Vikrant Jaryan | DAV University Jalandhar, Punjab, India (original) (raw)

Papers by Vikrant Jaryan

Plants, Dec 24, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Indian Journal of Forestry, 2014

Recognizing the role of plantations in bioresource conservation, four plantations namely Departme... more Recognizing the role of plantations in bioresource conservation, four plantations namely Department of Non-renewable Energy Sources (DNES), Eucalyptus, Rose, and Tea were surveyed and sampled in a part of Western Himalaya. Total of 96 plant species belonging to 52 families were recorded from the plantations. Poaceae, Asteraceae and Rosaceae were the dominant families while seven species namely Bidens pilosa, Clinopodium vulgare, Erigeron annuus, Euphorbia heterophylla, Eupatorium adenophorum, Oxalis corniculata, and Pouzolzia zeylanica were common to all the plantations. Maximum tree density was recorded in DNES plantation (36.63±28.10/100m2), while maximum shrub density was in Tea plantation (20.50±2.10/25 m2). Rose plantation, on the other hand, had the highest herb density (210.83±57.30/m2). Tree (2.547) and shrub diversity (2.382) was highest in DNES, while the herb diversity was highest (2.594) in Tea plantation. The pH of the soil from these plantations 4.37 in Tea plantation ...

Flora, 2017

We investigated the impact of invasive Hyptis suaveolens on the natural vegetation and soil of th... more We investigated the impact of invasive Hyptis suaveolens on the natural vegetation and soil of the periurban ecosystems of Chandigarh (Northwestern India), in terms of declines in species number, importance value index (IVI), richness, diversity, evenness, and changes in soil pH, conductivity and organic matter. The number of species declined by 46-52% in the areas massively invaded by H. suaveolens. The richness, diversity, dominance and evenness of species were severely reduced in the invaded areas compared to uninvaded areas. The reasons for this strong impact may be attributed to the vigorous growth of the weed in the invaded areas. Invaded areas were characterized by high cover of the exotic species. Several economically important species like Justicia adhatoda, Anisomeles indica, Carissa carandas, Dioscorea deltoidea, Murraya koenigii and Paspalidium flavidum were conspicuously absent in the invaded areas, though present in the uninvaded areas. Absence of these species in the areas invaded by H. suaveolens may pose socioeconomic problems for the local people. Further, alterations were also noticed in the pH, conductivity, organic carbon and organic matter of the soil of invaded areas. Based on these observations, it was concluded that invasion of H. suaveolens has a marked influence on the vegetation of periurban ecosystems, and causes depletion of several economically important species. The present study calls for an immediate action for the management of this noxious alien weed.

Current Botany, 2017

This paper highlights the occurrence of Soliva anthemifolia (Juss.) R.Br. as a new generic record... more This paper highlights the occurrence of Soliva anthemifolia (Juss.) R.Br. as a new generic record to the flora of Chhattisgarh collected from Pendra village of Bilaspur district. Notes on its morphological characters, habit, and habitat are provided in the article.

National Academy Science Letters, 2016

Plant phenology is a key indicator of changing climatic conditions and, thus, automated documenta... more Plant phenology is a key indicator of changing climatic conditions and, thus, automated documentation of phenology using cameras has recently been advocated. The present study, therefore, aimed at identifying phenological stages in Sapium sebiferum using digital images of a full calendar year. Red, Green and Blue channel information from these images was analyzed. Across the three channels (i.e. R, G, and B) the DN values ranged from a minimum of 71.42 in blue channel (B DN) to 156.16 in green channel (G DN). In general, the R DN , G DN , and B DN values increased till 66 DOY after which there was a steep decline in DN values of R, G, and B channels till 224 DOY. After this, a slight increase in the DN values of all the three channels was observed. The value of Red Fraction ranged between 0.297348281 and 0.352612071. The minimum value for the same was on 3 DOY while the maximum was on 135 DOY. On the other hand, the value of Green Fraction ranged between 0.330045461 and 0.39841947. The values of Green Excess Index (2G-RBi) ranged between-0.009863618 and 0.19525841. It reported minimum value on 42 DOY and the maximum on 139 DOY. Green excess index were found to be reliable indicator of greening up in the species. Red Faction was a good indicator of senescence. Photographs provide an ideal tool for documenting phenology of a species and can provide inputs for large scale satellite image analyses.

International Journal of Ecology, 2014

Recognizing that high litter fall and its rapid decomposition are key traits of invasive species,... more Recognizing that high litter fall and its rapid decomposition are key traits of invasive species, litter fall and its decay in Sapium sebiferum Roxb. were studied in Palampur. For this, litter traps of dimension 50 × 50 × 50 cm 3 were placed in under-canopy and canopy gap of the species. Litter fall was monitored monthly and segregated into different components. For litter decay studies, litter bags of dimension 25 × 20 cm 2 with a mesh size 2 mm were used and the same were analyzed on a fortnightly basis. Litter fall in both under-canopy and canopy gap was highest in November (1.16 Mg ha −1 y −1 in under-canopy and 0.38 Mg ha −1 y −1 in canopy gap) and lowest during March. Litter production in under-canopy and canopy gap was 4.04 Mg ha −1 y −1 and 1.87 Mg ha −1 y −1 , respectively. These values are comparable to sal forest (1.7 t C ha −1 y −1), chir pine-mixed forest (2.1 t C ha −1 y −1), and mixed oak-conifer forest (2.8 t C ha −1 y −1) of the Western Himalaya. The decay rate, 0.46% day −1 in under-canopy and 0.48% day −1 in canopy gap, was also fast. Owing to this the species may be able to modify the habitats to its advantage, as has been reported elsewhere.

The Environmentalist, 2009

Recognizing the importance of sacred groves in biodiversity conservation and management, and the ... more Recognizing the importance of sacred groves in biodiversity conservation and management, and the recent threats to them, the present study was conducted in Shivbari sacred grove of Himachal Pradesh. The study aimed at documenting the floral wealth of Shivbari and promoting plantation of indigenous species in participation with local people. For this, systematic field surveys in different seasons were conducted in Shivbari from April 2005 to November 2009, and liaison was maintained with the local community and temple management authority for gaining insight into the history and problems of Shivbari and initiating plantation activities. A total of 69 flowering plant species were identified inside the grove, which include 14 trees, 9 shrubs, 3 lianas and 43 herbs. This represents almost 2% of the total flowering plant species occurring in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Mallotus philippensis followed by Putranjiva roxburghii was the most dominant tree species. Adhatoda zeylanica was the most common shrub species, while Achyranthes aspera was the most common herb species. The grove harbours 23 plants species that are in high demand in the market, and at the same time also influences the microclimate of the area. The temperature inside the grove was significantly lower than the temperature outside the grove. The recent changes in socioeconomic status of the local people and a shift towards market-oriented economy have threatened the survival of Shivbari. However, the deeply held beliefs of the pilgrims, local people and priest offer a ray of hope. During the course of the study, 3,000 plants were planted inside the grove out of which 60% have survived.

National Academy Science Letters, 2013

Invasion by exotic species is a prime threat to biodiversity and information on their expanse is ... more Invasion by exotic species is a prime threat to biodiversity and information on their expanse is pivotal for effective management of bioresources, with this perception we worked out the extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb. in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh (HP), as is done for IUCN plant threat categorization. Three methods namely aerographic method (AM), cartographic method (CM) and cartographic method by conglomerates (CMC) were deployed and compared for the same in the geographic information system environment. As expected, the three results varied amongst themselves, with AOO being 1127.58, 4046.00 and 734.12 sq km for AM, CM and CMC, respectively. On the other hand the EOO was 4,091.44 sq km. This is a considerable expanse and amounts to more than 7 % of the total geographical area of HP. Based on field surveys and observations, CMC was found to give the most reliable estimates. Though, primarily devised by IUCN for threat categorization of native species, we feel that EOO and AOO may appropriately be applied to invasive species also.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2014

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2012

Recognizing the array of effects that invasive alien species have, documenting their status from ... more Recognizing the array of effects that invasive alien species have, documenting their status from biodiversity rich regions has been much emphasized. Lack of such studies is a major limitation that hampers proper management of alien species. The present paper, therefore, documents the alien flora of the Indian Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh (HP) based on data obtained from literature and herbarium records. The alien flora of HP comprises of 497 species belonging to 85 families. Majority of them belong to family Asteraceae (59 species), followed by Poaceae (47 species) and Fabaceae (43 species). Amongst the genera, Ipomoea (9 species), Eucalyptus and Euphorbia (7 species each) are the most predominant. Herbs constitute the majority (i.e., 73%) of alien species and a large percentage of them (i.e., 22.94%) have South America as their native region. Further, of the total alien species, 248 are intentional introductions and majority (31% species) have been introduced for ornamental purposes. It was revealed that 34% species have naturalized while 29% species have become invasive. Today, in addition to human-disturbed landscapes, alien species have also been reported from dense forests. Himalaya being a biodiversity hotspot and HP being a bio-rich Himalayan state, it is hoped that this inventory and assessment of alien flora will help in designing informed management and monitoring strategies against problematic plant invasions in the state.

Current Science, Feb 25, 2012

Himalayan Medicinal Plants

Ecological Indicators, 2021

Sapium sebiferum, a highly invasive species of the world, can be seen growing in the sub Himalaya... more Sapium sebiferum, a highly invasive species of the world, can be seen growing in the sub Himalayan tracts. Recognizing its fast spreading potential and reported ill-effects on native flora in many parts of the globe, the present study aimed at documenting the distribution and phytosociological characteristics of S. sebiferum in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. Field surveys employing global positioning system and analyses in geographical information system were carried out. Gridding of the area and quadrat sampling was done to document the distribution and population size of the species. Additionally, a site of 35 x 25 m 2 was permanently marked for recording the growth characteristics of the species. It was observed that S. sebiferum occupies 4,611 km 2 of surface area. There were 245 flowering plant species in the sampled stands of S. sebiferum that belonged to 200 genera in 65 families. Of these, 78 were exotics with maximum representation from South America (31%). S. sebiferum was recorded growing from 569 to 1632 m asl and on slopes ranging from 4º to 70º. The fast growing potential of the species, multiple modes of reproduction and high fecundity render the species invasive and a threat to native flora. Mesic ecosystems, where the species was observed forming close canopy woodlands, appear to be the most vulnerable. As large populations of S. sebiferum were recorded around villages, awareness creation amongst the local people is desired for its management.