Ashish Tewari - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ashish Tewari

Current World Environment

Phenology is one of the simplest and most effective study to understanding the role of climate ch... more Phenology is one of the simplest and most effective study to understanding the role of climate change in recent scenario. A number of biotic and abiotic drivers controlled the timing and duration of various phenophases in same or different species. Temperature, rainfall and photoperiod are key drivers which adversely affect the phenology of woody plant. The study sites were conductedat 413 and 2345m elevation in Nainital forest division of Kumaun Himalaya. The phenological study were carried out onShores robusta, Mallotus philippinensis, Pinus roxburghii, Myrica esculenta,Quercus leucotrichophora and Rhododendron arboreum. The phenological observations were made at 15 days interval for low activity period and weekly in the periods of high activity. Phenological records were made for four phenophases, viz., leafing, leaf drop, flowering and seed fall.The leaf fall in S. robusta started from March 2nd week and was complete by the end of April. In M. philippinensis the fruiting commenc...

Forests

This study was carried out in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, India to estimate the carbon stock... more This study was carried out in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, India to estimate the carbon stock and sequestration potential of Dalbergia latifolia and Melia composita plantations of different ages (4 and 6 years old). A total of 14 regression equations using one variable, dbh (diameter at breast height), were primarily selected for both of the tree species component-wise. Tree density was 880 and 960 individuals ha−1 in D. latifolia and M. composita monoplantations, respectively. These equations were statistically significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) at 95% confidence interval. The total biomass of trees, shrubs, and herbs at the different-aged plantations varied from 68.86 to 145.14 Mg ha−1, 1.29 to 2.41 Mg ha−1, and 1.14 to 3.68 Mg ha−1, respectively. Among the studied plantations, the maximum total biomass of 145.14 Mg ha−1 was recorded at the M. composita plantation (7 years old), resulting in the maximum carbon stock of 68.94 Mg C ha−1. Total NPP ranged from 5.6 Mg ha−1yr−1...

Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology

Ficus palmata Forssk. is commonly growing wild in the Himalayan region of the family Moraceae. A ... more Ficus palmata Forssk. is commonly growing wild in the Himalayan region of the family Moraceae. A study was undertaken at the Kumaun Himalaya region to evaluate the regeneration, phenology, maturity indices, and nutrition status of F. palmata. The density of F. palmata across the sites ranged between 22 and 122 ind/ha. Seedlings were completely absent in all the study sites. However, saplings were present in low numbers. The seeds were minute, and germination was high ranging between 84.68 ± 2.42 and 95.33 ± 1.64% while the seed moisture content was between 36.33 ± 0.88 and 42.33 ± 0.88% across all the sites. Flowering and fruiting occurred twice a year from March-May to October-December. Only the seeds produced during summer season (April-May) were viable. It is facing high anthropogenic pressure and poor regeneration. There is an urgent need for conservation and large-scale plantation programs. Assessment of the exact time of fruit/seed maturation using physical indicators can help collect viable seeds for regeneration and multiplication of the species. The study could highlight that this species is facing severe regeneration problems. Fruit/seed maturation can disturb its synchronization with the monsoon rains when maximum germination occurs. Study developed baseline data on phenological events for future referencing on the impact of climate change on this species.

Fire is one of the main factors causing biodiversity losses, its main effect on ecological proces... more Fire is one of the main factors causing biodiversity losses, its main effect on ecological process in the forests are losses in stocks of biomass, change in hydrological cycle and nutrients, forest fires are growing in their size and frequency. Forest fire frequencies, aspect, phytosociological analysis, and population structure of the forest of the two community managed forest locally called (Community Forests) of Almora district, in Kumaun Central Himalaya were studied. The sites were divided into two different aspects i.e. South West (SW) and North West (NW). Based on the phytosociological analysis of four sites represented two major forest types: Pure oak forest and mixed oak-conifer forest. The total basal cover of trees ranged from 4.44 m 2 ha -1 to 46.52m 2 ha -1 .Total tree densities varied from 160 ind ha -1 to 230ind ha -1 . Sapling density varied from 360ind ha -1 to 610 ind ha -1 and seedling density from 120 ind ha -1 to 530 ind ha -1 . Pinus roxburghii was the dominant...

Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 2019

Tarai region comprises with coarse gravel and deposits. This region is very rich in fauna and flo... more Tarai region comprises with coarse gravel and deposits. This region is very rich in fauna and flora. The Tarai belt having long and narrow strips of and separates the upper limits of Gangetic plains. The study was conducted for the documentation of ethno-medicinal use of plants from Tarai region, Kumaun Himalaya. Study was conducted in Tarai region of Kumaun in order to collect information from respondent including both men and women. PRA technique was used to collect the information. Total 70 ethno-medicinal plant species belonging to 33 families, 61 genera were recorded and different habitats such as herbs (44%), trees (29%), shrubs (24%), climbers (3%), which were further classify according to plants parts used such as: root (22%), leaves and whole plants (17%), bark (9%), fruits (8% ), stem-bark (6%), seeds (5%), flowers and rhizome (3%) and gum (2%). It was found that 70 medicinal plant species were used by local people for curing 48diseases such as dysentery, diarrhea, cough, ...

Carbon sequestration through forestry plantations has a huge potential in ameliorating global env... more Carbon sequestration through forestry plantations has a huge potential in ameliorating global environmental problems such as atmospheric accumulation of carbon dioxide and related climate change. The present study analyzed biomass (dry weight/unit area) and carbon sequestration rates of young plantations of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) and Eucalyptus hybrid in Terai region (a level area of superabundant water) of central Himalaya. Soil carbon was estimated up to 70 cm depth. The plantation of Dalbergia sissoo is seed sown and that of Eucalyptus hybrid is seedling planted 10 and 8 years old respectively. The density of trees in Eucalyptus hybrid plantation was 1825 ind ha -1 and that of Dalbergia sissoo was 1010 ind ha -1 . The total tree biomass for Dalbergia sissoo was 29.9 t ha -1 in 2009 which increased to 42.85 t ha -1 in 2010. In Eucalyptus hybrid the total forest vegetation biomass was 43.75 t ha -1 in 2009 which increased to 59.45 t ha -1 in 2010. The young Eucalyptus hybrid fores...

Environment Conservation Journal, 2017

Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus is a dominant forest forming species in Central Himalayan regio... more Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus is a dominant forest forming species in Central Himalayan region between 1600 and 2100 m elevation. The species is under severe anthropogenic pressure and failing to regenerate in its natural environment. Climatic irregularities may further aggravate the problem as acorn ripening time may shift. Acorns of Q. leucotrichophora were collected from three sites located along the altitudinal limits of the species to determine the acorn maturation time. Across the sites the mean weight of acorns between the first and final collection ranged from 9.3±2.2 gm to 21.6±2.1. Inspite of variation in moisture content initial germination commenced at the same time across the sites. Maximum acorn germination was between 56.7±1.2 and 59.6±0.6 %. The mean acorn size was larger at the lower elevation site than higher elevation site across the collection dates. The change in acorn colour from green to dark brown, the removal of acorns cap with ease and acorn moisture content between 36.4±0.8-37.6±1.2 % at the time of maximum germination appear to be reliable indication of maturity. Comparison with an earlier study indicates that acorns are now maturing earlier which can be severely affects its regeneration potential.

Current Science

This article enumerates the findings of a team research on the Indian Himalayan timberline ecoton... more This article enumerates the findings of a team research on the Indian Himalayan timberline ecotone, with focus on three sites (located in Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Sikkim). Timberline elevation increased from west to east, was higher in the warmer south aspect than the cooler north aspect, and was generally depressed. Betula, Abies, Rhododendron and Juniperus were important treeline genera. The Himalaya has not only the highest treelines (Juniperus tibetica, at 4900 m), but also the widest elevational range (>1700 m). Remotely sensed data revealed that the timberline is a long, twisting and turning ecotone, traversing a length of 8-10 km per km horizontal distance. Surface temperature lapse rate in the monsoonal regions was lower (-0.53°C/100 m elevation) than generally perceived and varied considerably with season, being the lowest in December. The Himalayan treeline species are not water-stressed at least in monsoonal regions, predawn tree water potential seldom getting below-1 MPa. The upward advance of Rhododendron campanulatum (a krummholz species) may deplete alpine meadows with climatic warming. Tree-ring chronology indicated that winter warming may be favouring Abies spectabilis. Early snowmelt increased growth period and species richness. Treelines generally are stable in spite of decades of warming. Dependence of people on timberline was still high; so economic interventions are required to reduce the same.

Current World Environment, 2020

Wild edible plants play an important role as food supplements during scarcity for local inhabitan... more Wild edible plants play an important role as food supplements during scarcity for local inhabitants. Ficus semicordata is commonly known as drooping fig. Plant parts are used for medicinal purposes. It is a common agroforestry tree in the Himalayan region growing from 750 to 1500 m elevation. The present study was carried out to assess the exact time of seed and fruit maturation and germination of F. semicordata in Nainital district of Kumaun Himalaya across 3 sites during two consecutive years 2017 and 2018. Fruit of F. semicordata were collected from the marked trees from all the sites till the availability of the fruits. Across all the sites the mean fruit size varied between 190.24 ± 0.46 and 395.14 ±3.56.14 mm² in Yr-1 and 135.56 ±3.69 to 516.86 ±1.26 mm² in Yr-2. Across both the sites the colour change from green to pinkish brown appears as one of the indicator of maturity. In addition to the colour fruit moisture content between 50.25±0.58% and 62.73±2.30% coincided with maxi...

International Journal of Chemical Studies, 2020

The analysis of the diversity, distribution and indigenous uses of plants in and around a Naina D... more The analysis of the diversity, distribution and indigenous uses of plants in and around a Naina Devi Sacred Shrine Rewalsar of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh were carried out from 2009-2014. A total of 169 species of plants belonging to 71 families and 136 genera were recorded. Among these ecologically and economically important species, tree (20 spp.), shrub (41 spp.), herb (91 spp.) were present. The species were used as medicine (117 spp.), wild edible/food (49 spp.), fuel (27 spp.), fodder (54 spp.), and religious (11 spp.) by the inhabitants of the area. The paper gives scientific name of wild plants along with authority, local names, family, life form, indigenous uses and plant part used by the local people of the region. Different parts of these species, such as whole plants, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds and stems are used by the inhabitants for remedial various diseases.

Trees, 2017

Plants submitted to severe water deficit showed significant reduced leaf numbers, leaf areas, and... more Plants submitted to severe water deficit showed significant reduced leaf numbers, leaf areas, and plant heights while reduction in plant height and leaf area and leaf numbers was not significant in moderate water deficit. A significant change in chlorophyll content was observed during the water stress condition. Photosynthesis decreased in both water deficit treatments and was related to stomatal factors and photochemical efficiency of photosystem II. Water relation parameters, e.g. leaf water potential, osmotic potential, turgor potential, relative water content and cellular elasticity were also measured to evaluate plant adaptation to water stress. The highest leaf water potential values were found in the control condition, for all the clones. Cell wall rigidity, measured as elastic modulus, increased under severe water stress, resulting in a loss of turgor at lower leaf water potential. Results of the study suggest that the degree of drought tolerance depends on the interactions between the tea clones and the levels of water stress. The available data also indicates that UPASI-9 is capable of tolerating water stress, and should be suitable for dry areas.

International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2016

Climate influences plant recruitment at a global scale. Asynchronized reproduction with climatic ... more Climate influences plant recruitment at a global scale. Asynchronized reproduction with climatic factors may lead to failure of regeneration. The object of the present study was to monitor flowering and fruiting phenology in one important under canopy forest species Myrica esculenta, Buch-Ham. Ex. D.Don of the Himalayan region. The study was undertaken at two times across a decade on similar sites 2004 and 2013. Variation in time of fruiting and flowering was insignificant between 2004 and 2013. In Yr 2004 across all the dates the fruits and seeds were bigger in size in compared to Yr 2013 but there was no significant difference in fruit size, weight of 100 fruits and number of fruits per 100g. However, seed size (P<0.01), weight of 100 seeds (P<0.05) and number of seeds per 100g (P<0.05) varied significantly in Yr 2004 and Yr 2013. In Yr 2013 maximum germination 63.33± 3.33% occurred when fruit moisture content was 69.48 ± 0.93% and moisture content of seed was 31.96 ± 0.94%. ANOVA showed that moisture content of fruit and moisture content of seed (P<0.01) varied significantly across the years whereas there was no significant difference in germination in both the years. It was apparent from the study that each species will respond differently and have its own adaptation strategy against changing climate. Generalizing, that all species will show variations in their phenophases due to climate change may be an incorrect assumption. It is evident that all species will develop their own adaptational strategies to cope with climatic irregularities.

International Journal of Bioassays, 2016

Prunus cerasoides D. Don the Himalayan wild cherry is one lesser known multipurpose tree species ... more Prunus cerasoides D. Don the Himalayan wild cherry is one lesser known multipurpose tree species of Himalaya. The tree prefers to grow on sloping grounds between the altitudes of 1200-2400 m, on all types of soils and rocks. The tree is used as a medicinal plant in Himalayan region. The fruit is edible and the pulp is used to make a cherry brandy. The species has poor germination and seedling establishment in natural habitat. The over exploitation of seeds of the species coupled with relatively hard seed coat has adversely affects the germination of seeds in their natural habitat. The information about the seed maturity and technique of germination enhancement is scanty. The present study was conducted to assess the exact maturity time and optimum temperature for enhancement of germination in seed of P. cerasoides. The fruit/seeds were collected from six sites covering the altitudinal range of 1350 – 1810 m during the period (2003-2004). The colour change of fruit from dark green t...

Indian Forester, 2014

During summer collection of yarsa gumba, a highly priced natural product, is the main occupation ... more During summer collection of yarsa gumba, a highly priced natural product, is the main occupation of around 81% people of Munsyari Tehsil in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand resulting into collection of approximately 88.96 kg material worth ` 2.05 crore annually. It has completely changed the socio-economic set up of the region affecting the long-established agricultural and animal husbandry system too. The various issues pertaining to its collection have been discussed in details to suggest measures for the conservation and sustainable management of this valuable resource in the remotest part of the country.

Bhotiya is a tribal community in the high altitude hills of Uttarakhand state. Bhotiya community ... more Bhotiya is a tribal community in the high altitude hills of Uttarakhand state. Bhotiya community is known for its ethnic knowledge globally. The Bhotiya have old age tradition of preparing fermented beverages like Jaan and Kacchi with traditionally prepared starter culture called Balam. These beverages play an important role in the socioeconomic and cultural life of Bhotiya tribe of Munsyari region in Johar valley. This paper deals with the detailed account of two important alcoholic beverages prepared and consumed by the Bhotiya tribal community, inhabiting the Munsyari region of Kumaun Himalaya.

Russian Journal of Ecology, 2011

... Local level Community Forest Management an Effective Tool in Conserving Forest Biodiversity1 ... more ... Local level Community Forest Management an Effective Tool in Conserving Forest Biodiversity1 Vardan Singh Rawata, Ashish Tewarib, and YS Rawata ... 4, pp. 5863. Rikhari, HC Adhikari, BS and Rawat, YS, Woody Spe cies Composition of Temperate Forests along an Eleva ...

Russian Journal of Ecology, 2009

The mid altitudinal oak, Quercus floribunda forms predominantly evergreen forest in Central Himal... more The mid altitudinal oak, Quercus floribunda forms predominantly evergreen forest in Central Himalaya between 2000-2400 m. It is late successional, mature phase species that has limited regeneration on disturbance prone sites. This oak produces mast seed crops at an interval of 2-3 years. During masting in Q. floribunda the seed fall and germination is upto ten times greater than in normal years, emphasizing the importance of mast year crop in forest maintenance. However, no mast year in this species since the last nine years (1997-2005) is a matter of serious concern. The rise in the summer and winter temperature over a period of 15 years appear to have affected the frequency of masting in this oak. The importance of masting can be adjudged from the fact that 97% of the surviving seedlings m-2 are of the mast year crop.

Conservation Letters, 2011

ijstm.com

... CATCHMENT, KUMAUN HIMALAYA Sanjay Kumar* 1 , Lalit M. Tewari 2 and Ashish Tewari 3 1and 2 Dep... more ... CATCHMENT, KUMAUN HIMALAYA Sanjay Kumar* 1 , Lalit M. Tewari 2 and Ashish Tewari 3 1and 2 Department of Botany, 3 Department of Forestry, DSBCampus, Kumaun University, Nainital-263002 * Corresponding author, e-mail: 14sanjay.kumar@gmail.com ...