dubia 16
Rekha R. Warrier
5. Cultivation Techniques for Ailanthus 19
D. Rajasugunasekar
6. Cultivation Techniques for Gmelina arborea 23
A. Mayavel, J. Soosai Raj, B. Gurudev Sigh
and N. Krishnakumar
7. Cultivation Techniques for Neolamarckia cadamba 28
A. Vijayaraghavan
8. Cultivation Techniques Calophyllum inophyllum 33
R. Anandalakshmi
9. Application of N-fixer (an aqua product harbouring 36
superior strains of Frankia) as plant growth
promoter for Casuarinas
A. Karrthikeyan
10. “Hy-Act”- Biopesticide (seed oil based formulation 37
developed from Hydnocarpus pentandra)
S. Murugesan, N. Senthilkumar, D. Suresh Babu
and C. Rajeshkannan
11. Growth promoting product - “Tree Rich Biobooster” 39
(An alternate media for potting mixture)
S. Murugesan, N. Senthilkumar, N. Krishna Kumar,
R. Lakshmi Devi, K. Ramesh, P. Manivachakam,
C. Rajeshkannan and D. Suresh Babu
12. Biopesticide - “Tree PAL H” 41
S. Murugesan, N. Senthilkumar, D. Suresh Babu and
C. Rajesh Kannan
13. Windbreak Agroforestry systems with superior 43
clones of Casuarina junghuhniana
C. Buvaneswaran, A. Nicodemus, R. Velumani,
C. V. Vijayam, K. Vinothkumar and
N. Krishna Kumar
14. Bio-Inoculants for Native Tree Species in Nursery 45
V. Mohan
15. Casuarina based ‘Alley cropping’ system for higher 47
economic returns
S. Saravanan
16. Initiatives of Conservation and Commercialization 49
of Rare Tamarind Genetic Resources
A. Mayavel, J. Soosairaj B. Gurudev Singh and
N. Krishnakumar
17. Tree Pest Management 51
John Prasanth Jacob
18. Clonal propagation of Eucalyptus 60
V.K.W Bachpai
19. Clonal propagation of Casuarina 63
V.K.W Bachpai
1 Cultivation Techniques for TEAK
K. Palanisamy
Scientist
Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore
Site factors
Teak grows well in alluvial soils, fairly moist, warm, tropical climate
with pH ranges from 6.5 to 7.5. Teak showed poor growth and form on
dry sandy soil, shallow or hard pan soil, acidic, laterite, black cotton and
waterlogged soils. It is a light demanding species relatively high light
intensity, i.e. between 75 and 100% of sunlight for better growth and
development. It occurs from sea level to an altitude of about 1200 m with
800-2500 mm rainfall regime and also grows in very moist areas with the
annual rainfall of over 3,500 mm. Teak also grows in dry areas of Tamil
Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
In the Indian Peninsula, teak experiences maximum temperatures up to
48oC and minimum about 2oC in the dry zone of Central India while in
the moist parts of the Southern India (west coast), the maximum and
minimum temperatures of teak distribution ranges from 43oC and 13oC
respectively.
Planting stock
Generally stumps or seedlings are used as planting material. For stump
preparation, the seedlings have to be maintained in the nursery for about
one year. Then the seedlings are uprooted, all the leaves and secondary
roots are removed and stumps (4 to 6 cm shoot with 15 to 20 cm tap root
portion) were prepared. Stump planting is generally preferred and it is
easy for transport. For seedling plantation, young seedlings are shifted to
1
polythene bags containing soil mixture and maintained in the nursery for
3 to 6 months
Seed collection, processing and Nursery techniques

Generally teak starts flowering 6 years after planting, but profuse
flowering occurs after 15 years. Flowering occurs from June to September
and fruits can be collected from November to January. Though teak
produces profuse flowering the fruit set was very poor (1 to 2%), probably
the coincidence south west monsoon with flowering which affects
pollination. The fruits are yellowish and brownish in colour and the number
of fruits varies from 1150 to 2800 per kg. A 40 year old tree produces an
average about 3 kg fruits. Teak fruit contains 4 seeds, but mostly filled with
1 or 2 seeds only. After collection, the fruits are cleaned and then sun dried
for 2-3 days and stored in bags. Teak seeds can be stored for up to two
years around 12% moisture content in airtight containers.
Germination of teak is often poor due to dormancy. Pre treatment of

the seeds by alternate wetting and drying of the seed for a week is required
to break the dormancy before sowing. The seeds were kept in a gunny bag
and dock the bag in water, preferably in a running stream, for 12 hours,
then spread the seed in the sunlight to dry for 12 hours. This has to be
repeated for one week. Further grading of fruits according to size help in
improving germination. Germination increases with increase in size of
fruits.The germination percentage varies from 30 to 50 % in moist teak
and 5 to 10 % in dry teak. The seeds were sown in the raised nursery beds
(10 x 1 x 0.3 m) prepared with soil and sand mixture. The nursery beds
have to be watered regularly and covered with coconut leaf or paddy straw.
Germination starts 10 to 15 days after sowing and continues up to 35 to 45
days. The paddy straw may be removed once the seed started germinating.
The seedlings can be transplanted to polythene bags or it can be maintained
in the nursery beds for 10 to 12 months for preparation of stumps.
2
Plantation management
A suitable land with good soil and rain fall of > 1200 mm may be
selected for raising teak plantation. The land should be ploughed
thoroughly and prepare pits ( 45 x 45 x 45 cm) in 2 x 2 m or 3 x 3 m or 3
x 4 m spacing before rainy season. Farm yard manure with soil mixture
has to be prepared and filled in the pits. Seedlings are planted in the pits
during rainy season. For stump planting crowbar may be used and pitting
is not required. In the initial stage the plants have to be watered weekly,
and regular weeding and pruning have to be done. The branches have to
be removed periodically without affecting the main stem. Drip irrigation
is beneficial in farm lands. Irrigation reduce the rotation period and also
enhance the productivity. Application of 50 g of urea and 30 g of super
phosphate after six months and 75 g of urea and 60 g of super phosphate
after 24 months of planting increases the growth rates. The fertilizers are
effective for enhancement of growth in young teak trees than mature trees.
Thinning (removing alternate rows) is done 5 years and 10 years after
planting in plantation raised with closer spacing (2 x 2m). Mechanical
thinning is also needed. The interval of thinning cycle is at age of 5, 10,
15, 20 and 30 for 60 year rotation, in Kerala. Teak can also be planted in
bunds in south and north direction in such way the agricultural crops get
sufficient light. It was found that there was no significant variation in wood
properties of young (25 to 30 years old) and mature teak (50 to 60 years
old). Therefore teak plantation raised with good quality planting material
or clones in good soil with limited irrigation and dry period with
silivicultural practices can be harvested within 20 to 25 years. In Brazil
and Malaysia teak is harvested at the age of 15 to 20 years. The teak growing
in the canal areas in Thanjavur and Tiruvarur (Tamil Nadu) showed fast
growth with good girth (> 150 cm)within 20 years and canal teak is
harvested at the age of 30 years.
Agroforestry practices
Teak is one of the favoured silvicultural species by the farmers. It is
planted in different models, combinations as well as in different spacements.
3
IFGTB has developed agroforestry models like, Agri-silvicultural models
(Teak + casuarinas with agricultural crops maize, cotton, turmeric, tomato
and chilly), Agri-silvi-horticulture model (Teak + coconut with agricultural
crops plantain, turmeric, vegetables, maize and cotton) and Silvi-
horticulture model (Teak-Gauva, Annona) (George, 2000). Under irrigated
lands, silvipasture model was developed with Teak and Casuarina as tree
component and Napier and Guinea as pasture components.
Yield
The average productivity of teak in Nilambur teak plantations was
2.85 m3 ha-1year-1 in 53 years rotation period. In Indonesia the MAI at the
harvest age (40 to 90 years) was 2.91 m3ha -1year -1(FAO, 1986). The
productivity in moist semi deciduous forest in Ghana was 8-10 m3ha -
1
year -1(Oteng-Amoako andSarfo, 2005)while in Central America it was 8
to 12 m3 ha -1year -1 (Arias, 2005). Recent studies conducted on teak growing
in farmlands with irrigation, fertilizer application and management
revealed the possibility of reducing the rotation period to 25 years with
increase in productivity. The trees grow in farm lands grow faster and
produce more biomass when compared to plantations in the forest areas.
The quality of teak timber in farm land at 12 years was found to be similar
to that of 20 years in forest land.
Important insect pest and diseases

Teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera and leaf skeletonizer, Eutectona
machaeralis are considered to be the major pests in teak. These insects are
known to occur on seedlings in nurseries and also in grown up trees in
plantations. H. puera feeds on tender foliages during the early part of the
growth season and E. machaeralis feeds on older foliage towards the end of
the season. Making regular pest surveillance in nurseries and young
plantations, particularly during rainy season when there is a new flush
formation to detect the occurrence of the pest and removal and destruction
4
of larvae if the population is less. If the pest attack is severe it can be
controlled by spraying of the foliage with the chemicals like
monocrotophos or endosulfan 0.05-0.075% or neem based formulations
(Neem azal 1%) at 10-12 days intervals can give good control. A virus
(NPV) based formulation (biocide) is also available for management of
the defoliator H. puera.
Uses
It has been extensively used for decking, deck houses, rails, bulwarks,
hatches, weather doors and planking. The traders and timber users
recognized several varieties of teak suitable for different end uses. The
huge teak trees from Western Ghats region (high rain fall range) are used
for structural needs like ship and boat building, construction and bridge
building. Teak from Central Indian region is known for colour, texture
and grains preferred for furniture and aesthetic needs. Teak wood of
Godavari valley in Andhra Pradesh is used for furniture and cabinet making
for its ornamental figuring. Teak wood markets and depots are available
in all teak growing states in India.
5
2 Cultivation Techniques for Casuarina
A. Nicodemus
Scientist
Introduction
Casuarinas are a versatile group of plants with wide-ranging
adaptability to grow in different environments and provide multiple end
uses and services. They fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic
association with the bacteria, Frankia. Casuarina wood with a high
calorific value is a renowned fuel wood in the tropics. In India Casuarina
equisetifolia was introduced during the 19th century and is now estimated
to be under cultivation in around half a million hectares mainly in the
Peninsular region. Apart from fuel, the wood is extensively used for
papermaking and of late is a preferred choice for biomass-based power
generation. The straight cylindrical stems find use in rural house building
and as scaffolds in construction sites. It is the principal species for
developing shelterbelts in coastal areas and windbreaks for protecting
agricultural crops. It also plays a key role in reclaiming mined areas and
afforesting nutrient-poor sites.
Nursery
Casuarina seeds are small consisting 5 to 6 lakh seeds per kg. But
about half of them may actually be immature seeds which usually do not
germinate. Germination is generally around 30% and about 30,000 to
100,000 seedlings are obtained from a kg of seed depending upon source
of seed and nursery efficiency. Seeds are sown in raised sand beds (called
‘mother beds’) of the size 10 x 1 m. Generally no pretreatment is necessary
6
for casuarina seeds. In each bed about 250 g of seeds (50 g for Casuarina
junghuhniana) are evenly spread by mixing with fine sand. They are overlaid
with a thin layer of sand. The sand bed is covered with rice straw to prevent
washing off of seedlings while watering. Water is provided through a rose
can or a sprayer. A suitable repellent is applied along the periphery of the
bed to prevent ants removing the seeds.
Germination and transplanting

Seeds start germinating from the 5th day and the straw is removed on
the 7th day. They are grown in the mother beds for the next 3 to 4 weeks.
After 4 weeks when the seedlings attain 8 – 10 cm height they are transferred
either to a secondary bed or polythene bags. Secondary beds are also of
the same size as the mother beds but in addition to sand, farm manure and
soil (2:1:1) are also added to increase nutrient availability and water holding
capacity. Seedlings pricked from the primary beds are transplanted in the
secondary bed at approximately 4 cm apart. Seedlings are grown in the
secondary beds for 3 months to obtain a height of 30 to 45 cm and a collar
diameter of 3 to 5 mm. Growing seedlings in polybags and root trainers
is better than bare root seedlings especially for planting in rainfed areas.
Seedlings raised in containers establish well in plantations and record
vigorous growth in the first year. Polybags (size: 15 x 7 cm) filled with a
potting mixture of sand, farm manure and soil in a ratio of 2:1:1 are suitable
for raising casuarina seedlings. Seedlings may attain plantable size within
2 months but can be maintained for another 4 to 6 months if planting is
delayed.
Vegetative propagation
Outstanding casuarina trees can be propagated by rooting of young
shoots (‘sprigs’). Such plants produce uniform superior growth in
plantations. Sprigs collelcted from selected trees are trimmed to 8-10 cm
long and washed in a 5% solution of fungicide like BavistinTM. The lower
7
portion of the shoot is treated with a rooting hormone, Indole butyric acid
(commercial name: Seradix BTM). The treated cuttings are placed in root
trainers containing vermiculite or treated coir pith and kept in mist chamber
or propagation chambers made of polythene sheets. Rooting occurs in 15
to 20 days and then transplanted into polybags or root trainers and grown
in the same way as seedlings.
Inoculation of Frankia
Casuarina is a nitrogen-fixing tree through symbiotic relationship with
an actinomycete called Frankia. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen in special
structures in the roots called nodules. It is necessary to ensure infection of
Frankia in casuarina seedlings for vigorous growth as well as to increase
their adaptability to planting conditions. Frankia can easily be inoculated
by adding topsoil from casuarina plantations to the mother beds.
Alternatively it can be inoculated at the time of transplanting into secondary
beds or containers by treating the seedlings with nodule extract of Frankia
culture (N-fixer) supplied by IFGTB. Application of biofertilizers like
phosphobacterium and Glomus fasciculatum also improve the seedling
quality.
Planting and Tending Methods

Since casuarina is planted as bare-root seedlings, planting them just
before or during the rains ensures high survival especially under rainfed
conditions. Where irrigation is available, it is recommended to plant one
month before the rain and provide water once or twice a week. This will
help the plants to establish well before the arrival of monsoon and grow
faster than those planted during the rain.
Land must be preferably disc ploughed twice. Pit size for planting
container-raised plants (poly bag or root trainer) is 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm.
The recommended spacing for realizing full potential of genetically
improved planting stock is 1.5 x 1.5 m. Add a basal dose of 10 g of super
8
phosphate per pit before field planting of seedlings. Application of anti-
termite solution (e.g. chlorophyriphos 1ml per litre of water) may be needed
in red soils or where the problem has been encountered before. This may
not be necessary in sandy soils in coastal areas. If no rain received
immediately after field planting of seedlings, watering in alternate days is
necessary for the first two weeks. The frequency may be reduced gradually
to once or twice a week depending upon local conditions. Casualty
replacement should be taken up only up to one month after planting. Four
weedings needs to be carried out at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months or till the canopy
closes whichever is later. Two prunings need to be taken up at 12 and 24
months. Fertilizer application is not necessary after planting if the land is
fairly fertile. In low-nutrient soils DAP 100 kg per acre may be applied
between 12 and 24 months.
Fertilizer Application
Fertilizer application is generally restricted to irrigated plantations
and varies between regions and even among farmers. Fertilizers will have
the maximum effect if applied during the peak growing period of 12 to 24
months. Farmers generally apply 50 kg of urea and 50 to 100 kg of DAP
per acre one year after planting. Casuarina does not need large quantity
of nitrogen fertilizer since it produces its own nitrogen with the help of
the bacterium, Frankia. So it is recommended to apply 11 kg of urea and
94 kg of super phosphate at four stages: immediately after establishment,
6, 12 and 18 months after planting.
Pruning and intercropping

Pruning of side branches is usually carried out between first and second
years and second and third years. The expenditure for pruning is met by
the sale of pruned material. It is also a common practice to intercrop
groundnut, water melon or pulse crops in the first year well before the tree
crown starts closing in and cause shade effect to agriculture crop. The
9
plantation establishment cost is generally recovered from the agriculture
crop. It also helps to keep the field weed-free.
Insect and disease incidence

Casuarina has only a few major insect and disease incidence which
can lead to economic loss. The common insect problem in casuarina
plantation is attack by the stem borer, Indarbela quadrinotata. The larvae
dig up deep tunnels on the main stem and remain inside the tunnel during
day time and emerge out in night and feed on the bark. Although the trees
generally survive, the pole quality is affected by severe infection. Affected
trees are also prone to breaking at the point of infestation during heavy
wind. Chemical control of this insect is difficult since it resides within the
tunnel. Insect attack can be prevented by planting varieties that are
unaffected by the insect (e.g. Australia and Kenya).
Wilt or blister bark disease caused by Trichosporium vesciculosum results

in drying up of trees followed by large scale death. Affected trees show
symptoms of drying of leaves followed by ‘blisters” on the main stem. At
advanced stages these blisters burst open releasing black spores. The disease
is not considered as a serious problem in plantations because it usually
occurs in plantations older than 4 years age. There is no effective control
measure once the infection occurred but removing and burning the infected
tree can prevent further spreading of the disease. Australian, Kenyan and
Malaysian provenances were found to be resistant to blister bark disease.
The C. junghuhniana provenances from East Timor are also not affected by
the disease.
Rotation Period and Yield

The commonly followed rotation period is 4 years with irrigation and
6 years under rainfed conditions. But the duration varies greatly in different
areas and between farmers. In a few places of coastal Tamil Nadu irrigated
casuarina is harvested as early as 2.5 years of age whereas Forest
10
Department plantations without irrigation are retained up to 8 years. Wood
production varies greatly across locations, cultivation techniques adopted
and age at which harvested. Plantations with irrigation and fertilizer
application yield 100 to 150 tonnes of air dried wood (up to 20 cm girth)
per hectare (40 to 60 tonnes per acre) in 4 years. Under rainfed conditions
an average yield of 75 to 100 tonnes per hectare is obtained in 6 years (30
to 40 tonnes per acre) depending upon soil quality and amount of rainfall
during the cultivation period. IFGTB supplies high quality seeds from
seed orchards which can improve yield up to 25% and the superior clones
(IFGTB CE 1, CE2, CE3, CE4, CJ9 and CJ10) produce up to 50% more
yield.
11
3 Cultivation Techniques for Eucalyptus
V. Sivakumar
Scientist
Site factors
Eucalyptus camaldulensis is a common and widespread tree species. It
is a best suitable tree species for the areas which received rainfall from 250
to 600 mm at the same time it can also grow well in high rainfall areas
which receives as high as 1250 mm. The success of Eucalyptus is attributed
to its superiority to other trees in production of wood on infertile dry sites,
its tolerance of extreme drought and high temperature. This species occurs
on a variety of soil types from red or black soils to sandy alluvial soils. It
can also grow well in salt affected areas.
Planting stock
Seeds of IFGTB show about 15% improvement in growth when
compare to other local seed sources as the seeds. Seeds are being collected
from seed orchards established by IFGTB and sold to the farmers at the
cost of Rs. 10000/- per kilo gram.
IFGTB has released four Eucalyptus clonal varieties viz., IFGTB-

EC1, IFGTB-EC2, IFGTB-EC3 and IFGTB-EC4 for cultivation in Tamil
Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. These clones are multiplied and supplied based
on prior request. About 20% improvement in yield is expected from these
clonal varieties.

Seed are mixed with chaff and can be difficult to distinguish from
chaff. Seeds weigh approximately 700 seeds/gram (Ralph, 2003). About
12
100 -500 germinant can come per gram of seed. The seeds with about 5%
moisture content can be stored for more than 10 years if they are placed in
hermetic containers at a temperature of 3 to 5 °C.
The texture of the medium of germination must be fine. A fertile

mixture of soils with sand in a proportion of 1:1 must be used. Seed should
be sown under shade on a free-draining and sterilized medium and covered
very sparingly with inert material (e.g. sand). Seeds must be sowed deep
enough to prevent uncovering when watered, but they must not be too
embedded. The germination period for this method ranges from 4 to 5
days. The seedlings are lifted from the mother bed when they are 5 to 7 cm
in height and transplanted in poly bags. Alternatively, seeds can also be
planted directly into bags using special devices, such as syringes, to place
two to four seeds in each bag.
Partial shade is needed after transplanting till six weeks. Plants reach
plantable size of 30 cm in four to five months. Seedlings require periodic
watering in the first stages of development. Common mistakes in
propagation are over-watering and associated disease problems, over-
shading and allowing the germinants to become too large for easy
transplanting leading to malformed tap roots or root curling in the pots.
To prevent damping off, cupric fungicides should be applied. About 1-2
lakhs seedlings can be obtained from 1 kg of seed in nurseries.
Weeding and burning of underbrush are recommended before
planting. The ability of the species to compete with weeds is poor. In high
rainfall areas, extensive weeding (2-3 times) must be applied until crowns
close (2-3 years). Inadequate weed control may lead to complete failure of
the planting.
A spacing of 3 m x 2 m (1667 stems/ha) is often applied for pulpwood.

Wider spacing of 4 m and 2 m (1250 stems/ha) or 5 m x 2 m (1000 stems/
13
ha) are recommended when larger trees are required. For energy
plantations, a spacing of 2x2 m is recommended.
Application of 100g of NP or NPK (3:2:1) fertilizer to each tree at

planting to assist establishment of growth is common. Crown die-back
during dry-season as a result of boron deficiency is prevalent in few places.
A dosage of 10-20 g of borax per tree depending on soil type is applied.
In India, Eucalyptus is managed through clear-felling system followed

by coppice rotation to a maximum of three times. After three rotations,
the below ground biomass is taken out and replanted with seedlings.For
pulpwood depending on the fertility and availability of water, the rotation
can fixed from 5 year to 7 years.
At a spacing of 3 x 2 m intercropping can be carried out for one year. In
irrigated sites, shade loving crops can be cultivated during second year
also. A wide range of crops can be grown when the spacing is 5 m x 2 m
which supports intercropping up to three years.
Yield
In Tamil Nadu, about 25-30 t/ha at a rotation of 6-7 years was realized
through seed raised plantations during early 1990’s. Introduction of clones
increased the yield up to 60-70 t/ha in six years rotation. Through site-
clone matching, a yield of 100-150 t/ha was achieved in five years rotation
depending on the fertility level of the soil.

In the nursery, it is susceptible to diverse fungi causing damping-off,
collar rot and leaf diseases. Attention to nursery hygiene and care not to
over-water are preferable to chemical controls. Termites affect planted
seedlings young trees and must be chemically controlled. Eucalyptus is
14
severely attacked by an invasive gall insect (Leptocybe invasa) which lead to
formation gall like structure in the midrip and petiole and young stem.
The problem is severe in young seedlings and coppice shoots. Chemical
treatments do not found to be suitable.
Uses
Wood is used mainly for poles, posts, fire wood, charcoal and paper
pulp. It is also used for hardboard and particle board.
15
4 Cultivation Techniques for Melia dubia
Rekha R. Warrier
Scientist
Site factors
The trees grow well in sandy loam, red and lateritic soils with an
annual rainfall of 800 mm and above.

Seed processing and pretreatments: Reports state very poor germination
in Melia. Studies at IFGTB reveal germination as high as 60 per cent
without any pretreatments. The drupes should be graded in water to remove
floating seeds prior to sowing.
Nursery: Seed sowing: It is best to sow seeds during March – April. Cleaned
and dried seeds should be sown in the open raised nursery beds, in drilled
lines, 5 cm apart. Seeds do not germinate in sand. They have to be sown in
soil: farm yard manure medium in the ratio 2:1. A 1:1 ratio can also be
adopted. About 6-7 kg of dried drupes containing about 1500 numbers
are required for one standard nursery bed. The seeds sown need to be
watered regularly, twice a day. At places where daytime temperature is not
very high, or where nursery beds are in shade, the bed should be covered
with a tarpaulin sheet to retain temperature in the medium. Germination
occurs within 90 days.
Vegetative propagation: Juvenile stem cuttings and coppice shoots

respond well to 1000 – 2000 ppm IBA (liquid formulation). Coppice from
older trees responds better to rooting. Pencil thick cuttings need to be taken
16
for propagation. Thin shoots are easily susceptible to root rot. The shoots
can be placed on sand medium and watered twice a day. A provision for
drainage is a must as water logging destroys the shoots. Season also plays
a major role in the rooting of cuttings. Drier seasons are conducive for
rooting. About 75 per cent rooting can be obtained.
Note: The species is very sensitive to transplantation and hence care must
be taken while prickling seedlings from bed or transplanting rooted shoots
to bags.
A spacing of 5 x 5 m is optimal while a spacing of 8 x 8 m is ideal.
Growth is enhanced with the application of fertilizers. Regular irrigation
is required for fast growth of the trees. Initial growth is hastened with
daily watering and application of fertilsers once in three months for the
first three years. Under rainfed conditions, the growth is slow (almost 100
% less). The tree branches at 8-10 m from ground. Pruning every six months
controls branching. The bole is straight, round, without any knots and
without any buttress.
Melia is a good agroforestry species and supports a variety of crops
throughout its cultivation period. Ground nut, chilli, turmeric, blackgram,
papaya, banana, melon, sugarcane, as inter crops are being successfully
cultivated. The species performs exceedingly well when planted on bunds,
attaining the harvestable size within four years.
Yield
The tree attains a volume of 15 cu. ft. at the end of 15 years and earns
revenue of Rs. 350 per cubic foot from the 5th year onwards. Growth rate
ranges from 20-25 cm per year when intensively managed and 6 to 8 cm
per year in unmanaged plantations. It is expected to produce 12 to 15
17
Cuft. ( 0.4 - 0.5 cu.m) of timber in 5 years time. Presently Melia fetches
Rs. 7300/- per tonne for billets of girth 50-120 cm girth and above Rs.370
per CFT (0.02 cu.m.) for trees which have attained a girth > 120 cm.
Uses
It is a good secondary timber and the most preferred species for
plywood industry. The wood is also used for packing cases, ceiling planks,
building purposes, agricultural implements, pencils, match boxes, splints,
cattamarans, musical instruments and tea boxes as the wood is anti-termite
by itself. Thus, the species has a ready and assured market due to its
multipurpose utilities. The species is also highly adaptable. The species is
in high demand by the plywood industries.
18
5 Cultivation Techniques for Ailanthus
D. Rajasugunasekar
Scientist
Site factors
Ailanthus excelsa. Roxb is one of the medium sized, fast growing tree
species within the genus Ailanthus belonging to the family Simaroubaceae.
Arid to semi arid region Ailanthus is often found below 1,200 m msl with a
mean annual rainfall of about 500-1900 mm. It grows in broad range of
soil types including sandy soils and adapts to drought stress and tolerates
a dry season of 4-6 months. In Tamilnadu it is distributed in four agro-
climatic zones namely Western zone, North western zone, Cauvery delta
zone and Southern zone.
Planting stock
Seeds of Ailanthus excelsa collected in selected Candidate Plus Trees
(CPT’s) from different agro climatic zones having 10-15% improvement
in growth when compare to other local seed sources. The collected seed
sources are multiplied and supplied based on prior request. The seeds
collected by IFGTB are being sold at the cost Rs.1000/Kg. From one kg
of seeds about 4000 healthy seedlings can be obtained.

Flowers appear February – March in Central India and in April in
north India but in South India December – February. The fruits ripen March
to May. Ripe fruits are collected off the trees before these are blown away
by the wind. Seeds are dried in the shade. Seed viability is very short and
cannot be stored for the next year. Seed weight is 7500-10000/kg.
19
The nursery soil should be light, porous and well drained. Indofil may
be mixed with the soil to avoid insects and ants. The seed beds should be
well raised to allow drainage.( In the absence of beds seeds can also been
sown in polybags). Seed sowing should be done in seed beds or mother
beds. After broadcasting the seeds, cover the seed lightly with about 1 cm
of sand. Only a mild watering is required. Excess water will lead to damping
off disease in seedlings. The germination is epigeal that starts 8-14 days
after sowing and complete in 40-45 days. No pre-treatment is required.
After 3 weeks maintenance in 5-10cm can be transplanted into 10cmX20cm
containers (Poly bags). The roots are very delicate and fragile and require
special attention during transplantation. 15 gm of seeds are required for
sowing 1 sq. m of bed. Mixing of seeds with ash or pulverized soil ensures
uniform sowing.
A.excelsa prefers sandy and porous soils. It also established were on
slopes and stony patches under suitable moisture conditions. Too much
moist or water logged areas or area prone to frost should not be selected.
After selecting and cleaning the site, pith in 30 cm3 or 45 cm3 pits and the
soil is allowed to weather. Planting is to be carried out in the month of
July or October based on the monsoon pattern in the region. For block
planting nursery raised seedlings 6 to 10 months are used for planting in
pits at a spacing of 3 x 3m or 5x 5m. The seedlings which attain height of
50-100 cm are suitable for planting. The root shoot ratio of 1:2 is considered
good for stump planting. Row and line planting is carried out by planting
saplings. Spacing 5m is maintained in of row or line planting. Regular
watering and protection from browsing is required till the saplings get
established. Thinning is generally required under block planting. The first
silvicultural thinning may be carried out in the third or the fourth year
when the tree attains a height of 6-8 m. Fencing is also needed in areas
where the goats and sheep are to browsing it.
20
Ailanthus excelsa can be raised in mixed plantations. In degraded,
denuded and semi arid soils it is able to come up successfully with Prosopis
juliflora, P.cineraria. A suitable mixture of tree species includes; Acacia
catechu, Albizia lebbeck, Acacia leucophloea, Azadirachta indica, Dolichandrone
falcata, Shorea robusta, Acacia nilotica, Pongamia pinnata, Ziziphus mauritiana,
Musa spp.with some fodder grasses can also be planted with Ailanthus
excelsa. Farm forestry of A. excelsa is more popular and is being practiced
by the farmers. Trees are planted at the south and west boundaries of the
fields. It is essential to have trees on the south and west borders of the farm
so that the velocity of wind could be reduced. Hence in farm forestry, farmers
more yield of crops and generating revenue from A. excelsa tree as well.
Yield
In Tamil Nadu, about 50-75 t/ha at a rotation of 5-6 years was realized
through seed raised plantations with un irrigated conditions. But in the
irrigated conditions the yield up to 120-135 t/ha in 5-6 years rotation.

Defoliator viz, Atteva fabriciella, A. niveigutta and Eligma narcissus;the
borer Batocera rufomaculata and the fungi (leaf spot) Cercospora glandulosa
and Alternaria spp are the major pests in Ailanthus excelsa cause severe
damage. Seedlings are susceptible to damping off disease therefore heavy
watering should be avoided and only optimum level of moisture should be
maintained. The growth is retarded considerably in the month of January
are the cold and weather. For controlling insect pests, spraying or dusting
with BHC or endosulphan is carried out. Severe defoliation affects plant
growth and may cause death of the plant. Application of 0.1% of
endosulphan and malathion will manage the insect pest to a considerable
extent. Application of 1% Hy-Act ( Bio pesticide product of IFGTB) as a
foliar spray reduces Eligma narcissus infestation about 65-70%.
21
Uses
A.excelsa is an indigenous species fast-growing tree species suitable
for raising industrial plantations. More than 70% of the wood goes to the
safety matches Industry. It is used for packing cases, fishing catamarans
and floats. It is suitable for commercial plywood and Eri silk production
as a host plant. There is an intensive research is being carried out by Central
Muga Eri Research and Training Institute, Jhorhat, Assam. The Leaves
of Ailanthus excelsa leaves are excellent source of Protein as well.
22
6 Cultivation Techniques for Gmelina arborea
A. Mayavel, J. Soosai Raj, B. Gurudev Sigh and N. Krishnakumar
Site factors
Gmelina arborea is well adaptable to a wide range of soil and climatic
conditions. It is a hardy plant and can be grown in both tropical and
subtropical conditions. It grows up very well in red sandy loam soil with
the pH of 5-8 and a high soil depth. It grows at an elevation of 0-1200 m
MSL. it comes up very well humid climate with the optimum temperature
range from 20-38C. The annual rainfall requirement is 750-4500 mm. It
grows very well in the high sunshine with low shade areas.
Planting stock
The Gmelina arborea tree improvement programme was initiated in
India during early 1990. Improved accessions and seeds from the clonal
seed orchard is available in Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat. The
seeds from superior CPTs are available at IFGTB.

The mature fruits may fall from the tree while they are still green.
Green fruits turn yellow within a week and after about two weeks from
falling, they turn brown and black after about three weeks. It is best to
collect the fruits when they are still green or yellow, as germination capacity
of brown and especially black fruits is low. As all fruits do not fall and
mature at the same time, fruits should be collected frequently, e.g. twice
every week during the collection period, that may stretch over several
months.
23
Transport of fruits to the processing site should be in open baskets or
nets, not in plastic bags. In order to avoid fermentation, fruits should be
brought to the cleaning area within 24 hours. This is especially important
for fully ripe (yellow and brown fruits). As much care as possible should
be taken to avoid damage to the fruits, since fermentation is more likely to
start among damaged fruits. At the processing site, the fruits should be
sorted into those that are ready for immediate processing (yellow and brown
colour) and green and green-yellow fruits, which will benefit from after-
ripening. After-ripening is done in the shade by spreading the fruits in a
10-15 cm thick layer until they have turned yellow. This may take up to
one week. Depulping of small quantities of fruits can be done manually
by mashing the fruits until the pulp is loose from the stone, and rinsing
with water. For larger quantities of fruits depulping is normally done in a
coffee-depulper. Soaking the fruits in water for 24 hours before depulping
will facilitate the process. After depulping, the fruits are spread out on a
wire-mesh tray and rinsed with water to remove juice and pulp. Normally
traces of pulp will remain on the stones after depulping and further cleaning
or polishing of the stones is required. This can be done either manually by
rubbing the stones with sand and water or mechanically (also with sand)
in a concrete mixer. Finally the stones are washed and dried well in the
sun.
The seeds have no dormancy, and no pretreatment is required.

However, soaking of the seed in cold water for 24-48 hours before sowing
is recommended.
Gmelina arborea is propagated by both seeds and vegetative methods.

Seeds are showed directly in the root trainer or raised beds can be 0.6m in
height, 1m in within convenient length. The bed should be filled with sand
up to height of 0.5 m. The seeds are closely placed the bed in a rows with
a gap of 5cm. The beds are to be watered twice in a day with the help of
rose cane. One kg of Gmelina seeds contain about 1500-2000 seeds. The
24
size of the seeds varies between the trees. Seeds normally germinate quickly
and at high levels. Often the germination will be above 100% as more than
one seed will germinate from each stone. The optimal temperature for
germination is about 30°C and low temperature will reduce germination.
The seedbed should be exposed to full sunlight as partly or full shade will
reduce germination. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted
to containers.
Clonal propagation
Clonal propagation method plays an important role for multiplication
of selected superior CPTs. It is one of the most convenient less expensive
and successful methods. The cutting are collected in the early morning
between 6 – 9 am and treated with 750 ppm Indole -3 Butyric Acid and
the cuttings are immediately planted in the root trainer filled with the
vermiculite . The root trainers placed inside the low cost poly tunnel or
mist chamber. The internal temperature and humidity should be
maintained at 26 – 360c and 80 – 100% respectively. The dried and dead
cuttings are moved frequently removed to avoid spread of fungus. Rooting
of cuttings are observed in 15 – 25 days after planting. About 3 months
old cuttings used for establishing in clonal plantations.
The mini hedges of Gmelina arborea are established with rooted

cuttings. The top of hedges that are pruned to accelerate more auxiliary
shoots are production. The cuttings with 3 – 6 auxiliary shoot used for
planting material productions.
The seedlings were planted in a pit of 45x45x45 cm with a basal
application of 5 kg of FYM and 70 g of NPK complex fertilizer plus 10 g
of borax. About 120 days old seedlings are used for planting. The seedlings
are planted with the spacing of 3x3m to 5x5m. Establishing pulp wood
and bio energy plantations 2X2 m spacing is adopted.
25
Pruning
Pruning is an important practice in the cultivation of Gmelina arborea
in farm land, pruning decides the growth, clear bole and intercropping
ability. Pruning of side branches is usually carried out in every six months.
The pruned branches can be used as fire wood.
Thinning
Thinning is a another important practice to enhance the production
of saw log. The thinning begins at 4-5 years of age for the woods, that are
used for pulp productions. The alternative trees in the row are to be thinned,
to avoid competition between the trees and maximize the growth.
Growing of Gmelina arborea in agroforestry model is a commercial
practice in TamilNadu. Some of the agroforestry models are Gmelina +
Ground nut, Gmelina +Water melon, Gmelina +Pulses, Gmelina +Maize,
Gmelina +Banana
Multi - tier cropping system also has been followed in Pudukkottai

district of Tamil Nadu. Coconut + Gmelina + Banana + Pepper (pepper
trained on the Gmelina trees).
Yield
The Gmelina arborea trees harvested 4 – 5 years after planting for pulp
wood, Fire wood. The trees harvested at 10 – 12 years after planting for
log productions. Under good management regime each trees yield about
1.5 to 2 tons. The total yield per hector is around 250 – 300 tones / Ha.
The wood of G. arborea fetches Rs.8000/ton in local market.
Uses
The tree has immense potential for its timber and medicinal value. It
is a preferred species by farmers, forest departments and ayurvedic
26
industries due to the multipurpose utility, rapid growth, and maximum
economic returns. The Gmelina arborea wood is used for pulp, particle board,
plywood, matches, carpentry and packing. It is also used for construction
at boards, carwing and musical instruments. The leaves and fruits at
Gmelina are used as a fodder, and also used for rearing silkworms. The
species also planted in dangia system with short rotation crops, and also
as a shade tree for coffee and coco.
27
7 Cultivation Techniques for Neolamarckia cadamba
A.Vijayaraghavan
Scientist
Site factors
It is a large tree, frequently found in southern tropical semi evergreen
forests, tropical moist deciduous forest and tropical fresh water swamp
forest and distributed throughout the greater part of India and in Western
Ghats in South, in Central Maharashtra - Sahyadris, in North Eastern
part - Assam, lower hills of Darjeeling, Terai, Bihar, Orissa, in Singh bum
valley and also in Andaman Islands. It is found below 1000 m altitude and
normally where there is more than 1500 mm rain/year but it can also
grow in dry areas with as little as 200 mm rain/year. It is very light
demanding species and intolerant to frost. It can grow on a variety of soils
and tolerates periodic flooding.
Planting stock
In India no tree improvement activities have been carried out. Recently
IFGTB has initiated tree improvement work by selecting superior tress.
Progeny trial with 45 progenies has been established in Maramalai Nagar,
Chennai and few more progeny trials with more than 60 progenies will be
established shortly. About six clones are selected and multiplication on
large scale is in progress to establish clonal plantations.

The ripened fruits are orange in colour, harvested from the trees during
the months of September to December by climbing or shaking the branches
28
after spreading covers on the ground. The collected fruits can be allowed
to rot for three to four days and pulp is washed off by hands in a bucket of
water, seeds settled at the bottom are taken out and dried well. The fruits
are rubbed to form a paste like slurry, which is passed through a 0.50 mm
sieve plate and shaken vigorously. The blackish paste sieved through the
plate is collected into a pan and dried to extract seeds. Average dry weight
of each fruit is 11.5 gm and wet weight 50 gm. Each fruit on an average
yields 456 mg of pure seeds. Other method is by cutting the fruits into
small parts and allowing them to dry and after a few days crush the small
parts and separate the seeds. One gram has around 23,000-25,000 seeds.
The separated seeds are allowed to dry in shade and can be stored in air
tight container for 9 months.
Nursery Technique: The sieved seeds need no pre-sowing treatment. Seeds

of about 0.1g (about 2500 seeds) can be sown in galvanized or wooden
trays filled with fine river sand and soil and treated with fungicide. The
seeds are better mixed with sterilized sand before sowing. They are sown
in February at the rate of about 0.2 gm of seed per m2 of bed. Winter
sowing is not successful. Percentage of germination is high. The
germination of A.cadamba seeds in open beds is generally difficult.
Therefore, plants are invariably raised in shaded beds to exclude insolation
and splashing effects of rain water. Before sowing, the beds are thoroughly
wetted and seeds are broadcast on the top taking care that seeds do not get
buried in the soil, instead they are patted with hand. After sowing, watering
is done with a fine rose can, frequently and sparingly, according to
requirements as the young seedling are sensitive to both drought and
excessive moisture. Germination takes place in about three weeks from
the date of sowing. After germination shading is removed. The germination
percentage is 60-90%. The seedlings from the tray can be pricked and
transplanted in the poly bag container with fungicide after attaining a height
of 5 cm. Shade cover is needed after transplanting. Growth is fast under
tropical conditions and plants could reach plantable size (30 cm) in four to
29
five months. Seedlings require periodic watering in the first stages of
development. Common mistakes in propagation are over-watering and
associated disease problems, over-shading and allowing the germinants to
become too large for easy transplanting leading to malformed tap roots or
root curling in the pots. About 2 lakhs seedlings can be obtained from 1 kg
of seeds in nurseries. Out planting is done with 35-50 cm high seedlings.
Vegetative propagation
It is observed that the treatment of IBA and NAA at 500 ppm is giving
good results than other treatments. Hence to get more rooting and survival
the vegetative cuttings of N. cadamba has to be treated with IBA 500 ppm
and NAA 500 ppm.
It grows well in deep moist alluvial soils, often along river banks. The
soil should be well drained and should not get affected by flood. The Kadam
trees are planted at an espacement of 5 x 5m spacing during the monsoon
season. To ensure successful establishment, seedlings should be planted
with their balls of earth. Closer spacing leads to height growth which is
not preferred much by pencil and ply wood industry. Wider spacing can
be adopted to have more girth and also for intercropping during the initial
period (1-2 years).
It has no adverse effects on the crops sown as under storey if proper
care is taken. For better results, the spacing adopted should be at least 5 x
5m/ 6 x 6m. Dry paddy can be cultivated up to 3 years without much
difficulty. Once the trees are grown up, it is desirable to change the cropping
pattern, i.e., ginger, turmeric etc besides vegetables, pine apple, arhar and
pulses. Trees are also planted in the boundaries of the field. Hence in farm
forestry, the farmers can get more yields of crops and generate revenue
from N. cadamba tree as well.
30
Yield
In Tamil Nadu, about 70-100 t/ha at a rotation of 6-7 years was
realized through seed raised plantations and it can be increased 10-15 %
more by Introduction of clones and through site-clone matching in six
years rotation depending on the fertility level of the soil. Approximate
yield calculated by felling the trees in the plantation raised through seeds
is as follows.
Year Number Wood Sale price

(Rotation) of trees yield (tons) /tonne (‘) Income (‘)
Tree 8 500 112 (500 x 7000 7,84,000
225kg/tree)
Approximate yield and income/ha under irrigated condition
Total Net benefit = Rs.7,84,000 (Total income)– Rs. 128050 (Cost incurred)
= Rs. 6,55,950 (@ annual rate of income Rs. 81,994 per year.
Caterpillars of moth Arthroschista hilaralis (pyralidae) and Margaronia
hilaralis a common leaf rolling insect pest are reported. Chemical control
with 0.051 B.H.C in water for the insect Margaronia hilaralis is reported. In
India, a longhorn beetle, Batocere numitor (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) bores
in to the base of the stem of unhealthy trees.The main diseases reported
are on nursery seedlings and include damping- off by Fusarium and Pythium
spp. The fungus Scytalidium lignicola is found on living branches of
N.cadamba. Apart from nursery diseases, which can be controlled by
appropriate nursery practices and fungicides, there appears to be no major
threat of disease.
Uses
The wood is extensively used for ceiling boards, light construction
work, packing cases, planking, carving and turnery. The wood makes good
31
veneers and plywood suitable for the manufacture of commercial grade
plywood and tea chest plywood. In Assam wood is mainly used in the
plywood industries. It is also suitable for the manufacture of pencils, match
boxes, and splints. Suitable for writing and printing paper giving 48.6%
yield and over 6000 m breaking length. Brown wrapping paper can also be
prepared by sulphate process. Fruits are edible. Bark used for relieving
fever and extract of leaves are used for mouth gargle.
32
8 Cultivation Techniques Calophyllum inophyllum
R. Anandalakshmi
Scientist
Site factors
It grows in warm temperatures in wet or moderate conditions. It is
not suited to high elevations, cool areas, or very dry conditions. Mean
annual rainfall required is 1000 mm with summer, winter, or uniform
rainfall patterns. Dry season duration (consecutive months with <40 mm
rainfall) is 4–5 months. Mean annual temperature of 18–33°C is preferred
with mean maximum temperature of hottest month of 22–37°C and mean
minimum temperature of coldest month of 12–17°C.
It tolerates a wide range of soils. It grows best in sandy well drained

soils in coastal areas but will tolerate clays, calcareous soils, and rocky
soils. The soil is generally dry at the surface, but the water table is usually
only a few decimetres down, although the water it taps is often brackish. It
is also found higher up the rivers along river margins. The tree demands
light and prefers full sun, and only less shade is tolerated. It is sensitive to
frost and fire. It tolerates occasional waterlogging in coastal areas.

In Tamil Nadu along the east coast ie. Cuddalore, Chennai, Nagai
districts the fruit collection period is from July to September while it is
during October to December in Kanya Kumari and Tirunelveli district. In
Kerala along West coast mature fruits can be collected from July to
September.
33
Pick fruits at appropriate maturity ie. pale yellow pericarp stage by
plucking from the branches. Cut open the pericarp to release the seeds for
raising nursery. Fresh nuts germinate after 60 days giving 95% germination
when sown in mother bed under green shade net. Regular watering is
essential. 30 days after germination the seedlings can be transplanted to
polybags of size 12 x 25 cm. The seedlings need to be hardened for atleast
tree months before field planting.
For plantation the spacing is usually 4 m x 4 m. Pit size is 2' x 2' x2'.
Watering until two years is essential. Drip irrigation is preferable. Regular
weeding is necessary until the crop is established especially once in six
months interval. After three months of planting the soil need to enriched
with 250 g neem cake / plant or 500 g farm yard manure. This can be
repeated at one year interval. If termite problem exists in the soil, the
plants can be provided with soil drenching of 500 ml (0.2%) chloripyriphos.
At the end of two years pruning can be done so as to increase branching
and thereby higher fruit yield.
Yield
It is one of the important TBO species with an annual average nut
yield of 12 kg/ tree ( 5 year old) and 100 kg in 20 year old tree. Fruiting
starts at 4-5 yrs. a five year old tree yields 3 kg kernel, ie.2.1L oil per tree.
A 5 year old plantation with just 35 trees can yield 75 L oil, provided
superior clones are planted. Less than 0.25 acres is sufficient for annual
requirement of 75L oil. In 1 acre at 4x4 m 250 trees can be accommodated.
If kernel collection and processing done by a farmer:

Cost price of crude oil as per market rate : Rs.55/L
Cost of 1 kg oilcake : Rs.20/-
34
Cost-Benefit
4 kg nuts give 1 kg kernel
1 kg. kernel costs Rs.30/-
Extraction cost for oil Rs.5/- (Rs.30-5)=Rs.25
Cost price of oil from 1 kg kernel: Rs.39/- for 700 ml.
Cost price of oilcake 400g: Rs.8/-
Hence from 1 kg kernel or 4 kg nuts the earning is Rs.47/-
Nut yield from one acre (250 trees): 3000 kg
Kernel yield from one acre (250 trees): 750 kg
Annual income from one acre: Rs.47 x 750 = Rs.35250/- in the fifth
year. The income gradually increases as the tree matures.
Uses
Calophyllum inophyllum is known as Punnai in Tamil. It belongs to
the Clusiaceae family. It is a potential species valued for its seed oil. It is a
good alternative to Casuarina as a beach windbreak, for soil stabilization
and to control soil erosion. It is amenable for agroforestry and is also
intercropped with Acacia spp.
Its kernel yields 50-70% oil which is directly being used as fuel in
diesel engines without undergoing the trans-esterification process.
Transesterified oil can also be used as biodiesel. Seed oil also called as
Tamanu oil has medicinal uses in treating skin diseases and fetches high
price ($4-$40/ 30 ml) in international market. With recently discovered
plant properties like anti-HIV and anti-cancer active compounds,
Calophyllum inophyllum can be placed amongst the most important multi-
purpose trees.The timber of this species referred to a ‘Bintagor’ is of
superior quality and is popularly traded in South-East Asian countries. It
has demand for carving, furniture making, boat building, and flooring. It
is a durable multi-purpose timber (density 560-900kg/m³).
35
9 Application of N-fixer (an aqua product
harbouring superior strains of Frankia) as plant
growth promoter for Casuarinas
A. Karrthikeyan
Scientist
Casuarinas are being cultivated in Pondicherry and Tamilnadu day

by day due to its popularization as fuel wood species, nitrogen fixing
capacity and potential for adaptation to diversified soil and climatic
conditions. Casuarina equisetifolia and Casuarinas junghuhniana seedlings
were raised under nursery level and also vegetatively propagated rooted
stem cuttings using inert material (vermiculate). The roots of C.equisetifolia
and C. junghuhniana produce root nodules where the actinomycete called
Frankia fixes atmospheric N2 which is essential nutrient for all plant
metabolites activities. To promote and use this actinomycete IFGTB
brought out a product called N fixer which contains superior strains of
Frankia. The superior strains were identified based on their nitrogenase
activity as well as their performance in Casuarinas at nursery and field
conditions. The inoculation of N fixer (Frankia) resulted increased growth
than non inoculated trees. Under experimental conditions N fixer results
100% of root nodule formation in the seedlings and cuttings of C.
equisetifolia and C. junghuhniana by application of @ 5ml/ seedling. It
contains 107/ ml. This N fixer was suggested to inoculate particularly for
casuarinas to enhance growth and nutrient improvement.
36
10 “Hy-Act”- Biopesticide (seed oil based
formulation developed from Hydnocarpus
pentandra)
S. Murugesan, N. Senthilkumar, D. Suresh Babu and C. Rajeshkannan
Ethnobotanical records indicate that H.pentandra oil possesses many

medicinal properties, but no information on its pesticidal properties is
available. Hence, the bioactivity was evaluated on the key insect pests of
Teak, Ailanthus and Casuarina. Preliminary bioassay study conducted both
in the laboratory and field conditions revealed that the oil possesses
insecticidal properties against these pests. The oil formulation showed
effectiveness in managing the insect pests in terms of larval mortality;
Hyblea purea (80-90%), Inderbella quadrinotata (60-80%) and Eligma narsisuss
indica (45-55%). The formulation is also found to act as feeding deterrents,
growth inhibitors, repellents (or) oviposition inhibitors against the target
insect species. Therefore, H.pentandra oil seed fractions were considered
as promising biopesticide against these pests and the formulation named
as Hy-ACT (HyPSO 25 EC) has been prepared and released.
1 (one) liter oil can be extracted from 5kg of seeds. The extracted oil
was duly formulated with suitable combination ratios along with adjuvant.
100ml formulated ‘Hy-Act’ can be mixed with 10 li of water to spray over
1.5-2.0 lakhs seedlings in order to contain aforementioned insect pests.
500 ml of ‘Hy-Act’ may be needed for 1 ha of young 1-2 yrs old plantations.
The cost of biopesticide 100ml bottle is Rs. 80/- only.
Hydnocarpus pentandra seeds were collected, processed, air dried and

oil was extracted by organic solvent distillation. The bioefficacy of the oil
37
was analyzed by conducting a series of laboratory bioassays for larval
mortality and antifeedancy. Each treatment with different concentrations
ranging from, 250-1000 ppm & 1000-10,000 ppm was performed in 10
individual larva and 10 such replicates were made to minimize error in
the experimental design. Based on the performance in the lab studies, the
effective concentrations were used for further identification of individual
compounds. The oil was subjected to fractionation by chromatographic
techniques and the fractions were analyzed by TLC, HPLC and GC-MS-
MS and the bioactive compounds were characterized and identified. The
performance of the identified individual compounds was tested against
key pests both in the lab and field conditions for making preformulations
and application at nursery level. Based on the experiments conducted,
suitable preformulations were developed and tested in comparison with
neem formulation and synthetic pesticide. Based on the results obtained a
product was developed with suitable formulation.
38
11 Growth promoting product –
“Tree Rich Biobooster”
(An alternate media for potting mixture)
S. Murugesan, N. Senthilkumar, N. Krishna Kumar, R. Lakshmi Devi,
K. Ramesh, P. Manivachakam, C. Rajeshkannan and D. Suresh Babu
Plantation forestry has tremendous scope for rural livelihood

improvement and improvement of activities of wood based industries in
the country. However, supply of quality planting stock to the farmers is
the major bottle neck due to lack of micro and macro nutrients, insect
pests, diseases and nematodes. Various nursery practices are available
individually for pests, diseases and nutrient management however,
integrated strategy to manage growth, pests and diseases is lacking, hence,
the product Treerich biobooster has been developed for the production
of quality planting stock for farm and plantation forestry. The developed
product may be used as an alternate to potting media to raise nursery.
Treerich biobooster Pellets - Decomposed organic material along

with FYM and other microorganisms in a suitable proportion was made
into a disc/pellet of 60mm/25mm size with 50-60gms (EC-0.23, pH is
6.4). One pellet of the said size will expand to 12cm height with 6cm
diameter after adding 350ml of water in a standard (6x15cm) polybag for
raising seedlings. The total cost of the five pellet containing pack is Rs.30.
Biological products based on natural products derived from

biomanures/microorganisms specific to their mode of action/function
offer an ecological and effective solution to crop productivity, health and
pest problems. Such bioboosters/bioinoculants are an alternative to
synthetic molecules that continue to be used appropriately, particularly in
39
developing countries, threatening the environment and human health.
There have been massive upsurges in chemical product use in recent years
and increasing use, and often misuse, has led to increased problems of
quality planting stock in terms of plant health and plant away from pest’s
pressure. New chemicals with improved properties are available but are
beyond the means of many farmers in developing countries. The use of
bioboosters which are highly safe and act as induced plant defenses has
been proposed for many years. If produced, formulated and applied in
appropriate ways, such treerich bioboosters can provide ecological and
effective solution to production of healthy planting resources. In view of
the experience gained by the researchers over the past one decade in the
field of biofertilizers, biopesticide and made culture bank in the institute,
it is essential to take up a research programme to further screen the effect
of various bioinoculants as an Integrated Nutrient Management for the
important forest tree species like Eucalyptus, Casuarina, Teak, Ailanthus,
Gmelina and Neolamarckia species. Experience has shown that attention
to the detail of bioinoculant application technology can yield significant
improvement in performance of those planting stock in nurseries.
40
12 Biopesticide - “Tree PAL H”
S. Murugesan, N. Senthilkumar, D. Suresh Babu and C. Rajesh Kannan
Ethnobotanical records indicate that this oil possesses many medicinal

properties. But no information on its pesticidal properties in terms of
synergistic effect is available. Hence, the bioactivity was evaluated on the
key insect pests of Ailanthus, Casuarina and Teak. Preliminary study
conducted both in the laboratory and field conditions revealed that mixture
of formulation possesses insecticidal properties against these pests. The
oil formulation showed effectiveness in managing the insect pests in terms
of larval mortality; Hyblea purea (80-90%), Inderbella quadrinotata (60-80%)
and Eligma narsisuss indica (45-55%). The formulation is also found to act
as feeding deterrents, growth inhibitors, repellents (or) oviposition inhibitors
against the target species. Therefore, these fractions were considered as
promising biopesticide against these pests and the formulation named as
Tree PAL H has been prepared and released.
100 ml of Tree PAL H may be added to 10 litres of water and sprayed

to infested plants at a week intervals. The requirement of Tree PAL H
formulation per hectare of plantation is worked out to be 100 ml. 100 ml
Tree PAL H can be mixed with 10li water to spray over 1.5 to 2.0 lakhs
seedlings. 500 ml of Tree PAL H may be needed for 1 ha of young 1-2 yrs
old plantations. The cost of biopesticide 100ml bottle is Rs. 80/- only.
The Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) has been
undertaking research on genetic improvement of commercially important
forestry species such as teak, casuarina and eucalyptus which can contribute
to the Green India Mission aiming for enhancing the quality and quantity
of India’s forest cover. IFGTB aims to enhance the productivity through
41
genetic improvement, silvicultural interventions and protection from pest
and disease. In this context, biopesticide based plant protection specific to
target pests offer an eco-friendly and effective solution to insect problems.
The potential of biopesticides an alternative to chemical pesticides has
not been fully exploited so far. There have been massive upsurges, and
increasing use and often misuse of chemical pesticides led to problem of
insecticide resistance. In addition, it has also resulted in destruction there
the problems of destruction of beneficial insects and other non-target
organisms and toxic residues in the ecosystem affecting the overall
environmental quantity. The Division of Bioprospecting of IFGTB is
involved in developing biopesticides using non-edible tree borne oil seeds
and providing support to tree improvement programme. The new
biopesticide formulation Tree PAL H is a product developed by the research
group of Division of Bioprospecting, IFGTB through intensive research
and vigorous field testing.
42
13 Windbreak Agroforestry systems with
superior clones of Casuarina junghuhniana
C. Buvaneswaran, A. Nicodemus, R. Velumani, C. V. Vijayam,
K. Vinothkumar and N. Krishna Kumar
Superior Clones for Windbreaks: Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree

Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore has developed five productive clones of
Casuarina junghuhniana viz. IFGTB-WBC 6, IFGTB-WBC 8, IFGTB-
WBC 9, IFGTB-WBC 17 and IFGTB-WBC 18 exclusively suitable for
windbreak Agroforestry system. These clones will have more number of
branches, greater branch thickness, wider branch angle along with greater
growth rate and biomass productivity and are suitable clones for
windbreaks. Farmer’s experience of cultivating plantain under windbreak
agroforestry system with these superior clones of IFGTB also showed that
there exist good compatibility of Casuarina and banana for co-cultivation
of the both the crops.
Establishment of the model: After land preparation by ploughing and

formation of three channels at distance of 1 m all along the boundary,
within each channel, superior clones of Casuarina are planted at 2 m
interval within the rows in ‘Quincunxs’ pattern. Thus the tree density will
be around 600 trees per hectare. After planting of tree seedlings, rhizomes
of plantain are planted inside the field in the ‘Quincunxs pattern with 4 m
distance within a row and 2 m distance between rows. Thus, the plantain
density will be 2500 per ha.
Tree rows in windbreak

2m
2m
1m
43
C. Economics of the technology
Growth and Yield: Observation on growth parameters of top ranking
superior clones of Casuarina junghuhniana under this windbreak
agroforestry system in Kovilpalayam in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu
revealed that the girth at breast height was 12.0 cm and total height was
6.0 m at the end of first year of the plantation. At this rate of growth,
volume production will be 12.0 cubic metre per hectare. Estimated wood
yield on fresh weight basis at harvest age of three years is 8.0 metric tonnes
per hectare.
The average yield of plantain (Variety-Kadali) under windbreak

agroforestry system obtained in the farm field in Kovilpalayam is 7.0 kg
of fruit weight per bunch (after excluding the weight of fruit stalk (rachis)-
which will be around 2.5 kg in kadali variety. It is observed that the fruit
yield from plantain very adjoining to the tree rows was not affected by co-
cultivation of superior clones of Casuarina junghuhniana and Kadali variety
of plantain crop.
Expected Additional Income from the tree component
Location: Kovilpalayam, Coimbatore District Year:2013

Particulars Values
i) Cost of cultivation of tree component : Rs. 6,000/-
ii) Benefits from tree component after three years:
a) Income from pulpwood (@ Rs. 2300 per MT): Rs.18,400/-
b) Income from branch wood –(@ Rs.1000 per MT) Rs.2,500/-
iii) Net Additional income from tree component Rs. 14,900/-
44
14 Bio-Inoculants for Native Tree Species in Nursery
V. Mohan
The well known symbiotic relationships between plants and microbes

are Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) and Arbuscular
Mycorrhizal (MA) fungi. Use of these beneficial microbes as bio-
inoculants/ bio-fertilizers would reduce the cost of chemical fertilizers
involved in plantation programmes. The effective utilization of bio-
inoculants for trees will not only provide economic benefits but also improve
and maintain the soil fertility and sustainability in natural soil ecosystem.
Among many native tree species, Ailanthus excelsa, A. triphysa, Dalbergia
latifolia, Gmelina arborea, Melia dubia and Neolamarckia cadamba are some
of the economically important fast growing. These species are being
cultivated in agro-forestry system by farmers and industries for their end
uses. The demand for forest products is increasing whereas the area under
forests is declining. The depletion of forest cover leading to scarcity of
fuel wood and food for man and animals coupled with increasing wasteland
formation is a major concern of developing nations. Hence, an efficient
production of quality seedlings of economically important native tree
species is of paramount importance for better productivity in field.
Attempts were made to investigate the diversity status of beneficial

microbes like Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, nitrogen fixers
(Azotobacter and Azospirillum) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria in
association with six different fast growing native tree species viz., Ailanthus
excelsa, A. triphysa, Dalbergia latifolia, Gmelina arborea, Melia dubia and
Neolamarckia cadamba plantations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Total of 216
PGPR isolates from the rhizosphere samples of A. excelsa (69 isolates), A.
triphysa (12 isolates), D. latifolia (29 isolates), G. arborea (45 isolate), M.
dubia (28 isolates) and N. cadamba (33 isolates) were identified. A total of
45
25 different AM fungal species viz. Acaulospora (4 species), Gigaspora (2
species) and Glomus (19 species) were isolated and identified from the
rhizosphere of these selected 6 different native trees in various planatations.
Pure cultures of all the beneficial microbes are maintained in the Institute’s
Germplasm Bank for further studies.
An experiment was conducted for screening of efficient PGPR isolates

under in vitro for plant growth hormone (IAA) production and phosphate
solubilization and the best and potential isolates were selected for nursery
experiments. Some of the PGPR viz., Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum
lipoferum, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens,
Pseudomonas synxantha, Acinetobacter sp., Stenotrophomonas sp. were reported
for the first time in association with these fast growing native trees. DNA
sequencing of selected isolates of PGPRs has been done and Nucleotide
sequences of 13 different isolates of PGPRs (PSB and Azospirillum) were
submitted to European Molecular Biology laboratory (EMBL) and
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Databases and
obtained Accession numbers for the repository.
In the present study, liquid based formulation of PGPR biofertilizer

product was made and inoculated to all the 6 different native tree species
in nursery. It was found that multiple inoculation (AM fungi + Nitrogen
fixer + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) resulted in enhanced plant growth,
biomass and seedling quality over single inoculation and uninoculated
(control). Attempts were made for studying the persistence of inoculated
beneficial microbes (both AM fungi and PGPR organisms) from the roots
and rhizophsere samples of all the six different native tree seedlings and it
was recorded that the inoculated tree species had better percent root
colonization and soil spore population of AM fungi and population density
of PGPR organisms. This study would enable and support organic tree
nurseries and agro-farming. The bio-inoculants application in seedling stage
may assist the seedlings to withstand dry land conditions and support the
seedlings when out planted under agro-forestry and plantation systems.
46
15 Casuarina based ‘Alley cropping’ system for
higher economic returns
S. Saravanan
Casuarina based alley cropping system was laid out in wider alleys in
the spacing of 3x1m. Land was ploughed and watering channels were
made to facilitate the irrigation to the systems and 30 cm3 pits were dug
for establishing Casuarina based alley cropping system. The density of
Casuarina remained as 3333 trees/ha. Before planting of Casuarina, annual
crops seeds were sowed. Planting of Casuarina clones or seedlings raised
from seed orchards will give the better yield with uniform growth.
Studies conducted on socioeconomic aspects on tree cultivation in

farmlands in Tamil Nadu and the study revealed that, among the reasons,
for taking up tree cultivation, higher returns in short period pointed out by
many farmers compared to agriculture cited as major reason and ranked
first with greater mean score of 54.33 under ‘Garrett Scoring Technique’
(Garrett and Woodworth, 1969). ‘Less risk’ involved in tree cultivation
ranked second and ‘Less attention need’ ranked third.
Yield and Economics of the system

From the established ‘alley cropping’ agroforestry system with
Casuarina, the yield has been worked out for of pure casuarina, pure cotton
and for casuarina-cotton based agroforestry system, for three years. The
economic productivity of the model (Casuarina-Cotton) was also worked
out and the average annual net income from this model is Rs. 41, 000/-
Also, this Casuarina-Cotton based agroforestry system has been compared
with pure Casuarina, pure agricultural component (cotton) and traditional
land use. From the above model, the intercropping activities have been
47
carried out for three years and the yield was assessed. From the above
model, the annual net come has been worked out and Casuarina based
alley cropping system registered higher annual net income which is higher
than the sole crops. The economic productivity of the model (Casuarina-
Cotton) was also worked out and the average annual net income from this
model is Rs. 41, 000/- Also, this Casuarina-Cotton based alley cropping
agroforestry system has been compared with pure Casuarina, pure
agricultural component (cotton) and traditional land use (rice cultivation)
which gives a net income of Rs. 22, 800/-, Rs.24, 000/- and Rs.32,500/-
respectively. The casuarina –cotton based alley cropping agroforestry
system registered higher average annual net income compared to other
sole crops and traditional agriculture.
48
16 Initiatives of Conservation and
Commercialization of Rare Tamarind
Genetic Resources
A. Mayavel, J. Soosairaj B. Gurudev Singh and N. Krishnakumar
Indian Council of Forestry Research Education has launched a special

scheme on Direct to Consumer to take the technological advancements
made by ICFRE to stake holders. Under this programe the projects
implemented by ICFRE having potential outreach have been selected for
extending research finding to stakeholders. The project on “Selection and
Conservation of red and sweet tamarind in southern india” was
implemented by Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding during
2007-2010 have been selected under this programme.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L) is an important multipurpose tree

species primarily grown for its fruits. The Fruit pulp is used as culinary
ingredient in many south Indian foods. The timber is largely used for
preparation of domestic articles, furniture and agriculture implements.
The starch and oil extracted from seeds is widely used in textile and paint
industry. Large variation in tree growth, canopy size, flowering pattern,
fruit productivity, pulp colour and sweetness exists in tamarind. Based on
the pulp colour tamarind has been delineated as red tamarind and brown
tamarind. The red pulp colour in unripe fruits is due to presence of
anthocyanin present cell vacuoles which is a natural water soluble, non
toxic pigment. The high potential of red tamarind as biocolourant in food
processing, pharmaceutical, brewery and confectionery industries to
replace the use of carcinogenic inorganic colorants provide scope for large
scale commercial utilization. Based on variation in acidity level in fruit
pulp sweet and sour tamarind are recognized. The sweet tamarind pulp is
49
rich in minerals and vitamins and used for preparation of jam, jelly, candy
and chocolate. The red and sweet varieties are rare mutants with scattered
distribution preventing their commercial utilization. To conserve and utilize
these rare and valuable genetic resources a project on Selection and
conservation of Red and Sweet Tamarind have been implemented in
IFGTB during 2007 to 2010.
Extensive surveys were carried out in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra

pradesh, and Puducherry to identify and select red and sweet tamarind
trees. The project located 47 red tamarind trees with unripe fruit pulp
containing anthocyanin ranging from 123.00 mg/l to 246.90 mg/l in
comparison with normal brown tamarind pulp contained no anthocyanin
similarly 30 sweet tamarind trees with pulp containing total sugar ranging
from 30.50 % to 48.60 % as compared to 27.60 % in widely grown variety
PKM-1. The Thailand sweet tamarind varieties available in the market
contains 68.30 % of total sugar. The Institute of Genetics and Tree Breeding
assembled 60 accessions of red and sweet tamarind in a germplasm bank
at Kurumbapatti, Salam (District) in Tamil Nadu. This is the first initiative
made to conserve these rare phenotypic variants of tamarind in the country.
Since the highly valuable phenotypic variants of red and sweet

tamarind are have the potential for commercial utilization in various
industries.it has been has been incorporated in Direct to Consumer Scheme.
These variants will also be helpful for improving livelihood of rural people
involved in tamarind cultivation and alleviate poverty through income
generation and creating employment opportunities. Under this scheme a
project on Production and supply of quality planting stock of Red and
Sweet Tamarind to different stake holders has been initiated in Institute
of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore during 2012-2013.
The red tamarind with high anthocyanine and sweet tamarind with
high sugur and low acidity are being propagated through cleft grafting
and approach grafting techniques for supplying to the stake holders.
50
17 Tree Pest Management
John Prasanth Jacob
Insect pests are detrimental to the vigorous growth and health of

planting stock which ultimately affect the survival of out planted seedlings
in the field. Development of pest management practices is an important
priority area in forestry so as to produce healthy seedlings for attaining
improved productivity. Timely and proper utilisation of the developed pest
management package of practices could keep the pests at an innocuous
level and reduce the high cost of containing the pest in outbreak situations
and loss of planting material could be avoided. Pest management (in
nurseries and plantations) relies mostly on monitoring to detect pest
incidences and identify pest population levels. The key tactic is prevention.
For this, information on pests and planning to prevent or reduce the pest
incidence is required.
Based on the information about the periodicity of incidence, intensity

of attack, nature of damage, biology of key pests and the influence of
biotic and abiotic factors on pest build up, suitable management measures
were standardized for some of the key pests by integrating cultural,
mechanical, biological and chemical methods.
The following combinations of strategies are recommended for employing
integrated pest management methods for tree pests in forest nurseries
No. STRATEGY METHOD
1 Initiate implementing pest Regular monitoring and early

management strategies well before detection of pests with the
pest incidence. Install light traps. help of Pest Calendar and
Assessing pest abundance through identifying abundance level to
sampling take appropriate measures.
51
No. STRATEGY METHOD
2 Weed clearing, disposal of infested Employing cultural and

seedlings, hand picking or net physical methods to minimize
collection of pests and destruction, incidence and spread of the
pruning of affected areas. pest.
3 Delay pesticide application Allowing build up of natural
enemy population.
4 Applying commercially Applying microbial
available bacterial, viral, formulations.
fungal formulations.
5 Prepare extracts with easily and Applying effective plant based
commonly available plants through extracts to minimize pest
cost effective methods and apply. incidence and spread.
6 Host plant resistance Identification and utilization
of pest resistant/tolerant
candidates.
Applying need based safe and Pesticide application
less persistent insecticides.
Pest Calendar which documents various pests and their natural

enemies will help in taking various prophylactic measures for management
of insect pests. State Forest Departments, Corporations, NGOs and
Farmers raising nurseries for plantation purpose will be benefited by the
package of practices to manage pest problems in nurseries.
52
IPM MEASURES FOR KEY PESTS OF TREES IN NURSERY
IPM for insect pests of Tectona grandis
Hyblaea puera & Eutectona machaeralis
INSECTS / 50 LEVEL MANAGEMENT METHODS

SEEDLINGS
Nil 0 Prophylactic: Regular monitoring
throughout the raising period particularly
soon after the monsoon rains. Install light
traps to monitor and trap adult moths of
H. puera.
<6 LOW Mechanical: Leaves folded at the margins
can be located and H. puera larva can be
plucked every 10 days and destroyed.
Spray of Neem oil or Pungam oil
emulsion can be done 15-20 days interval
to deter the caterpillars.
> 6 but < 12 MEDIUM Chemical: 0.05% monocrotophos or
0.076% dicholrvos can be sprayed.
> 12 HIGH Chemical: As above.
IPM for insect pests of Casuarina

Icerya purchasi

SEEDLINGS
throughout the raising period. Apply 12
% neem oil every 10-15 days interval.
53
SEEDLINGS
<6 LOW Mechanical: During low level
infestations the scales can be scrapped off
manually with a pair of sticks.
Chemical: Spray of 0.06% dimethoate
or 0.05% methyl demeton can control the
pest.
> 6 but < 12 MEDIUM Chemical: As above.
Ferrisia virgata
SEEDLINGS
throughout the raising period. Apply 12
% neem oil every 10-15 days interval.
pest.
54
IPM for insect pests of Melia dubia
Red spider mite Tetranychus urticae
SEEDLINGS
Nil 0
<6 LOW Mechanical: Infested leaves can be hand
plucked and destroyed if the pest is at
low to medium level.
Chemical: Application of 12 % Neem
oil emulsion pointed towards the under
side of the leaves can reduce the
population level. 2.5 ml of Dicofol per
liter of water can be applied during severe
infestation. Application of Propargate
0.1 ml/lit of water can also control the
mites.
Ascotis selenaria (Lepidoptera:Geometridae)

SEEDLINGS
Nil 0
<6 LOW Mechnical: Adult moths are attracted to
light. Install Light traps with white lights
soon after the rains to trap the adult.
Prosophis trees are most preferred host.
Lopping the branches or elimination of
Prosophis trees from the vicinity nursery
can control the incidence of Ascortis.
55
SEEDLINGS
Chemical: 0.05% Monocrotophos or
0.076% Dichlorvos.
Ferrisia virgata (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

INSECTS / 50
SEEDLINGS LEVEL MANAGEMENT METHODS
Nil 0
Application of Neem oil, tobacco extract
directed towards the underside of the
leaves controlled the scales.
pest.
Thrips
INSECTS / 50
throughout the raising period. Apply 5%
NSKE every 10-15 days interval. Bed
arrangement alternatively with other
56
INSECTS / 50
species can be tried to reduce the spread
of the pest.
<6 LOW Chemical: Suitable microbial
formulations of Verticillium lecanii can
be applied to bring down the population.
0.06% dimethoate or 0.01% imidacloprid
or 0.076% Dicholrvos can be sprayed.
IPM for insect pests of Ailanthus excelsa

Eligma narcisus
SEEDLINGS
Nil 0 Prophylactic: Light traps can be installed
to monitor adult insects. A. malabaricus
and A. triphysa trees in the vicinity should
be monitored since they act as alternate
hosts and sustain nucleus populations
and treatments like pesticide application
or lopping of branches can done to
reduce pest population.
<6 LOW Mechanical: Hand picking and
destruction of larva by immersing in a
mixture water and kerosene at low level
incidence of the pest. Pupal cases
attached to the seedling stems can be
detached and crushed.
57
SEEDLINGS
> 6 but < 12 MEDIUM Chemical: 5% tobacco extract and 2%
pungam oil can be sprayed alternatively
in a gap of 15 -20 days. Suitable microbial
formulations of Beauveria bassiana can be
applied to bring down the population.
> 12 HIGH Chemical: 0.05% Monocrotophos spray
or 0.076% Dicholrvos.
Atteva fabricella
SEEDLINGS
Nil 0 Prophylactic: Light traps can be installed
to monitor adult insects.
<6 LOW Mechanical: Infested shoot tips can be
easily located and larvae can be hand
picked and destroyed. Pupal cases
attached to dry apical leaves can be
collected and crushed.
> 6 but < 12 MEDIUM Chemical: 0.05% Monocrotophos spray
or 0.076% Dicholrvos Suitable microbial
formulations of Beauveria bassiana can be
applied to bring down the population.
> 12 HIGH Chemical: 0.05% Monocrotophos spray
or 0.076% Dicholrvos.
58
IPM for Common and miscellaneous pests
Myllocerus sp. & Grasshoppers
INSECTS / 50
Nil 0 Prophylactic: Regular monitoring and
weeding of nursery.
<6 LOW Mechanical: Sweep net collection of
beetles and grass hoppers should be done
every week. Spray of Neem oil or
Pungam oil emulsion can be done every
10 days to deter the insects.
> 6 but < 12 MEDIUM Chemical: 0.05% monocrotophos or
0.076% dicholrvos can be sprayed.
59
18 Clonal propagation of Eucalyptus
V.K.W Bachpai
Candidate Plus tree selection

The selection of the most desirable tree with characeteristics such as
straightness of stem, annual growth rate, height, clear bole height, Girth
at breast height, crown structure, bark peeling, disease resistance etc has
to be considered
Once the trees are selected the following operations should be followed.
STEP 1: COPPICING OF SELECTED TREES

The selected group of trees may be coppiced with a slant cut about
15- 20 cm above ground level. The cut end should be given antifungal
treatment (1gm of Red lead + 1 gm of copper carbonate in 1000 ml. linseed
oil or blue copper). After 40 days, coppice shoots are ready for harvest.
Each tree would yield 30 nodal cuttings. The shoots should be green, semi
hard and fleshy. Type of cutting selected contributes a great deal to per
cent success of rooting.
STEP 2: ROOTING PHASE

The shoots are severed from the mother plants, placed in a bucket of
water and transported to cutting preparation area. The collected shoots
are severed with secatures made into single node cutting with two buds
and a pair of leaves. The leaf is reduced to less than half the original leaf
size to minimize transpiration. The base of the prepared cuttings is treated
with fungicide (0.1% Emision or 0.05% Bavistin). Immediately, the lower
portion of the cuttings treated with indole butyric acid 4000 ppm in talcum
powder (4g of Indole Butyric Acid in 1 kg of ordinary Talcum powder) by
60
dip smear treatment to stimulate the root formation. Following this, the
cuttings are ready for planting in root trainers containing presoaked
vermiculite as a rooting media. The cuttings are kept in polytunnels for
about4-6 weeks until a good root system is developed and shoot growth
starts.
STEP 3: HARDENING PHASE

The rooted cuttings are transferred from the polytunnels to single net
shade house. Under the single net shade house they are maintained for
15 – 20 days. The rooted cuttings are watered regularly twice a day. The
rooted cuttings are given a dose of NPK solution (1gm/lit). After 20 days
the rooted cuttings are transferred to open nursery for exposing them for
further hardening in direct sunlight. The cuttings are maintained in the
nursery till they attain plantable height. On attaining plantable height the
rooted cuttings are sent for planting
JUVNILE SHOOT ROOTING (MINI AND MICRO CUTTING

TECHNIQUE)
Establishment of Mini-hedges : The Mini-hedges are established adjacent
to the propagation nursery. Beds of standard size of 1m X 10m dimensions
are prepared using desired potting media. Propagules are planted at an
espacement of 20 cm x 20 cm. (200 stools per bed). The propagules are
watered at regular intervals. Each propagule initially is supplied with 50
gms of NPK fertilizer. Periodic cultural operations like watering, weeding,
pesticide application etc. are carried out at regular intervals for vigourous
luxurious growth. The stools are maintained for a period of 180 days till
the stools attain 10 mm to 15 mm collar diameter.
Mini hedges are established through two routes.
1. Mini- cutting technique: In this technique the mini clonal hedge

consists of mini stumps obtained by rooting mini cuttings derived
from the shoots propagated from the conventional cutting method.
61
2. Micro-cutting technique: In this technique the clonal hedge is
raised from micro-propagated plants through tissue culture
laboratory
Coppicing of Mini-hedges
The stools are coppiced at a height of 15 cm from ground level. The
cut end should be given antifungal treatment (1gm of Red lead + 1 gm of
copper carbonate in 1000 ml. linseed oil or blue copper). The coppiced
shoots are watered regularly.
Collection of juvenile shoots

After 15 days, juvenile shoots are ready for harvest (5 cm to 10 cm).
Each stool would yield 5-14 juvenile shoots. The advantage of juvenile
shoot cutting is that shoots can be harvested every 15 days and rooted.
The shoots should be green, semi hard and healthy. Type of cutting selected
contributes a great deal to per cent success of rooting.
Rooting of juvenile shoots

The shoots are severed from the mother plants, placed in a bucket of
water and transported to cutting preparation area. The base of the juvenile
shoot is treated with fungicide (0.1% Emision or Bavistin 0.05%).
Immediately, the lower portion of the juvenile shoot is treated with indole
butyric acid 4000 ppm in Talcum powder (4g of Indole Butyric Acid in 1
kg of ordinary Talcum powder) by dip smear treatment to stimulate the
root formation. Following this, the juvenile shoots are ready for planting
in root trainers containing presoaked vermiculite as a rooting media. The
cuttings are transferred to poly tunnels for 3-4 weeks until a good root
system is developed and top growth starts.
Hardening procedure is the same as mentioned earlier for the

conventional stem cutting method.
62
19 Clonal propagation of Casuarina
V.K.W Bachpai
MACROPROPAGATION (ROOTING OF SPRIGS)

Selections / Clones can be propagated by rooting young shoots
(“sprigs”). These plants produce uniform superior growth in plantations.
In Casuarina rooting of sprigs is carried out in the following stages.
1 : COLLECTION OF SPRIGS
Sprigs are collected from the by severing them from lower branches
of selected plants and place in a bucket of water and transported to cutting
preparation area.
STEP 2 : ROOTING PHASE

The severed sprigs are trimmed to 8-10 cm length. While trimming
care should be taken to avoid damage to the apical bud of the sprig. The
base of the sprigs treated with fungicide 0.05% Bavistin. Immediately, the
lower portion of the sprig is treated with indole butyric acid 2000 ppm in
Talc powder (2g of Indole Butyric Acid in 1 kg of Talc powder) by dip
smear treatment to stimulate the root formation. Following this, the cuttings
were planted in root trainers containing presoaked vermiculite as a rooting
media and kept under suitable environmental conditions for rooting in the
polytunnels (35-38oC and humidity at 90% RH).
STEP 3 : HARDENING PHASE

Hardening phase is similar to that of Eucalyptus.
Rooting of juvenile sprigs (mini cutting technique) for clonal Casuarina

at a commercial scale have shown great potential of substituting, rooting
63
stem cuttings with technical and economical advantages. Clonal hedges
are replaced by mini-hedges which provide high degree of juvenility of
micro-propagated and vegetatively propagated plantlets.
Establishment of Mini-hedges : The Mini-hedges are established in raised

bed under controlled conditions. Propagules are planted at an espacement
of 20 cm x 20 cm. (200 stools per bed). The propagules are watered at
regular intervals using drip irrigation facility. Fertigation of the stools is
also done through the lateral of the drip irrigation system. Fertigation is
carried out depending on the requirement (weekly). Periodic cultural
operations like watering, weeding, pesticide application etc., are carried
out at regular intervals for vigourous luxurious growth. The stools are
maintained for a period of 180 days till the stools attain 10 mm to 15 mm
collar diameter.
Mini- cutting technique (Macro propagated cuttings route)

In this technique the mini clonal hedge consisted of mini stumps
obtained by propagules derived from shoots propagated by vegetative
means.
Coppicing of Mini-hedges
The stools are coppiced at a height of 15 cm from ground level. The
cut end should be given antifungal treatment (1gm of Red lead + 1 gm of
copper carbonate in 1000 ml. linseed oil or blue copper).
Collection of juvenile sprigs

After 30 days, juvenile sprigs are ready for harvest (5 cm to 10 cm).
Each stool would yield 4-6 juvenile sprigs. The advantage of mini cutting
is that sprigs can be harvested every 20 days and rooted. The sprigs should
be green, semi hard and healthy. Type of cutting selected contributes a
great deal to per cent success of rooting.
64
ROOTING OF JUVENILE SPRIGS
The sprigs are severed from mini stools maintained in a raised bed,
placed in a bucket of water and transported to cutting preparation area.
The base of the juvenile shoot is treated with fungicide (Bavistin 0.05%).
Immediately, the lower portion of the juvenile shoot is treated with indole
butyric acid 2000 ppm in Talcum powder (4g of Indole Butyric Acid in 1
kg of Talc powder) by dip smear treatment to stimulate the root formation.
Following this, the juvenile shoots are ready for planting in root trainers
containing presoaked vermiculite as a rooting media. The cuttings are
transferred to poly tunnels for 3-4 weeks until a good root system is
developed and top growth starts.
Hardening procedure is the same as mentioned earlier for the
conventional stem cutting method.
MAINTENANCE OF MINI HEDGES

Management mini hedges is utmost important for the success of
enhancing rootability and quality planting stock production. For successful
operational procedure of rooting cuttings monitoring of location, labour,
maintaining identity of mini hedges and infrastructure is carried out.
Harvesting decisions for collection of juvenile shoots were taken on the
basis of growth performance of different clones.
Water culture method : The procedure used in China is independent of

plant gender. In Florida, only male plants can be used. The Chinese
procedure involves establishing a plantation of young trees that are cut
near the soil-line to induce young shoots. Those shoots are harvested when
they are 3 months of age or younger and 3-4 inches long. About 20 or 30
cuttings are placed in an ordinary opaque plastic 12 oz. cup with about 1
inch of rooting hormone solution (50 -100 ppm NAA or IBA). The cuttings
soak for 24 hours. The cuttings are removed and placed in another cup
with only tap water. The cups are placed outdoors in a shady place. The
water is replaced daily. Rooting apparently occurs within 4- 6 weeks.
65
ROOTING OF JUVENILE SPRIGS IN POLYBAGS
Rooting of juvenile sprigs can also be carriedout successfully in
polythene bags directly. Polythene bags of size 8 cm x 10 cm are filled
using a potting mixture containing red soil, pallam sand and farmyard
manure in the ratio 3:1:1. The steps of collection of sprigs, rooting, and
hardening is similar to that of the steps followed for rooting the sprigs and
rooting juvenile sprigs.
Of the methods discussed above nowaday mostly the propagation on

large scale is carried out using the mini cutting technique and rooting the
sprigs in poly bags. In both the methods cost effective poly tunnel technique
is used.
66

TCT

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

TCT

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

TCT

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Transfer of

TREE CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGIES

INSTITUTE OF FOREST GENETICS AND TREE BREEDING

Dr. N. Krishna Kumar

Sl. No. Title Page No.

Seed collection, processing and Nursery techniques

Germination of teak is often poor due to dormancy. Pre treatment of

Important insect pest and diseases

Germination and transplanting

Planting and Tending Methods

Pruning and intercropping

Insect and disease incidence

Wilt or blister bark disease caused by Trichosporium vesciculosum results

Rotation Period and Yield

IFGTB has released four Eucalyptus clonal varieties viz., IFGTB-

Seed collection, processing and Nursery techniques

The texture of the medium of germination must be fine. A fertile

A spacing of 3 m x 2 m (1667 stems/ha) is often applied for pulpwood.

Application of 100g of NP or NPK (3:2:1) fertilizer to each tree at

In India, Eucalyptus is managed through clear-felling system followed

Important insect pest and diseases

Seed collection, processing and Nursery techniques

Vegetative propagation: Juvenile stem cuttings and coppice shoots

Seed collection, processing and Nursery techniques

Important insect pest and diseases

Seed collection, processing and Nursery techniques

The seeds have no dormancy, and no pretreatment is required.

Gmelina arborea is propagated by both seeds and vegetative methods.

The mini hedges of Gmelina arborea are established with rooted

Multi - tier cropping system also has been followed in Pudukkottai

Seed collection, processing and Nursery techniques

Nursery Technique: The sieved seeds need no pre-sowing treatment. Seeds

Year Number Wood Sale price

It tolerates a wide range of soils. It grows best in sandy well drained

Seed collection, processing and Nursery techniques

If kernel collection and processing done by a farmer:

Casuarinas are being cultivated in Pondicherry and Tamilnadu day

Ethnobotanical records indicate that H.pentandra oil possesses many

Hydnocarpus pentandra seeds were collected, processed, air dried and

Plantation forestry has tremendous scope for rural livelihood

Treerich biobooster Pellets - Decomposed organic material along

Biological products based on natural products derived from

Ethnobotanical records indicate that this oil possesses many medicinal

100 ml of Tree PAL H may be added to 10 litres of water and sprayed

Superior Clones for Windbreaks: Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree

Establishment of the model: After land preparation by ploughing and

Tree rows in windbreak

The average yield of plantain (Variety-Kadali) under windbreak

Location: Kovilpalayam, Coimbatore District Year:2013

The well known symbiotic relationships between plants and microbes

Attempts were made to investigate the diversity status of beneficial

An experiment was conducted for screening of efficient PGPR isolates

In the present study, liquid based formulation of PGPR biofertilizer

Studies conducted on socioeconomic aspects on tree cultivation in

Yield and Economics of the system

Indian Council of Forestry Research Education has launched a special

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L) is an important multipurpose tree

Extensive surveys were carried out in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra