2006-07 - Kerala Forest Research Institute

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Forest Research InstituteANNUAL REPORT...................................................................................................................................................................................Annual report 2006-07123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345Kerala Forest Research Institute123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345Published by:The DirectorKerala Forest Research InstitutePeechi - 680 653Thrissur district, Kerala123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345CONTENTSDirector’s Report -1The Institute -7Research Projects -11Completed ProjectsOngoing ProjectsPublications -76Participation In Seminars/Workshops/Symposia -83Outreach Programmes -86Nomination to National/ International; Committees -90Extension and Training Activities -91Academic Programme -97Seminars/Workshops /Symposia Organized -98Major Equipments Procured -101Balance Sheet -103Expenditure Statement -104Internal Committees -105List of Staff -1193

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute....................................................................................................................................................................................4

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07...................................................................................................................................................................................DIRECTOR’S REPORTThe global concern over deteriorating environmental quality and depletingforest resources and biodiversity, particularly in the tropics, has put greaterresponsibility on forestry-related institutions in identifying socially acceptableand environmentally viable means of conservation and sustainabledevelopment. KFRI, with over thirty years experience in this line, is gearedup to face the challenging situation and fulfil its obligations of support to thesociety that dreams of a safe and healthy environment. Over the years, ourthrust of research and related activities has widened to address the diverseaspects of environment. biodiversity and societal development.Thus, the research and extension projects undertaken by the Institutehave not only been of local relevance but also of global importance. During2006-07 there have been about 100 ongoing research/extension projectscovering different aspects mentioned above. More than half of these projectswere supported from plan grants and the rest were funded by various agencieslike Ministry of Environment and Forests, CSIR, Department ofBiotechnology, Department of Science and Technology, State Departmentof Planning and Economic Affairs, State Medicinal Plants Board, CoconutDevelopment Board, Hindustan Newsprint Ltd. and Kerala ForestDepartment. Overseas funding was also obtained from Department forInternational Development (DFID), UK.There have been a few projects at various stages of completion. Finalreports of 13 research projects and three extension projects were broughtout during the period. For the rest, final reports were under preparation orfinalisation. Most of the completed projects were related to biodiversitydocumentation and conservation including wetland and mangrove ecosystemsbesides ethnozoological studies, management of teak, bamboos andidentification of tree flora. There have also been ongoing studies on RETspecies, ex-situ conservation of various forest species and bamboos,conservation of specialized ecosystems such as mangroves, Myristica swampsand sacred groves.During the reporting year, the Institute received Rs. 850.00 lakhs as grantin-aidfrom the Council (Govt. of Kerala) of which Rs. 490 lakhs was underPlan Grant and the rest under Non-Plan. The funding obtained from externalagencies towards specific projects was to the tune of 194.07 lakhs. The fundsfrom Plan grants were utilized for research and extension projects and alsofor infrastructure development.Dr. K.V. SankaranDirector5

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute....................................................................................................................................................................................6

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07...................................................................................................................................................................................The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI)established in 1975 by the Government ofKerala under its Science and Technology Department,is an organization dedicated toresearch in tropical forestry and biodiversity.During 2003, when the Kerala State Councilfor Science, Technology and Environment(KSCSTE) was constituted, KFRI became apart of the Council along with five other R&DCentres of the State. KSCSTE is an autonomousbody under the Science, Technology &Environment Department of the Governmentof Kerala.The administration and management of KFRIare vested with the Management Committee(MC) chaired by the Institute’s Director. TheCommittee approves and monitors researchactivities besides managing administrative andfinancial matters. Another vital body responsiblefor overseeing and guiding the formulation andimplementation of various research programmesis the Research Council (RC) comprisingeminent scientists of the Country in forestryresearch. Research Council also monitors thequality and content of research undertaken andprovides guidance for improvement.The scientific manpower of KFRI is organizedinto six Programme Divisions encompassingdifferent Disciplines and three supportingdivisions for the effective implementation ofmultidiscip-linary research programmes inforestry and to disseminate the research findingsto the stakeholders. Each Programme Divisionsis headed by a Programme Coordinator. Thesix Progra-mme Divisions are: 1. SustainableNatural and Plantation Forest Management, 2.THE INSTITUTEForest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation,3. Forest Protection, 4. Forest Utilization, 5.Forestry and Human Dimensions, and 6. ForestInformation Management System. Thesupporting Divisions include: 1. Instrumentation,2. Extension and Training, and 3.Library and Information. A Research Monitoringand Evaluation (RME) Unit is alsofunctioning to facilitate and monitor researchin various Disciplines.Sustainable Natural and PlantationForest Management (SNPFM)The Division comprises Silviculture, Biotechnology,Genetics, Tree Physiology and SoilScience Disciplines. The thrust areas of researchof the Division are: improved nursery andsilvicultural practices, production of betterclones and quality planting stock of plantationspecies, and sustainable forest management.Devel-opment of cost-effective micropropagationprotocols as well as vegetative propagationof important forestry species, DNAfinger-printing, marker assisted selection, genemapp-ing and population genetics, assessmentof genetic diversity of forest species, selectionof plus clones and genetic improvement,studies on breeding system and gene flow havebeen some aspects of research in the Division.Besides, studies have also been under-taken oneco-restoration and afforesta-tion of degradedsites, evaluation of factors affecting growth,enhancement of plantation productivity, soilnutrient management for different forestryspecies and environmental physiology, especiallywater use, photosynthesis and microclimate.7

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteForest Ecology and BiodiversityConservation (FEBC)The thrust areas of research of the Divisionare ecosystem and landscape analysis, rehabilitationand restoration, population ecologyand dynamics, biodiversity evaluation andconservation of fragile ecosystems, traditionalknowledge system analysis and biodiversityinformatics.Inventorisation of biodiversity ofdifferent forest types and protected areas,evaluation of below-ground biodiversity,taxonomic studies and conservation of RETspecies of flora have been some areas ofresearch in the Division. Besides, the WildlifeBiology Discipline deals with inventorisationof fauna, endangered animals, man-wildlifeinteraction and wildlife census. Nursery andplantation technology of selected indigenoustimber species and rattans and ethno-biologicalstudies are other activities of the Division. AHerbarium representing the forest flora of theState, an Arboretum of rare and characteristicspecies of moist deciduous forests of Kerala,a Palmetum with about 80 species of palms, aCanetum with about 30 species of rattans, abio-resource nature trail, etc. are the majorfacilities of the Division.....................................................................................................................................................................................Forest Protection (FP)The Division with its Forest Entomology andForest Pathology diciplines undertakes researchon various aspects of microbes and insects inthe forest ecosystem. Further, eco-friendlytechnologies are being developed to managethe pests, diseases and weeds in forest plantations,mainly through biological means. TheDivision maintains authentic collections ofmicrobes and insects of Kerala forests and alsoof microbial pathogens of forest insects.Management of nursery and plantation diseases,diversity of plant pathogenic fungi in differentforest ecosystems, VA and ectomycorrhizalfungal diversity and biological control of weedsare the main areas of research in PathologyDiscipline. In Entom-ology Discipline, thethrust areas include monito-ring of forestinsect diversity, control of termites in plantations,wood damaging insects and teakdefoliator, traditional methods of post-harvestprotection of bamboo from insect borers, etc.The mass production technology of the biopesticideHyblaea puera Nucleo PolyhedrosisVirus (HpNPV) has been standardized, and theappli-cation technology has been transferredto stake-holders. The concept of butterflygarden has been popularized and technicaladvice provided to various agencies for theestablishment of butterfly parks.Forest Utilization (FU)Research and extension activities related towood structure, properties and utilization,consumption and bio-prospecting of nonwoodforest products with reference tomedicinal plants, their quantita-tive inventoryand sustainable extraction are the majoractivities of the Division of Forest Utilization.The Division has facilities like wood preservationplant, drying kiln, xylarium, medicinalplants garden and instruments like UniversalTesting Machine (UTM), image analyzer, NIRspectroscope, etc. The Division has undertakenextensive studies on wood structure, propertiesand preservative treatments for various timberspecies like teak, eucalypt and rubber wood.Also, anatomical and utilization studies ofbamboos, reeds and canes have been undertaken.The Division has developed implementshelpful for bamboo extraction.Forestry and Human Dimensions (FHD)The Division consisting of Forest Economics,Agro-forestry, Sociology and Urban ForestryDisciplines undertakes research on human8

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07dimensions of forestry, including livelihood andrecreation, environmental conservation andlinkages between social and natural sciences. Themajor areas of research are natural/forestresource management, economic valuation,sustainable utilization of non-timber forestproducts, policy issues and strategic planning,sustainable forest management, participatoryrole of local communities in the conservationand sustainable management of forest ecosystem,resource use conflict and livelihood issuesand agro-forestry systems. Assessment ofsupply-demand position of wood for the state,estimation of availability of bamboo in homegardens, evaluation of the livelihood conditionsof bamboo workers in Kerala and establishmentof a model watershed with people’sparticipation are some of the recent achievementsof the Division....................................................................................................................................................................................Forest Information ManagementSystem (FIMS)The Division aims to meet the informationneeds of the stakeholders of forestry sectorusing modern tools of statistics, GIS andremote sensing. Creation of a database onbiophysical and socio-economic aspectspertaining to forests, forest sector analysis andprojections, mapping forest cover and biodiversityand modeling the growth dynamics ofplantations and natural forests for effectiveforest management are some of the majorworks carried out in the Division. The Divisionhas also developed a growth simulator for teakplantations in Kerala. Ecological studies on theShola forests of Kerala based on remotesensing data and simultaneous calibration ofallometric relations in teak stands were achievedusing multilevel models. Stand modeling,biodiversity mapping, ecosystem analysis, GIS,forest resource mapping, population analysisand organization of a data bank of forestry inKerala are programmes in various stages ofimplemen-tation.InstrumentationThis central facility caters to the material /chemical analysis needs of research, within andoutside the Institute. The Division providesadvanced instrument facilities for analysis andmeasurement to users from industries, R&Destablishments and academic institutions, cooperateswith professionals and academic staffand undertakes training and services forpersonnel from industries, R&D establishmentsand academic institutions. The Division isequipped with highly sophisticated laboratoryfacilities to carry out spectroscopic measurements,material/chemical characterization andstructure analysis.Extension and TrainingThe Division liaises with the users /stakeholders,facilitates transfer of technology tovarious stakeholders and conducts trainingprogrammes in different aspects of tropicalforestry like forest management, forest seedmanagement, medicinal plant cultivation,environmental impact assessment, biodiversitymonitoring and evaluation, remote sensing andGIS, root-trainer technology, clonal propagation,tree improvement and statistical applicationin forestry.Technical support is provided to the KeralaForest Department, other governmental andnon-governmental agencies and farmers onsite-species matching, site selection and nutrientstatus, fertiliser dosage, pest and disease controland conservation, utilization and marketing oftimber of forest species. Advice on resourcesurvey and estimation as well as wildlifemanagement and census are also provided. TheInstitute undertakes identification of plants,insects, animals and timber.9

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteLibrary and InformationAn automated library with a core collectionof 16,000 books and 9,000 back volumes ofjournals on the subject caters to the theinformation requirements of the scientists andresearch scholars of the institute. The collectionincludes several valuable reference books,doctoral theses and back volumes of periodicals,databases in CD-ROMs, etc. OnlinePublic Access Catalogue of books and backvolumes is available. Subscription of morethan 90 journals with more than 40 foreignjournals in the subject was continued during2006-07. As the Institute is a member ofinternational bodies like APAFRI, IRGWP,IUCN and IUFRO, the library has in its collectionthe publications from these organisations.A CD-server is provided to access the CD-ROM collections of the library. Bibliographicaldatabases developed on specialised topics suchas bamboo and teak in the library are madeavailable in CD-ROM. Annotated bibliographieson teak, bamboo and rattan, both inprint and CDs are also available. The libraryprovides literature search facilities to Scientists....................................................................................................................................................................................from within and outside the Institute, apartfrom art and photography and LAN facilities.Distribution of all KFRI publications is alsocarried out by the library.Bamboo Information Centre - India, establishedin the library with the support of theInternational Development Research Centre(IDRC), Canada, provides information onvarious aspects of bamboo through itsdocuments and databases developed for thepurpose. The Centre’s publi-cations include fourvolumes of BIC-India Bulletin, two InformationBulletins, a Directory and the publication‘Bamboos of India’.Institute AdministrationDirector is the Head of the institution. Theadministration and financial matters of theInstitute are handled by Administration andAccounts sections respectively, which functionunder the control of a Registrar. Both thesections have a Deputy Registrar each who isresponsible to the Registrar. The financial andexpenditure matters of the Institute arescrutinised by an Internal Auditor.10

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07The various intra-and inter-disciplinary projectsundertaken in different Divisions, bothcompleted and ongoing during 2006-07 aregiven below....................................................................................................................................................................................COMPLETED PROJECTSManagement of soils of teak plantationsfor sustainable productivity. KFRI ResearchReport No. 279 (Balagopalan, M. and Rugmini,P., 2006).This study was undertaken to examine thephysical and chemical properties of soils ofteak planta-tions of different site quality classesin various age groups and also to evaluate thesoil properties affecting the site quality class.Teak plantations belonging to three age groups,5-25 years, 25-45 years and more than 45 yearsand upto 60 years in Forest Divisions ofAchencoil, Konni, Ranni, Thenmala, Nilambur(North & South) and Wyanad (North & South)were selected for the study. In each of theselected plantations, plots were marked alongrandomly laid out transects running through thecentre of the plantations. Girth at breast heightof all trees in the plots was measured. Treeshaving the largest height, smallest height andthree trees in between the range were selectedfor measurement of height in each plot. Soilanalyses were carried out for particle-sizeseparates, bulk density (BD), particle density(PD), soil pH, organic carbon (OC), maximumwater holding capacity (WHC), available N, P,K, Ca and Mg and CaCO 3. Discriminantanalysis was done to identify the factors bywhich the soils under different site qualityRESEARCH PROJECTSclasses differed significantly under each agegroup.It was observed that there was no general trendwith respect to the variation in soil propertiesin relation to different site quality classes.Particle density, bulk density, available P andCa in the age group 5-25 years and CaCO 3,organic carbon, available K and silt in the agegroup 25-45 years discriminated the soils underdifferent site quality classes. In the age group>45 years, CaCO 3, available P, Ca and Mg andparticle density discriminated the soils underdifferent site quality classes. In other words, inthe age group 5-25 years, soil physical propertiesand nutrients were the discriminating factorsby which the soils belonging to various sitequality classes differed significantly. Soil texture,alkalinity, nutrient and fertility status were thediscriminating factors by which the soils underthe four site quality classes differed significantlyin the age group 25-45 years. In the age group>45 years, soil alkalinity, nutrients and physicalproperties discriminated the soils belonging tovarious site quality classes.It was also noticed that available Ca was thecommon discriminating soil variable in the agegroups 5-25 and >45 years while CaCO 3wasthe common discriminating soil variable in theage groups 25-45 and >45 years. Since calciumcontent in the soils was the discriminating factorbetween site quality classes, retaining calciumin the soil at optimum level by constantapplication is required for management ofsoils of teak plantations for sustainable productivity.11

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteBiodiversity of plant pathogenic fungi inthe Kerala part of the Western Ghats. KFRIResearch Report No. 280 (Mohanan, C., Sankaran,K.V. and Yesodharan, K., 2006).An extensive survey on plant pathogenic fungiin the Kerala part of the Western Ghats carriedout during 2001-2004 revealed a rich fungalflora harboured in different forest ecosystems.Of the 4,101 fungal isolates obtained in thestudy, 60 pathogenic fungi were new species.A total of 151 pathogenic fungi were found tobe new records for the Western Ghats, while104 pathogenic fungi were reported for the firsttime from India. Altogether 639 plant speciesbelonging to 395 genera were found infectedwith pathogenic fungi. Of these, 175 plantspecies were found as new host records fordifferent pathogens.Among the different forest ecosystems studied,forest plantations supported a rich pathogenicfungal flora with plant-pathogenic fungal ratioas high as 1:14. In moist deciduous and semievergreenforests, the figures of plant-pathogenicfungal ratio were 1:3.1 and 1:3.48 respectively.Shola forests and wet evergreen forestsregistered comparatively low plant-pathogenicfungal ratio of 1:1.65 and 1:1.46 respectively.In forest nurseries, though a large number ofhost plants (154) were found diseased withfungal pathogens, the plant-pathogenic fungalratio was only 1: 3.77. Monoculture exoticplantations and disturbed natural standssupported a large number of fungal pathogens.Anthropogenic disturbances including forestfires seem to be the major contributing factorfor incidence and spread of fungal diseases andthereby build-up of pathogenic fungal populations.Biodiversity indices for plant pathogenic fungiin different forest ecosystems in the WesternGhats were worked out separately. Fungalspecies richness indices (Margalef ’s index andMenhinick’s index) ranged from 2.5605 to....................................................................................................................................................................................5.6652 and 4.0899 to 21.0853 respectively.Among the eight forest ecosystems studied,moist deciduous forests exhibited the highestspecies richness of fungi. Fungal speciesdiversity indices (Simpson’s index and Shannon’sindex) were deduced for each forest ecosystem,which ranged from 0.0228 to 0.1183 and1.1026 to 2.4482 respectively.With regard to the community structure andspecies composition, almost same fungal florawas observed in moist deciduous, semi-evergreenforests, and forest plantations; however,fungal species dominance and abundancereflected the environmental condi-tions, levelof disturbances, as well as host plant status.Evaluation of plant diversity in unloggedand logged forest stands of varying intensities.KFRI Research Report No. 281 (Menon,A.R.R. and Balasubramanyan, K., 2006).The effect of logging on plant diversity andregeneration was studied in three tropical forestsites in Kerala. The sites were at Goodrikal RFin Ranni Forest Division in southern Kerala,Sholayar RF in Vazhachal Forest Division incentral Kerala and Kottiyoor RF in KannurForest Division in northern Kerala. Statisticallydesigned plots were laid out in unlogged andlogged forests of different types in all the threeView of study area in Ranni Forest Division12

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07sites. The vegetation analysis and regenerationevaluation were done by conventional ecologicalmethods. The microclimate was monitoredusing thermo-hygrographs at variousplaces for one year. Regeneration data weregathered for unestablished and establishedseedlings, saplings and poles of the area. It isinteresting that species, which are highlyaggregated, are still present in low numbers asrare species in the same sites. The presence ofPodocarpus in some parts of Moozh-iyar Reserve(near Urani) indicates that even a species, whichis no more than a competitive equal in someareas and at a distinct advantage elsewhere, canpersist in the forest for very long periods beforegoing locally extinct. Clumping of species isyet another interesting feature noted in the area.The sparse sub-populations do self-sustain orsimply represent accidental establishment ofrare individuals, because of favorable sitefactors....................................................................................................................................................................................Illustrated manual on tree flora of Keralasupplemented with computer-aided identification.KFRI Research Report No. 282.(Sasidharan, N., 2006)Identification of trees at sight is often requiredfor biologists, ecologists and foresters. ThisFlowering and fruiting in Syzygium palghatensecannot be achieved with conventional floras,where identification keys are invariably basedon floral and fruit characters. Therefore, acomputer-aided identification program(TreeID) was developed exclusively on easilyobservable field and vegetative characters. TheTreeID is a menu driven multi-entry key and allcharacters are of equal value and one need notfollow the sequence or order followed in thecase of dichotomous keys. Pictures of all keycharacters used in the identification programare provided for easy selection and comparison.Photographs depicting diagnostic featuresof trees such as bark, blaze, leafy twigs withflowers and fruit are provided for easy comparisonwith the matching characters. Therefore,the chance of misidentification the treesincluded in the TreeID is minimized. Searchfacility is provided to find out family, generaand species. There is also provision to find treesbased on local/trade names. A help menu isprovided in the CD on how to use the TreeIDThe manual and the computer-aided identificationpackage deal with 650 trees of over4 m height with a clear bole. The 650 treesinclude 72 common exotics, introduced asagricultural, forestry or ornamental/avenuetrees. There are 115 trees belonging to the Red13

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteListed Categories and many of them are knownonly by their type collections made a centuryago. Two new tree species discovered duringthe study and named as Humboldtia sanjappaeand Stereospermum colais var. shendurunii are alsoincluded. Dichotomous parallel keys based ongenerative and vegetative characters are providedin the manual for the identification offamilies, genera, species and infraspecific taxa.The correct botanical name with author(s) nameand citation are provided with basionym andsynonym(s), if any. References to monographs/revisions and floristic studies in Kerala are cited.Local name(s) are also given, if known. Description,habitats (vegetation-wise), geographicaldistribution and district-wise occurrence inKerala are provided along with flowering andfruiting periods. The species belonging to RedListed categories are indicated to the IUCN(1994) category to which they are assigned.....................................................................................................................................................................................Monitoring biodiversity in the selectedlandscapes in the Kerala part of WesternGhats. KFRI Research Report No. 283(Mathew, G., Sharma, J.K. and Easa, P.S., 2006).Biodiversity of selected landscapes at fivedifferent locations was studied with the activeparticipation of college teachers and students.In Cheruvathur Grama Panchayath, the studywas carried out in different habitats such asIndian Flapshell Turtlelateritic plateau, sacred groves, rice fields andhuman settlements. A total of 295 species ofplants belonging to 239 genera under 82 familieswere recorded. With regard to the fauna, sevenfamilies of butterflies, four families of anurans,six families of reptiles, 30 families of birds and13 families of mammals were found representedin the study area. In all locations, thenatural vegetation supported rich biodiversity.Settlements and paddy fields were relativelypoor in biodiversity probably due to pesticideand chemical fertilizer usage.In the case of Muthur Grama Panchayath, 45species of plants comprising trees, herbs andshrubs were recorded which included variousornamental and medicinal plants. With regardto fauna, the anurans such as Jerdon’s bull frogand Marten’s bush frog; the reptiles such asbuffer-striped keelback and common ptyas andthe birds such as black headed oriole, purplerumbed sunbird and purple sunbird werecharacteristic to this area. Several species ofspiders, 24 species of butterflies, six speciesof amphibians, five species of reptiles and 30species of birds have been recorded.In Paliyamangalam, Ayilamudichi Hills(Nemmara), four species of fungi, crustoselichens growing on rocks and tree trunks,bryophytes, pteridophytes, monocots andPathi Kavu Sacred Grove Karur Panchayat, Kottayam14

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07various aquatic plants have been recorded.With regard to fauna, several unidentifiedspecies of beetles, 37 species of butterflies,eight species of primary and secondary freshwaterfishes and 23 species of birds wererecorded. The faunal elements included severalspecies of rare butterflies including Phalantaphalanta and Castalius rosimon, exotic mollusks(Achatina fullica) and Vaginulus sp., birds such asMalabar grey hornbill and wagtails, andmammals such as sambar deer, spotted deerand wildcat. Of the various ecosystems, themoist deciduous forests contained maximumnumber of species.Biodiversity characterization at landscapelevel using satellite remote sensing (DBT-DOS project) Phase-II study. KFRI ResearchReport No. 284 (Menon, A.R.R., 2006).Biodiversity characterization at landscape levelhas been carried out in Kerala using IRS satellite...................................................................................................................................................................................data. The study was undertaken jointly with theDepartment of Space and is part of a majorinitiative taken up by the Department ofBiotechnology under its Network Programmefor Bioprospecting, which commenced in 1997.The programme is a true implementation of‘gene to ecosystem’ concept in biodiversityconservation and prospecting. This project is apioneering effort to create geospatial databaseon vegetation cover types, disturbance regimesand biological richness. The spatial data havebeen linked to the species database and fielddata from different strata of vegetation. Detailedsampling was performed in comparativelyundisturbed forests of Goodrikal Reserve inRanni Forest Division, with an ecologicalinsight to understand the forest dynamics. Theinformation system evolved in the present studythrough multicriteria analysis in GIS facilitatesrapid assessment of biodiversity and itsmonitoring (loss and/or gain), assessment ofnature of habitats and disturbance regimes,evolving species-habitat relationship, mappingbiological richness and gap analysis, andprioritizing conservation and bioprospecting.A very detailed land cover map of the areawas prepared using aerial photographs andsatellite imageries. The density sliced version ofthe cover map was also generated using digitalmapping techniques and is the basis of thesampling site selection. The vegetation data weregathered and analyzed for 25 selected localitiesrepresenting the different forest types and15

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutedensity levels. The slope class map, contourmap, etc. are also generated from the availableterrain information. The structure of the forestvegetation and the distribution of differentforest types are described in detail.Branch cutting tool....................................................................................................................................................................................Optimization of harvesting and postharvesttechnology to economize bambooresource utilization. KFRI Research Report No.285 (Bhat, K.V. and Varma, R.V., 2006).This study was conducted to examine thepossibility of improving the harvesting andpost-harvest technology of two commonbamboo species, viz., Bambusa bambos andDendrocalamus strictus. As an outcome of thestudy, a simple branch-cutting tool wasdeveloped for removing the thorny branchesprior to culm extraction. A traditional methodto judge the culm age/maturity for harvesting,based on culm tissue colour was examined andwas found to be reliable supple-mentary featurefor culm age determination.It was found that the susceptibility of bambooculms to Dinoderus beetles was dependent onstarch content of culms. The beetles and theirlarvae were found to prefer the inner, starchrichportion of the culm wall for moreproductive feeding. The extent of starch contentseemed to depend on locality and favourablegrowth conditions. Within a year, starch contentwas found to be low from September toNovember. The natural borer population andthe intensity of infestation were also low duringthis period. An interesting observation notedduring the study was the slow depletion ofstarch from culms during post-harvest storagedue to the activity of amylase enzyme.Among the traditional methods followed inrural areas for post-harvest protection ofbamboo, submersion of harvested culms inDifference in tissue colour between young (L) and mature (r) culmswater for one to three months was foundeffective in preventing borer damage. Submersioncaused degradation of storage starch inculm tissues due to the action of saprophyticmicroorganisms, a fungus of the genusAcremonium and bacterial species belonging tothe genera Pseudomonas and Klebsiella. Otherphysical treatments such as heat curing/boilingin water were not effective. Similarly, harvestingtrials conducted for one complete lunar monthdid not indicate any influence of the waningor waxing phases of the moon on the extentof borer damage. Among the traditionalbiological treatments, a preservative formu-16

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07lation of nine biological ingredients used bylocal carpenters for protection of wood wasfound to be effective against bamboo borers.Similarly application of neem oil was alsoequally effective. Brush application of thesepreservatives/repellants on the cut ends andbranch scars of bamboo culms gave protectionfrom beetles.Based on the results obtained, an integrated pestmanagement strategy to protect bamboos fromDinoderus beetle damage is suggested. Thisinvolves cutting the bamboo at low starchperiod, adopting traditional methods like watersoaking, application of preservatives and followingimproved meth-ods of stacking.Development of butterfly farming enterprisesvis-à-vis conservation and sustainableutilization of biodiversity. KFRIResearch Report No. 286 (Mathew, G., 2006)...................................................................................................................................................................................The prime objective of this project was settingup of a butterfly house to facilitate educationof the public on the significance of natureconser-vation. As a matter of fact, a butterflygarden was established in the KFRI Sub CentreCampus at Nilambur. About 50 species ofbutterflies were sighted annually, some of whichViews of butterfly gardendeveloped local populations. Eight speciesrecorded in this study are protected under theIndian Wildlife (Protection) Act and six speciesare Western Ghat endemics. The most spectacularresult was the multi species aggregationof danaine butterflies (Danaus genutia, D.chrysippus, Tirumala limniace, T. septentrionis andEuploea core) on Crotalaria retusa during June toNovember with 30-40 butterflies roosting perplant. Exhibits depicting butterfly life stageswere set up in the garden for providing informationon the life of butter-flies. The researchreport also contains infor-mation pertaining tothe general requirements for setting up abutterfly farm along with a brief discussionon the problems and prospects of this enterprise.Tracing the origin and spread of teakdefoliator outbreaks through a molecularapproach. KFRI Research Report No. 287(Sudheendrakumar, V.V., Varma, R.V. andSajeev, T.V., 2006).The present study was undertaken in about8,500 ha of teak plantations at Nilambur, Keraladuring 2001-2002. The area was divided into19 blocks and 189 Observation Units. The17

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteoutbreaks of Hyblaea puera were monitored atfortnightly intervals. The populations wereclassified into ‘endemic’, ‘epicenter’ and‘epidemic’, based on the time of occurrenceand size of infestation. Using the duration ofeach instar (egg- 1 day; instars I and II -2 dayseach, instars III to V- 3 days each, pre-pupa- 1day and pupa- 4 days), the temporal data onoutbreaks was examined to see whether eachsubsequent outbreak could be explained on thebasis of previous outbreak. The larval samplesof the population suspected to be related weresubjected to molecular analysis to confirmgenetic relatedness.A novel method of screening for nuclear andmitochondrial DNA polymorphism using(RAGEPs) was standardized for estimating thegenetic variation within and between populations.This method is based on PCR techniqueusing single gene specific primers with nil tomoderate level of degeneracy. Based on thecriteria of polymorphic content and specificityto the teak defoliator genome, 11 nuclearRandom Amplified Gene Encoded Primers(RAGEPs) and 11 mitochondrial RAGEPSwere selected from a batch of 57 n-RAGEPsand 37 m-RAGEPs. Using this method, therelationship between different populations wastraced out.The ecological data generated suggested arelationship between endemic populations andsome of the epicenter populations and similarlybetween epicenter populations and some ofthe outbreak populations. However, the molecularstudies did not reveal any relationshipbetween endemic and epicenter populations.The study thus gave little evidence to show thatthe aggregation of moths belonging to theendemic populations causes the epicenterpopulations. The study reconfirmed the relationshipbetween epicenter populations andsome of the epidemic popul-ations (outbreaks)....................................................................................................................................................................................as revealed through ecological studies. Thisfinding is relevant from the point of view ofmanagement of the teak defoliator to someextent by managing the epicenter popul-ations,which occupy comparat-ively a small area inlarge-scale plantations.Economic valuation of ecotourism developmentof a recreational site in the naturalforests of southern Western Ghats. KFRIResearch Report No. 288 (Anitha, V. and Muraleedharan,P.K., 2007).The study attempts to estimate the economicpotential of ecotourism in Athirappilly-Vazhachal, southern Western Ghats andsuggests suitable strategies and action plan. Thevisitor flow on an average is 2.3 lakh and 5.3lakh per year at Vazhachal and Athirappillyrespectively. The revenue generating potentialof the sites indicates a positive relationshipbetween the revenue, number of visitors andTourist spots of Athirappallynumber of vehicles. The total Affected ForestArea (AFA) is approximately 1.33 km 2 . Totalestimated value of the AFA is equal to Rs.509.124 lakhs. The projected life span ofAthirappily-Vazhachal is 38 years from 2005,given the present scenario with all thingsremaining constant, although, there is immensepotential for service sector development andprivate sector involvement. With an average18

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07visitor flow of 5,30,000 per year, the rationalfee price arrived at is Rs. 12/-.The positive impacts of tourism in Athirappilly-Vazhachal measured through employment andincome multipliers highlighted that labourintensive investment in tourism will ensureemployment security. The economic linkagesin the economy indicate higher linkages betweenthe business and recreation sector in the studyarea. The tourism sustainability assessmenthighlights that Athirappily-Vazhachal is fastemerging as a potentially sustainable region forecotourism development and a viable alternativeto the conservation of forest and enhancingthe standard of living of the dependentcommunities.The strategies for sustainable tourism inAthirappilly-Vazhachal recreation sites focus onthe Pro-Poor Tourism strategy as laid down insecond World Earth Summit on SustainableTourism (2002) giving due weightage the toeconomic benefits, non-economic benefits andpolicy reform in the area with special referenceto the poor. The study further recommends asite-specific programme, ‘One Tourist-OneRupee-Ten trees Program’, towards action planfor ensuring environmental and economicsecurity in the ecotourism-based economy....................................................................................................................................................................................Demonstration of mass production, formulationand application of a baculovirusfor management of the teak defoliator,Hyblaea puera. KFRI Research Report No. 290(Sudhee-ndrakumar, V.V., Varma, R.V. andSajeev, T.V., 2007)The study addressed mass production ofHpNPV and field-testing of an effective virusformulation. One of the preliminary actionsin the project was the establishment of alaboratory for HpNPV mass production. Thelaboratory design incorpo-rated the concept ofspatial separation of experi-ment and HpNPVproduction space. Separate routes of entry forfield collected and laboratory reared larvaewere provided. In connection with refining themethod for rearing the host insect (H. puera), anovel insect rearing tube with a detachable dietcup was designed and evaluated.In standardizing the mass production, virusproductivity was quantified with reference todifferent larval instars, dosage, incubationperiod and temperature. Of the three larvalstages, i.e., third, fourth and fifth instars studied,the maximum POB yield per unit diet (3.3 x10 9 POBs) was obtained from fourth instarlarvae dosed at 10 5 POBs per larva and incubatedfor a period of 72 h p.i. The harvestablelarvae obtained were as high as 98%. Thetemperature turned out to be one of the majorfactors determining the productivity of thevirus. The maximum POB yield was registeredat the dosage 1 x 10 5 POBs per larva and thetemperature 25 ± 2 °C.The method of inoculation played an importantrole in virus mass production. Uponconsidering the yield/larva from both sources,the cost of HpNPV required for spraying inone hectare at the rate of 1.63 x 10 11 POBsworked out to be Rs. 279/- and Rs. 317/- inthe case of LR and FC respectively. A marginaldifference in the virus yield was found affectingthe cost of the virus produced. Seven formulationswere developed and tested, of whichsix were with additives.Regarding ultraviolet stability, the unformulatedHpNPV retained the original activity of 37.8% after exposure to sunlight for a period of 9hours. The study indicated that formulationincreased the viability of HpNPV under naturalsunlight by 2.34 folds. It was also possible todeduce that the WP-FD formulation was morestable to different periods of exposure thanthe rest of the formu-lations. Out of the sevenformulations developed, WP-FD was field-19

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutetested, the performance of which was as goodas or even better than the unformulatedHpNPV.The study also gave an opportunity to understandgenetic variation within HpNPVpopulation. Eight HpNPV isolates could becharacterized using Restriction Endonucleaseanalysis wherein Hind III was used as therestriction enzyme. The estimated molecularweights of the genome of HpNPV isolatesranged from 79.37 kbp to 112.14 kbp.....................................................................................................................................................................................Bamboo sector in Kerala: baseline datagener-ation for developing an action plan.KFRI Research Report No. 291 (Muraleedharan,P.K., Anitha, V., Krishnankutty, C.N., Gnanaharan,R., Vijayakumaran Nair, P., Sankar, S. andSeetha-lakshmi, K.K., 2006).The basic information on bamboo sector inthe State is inadequate. The study has generatedbaseline data relating to resources, consumptionpattern, socio-economic and livelihood conditionsof the bamboo dependents, marketing,techno-logy and product development.The study has used both primary and secondarydata. The total standing crop of bamboo inhomesteads in Kerala is estimated as 13.61million culms and its green weight is 0.331million tonnes. There are six species of bambooavailable in homesteads including reed ofwhich Bambusa bambos is the dominant species,accounting for 96 per cent. This is followedby B. vulgaris and reed, constituting 2.23 percent and 1.38 per cent respectively. There hasalso been a reduction in growing stock inhomesteads from 0.408 million tonnes during1987-88 to 0.331 million tonnes during 2004-05. Based on 1997 imagery, bamboo resourcein forest areas was estimated as 2.63 million.The total consumption of bamboo and reedin the State is estimated as 0.256 million tonnes.The per capita income of the artisans isestimated as less than Rs. 6,000 which issignificantly lower than that of the State average(Rs. 24,053) and thus they live below thepoverty line. The traditional bamboo basedindustry, which was an important source ofemployment to Marginalized BambooDependents (MBDs), is now on a decline.Bamboo is sold through primary and wholesaledepots in Kerala. There are 95 primary depotslocated in various districts catering to the localrequirements, whereas the 35 wholesale depotslocated in Palakkad District fulfill the demandmostly from the neighboring State of TamilNadu. Of the total quantity of 74,000 metrictones, green weight of bamboo marketedthrough the depots in Kerala during 2004-05,primary depots account for 48% and wholesaledepots, the remaining 52%. It is evident thatquantity of bamboo exported to Tamil Naduhas been declining considerably.The main problems in bamboo handicraft/furniture sector are: lack of adequate rawmaterials, low level of adoption of improvedtechnology, low investment, inadequatemarketing facilities, etc. There is scope for usingimproved technology in handicraft sectorwithout affecting employment. The studyupholds the view that a holistic approach isrequired for overall development of thebamboo sector in the State and this requiresformulation of a bamboo policy and properplanning.Ethno-zoological studies on the tribals ofPalaghat and Malappuram Districts ofKerala. KFRI Research Report No. 292(Padmanabhan, P. 2006).In Kerala, there are about 3 lakhs of tribals,who continue to use various wild and domesticatedanimals and plants for food, drugs,customs, game and religious purposes. Tentribal groups in Palaghat and six groups in20

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07A Kadar tribal group...................................................................................................................................................................................Malappuram were subjected for the study. Theyhunt the animals for food out of bare necessitywithout tilting the balance of the ecosystem.The tribals are hardly selective in their animalfood except for those connected with religiouscustoms, folklore and myths and this varieswidely from one community to another. Onthe other hand, some of the common animalslike wild boar, chital, sambar, cow, tortoise,frog, crab, prawn, insects, mollusks, etc. are ingreat demand. As regards the use of animalsdrugs, there are remarkably similar practicesamong the tribals depending on the availabilityof specific animals around their habitats. Thisindicates indirectly the authenticity of usage ofsuch drugs that evolved through ages in thehealth care systems of the tribals. About 108species of animals form the vital source oftribal medicine. Of these, 16 species are invertebrateslike insects, crustaceans, arachnids,mollusks, etc. and 60 species are vertebrates,which include six Pisces, one amphibian, fivereptiles, 16 aves and 29 mammals. The diseasescured with the help of animal drugs includetuberculosis, rheumatic and joint pain, asthma,piles, pneumonia, night blindness, impotency,paralysis, weakness, cholera, body ache, etc.Different body parts of various animals areEuphlyetis hexadactylis (Indian green frog)widely used by tribals for a variety of domesticpurposes.Status, distribution, food and feeding ofMalabar Spiny Dormouse (Platacanthomyslasiurus Blyth) in the Western Ghats ofKerala. KFRI Research Report No. 293 (Jayson,E.A., 2006).An investigation was conducted to determinethe status, distribution, food and feeding ofMalabar Spiny Dormouse (Platacanthomyslasiurus), in Kerala. The species was recordedfrom 10 protected areas in Kerala and from21 Forest Ranges. It was newly recorded fromnine protected areas namely Neyyar, PeriyarTiger Reserve, Thattekkad, Idukki, Chinnar,Eravikulam, Chimmony, Parambikulam andAralam Wildlife Sanctuaries. The density of thespecies was found extremely low in theprotected areas. Intensive studies on the specieswere conducted in the Peppara WildlifeSanctuary, Thiruvananthapuram District.Twenty-three nests were located in the studyarea at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.The Dormouse is completely arboreal. Thehome range of the species is about 5 ha andhome range of the colonies overlaps. The21

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteanimal depends on 25 species of plants forfood. The more common food plants areTerminalia bellirica, Persea macrantha, Hydnocarpuspentandra, Tamarindus indica, Bombax ceiba andSchumanianthus virgatus. Its favourite food itemsinclude Piper, Theobroma cacao and Anacardiumoccidentale. Sexual dimorphism exists in the antipredatorbehaviour and females are bolder thanmales. Two distance-dependent foragingmovements are observed; less than 30 m fromthe nest and more than 30 m. Females displaylong feeding bouts during foraging movements.The feeding range of the species is about 1km. The animal spends short periods at a pointwhen the foraging is within 35 m from the nest.But when long periods are utilized for foraging,Malabar spiny dormouse....................................................................................................................................................................................they intermittently change the feeding pointsor move to areas with thick canopy. Only themales carry out the nest-hole maintenance. Allthe nests are vertical hollows opening at thebottom. The behaviour of nest-hole maintenancecan be attributed to the anti-predatorbehaviour. Lagerstroemia microcarpa is thepreferred nesting tree. Birds of prey and owlsare the main predators recorded.Modeling the microhabitat preference of thespecies indicates that it inhabits not only theevergreen forests but also the riverine patchesof the moist deciduous forests. The animal ishighly selective in choosing the nesting site.Preference for canopy cover is an antipredatorstrategy. GIS modeling showed that the Dormousepreferred the riparian forest at PepparaWildlife Sanctuary. The species is being used intribal medicine, for preparing drugs for the cureof acute asthma, and the practice is detrimentalto its survival.2. Extension/Consultancy ProjectsConservation and afforestation of theKottuli Wetland, Kozhikode. KFRI ExtensionReport No. 89. (Swarupanandan, K., Pandalai,R.C. and Menon, A.R.R., 2006).The Kottuli wetland is a 103 ha (262-acre)aquatic landscape situated within the city limitsof Kozhikode and its suburbs, inundated byseawater through Canolly canal. It is a naturalhabitat for estuarine flora and fauna includingmigrant birds and a few endangered animals.Of the 103 ha of the wetland, 65 ha are inprivate possession and 39 ha, Governmentowned.Despite the fact that the Kottuli wetlandprovides a variety of enviro-nmental servicesto the entire public, encroachment of the wetlandis very active there. Recently, traders havetargeted this environmentally fragile ecosystemfor tourism resorts and water theme park.The multi-disciplinary conservation planproposed for the wetland by CWRDM hasbeen approved and financed by the Ministryof Environment and Forests. An importantcomponent of the conservation programmeis mangrove affore-station. The plants currentlygrowing in the wetland are characteristic of themangroves; therefore, the area is suitable forafforestation with mangroves. A list of suitablemangrove species and strategies for affore-22

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Typical landscape of Kottuli wetland...................................................................................................................................................................................station are given in the report. In the recentpast, the extent of saltwater incursion to theKottuli wetland has been limited due toobliteration of its connectivity to the CanollyCanal. Maintenance of the Canolly Canal andcreating a number of culverts in specifiedlocations across the canal bund would facilitategrowth of mangroves.The ownership of 39 ha of the wetland is nowvested with the Kerala Water Authority. Unfortunately,it did not implement any wastewatermanagement programme there; instead, itreclaimed a portion of the land, thus limitingthe seawater incursion to the wetland. TheWater Authority does not have any ongoingprogramme or any permanent structure there.The Kerala Forest Department has establisheda temporary aid-post there recently.The Kottuli wetland is right in the heart of theKozhikode Corporation and it is best suitedfor establishing a Mangrove Information-cum-Study Centre. By virtue of the environmentalexpertise and the experience in mangroveafforestation, the Kerala Forest Department isthe most suitable agency that can establish andsustain the Study Centre. Ownership transferof the Government-owned wetland to theForest Department would facilitate the effectiveimplementation of the venture.Investigation teamMangrove afforestation in five areas ofreclaimed backwater along the proposedVallarpadam-Cheranellor Link Road,Kochi. KFRI Consultancy Report No. 105(Swarupanandan, K., Pandalai, R.C., Menon,A.R.R., Chacko, K.C. and Sharma, J.K., 2006).A high-speed road has been proposed forconnecting the International ContainerTranshipment Terminal (ICTT), Kochi and theNational Highways NH17 and NH47 - theVallarpadam-Cheranellur Link Road (the LinkRoad). As per the request of the NationalHighway Authority of India (NHAI), KFRIprepared a plan for mangrove afforestation inan area of 3.5 ha. of reclaimed backwater, incompensation to the natural mangrove patchesthat would be lost during the construction ofthe Link Road. The study recommends that thespecies for affore-station should be selectedfrom the mangroves of Kochi. The speciessuggested are Rhizophora mucronata, Avicenniaofficinalis, A. marina, Bruguiera cylindrica, B.gymnorhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris, Kandelia candel,etc. A mangrove nursery has to be raised in oraround the afforestation sites, to produce therequired planting stock. The afforestation siteshave to be provided with at least two sluiceculverts in order to maintain the regularinundation of brackish water required for thegrowth of mangroves. The identified back-23

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteVallarpadam backwaterswater areas adjoining the proposed road shouldbe reclaimed by filling before planting. Oneyear-oldseedlings are ideal for planting and aspacing of 1.5 x 1.5 m is suggested. Causalityreplacements will be carried out in the secondand third year to ensure total stocking. Theafforested sites will be protected against humanand animal interference through fencing andregular watch and ward. Targeted awarenessprogrammes are to be extended focusing thehouseholds in the neighbourhood of the afforestationsites. The sanitation facilities and thesolid waste disposal in the neighbourhood haveto be managed for bringing about the congenialenvironment required for the successfulmangrove afforestation. The NHAI mayfacilitate the afforestation work and monitorthe progress through annual reviews and interactionwith the implementing agency. A consolidatedfinal report of the afforestation workmay be brought out for the use of NHAI andother agencies.....................................................................................................................................................................................Biodiversity of Thrissur District, KeralaState. KFRI Extension Report No. 20 (Nair,K.K.N., Ansari, R., Ramachandran, K.K., JigiK. Joseph, Francis Xavier, Rajasekaran, R. andNeelakandan, V.N., 2007).Thrissur District covers an area of about 3030km 2 , extending from seashore to an altitude ofInvestigation team on visitapproximately 1420 m asl, in the Western Ghatsof India. The District represents all the threephysiographic zones of the State, namely thelowlands, midlands and the highlands. Kolewetlands, mangroves and the forest ecosystemsrepresented by moist deciduous, semi-evergreen,evergreen and southern montane wettemperate forests and the grasslands are themajor chara-cteristic habitats of biodiversity inthe District.In this documentation of biodiversity, availabledata were gathered from various sourcesincluding floras and faunas, scientific papers,research reports, doctoral theses, livestockregisters, records of various departments,handbooks, and so on. Primary data were alsogenerated to a limited extent, especially withregard to distribution of species, conservationstatus, traditional and indigenous knowledge,etc. Accordingly, 3,003 taxa of plants and 2,672taxa of animals are reported from the Districtwith up-to-date nomenclature, synonyms, localnames, habit, habitat, conservation status,indigenous/traditional knowledge, uses, etc.,wherever available, along with basic referencespertaining to the datasheet of each taxon.The data sheets designed for organizing thedynamic database included taxonomic,environmental and administrative modules with24

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07their ramifications, which can be improvedfurther based on more data inputs. For morethan 60 per cent of the species included in thedatabase, photographs are also provided, eithertaken during the study or as downloaded fromthe Internet. Combined map outputs for totalbiodiversity, animal diversity and plant diversityseparately and various other aspects of theDistrict like Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats,Forests Divisions, Forest Ranges, bioclimate,landuse pattern, river basins, soil, geology,land form, altitude, and so on. The map outputsof one indigenous plant species (Vateriaindica L.) and one wild animal species (Elephasmaximus L.) on various types of map outputsmentioned, are also provided as examples, andsimilar map outputs can be generated for allthe plants and animals included in this documentation.Data deficiencies, mainly with regardto species locations within the District, traditionalknowledge, conservation status, etc. needto be addressed in detail during the preparationof People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR).Checklist of flowering plants of Kerala.KFRI CD No. 6. (Sasidharan, N., 2006).The CD contains brief write-ups on locationand phytogeography of the State includinggeology and soil, climate, characteristic features...................................................................................................................................................................................and typical species of vegetation types, importantagricultural and horticultural crops. Thecorrect name of the species with author citationand literature is followed by basionyms andsynonyms, if any. Reference to Flora of BritishIndia and Flora of the Presidency of Madrasare cited along with relevant monographs andrevisions. The habit, habitat, status, geographicaldistribution, district-wise distribution (map) andimages of species are also included in the CD.There are 4,801 taxa in the checklist whichinclude 619 exotics introduced as well asnaturalized. There are 940 taxa recorded fromKerala after the publication of the Flora ofthe Presidency of Madras of which 327 arenew and 613, new records of occurrence. Thechecklist includes 483 taxa belonging to the RedListed Category. Nomenclatural changes of1,259 species in the Flora of the Presidency ofMadras have been incorporated. There are5,150 colour photographs of 2,225 speciesbelonging to endemic, red listed as well asinteresting plants. There are 10,822 botanicalnames (4,801 valid names + 6,021 basionym/synonym) and 5,915 common/local names.There is search facility in the CD with familywise,genus-wise, habit-wise, habitat-wise,locality-wise and common name-wise quicksearch.25

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteONGOING PROJECTSTaxonomy of microlepidopteraInvestigator(s): George MathewObjectives• Survey, collection, identification ofmicro-lepidoptera of southern India• Maintain collections and a taxonomic databank• Prepare an identification manual• Train college teachers, students and localcommunities in parataxonomyDate of Commencement : 2000 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 12.71 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry ofEnvironment andForests,Govt. of India....................................................................................................................................................................................Altogether, 79 species of Microheterocerabelo-nging to the families Psychidae, Pyralidae,Tortricidae, Tineidae (Tineoidae), Oecophoridae,Ethmiidae, Lecithoceridae, Gelechiidae,Blasto-basidae, Cosmopterigidae (Gelechioidea),Plutellidae, Yponomeutidae, Lyonetiidae,Insect specimen maintained in the databankGlyphipterigidae and Heliodinidae (Yponomeutoidea)have been recorded. A major shareof moths collected in the study belonged toGele-chiidae, Tineidae, Oecophoridae andCosmop-terigidae. The faunal elements wereinteresting in that they contained several newrecords for the region: six species were newrecords for Kerala; 45 species, new records forSouthern India; two species were new recordsfor India and three species, new to science.Studies on the morpho-logy of various specieswith special reference to head appendages,wings and external genitalia have shown thatcharacteristics of the labial palpi, wing venationand parts of external genitalia such as uncus,saccus, gnathos, juxta, tegumen of the male aswell as corpus bursae, ductus bursae andsignum of the female have diagnostic value inspecies identification. A comparison of taxabased on genitalial morphology was also made.Taxonomy of palmsInvestigator(s): Renuka, C.Objectives• To survey and prepare quantitative inventoryof palms in Western Ghats, North-26

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07eastern India and Andaman and NicobarIslands.• To study the distribution pattern, identifythe most threatened palms and to developconservation programmes for theirsustai-nability.• To prepare a handbook for generalpublic interest (a) Field Key for the Identificationof Palms of India, (b) A Handbookon Palms of India• To establish a Palmetum in three regionsnamely, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh andPort Blair (Andamans)• To study the reproductive biology ofselected palm species• To develop a database for palms ofIndia...................................................................................................................................................................................Date of Commencement : 2000 MayDate of Completion : 2007 AprilBudget: Rs. 25.00 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry ofEnvironment andForests,Govt. of IndiaThe Herbarium and Botanical garden at BSI,Kolkota and the Herbarium of BSI, Coimbatorewere visited. The palm collections werestudied and necessary photographs to beincluded in the database were taken. Populationecological studies showed that conservationefforts should be concentrated on the seedlingas well as on the juvenile stages. The populationof C. vattayila is decreasing and the conservationefforts should be made to protect thejuvenile as well as the adult palms. A fieldidentification key on Indian palms was prepared.The live collection consists of about 50 indigenouspalms. Study classes on palm taxonomywere conducted for college teachers duringtheir UGC refresher courses in Kerala, TamilNadu and Karnataka.Micropropagation of three selected speciesof bambooInvestigator(s): Muralidharan, E.M., Pandalai,R.C.Objectives• To develop efficient tissue culture proceduresfor mass clonal propagation ofthree species ozf bamboo, viz., Bambusatulda, Dendrocalamus brandisii and Thyrsostachysoliveri using material collectedfrom mature field growing clumpsDate of Commencement : 2003 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 11.12 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsProtocol was developed for regeneration ofB. tulda from adult field growing clumpsthrough proliferation of axillary buds. For D.brandisii, plantlet regeneration through somaticembryo-genesis was achieved. High shootmultiplication rates were achieved in shootcultures of D. brandisii and T. oliveri. Shootcultures could be maintained successfully inpolypropylene bags. Ex vitro rooting in B. tuldawas not satisfactory. Poor rooting of shootswas found in D. brandisii and T. oliveri.Standardization of nursery and plantationtechniques of mahogany with particularreference to soil, nutrition and shoot borerincidenceInvestigator(s): Thomas P. Thomas, Mohanadas,K., Rugmini, P.Objectives• To conduct manurial trials in pots, roottrainers and nursery beds to get tall healthyseedlings.• To standardize management practices(spacing, shade and manuring regimes)27

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutethat can boost biomass production as wellas reduce shoot borer incidence.• To identify the comparative resistance ofthe two species of mahogany, namely,Swietenia macrophylla King and S. mahogany(L.) Jacq. to the shoot borer attack and toconduct provenance trial of S. macrophyllaagainst Hypsipyla robusta.Date of Commencement : 2003 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudget: Rs. 13.29 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsExperimental plantation of mahogany at PalappillyMeasurements of growth were made in the 2ha trial plots of Swietenia macrophylla establishedat FRC, Palappilly in 2003. Periodic observationson shoot borer incidence were recorded.Additional plots laid out in 2004 with S.macrophylla and S. mahogany in about 4 ha werealso maintained and monitored for growth aswell as for comparative resistance of thesespecies to shoot borers.Mass production of HpNPV, a biopesticidefor teak defoliator managementInvestigator(s): Sudheendrakumar, V.V.,Varma, R.V., Sajeev, T.V.....................................................................................................................................................................................Objectives• To mass produce the baculovirus,HpNPV as a biopesticide for use in teaknurseries and plantations• To evaluate the acceptance and commercialviability of HpNPV biopesticideDate of Commencement: 2003 AprilDate of Completion : 2006 MarchBudget: Rs. 10.05 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsThe methodology for mass production ofHpNPV was developed and standardised.Trai-ning programmes were conducted todemonstrate the technology for managementof the teak defoliator. In a joint demonstrationprogramme with Forest Department, HpNPVwas applied in infested teak plantations inNilambur and the effectiveness of the biocidewas evaluated.Demonstrating the effect of controllingthe teak defoliator on volume incrementin teak in the permanent plots establishedat NilamburInvestigator(s): Varma, R.V.,Sudheendrakumar, V.V.Objectives• To generate data to ascertain the age upwhich teak plantation should beprotected against the teak defoliator• To serve as a permanent demonstrationplot to show the forest managers/students / policy makers / farmers, theimpact of protecting teak against teakdefoliator on growth incrementDate of Commencement : 2003 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs.2.40 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan Grants28

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteacetone fraction. The results obtained show thatUraria hamosa has no significant antioxidantactivity compared to Pseudarthria viscida. Eventhough the same chemical profiles were obtainedin P. viscida and U. hamosa, only the formerexhibited significant antioxidant properties.....................................................................................................................................................................................Appropriate technology for production ofcharcoal and activated carbon frombambooInvestigator(s): Dhamodaran,T.K., Thulasidas, P.K., Gnanaharan, R.Objectives• To characterize the nature of the resourceby investigating their properties.• To investigate the different methods ofproduction of charcoal from bamboo inorder to identify an appropriate methodsuitable for local conditions.• To assess the yield and quality of charcoalproduced from bamboo.• To develop a suitable method for thepro-duction of activated carbon frombamboo• To prepare a Handbook on bamboocharcoal and its potential applications.Date of Commencement : 2003 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 8.98 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsThe effect of the method of production andthe carbonization temperature on the yield andquality (volatile matter content, ash content andfixed carbon content) of bamboo charcoalwere evaluated and compared with woodcharcoal from different sources. The resultswere tested in a commercial pilot plant. Theyield and quality bamboo charcoal werecomparable with that of wood charcoal. Atemperature of 400 º C in the self-firing systemwas ideal for the commercial scale productionof bamboo charcoal in retorts. Bamboocharcoal had a pH of 9-10. A pilot plant forcharcoal making and a fluidized bed reactor(FBR) for activation of the charcoal installedat Perambra, Kozhikode for another projectwas used to test the potential of bamboo forcharcoal and activated carbon.Standardization of bamboo cultivationpract-ices for homesteads of KeralaInvestigator(s): Nandakumar, U.N., ThomasP. Thomas, Unni, K.K.Objectives• To standardize the bamboo cultivationpractices for homesteads of Kerala• To work out cost of cultivation and rateof culm production under different siteconditions, cultivation practices andmana-gement regimes.Date of Commencement : 2003 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudget: Rs. 23.5 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI PlanGrantsThirty species of bamboos suitable for homesteadsof Kerala were identified. A clusterdifferent ‘Kudumbasree’ units of PanancherryPanchayat was assigned the work ofestablishment of bamboo nursery for supplyingplanting stock to homesteads, provideassistance for bamboo planting and maintenance,harvesting and marketing of bamboo.The cluster along with its labour bank was alsoequipped to undertake other activities such aspaddy cultivation, animal husbandry andfloriculture, management of coconut gardens,rubber estates, vegetable farming, nursery andcomposting.32

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Commercial volume tables for selectedhome garden trees of KeralaInvestigator(s): Krishnankutty, C.N.Objectives• To develop commercial timber and fuelwood volume prediction equations forThekku, Plavu, Anjily, Matty and Mavu inhome gardens and thereby to preparecommercial volume tables.Date of Commencement : 2003 AprilDate of Completion : 2006 DecemberBudget: Rs. 7.55 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsThe trees (Anjily, Matty, Mavu, Plavu andThekku) felled in home gardens were measuredand data on gbh, length and girth (under bark)of each log were recorded. For each species,data on at least 3 trees each in about 10 diameterclasses were collected. Using the volume andgbh, different regression equations were fittedfor each species. Based on the best predictionequations, the volume tables were prepared....................................................................................................................................................................................Development of bamboo sector in Kerala:Resource enhancementInvestigator(s): Seethalakshmi, K.K.,Muralidharan, E.M., Sankar, S.,Pandalai, R.C., Raveendran, V.P.Objectives• Establishment of Bamboo MultiplicationAreas (BMA) in selected Panchayats• Popularization of cultivation of bambooin private and community lands.Date of Commencement: 2003 AprilDate of Completion : 2006 DecemberBudgetSponsoring Agency: Rs.20.00 lakhs: Director ofIndustries andCommerce, ThiruvananthapuramPlanting stock of Bambusa bambos, Ochlandratravancorica, and Melocanna baccifera wasdistributed to four clusters of artisans. Evaluationof the performance of seedlings plantedduring last year was done. An experiment wasinitiated in coastal areas to find out suitablespecies for bio-shield planting.Maintenance of provenance trial plots ofeucalypts and acacia and development ofnew clones for establishment of ClonalMultipli-cation Area (CMA)Investigator(s): Maria Florence, E.J.,Balasundaran, M.Objectives• Identification of new candidate plus trees(CPTs) of Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. camaldulensis,E. globulus, E. grandis, Acaciaauricu-liformis and A. mangium.• Vegetative multiplication of the candidateplus trees of Eucalyptus and Acacia speciesand their evaluation for growth and diseaseresistance for selection of new clones• Planting and maintenance of new clonesproduced in the year 2003• Supply of new clones of Eucalyptus andAcacia species to the Kerala Forest Departmentfor establishing clonal multiplicationarea and clonal plantationDate of Commencement: 2003 AugustDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 7.24 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsThe Kerala Forest Department was assisted inidentifying new hybrid clones of E. urophylla,E. grandis, E. tereticornis and E. pellitta fromamong open pollinated progenies. The Departmentwas also assisted in production of establishingclonal seed orchard for E. tereticornis33

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteand E. grandis at Wadakkancherry. The cloneswere supplied and technical help was provided.Luxuriant growth of Mikania micrantha....................................................................................................................................................................................Classical biological control of Mikaniamicrantha with Puccinia spegazziniiInvestigator(s): Sankaran, K.V., Anitha, V.Objectives• To test the host specificity of Pucciniaspegazzinii against a number of economicallyimportant plants• To attempt biocontrol of Mikania usingthe fungusDate of Commencement : 2003 JulyDate of Completion : 2006 DecemberBudget : £27,715Sponsoring Agency : Department forInternationalDevelopment(DFID), UKThe host specificity of the biocontrol agent,Puccinia spegazzinii, was tested against a numberof economically important plants. It was foundthat the fungus was very specific to mikaniaand not other agricultural plants. The funguswas released in agricultural systems in Keralaand it got established on natural population ofmikania and is spreading.Water and light use characteristics of thevegetation in the different strata of atropical moist deciduous forestInvestigator(s): Kallarackal, J.,Chandrashekara, U.M.Objectives• To study the availability and efficiency oflight usage by the lower strata seedlingsin a moist deciduous forest.• To study the water consumption of thedifferent species of trees belonging to thethree strata in a moist deciduous forest.• To study the water use by some dominanttree species such as teak, Terminalia, Xyliaetc. that are used in plantations andafforestation programmes.• To study the phenological features ofsome of the species of trees belongingto the three strata in a moist deciduousforest.• To evolve a model for evapotranspirationfrom a moist deciduous forestso that it can be used in calculations ofthe water balance from a catchment.Date of Commencement: 2004 JanuaryDate of Completion :2007 AprilBudget:Rs. 19.20 lakhsSponsoring Agency :Ministry of Environmentand Forests,Govt. of IndiaObservations on leaf area index, soil moisture,leaf litter area, SLA and phenology werecomple-ted in nine experimental plotsestablished at Pattakarimba in Nilambur. Sapflow was meas-ured in twelve tree speciesnamely, Xylia xylocarpa, Wrightia tinctoria,Stereospermum colais, Gmelina arborea, Tectonagrandis, Dalbergia latifolia, Cleistanthus collinus,Sterculia guttata, Terminalia crenulata, Terminaliapaniculata, Bauhinia malabarica and Dillenia34

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07pentagyna. The data showed much variation inwater use by different species. It was foundthat even though some growing species suchas Gmelina, used more water, had a goodstomatal closure mechanism during times ofhigh VPD. The leaf area index showed muchseasonal variation varying from 1.5 to 4.2 duringthe year....................................................................................................................................................................................Landuse change and its impact on selectedbiophysical and socio-economic aspects ofKaruvannur river basin in Thrissur Districtof KeralaInvestigator(s): Muraleedharan, P.K.,Kallarackal, J., Balagopalan, M., Menon,A.R.R., Sasidharan, N., Rugmini, P.Objectives• To examine landuse change and its effectson eco-hydrology and socio-economicconditions of the people.• To examine the extent of forest degradationand its effect on sediment productionand water discharge rate.• To measure the rate of surface runoffand to model a suitable land use system.Date of Commencement : 2004 FebruaryDate of Completion : 2007 JanuaryBudget: Rs. 15.40 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry ofEnvironment andForests,Govt. of IndiaThis study was conducted in Manali watershedof Karuvannur river basin to examine landusechange and its effects on eco-hydrology andsocio-economic conditions of the people in thearea. The major focus of the study was thelanduse changes, particularly conversion offorest land to agricultural land in the study areaduring the analysis period 1960-61 to 2004-05.In addition, it attempted to assess total economicvaluation of the Peechi wetland. Properpricing of water from the Dam to generatemore funds to meet cost of supply and waterresource development was also attempted.Establishment of butterfly garden atNilamburInvestigator(s): George Mathew, Sajeev, T.V.Objectives• To develop a butterfly garden and togenerate conservation awareness amongpublic and to generate revenueDate of Commencement: 2004 JanuaryDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 5.89 lakhsSponsoring Agency: KFRI Plan GrantsView of butterfly garden at NilamburIntroduction of butterfly host plants andcreating suitable habitats were undertaken.Information pertaining to the life historypatterns, host range and habitat associations ofvarious butterflies was gathered. Ixora, Citrus,Albizia, Cassia, Cinnamomum, Aristolochia andMussaenda were identified as the common larvalhost plants that can be introduced for attractingseveral butterflies found in Kerala. Ixora,Lantana, Mussaenda, marigold, zinnia and35

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteClerodendron were listed as some common nectarplants. Common mime, common rose, crimsonrose, lime butterfly, blue mormon, Southernbirdwing, glassy blu tiger, blue tiger, dark bluetiger, emigrants and grass yellows are somebutterflies that can be easily sustained in thebutterfly garden.....................................................................................................................................................................................Development of transgenic teak resistantto lepidopteran defoliatorsInvestigator(s): Muralidharan, E.M.,Sudheendrakumar, V.V., Sajeev, T.V.Objectives• To screen Bt strains and endotoxinsagainst Hyblaea puera and other major leaffeeding pests of teak to select suitablegenes for genetic transformation.• Development of efficient protocols forgenetic transformation and regenerationof transgenic plantlets from cells andtissue cultures of teak.• To carry out assays with the transgenicplants in vitro or in lab and controlledgreen house experiments.Date of Commencement : 2004 FebruaryDate of Completion : 2007 JanuaryBudget: Rs. 30.68 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Department ofBiotechnology,Govt. of IndiaBioassay on the teak defoliator - Hyblaea andEutectona using Bt toxins was carried out withprotein extracted from Cry1AC and Cry1C(Cloned in plasmid pUC19) by a 10 hr incubation.It was found that both the toxins wereeffective in Hyblaea and Eutectona.Somatic embryogenesis and repetitive embryogenesiswas induced in immature zygoticembryos of teak cultured on a media containingpicloram and maintained through regularsubcultures. Plantlet regeneration was alsoobtained but at a low frequency by transfer tohormone free media. Genetic transformationof the somatic embryos was attempted bycocultivation with Agroba-cterium containingCry I Ac gene but the putative transformedembryos survived in hygromycin selectionmedia but showed inhibition in growth anddevelopment.Establishment of a Bioresources NatureTrail in the Kerala part of Western GatsInvestigator(s): Chandrashekara, U.M.,Sasidharan, N.Objectives• To establish a live collection of differenttaxonomic groups of plants with specialreference to endemic and RET speciesfor conservation along a BioresourcesNature Trail• To promote nature education and ecotourism• To develop interactive informationsystem for nature education and ecotourismto depict the diversity of bioresourcesin the stateBioresources Nature Park at NilamburDate of Commencement: 2004 MarchDate of Completion : 2007 February36

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07BudgetSponsoring Agency: Rs. 43.11 lakhs: Department ofBiotechnology,Govt. of India...................................................................................................................................................................................A Bioresources Nature Trail has been establishedwith the financial assistance form theDepartment of Biotechnology, Government ofIndia at the KFRI Sub Centre, Nilambur. TheBioresources Nature Park has conservationthemes for the lower groups of plants such asalgae and bryophytes, pteridophytes, plantsfound in specialized ecological niche such asxerophytes (cacti and succulents) and hydrophytes(aquatic plants), beneficial plants(medicinal plants), ornamental and aestheticplants (orchids), with special reference to endemicand rare, endangered and threatened(RET) species. Propagules of over 700 speciesof plants have been collected and introducedin the thematic areas of the nature trail. Theorchid house now has some rare, endemic,medicinal and commercially important orchids.The fern house contains almost 75 species offerns. The aquatic plant area possesses differentforms such as floating hydrophytes, submergedand rooted hydrophytes, emergent rootedhydrophytes, and floating leaved and rootedhydrophytes. The xerophytes and succulentsgarden has both outdoor landscaped rockgarden and a green house to display medicinaland ornamental plants. A gymnosperm gardenwith five native gymno-sperm species andcertain exotic species, which are of academicinterest is being established in the Nature Trail.Thallophyte and bryophyte specimens are alsodisplayed in a specially designed shade housewith mist and drip irrigation facilities. In thepalm garden, apart from over 40 orna-mentalpalm species many palms which have economicsignificance and ecological and cultural significanceare assembled. The butterfly garden inthe park has been developed by planting larvaland adult host plants and subtle modificationof the habitat.Conservation of critically endangered treeSyzygium palghatense Gamble (Myrtaceae)of the Western Ghats of KeralaInvestigator(s): Yesodharan, K., Mohanadas,K., Chandrasekhara Pillai, P.K.Objectives• To assess the population status of Syzygiumpalaghatense by appropriate samplingand to identify constraints, if any, innatural regeneration.• To study the reproductive biology of thespecies, i.e., flowering, pollination, seedset and germination.Date of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 2.90 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Planning andEconomic AffairsDept.,Govt. of Kerala.Field collection of insects during floweringperiod and their laboratory examinationindicated the role of insects in the pollinationof the species. The fungal infection in trees inthe form of leaf spot disease disappeared dueto fungicidal spraying. However, a severeinfestation by an insect borer was noticed inmost of the fruits (ripened and premature).The infestation caused by Hymen-opteran fruitboring insects resulted in failure of seed setting.A small number of propagules were producedvegetatively and also from seeds and wereplanted in the Arboretum and KFRI Campus.Computerized database on Kerala forestresources and data retrieval systemInvestigator(s): Sivaram, M.Objectives• To modify and revise an existing computerizeddatabase and information37

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteretrieval system on forest resources ofKerala.• To develop prediction models useful forforest resource management in the Statebased on statistical analysis of data.• To host the database on a website so thatspecific data are made available to the realusers.Date of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 3.10 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Planning and EconomicAffairs Dept.,Govt. of Kerala.....................................................................................................................................................................................Data on different themes were gathered and adata retrieval system was developed usingVisual Basic program. Further updating of thedatabase is underway. Using the data availablein the database, two major analyses were carriedout.The projection of availability of teakwoodfrom forest plantations was undertaken underdifferent scenarios, taking into account thefactors such as age structure, rotation age,thinning and produ-ctivity. The comparison ofprojected availability of teakwood with theprojected demand revealed that the existinglevel of teak plantations is potential enough tomeet the future demand up to the period 2030to 2040.Based on the current prices of teakwood fromthe year 1942 to 2006, the short-term priceforecasts were made using Artificial NeuralNetwork and Auto Regressive IntegratedMoving Average models. The price forecastsindicated that the export class (mid girth of185 cm and above) and Girth Class I (150-184cm) would fetch higher prices than the lowergirth classes in the year 2007, might be due tohigh demand for quality teak wood.Potential of using coir geo-textiles in ahighly degraded area in the Western Ghatsfor improving the soil and productivityInvestigator(s): Balagopalan, M., Rugmini, P.,Balan, K. (Coir Dev. Corp., Alapuzha)Objectives• To estimate the quantity of soils erodedand the loss in soil nutrients in degradedareas as brought about by coir geo-textiles• To find out the changes in soil physicalproperties• To evaluate the economics of using coirgeo-textiles in degraded lands• To conduct a workshop for KeralaForest Department on the significance ofusing coir geo-textiles in degraded areasDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 4.75 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Planning and EconomicAffairs Dept.,Govt. of Kerala.An area of 3 ha was selected at Vettukkad inthe Wadakkancherry Range for planting roottrainer seedlings (2.5m x 2.5m spacing) andstumps (2m x 2m spacing). Two nutrientcombinations - Control and High inputmanagement (T Iand T 2) were followed withthree coir geo-textile size levels, viz., Withoutcoir geo-textiles (A), 1 cm x 1cm size and (B)and 2 cm x 2 cm size (C). There were threereplications and plots. This was done in twolocalities, the total number of plots being 36.Traps were placed at different places toevaluate the quantity of soil eroded. The soilsin the traps were weighed and the N, P, K, Caand Mg contents were found out. Soils werecollected from different plots and characterized.Soil temperature and moisture contentswere recorded at different periods. Growth38

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07measurements were made in the case of roottrainer seedlings. The height of root trainerseedlings varied from 16 to 19.8 cm. Thefourth growth measurement was recorded June2006. It was found that the growth of roottrainer seedlings was better than that of stumps.The survival percentage was higher in the caseof root trainer seedlings than that of stumps....................................................................................................................................................................................Modeling the growth of teak in relationto soil conditions in the Kerala part ofWestern GhatsInvestigator(s): Rugmini, P., Balagopalan, M.,Jayaraman, K.Objectives• To evaluate the growth increment of teakstands, in the Kerala part of the WesternGhats, of different age groups belongingto different site quality classes• To study the interrelation between the soilproperties, foliage nutrient content andthe growth of teak.• To develop a model on growth of teakin relation to soil conditions and leafnutrient status.Date of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 4.95 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Planning and EconomicAffairs Dept.,Govt. of Kerala.Fifty-two sample plots in teak plantationsdistri-buted in different parts of Kerala wereconsidered for the study. The sample plotsbelonged to different age, site quality andstocking classes. The plots were of size 50m x50m except a few, which were 40m x 40m or20m x 20m. The plots were established during2000-2001 and re-measured during 2004. Girthat breast height (1.37 m above ground) wasrecorded on all the trees in the plots. Heightwas measured on a sub-sample of less thanten trees covering the range of diameters ineach plot. Diameter increment was computedfor all the 52 plots. From each of the 52 plots,soil samples were taken from pits at three depthlayers, viz., 0-20, 20-40, 40-60 cm and leafsamples were also collected. The soils weresubjected to analysis for determination ofparticle size separates, bulk density (BD),particle density (PD), water holding capacity(WHC), soil pH, organic carbon (OC),exchange bases (EB), exchange acidity (EA),cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation(BS), Total N, available P, K, Na, Ca and Mg.Leaf samples were also analyzed for N, P, K,Ca and Mg.Two major modeling approaches, viz., empiricaland process-based, were tried to characterizethe interrelation of tree growth vs soilproperties and tree growth vs nutrient statusof leaves observed in the sample plots. It wasproposed to study the relationship between theleaf and soil attributes through canonicalcorrelation analysis. The different analyses areunderway.Establishment of ex-situ gardens ofspecies of Dalbergia and monocotyledonsin Bio-resources Nature Trail in the Keralapart of Western GhatsInvestigator(s): Chandrashekara, U.M.,Sasidharan, N.Objectives• To establish a live collection of speciesof Dalbergia and monocotyledons withspecial reference to palms, rattan andbamboo along a Biosphere Nature Trail• To promote nature education and ecotourism• To develop interactive information disseminationsystem for nature education and39

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteecotourism to depict the diversity of bioresourcesin land useDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2009 MarchBudget: Rs. 9.88 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Planning and EconomicAffairs Dept.,Government ofKeralaLandscaping and preparation of plantingdesigns was done. Propagules of bamboos,reeds, cane and Dalbergia were collected. Theywere planted in pots/polybags and weremaintained in the green house of KFRI SubCentre. Establishment of palms and rattangardens was completed.....................................................................................................................................................................................Micropropagation of superior clones ofteak for the Western Ghats of KeralaInvestigator(s): Muralidharan, E.M.,Surendran, T.Objectives• Rapid propagation of teak clones selectedfor faster growth through enhancedproliferation of meristems and rootingof microshoots.• Attempt cost reduction through innovationin the culture system and equipment.• Develop methods for long-term storageof shoot culturesDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 3.88 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Planning and EconomicAffairs Dept.,Government ofKeralaClones of superior teak from Kerala have beenestablished in culture. The clones were raisedfrom nodal explants collected from trees orepicormic shoots induced in greenhouse frombranch cuttings. Further shoot multiplication of5 clones (T1, T9, T10, T11 and T36) wasundertaken. Clonal differences in morphologyof shoots and multiplication rates observed.The T1 plantlets were planted in a small fieldtrial plot and their growth and performanceswere periodically monitored.Vegetative propagation of selected medicinalplants for enrichment of resourcesInvestigator(s): Surendran, T., Sasidharan, N.Objectives• To prepare a state of the art report onthe propagation methods and techniquesof the selected medicinal plants• To standardize propagation techniquesfor the selected medicinal plantsDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 5.00 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFD (SocialForestry)Successful rooting was obtained and themethod standardized for Saraca asoka, Terminaliaarjuna, Oroxylum indicum, Adhatoda zeylanica,Rauvolfia serpentina, Gmelina arborea and Aeglemarmelos. Rhizome splitting as a successfulpropagation method was tried in Gloriosa superbaand Asperagus recemoses. The project is beingcontinued.The raw drug requirement of Ayurvedicmedicine manufacturing industry in KeralaInvestigator(s): Sasidharan, N.,Muraleedharan, P.K.Objectives• To assess the raw drug requirement ofthe Ayurvedic medicine industry in Kerala40

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07• To find out the sources of supply andthe respective quantity• To study the marketing and trade ofmedicinal plantsDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 3.50 lakhsSponsoring Agency : State MedicinalPlants Board,Govt. of KeralaA list of licensed Ayurvedic medicine manufacturingunits in Kerala was obtained. Based onthe annual turnover, the medicine manufacturingunits were divided into small (belowone crore), medium (between 1 to 3 crores)and large (above 3 crores). The data wasanalysed to find out the annual consumptionof the various raw drugs used in the manufactureof ayurvedic medicines in Kerala.District-wise analysis on the consumption ofraw drugs reveals that Thrissur and Malappuramare the dominant. Kurumthotti, Nellikka,Kadukka, Sathavari, Kattarvazha, Amruthu,Chukku, Kayyunni, Thathiri and Cheruvazhuthinaare the most heavily consumed raw drugs....................................................................................................................................................................................Development of equipment suitable forlow cost micropropagationInvestigator(s): Muralidharan, E.M.Objectives• To develop simple, low cost equipmentfor micropropagationDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2006 MarchBudget: Rs. 1.28 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsPolypropylene bags were successfully tested asinexpensive culture containers for micropropagationof bamboo and teak. Different containershapes and sizes were found to be effective.Venting devices using various materials wereBamboo shoot culture in polypropylene bagtested for culture vessels and two layers ofsurgical paper tape were found to be effectivein the case of rigid plastic containers. Shootcultures of teak and bamboo were testedLow cost tissue culture racksuccessfully using these devices. An improveddesign of tissue culture rack was tested successfully.This design permitted considerablesavings in cost of lighting. LED lampscommonly available commercially were foundto be unsuitable for lighting for cultures dueto the low intensity of light produced. Further41

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteexperiments with the new generation brightLEDs need to be carried out.....................................................................................................................................................................................Improvement of teak through geneticevaluationInvestigator(s): Indira, E.P.Objectives• To maintain the progeny trial plot atNilambur• To establish another progeny trial plot(multi locational trial) to have an earlygenetic evaluationDate of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 6.25 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsThe progeny trial plot raised at Nilambur wasmaintained. Growth measurements were made.Growth of field planted teak clones atKarulaiInvestigator(s): Surendran, T.Objectives• To study growth and field performanceof rooted ramets of plus trees of teakplanted at Kalkulam, Karulai.• Maintenance of the clonal garden atKalkulamDate of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 3.00 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsPeriodic observations were made on growthof planted ramets and data recorded. Weedingand other input operations required werecarried out as and when necessary. The projectis being continued.Enriching of live collections of wildorchids and ferns of Kerala and preparationof an illustrated manualInvestigator(s): Muktesh Kumar, M.S.Objectives• To set up a Fern/orchid house at KFRIcampus to facilitate education of thepublic.• To maintain rare, endangered and endemicpteridophytes/orchids in live conditionby reintroduction of these plantsfrom their original locality.• Preparation of an illustrated manualOrchid houseDate of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 6.67 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsFresh collections of ferns particularly epiphyticspecies were added to the fern house collections.Seventy species of useful pteridophytesof Kerala were selected and the details of allthe species were compiled for the preparationof the manual. Some of the Fern housecollections were transferred to the Nature StudyCentre, at Nilambur. Steps were initiated forthe repair work of Orchid/Fern House.42

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Enrichment of insect and microbial culturecollections at KFRIInvestigator(s): George Mathew, Mohanan, C.Objectives• To index the identified species and toprepare a list of identified species for easyinformation retrieval.• Ex-situ conservation of microbial culturecollections especially the fungal culturesand to prepare a compendium of identifiedspeciesDate of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 6.00 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsInventory of insects recorded from Kerala wasprepared listing 4200 species. Number ofinsects in the KFRI Insect collection was13,000. Identified species were 1,742. Work onpreparation of a database of identified speciesin the collection is in progress.Habitat enrichment in the butterfly gardenat KFRI campus, PeechiInvestigator(s): George MathewView of the butterfly garden at KFRI, Peechi...................................................................................................................................................................................Objectives• To maintain the butterfly garden at Peechicampus and to introduce new themes tomake it more attractive to the visitorsDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 3.00 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI PlanGrants.Additional host plants were planted andmaintained in the garden. Information boardswere also set up. Several batches of school andcollege students visited the butterfly garden.Strengthening and computerisation ofKFRI HerbariumInvestigator(s): Yesodharan, K., Nair, K.K.N.Objectives• To computerize the herbarium with morethan 25,000 plant specimens of aboutAreca triandra planted in the palmatum2000 species along with their respectivedata sheets and images.• To develop a search facility so that dataand images can easily be retrievedDate of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 March43

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteBudgetSponsoring Agency: Rs. 3.72 lakhs: KFRI Plan GrantsSpecimen details were recorded in the Herbariumlabel of 1885 specimens and all the 1885species were included in to the Delta software.A standard format of 33 characters was preparedand data of 410 species were gatheredand included into the Delta software.....................................................................................................................................................................................Strengthening and enriching the PalmetumInvestigator(s): Renuka, C.Objectives• To strengthen and enrich the existingPalmetumDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 9.00 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsMore species were added to the Palmetum andmaintenance operations were regularly undertaken.At present about 50 indigenous and 35exotic species are available in the Palmetum.Some palms have started flowering.Strengthening medicinal plants garden inthe Peechi campusInvestigator(s): Sasidharan, N.Objectives• Enriching the existing collection ofmedicinal plants in the garden• Preparation of a handbook on themedicinal plants in the medicinal plantsgardenDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 7.26 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsMedicinal plants in the Garden were furtherenriched by adding plants such as Salaciabeddomei, Zingiber macrostachya, Ixora sp.Ophiorrhiza mungos, Crotalaria laburnifolia, Hibiscussabdariffa, Abelmoschus moschatus, etc. wereintroduced. Details of medicinal properties anduses of 125 more species in the medicinal plantgarden were compliled.Ecology and behavior of arboreal mammalsof Nelliampathy forestsInvestigator(s): Ramachandran, K.K.Objectives• To assess the distribution of the arborealmammals in Nelliampathy forests• To study the population structure of thearboreal mammals• To study the food habits of the arborealmammals• To study the behaviour of selected arborealmammalsDate of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 8.04 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsA total of 11 arboreal mammals were recordedfrom the evergreen forests of the Nelliampathies.The Malabar slender loris Loris lydekkerianusmalabaricus and the Malabar spiny dormousePlatocanthomys lasiurus were recorded forthe first time from the study area. A totalnumber of 13 lion-tailed macaque (LTM)troops with around 200 individuals weresighted. LTM troop sizes ranged from 4 to 39individuals with an average of 15.5. TwentythreeNilgiri langur troops with a total of about150 individuals were recorded and theirdistribution marked in the map. The troop sizesof Nilgiri langur ranged from 3 to 12 with amean group size of 7 individuals. Density ofthe major arboreal mammals is being workedout.44

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07A handbook of lesser known timbersInvestigator(s): Bhat, K.M., Thulasidas, P.K.,Hussain, K.H.Objectives• To collate technical information and/orinvestigate properties and uses of lesserknowntimbers of Indian market includingthe farm /agro forestry and importedspecies.• To prepare user friendly handbook andCD-ROMs with coloured illustrations asready sources of reference for timberprocessors, traders and users.Date of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 4.35 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsDraft was prepared for editorial scrutiny, on atotal of 77 lesser known timbers including theimported species. After incorporating appropriatechanges suggested by the EditorialCommittee, the draft was finalized and theprinting work was initiated. The handbook isexpected to be ready by March 2008....................................................................................................................................................................................Participatory Forest Management andecodevelopment alternatives: Initiativesand challenges in KeralaInvestigator(s): Mammen Chundamannil,Hussain, K.H., Unnikrishnan, P.N. (KFD)Objectives• To develop a framework for evaluationof PFM programmes.• To bring out case studies of PFMexperience in Kerala.• To bring out a bibliography of literatureon PFM in electronic formDate of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 9.09 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsReview of literature on PFM was carried out.Field survey initiated.Comparison of prediction models developedby statistical and neural networktechniques in applied forestry researchInvestigator(s): Sivaram, M.Objectives• To review NN algorithms which arecomparable with the statistical techniquessuitable for various prediction andclassification problems.• To apply NN and statistical techniquesto certain datasets emerged out in appliedforestry research and evolve predictionmodels.• To compare the performance of NNmodels with statistical modelsDate of Commencement: 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 4.38 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan Grants.In this study, the performance of ANN modelwas compared with traditional statisticalmodels for certain datasets in forestry. Thenature of statistical problems that could beconsidered for the investigation was ofregression type (functional approximation) andtime series prediction using Auto RegressiveIntegrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model.For regression problem, three data sets wereused. The first two data sets were related tothe prediction of bark thickness using diametermeasurements of two species Lager-stroemiareginae and Acacia caesia. The third dataset wasrelated to the prediction of the ratio of germinationpercentage to the viability percentage45

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteat different days of germination of teak seeds(Tectona grandis). With regard to time seriesprediction problem, the prices of teakwoodin different girth classes were considered. Thearchitecture of ANN used was MLP with onehidden layer for all the problems. The activationfunction used in the hidden neuron wassigmoid. The error minimization algorithmused was Levenberg-Marquardit algorithm.While the performance of ANN withregression was assessed by the root mean squareerror, the performance of ANN with ARIMAwas assessed by mean absolute percentageerror. The perfo-rmance statistics suggest thatANN is comparable with that of regressionand ARIMA models.A view of Myristica swamp....................................................................................................................................................................................Mapping biodiversity of the Myristicaswamps in southern KeralaInvestigator(s): Vijayakumaran Nair, P.,Ramachandran, K.K., Swarupanandan, K.,Thomas P. ThomasObjectives• To survey and map the swamp forests inSouthern Kerala and to organize theinformation into a dynamic GIS.• To document and compare the animaland plant wealth including the rare andthrea-tened species across differentMyristica swamps of Southern Kerala andto analyze the dependencies among them.• To characterize the soil, to understand thehydrological importance and theirprobable linkages in these forests• To associate the variables of climate,topography and biodiversity.• To use the Geographical InformationSystem in registering and analyzing thedata obtained and to develop conservationstrategy for the swamp forests ofthe region.Date of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 14.62 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environmentand Forests,Govt. of India.This was the first attempt to map 60 patchesof highly endangered Myristica swamp forestswhich constitute 1.5 km 2 , which hardly makeup 0.004% of the total land area of and0.014% of the total forest area of Kerala.Eighty-two trees and ninety-four species ofherbs/shrubs constituted the vegetation. Fortyninelianas have been recorded. Twelve ofA viper in the Myristica swamp habitat46

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07these plants have been red-listed and up to 28plants are endemic to Western Ghats. Faunalbiodiversity was also documented for the firsttime, consisting of 10 species of molluscans,281 species of insects belonging to 83 identifiedfamilies, 54 species of arachnids, 14 species offishes, 56 species of amphibia (more than 50%reported from Kerala), 55 species of reptiles(more than 22% found in Kerala), 129 speciesof birds and 27 species of mammals....................................................................................................................................................................................Micropropagation of Bambusa balcooaand Dendrocalamus giganteusInvestigator(s): Muralidharan, E.M.,Seethalakshmi, K.K.Objectives• To develop in vitro culture techniques formicropropagation of Bambusa balcooaand Dendrocalamus giganteus using tissuescollected from culms of mature clumps.Date of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2009 MarchBudget: Rs. 12.16 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Department OfBiotechnology,Govt. of IndiaProtocol for micropropagation of Bambusabalcooa from field grown clumps wasstandardized. Shoot cultures were establishedfrom nodal explants 10-20 shoots per explant/sub-culture were obtained on a media supplementedwith BAP (1.75 – 3 mg/l) + NAA(0.1 mg/l). Liquid media and stationary cultureswere suitable for shoot multiplication andrapid subcultures were found to be beneficialfor maintaining healthy shoots. Culture inpolypropylene bags was carried out successfully.Seasonal variation in sprouting response inDendrocalamus giganteus was noticed. Vigoroussprouting was observed in January – FebruaryMultiple shoot formation in B. balcooain 30 % of nodal explants and survival up to 3subcultures. Systemic antifungal and antibioticpretreatment was used to control endogenouscontamination. Multiplication rates were low.Browning and senescence of shoots wasobserved beyond 3 passages.Ecology and biodiversity of mangroveforest: A case study from northern KeralaInvestigator(s): Sharma, J.K.,Swarupanandan, K., Kallarackal, J.,George Mathew, Mohanan, C.,Ramachandran, K.K., Thomas P. Thomas,Jayson, E.A., Mohanadas, K., Somen, C.K.,Mohammed Kunhi, K.V.Objectives• To inventorise the biodiversity of themangrove ecosystem including angiosperms,ferns and fungi from the plantworld and mammals, birds, fishes,mollusks and arthropods from the animalworld and to examine whether the poordiversity of the plant world is actuallycompensated by the animal world there.• To study the abiotic environment, includingseasonal changes in the micro-47

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteDeforestation in Mangroves of Kannurclimate, soil substratum and compositionalchanges in the aquatic componentincluding tidal dynamics and water quality,and to use this information for framingstrategies for rehabilitation• To analyze the community structure ofthe mangrove vegetation includingzonation and characterization of thevegetal mosaics, phenological studiesaiming to understand the seasonality ofgrowth and reproduction and the stressphysiology of the plants which in turnwould be of practical value in conservingthem.Date of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 15.42 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environmentand Forests,Government ofIndia.....................................................................................................................................................................................Field visits were made. Aerial photographswere obtained. The map preparation workwas continued. Data on temperature, RH andrainfall were monitored. Samples of soil fromone study plot have been collected. Altogether30 plant species were collected from twolocations of study. Jackal, grey mongoose andFish diversity in Mangrovesbats were the mammals sighted in the studyarea. Sixty-one species of birds were alsorecorded. Six species of prawns, five speciesof crabs and 48 species of fishes were collected.Data on seasonal abundance of fishes havebeen generated. Six species of mollusks werealso recorded.Forests and agricultural ecosystem analysisto assess ecosystem health and to identifyrehabilitation strategies in the Kerala partof Nilgiri Biosphere ReserveInvestigator(s): Chandrashekara, U.M.Objectives• To identify ecological and economicstrengths and weaknesses of traditionaland modern agricultural practices andevolve appropriate strategies for theirsustainable management• To analyse the impact of different agriculturalpractices on the adjacent forestsin terms of their vegetation structure,species composition, regenerationpatterns and overall ecosystem health• To identify suitable strategies for theforests affected by different croppingpractices in the region.48

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Date of Commencement : 2004 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 12.00 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environmentand Forests,Government ofIndia....................................................................................................................................................................................In each forest patch, transects were laid fromthe forest boundary to the interior of the forest.In each transect, quadrats of 20m x 20m wereestablished at 200m interval. Vegetation analysisin the quadrats was carried out separately forherbs, shrubs, tree seedlings and mature trees.The data obtained was further analyzed in orderto determine the extent of disturbance to theforest and also the successional status of forestpatch. Schematic diagram of each patchdepicting the level of disturbance at differentdistance from the forest boundary wasprepared. PRA exercises were conducted in thevillages around each forest patch in order tocollect information on 1. Causes for forestdisturbance, 2. Impact of changes in croppingpattern on the forest patch, 3. Historical changesin forest resource utilization, and 4.Preparation of landuse and land cover changemap based on senior citizen interview method.Quantification of different resources (leaflitter, understorey biomass, pruned materials,small poles and fuelwood) from the forest wasinitiated. Tree seedling density prior to and afterthe collection of leaf litter and understoreybiomass was quantified in order to estimate theloss of tree seedlings from the forest due tocollection of leaf litter and understorey biomassfor mulch in agricultural lands. Meetings offorest officials (Biosphere managers) andvillagers were conducted in order to presentthe data so far obtained and also evolve strategiesfor sustainable management of forestpatches.Field performance of mirco and macropropagated planting stock of selected fivecommercially important bamboo speciesInvestigator(s): Seethalakshmi, K.K.,Muralidharan, E.M., Unni, K.K.Objectives• To evaluate field performance of microand macro propagated planting stock offive commercially important species ofbam-boo, viz., Bambusa bambos, Dendrocalamusstrictus, D. asper, Pseudoxytenantherastocksii and Ochlandra travancorica inmultilocational demonstration plots to beestablished in Kerala, Tamil Nadu,Karnataka and Andhra PradeshDate of Commencement : 2004 JulyDate of Completion : 2007 JuneBudget: Rs. 43.79 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Department ofBiotechnology,Government ofIndia.For testing the performance of species, plantingstock was prepared from rooted cuttings. TCplants were outsourced from different privateand public sector tissue culture units. Fortyhectares of plantation was established incollaboration with two beneficiaries atMoolagangal, Attappady. The plantation wasestablished with two species Bambusa balcooa andDendrocalamus asper. The survival has been morethan 70 per cent. Observations on growth arebeing recorded. A field nursery has been establishedin the plantation site. The demonstrationplot will serve to show the performance ofTC and VP plants. Intensive cultivation ofbamboo is taken up here by two progressiveplanters providing solar fencing for protectionand drip irrigation for better survival andgrowth of plants.49

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteBiotechnological approaches for improvementof plant species with specialreference to pulp and paperInvestigator(s): Bhat, K.M., Muralidharan, E.M.,Pandalai, R.C., Thulasidas, P.K.Objectives• Region-wise sample collection and inventorisationof Leucaena leucocephala andOchlandra travancorica• Screening of the samples for chemicalparameters, viz., lignin, cellulose andhemi-cellulose content• Screening of the selected samples fromobjective 2 above for physical parametersviz. internodal length (in case of O.travancorica) and fiber characteristics (incase of L. leucocephala and O. travancorica)• Screening of the selected samples fromObjective 2 above for molecular biologicalparameters, viz., DNA fingerprinting• Collation of the data generated for objectives2 to 4 above and identification ofthe elite germplasm by correlating physical,chemical and molecular biologyrelated parameters with lignin, cellulose,hemi-cellulose and silica content• Region-wise development of repositories,documentation, registration andobtaining of the IC numbers for theselected elite germplasm for IPR protection• Development of in vitro methodologiesfor large scale multiplication of theselected elite germplasm• Isolation and characterization of ligninbiosynthetic pathway genes: cinnamylalcohol dehydrogenase (CA), 4-coumarate-CoA-ligase(4CL), coniferylaldehyde-5-hydroxylase (Cald5H), caffeoyl-3-O-methy-ltransferase(CCo....................................................................................................................................................................................AOMT), O-methyltra-nsferase (OMT),cinnamoyl-CoA-reductase (CCR) andconiferin-b-glucosidase (CBG)• Isolation of a xylem specific promoter• Cloning of the genes, isolated as in Objective8 above, in transformation vectorsund the control of an appropriate genepromoter• Development of transformation protocolsfor Leucaena leucocephala• Single event transformations of Leucaenaleucocephala with genes isolated in Objective8 above.• Transfer of transgenic plants to containmentfacilities and analysis for expressionof genes, lignin content / composition,cellulose content and pulp characteristicsDate of Commencement : 2004 SeptemberDate of Completion : 2006 AugustBudget: Rs. 73.90 lakhsSponsoring Agency : CSIR-(NMITLI)Project,Govt. of India.A total of 373 (including 136 collected byCIMAP) accessions of Ochlandra were madefrom 20 major reed growing areas of Kerala,Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Passport dataand descriptors prepared for Ochlandra weredeposited in NBRI. Soil samples from 19Ochlandra locations were sent to NBRI. Digitalphotos of 159 accessions of Ochlandra from12 locations were also sent to NBRI. Samplesof 25 trees of Leucaena were collected fromTamil Nadu and Kerala; wood samples weresupplied to FRI and passport data to NBRI.All 373 accessions, including duplicates, wereplanted and maintained in the Field GermplasmCollection at the Field Research Centreof KFRI at Velupadam, Palapilly. 250accessions (67%) are surviving in the field. Atotal of 11 accessions were lost due to flowering.50

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Microtechnique procedure was standardisedfor anatomical study of reed bamboos. NIRprotocols were developed for chemical characterisationof reed bamboos and validated byinter-lab testing. Benchmarks defined forselection of lead plants of superior qualitypulping raw material based on physical, chemicaland anatomical (fibre) properties of 373samples of Ochlandra. Elite plants /populationsof low lignin / high cellulose with low silicacontent, acceptable fibre length and physicalproperties were located from the natural habitats.Low lignin elites along with medium andhigh lignin reed bamboos were identifiedfor multi-location trials to be conducted inPhase II....................................................................................................................................................................................Production of quality planting material forrare medicinal plants of commercial importanceInvestigator(s): Sasidharan, N.,Muraleedharan, E.M., Chacko, K.C.Objectives• Production of quality planting materialsand develop agrotechnology for medicinalplants such as Trichosanthes cucumerina,Merremia turpethum, Salacia oblonga,Saraca asoca and Ipomoea mauritiana.Micropropagation of Aegle marmelos and Malaxis rheediiDate of Commencement : 2004 NovemberDate of Completion : 2007 OctoberBudget: Rs. 12.0 lakhsSponsoring Agency : National MedicinalPlants Board,Ministry of Healthand Family Welfare,GOI.The vegetative propagation of Saraca asoca wasstandardized. The mature (1 to 2 year old) stemcuttings excised at the nodal region treated with1000 ppm of IBA gave the maximum rootingpercentage (96 %). Whereas mature stemcuttings excised at the internode gave 90% ofrooting when treated with 5000 ppm of IBA.The juvenile (less than 1-year-old) stem cuttingsexcised at the nodal region treated with 1000ppm of IBA gave a maximum 92 % rootingsuccess, while juvenile stem cuttings excised atthe inter node gave 94 % of rooting with 5000ppm of IBA which were planted in the monthof May. Sprouting of buds from the uppernodes was observed after 15 days in the caseof juvenile cuttings and in mature cuttings ittook 20-25 days. In air layering, both IBA (5000ppm) and Rootex-treated layers showed 100percent rooting response during the months ofAugust – September.51

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteField planting of Ipomoea mauritiana, Trichosanthescucumerina and Merremia turpethum were carriedout and their growth performance is underobservation. The performance of field plantedpropagules will be evaluated after one year.Agro-technology standardization trials ofIpomoea mauritiana, Trichosanthes cucumerina andMerremia turpethum are in progress.....................................................................................................................................................................................Use of bioprotectant against fungal deteriorationof rubber woodInvestigator(s): Maria Florence, E.J.,Balasundaran, M.Objectives• Isolation of various microorganisms(fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes) antagonisticto common fungal growth onrubber wood and other soft woodspecies.• Laboratory evaluation of different biocontrolorganisms against major wooddegrading organisms• Testing the efficiency of the bioprotectantin different seasons• Extraction and characterization of theantagonistic principle produced by thebiocontrol organismDate of Commencement : 2004 DecemberDate of Completion : 2007 NovemberBudget: Rs. 10.36 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Department ofScience andTechnology, GOI.Among the microbes screened, 11 actinomycetes,3 bacteria and 1 fungus showed antagonismand the very effective antagonists areBacteria - 2 (Compost and wood) - B2 & B8;Actinomycetes - 3 (Soil) - SA 4, SA 14 and SA18. Laboratory evaluation of antagonists onwood blocks was attempted and was veryeffective in controlling fungal growth. Culturefiltrate of each antagonist was also effective incontrolling the stain and decay fungi.Mapping and quantitative assessment ofgeographic distribution and the populationstatus of plant resources of Western GhatsInvestigator(s): Sharma, J.K., Menon, A.R.R.,Renuka, C.Objectives• Quantitative assessment of the geographicdistribution and population status ofthe plant resources of the Western Ghats• Identifying threats on the plant resourcesand enlisting the threatened species• Setting up of a Western Ghats Eco-regionspecific database on plant resources.Date of Commencement : 2004 DecemberDate of Completion : 2008 NovemberBudget: Rs. 13.27 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Department ofBiotechnology,Govt. of India.This was a multi-institutional project and theInstitute was assigned the task of collecting datafrom the Kerala Part of Western Ghats. TheWestern Ghats area was divided into 6.25 km 2grids and systematic sampling procedure wasadopted using appropriate sampling strategy.Vegetation data from 5 m x 1000 m strips ofthe grids were gathered for structural andspecies distribution analysis. So far, more than160 grids covering Thrissur, Nemmara,Chalakkudy, Vazhachal, Malayattoor,Kothamangalam, Sholayar, Munnar, Kottayam,Idukki, Thekkady (PTR) Forest Divisions andChimmony , Peechi-Vazhani and ParambikulamWildlife Sanctuaries have been completed. Themajor forest vegetation types covered wereTropical wet-evergreen, Semi-evergreen, Moistdeciduous, Scrubs, Grasslands and Forestplantations.52

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Ecology and behavior of owls in theWestern Ghats and developing a habitatmodel for their conservationInvestigator(s): Jayson, E.A., Sivaram, M.Objectives• Inventory of forest owls in the southernWestern Ghats• To find out the factors that influence theowl distribution and abundance• To characterize the microhabitat parametersof forest owls• To develop statistical model utilizing thehabitat parameters to predict areas offorest that have high value for owlsDate of Commencement: 2005 FebruaryDate of Completion : 2008 JanuaryBudget: Rs. 16.45 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environmentand Forests,Govt. of India.Brown fish owl...................................................................................................................................................................................Twelve species of owls were recorded fromfifteen protected areas surveyed in Kerala andTamil Nadu. One hundred and sixteen locationswere surveyed for recording the habitatparameters of the owls from Kerala and TamilNadu. Among the four ground parametersmeasured, three (herb cover, grass cover, littercover) were significantly different between thelesser owl and large owl habitats, whereas theshrub cover showed no significant differencebetween the habitat utilization. Thematic mapsrelating to different eco-geographical variables,which determine the distribution of owls wereprepared.Developing appropriate technology forcommunity level production of charcoaland activated carbon from coconut stemwood and shell for industrial useInvestigator(s): Dhamodaran, T.K.,Gnanaharan, R.Objectives• Develop appropriate method for communitylevel production of charcoal andactivated carbon from coconut shell andstem wood• Assess the yield and quality of charcoaland activated carbon• Design, fabricate and install pilot plantsuitable for the demonstration of theconcept of community level productionof charcoal and activated carbon fromcoconut shell and stem wood and transferthe technology to entrepreneurs fortaking up commercialization.Date of CommencementDate of CompletionTotal BudgetSponsoring Agency: 2005 June: 2008 May: Rs. 29.67 lakhs: Coconut DevelopmentBoard,Kochi, KeralaFluidized Bed Reactor (FBR) technology wasfound appropriate for the community levelproduction of activated carbon from charcoal.An FBR for the production of activated carbon53

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteVerticle CarboniserInside view of Carboniserfrom charcoal was designed, fabricated andinstalled. The plant is installed at SUBICSHGAProject site, Perambra, Kozhikode.....................................................................................................................................................................................Regeneration study of selected Terminaliasin KeralaInvestigator(s ): Chandrasekhara Pillai, P.K.,Chandrashekara, U.M.Objectives• To survey and analyze the regenerationstatus of selected species of Terminalia(Terminalia crenulata Roth, Terminaliapaniculata Roth and Terminalia travancorensisWt. & Arn.) in Kerala.• To study phenology, seed characteristicsand germination pattern of the species.• To develop a package of nursery practicesof the species.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudget: Rs. 1.83 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsThe project envisages to look into the regenerationstatus of Terminalia species in naturalpopulations on the first hand, and also to evolvea package of nursery practices for subsequentenrichment programmes in the natural stand.A reconnaissance survey was conducted forregeneration enume-ration in Northern,Olavakkode, Central, Southern and High RangeCircles of Kerala State. Nursery trials showedthat germination for T. paniculata was 0.75percent and that for T. crenulata, 40 percent.Genetic diversity and conservation of teakInvestigator(s): Indira, E.P., Bhat, K.M.Objectives• to identify population/ individualvariations• to study the genetic diversity with respectto morphological and wood characteristics• to establish a germplasm bank• to compare different ecotypes under uniformconditionsDate of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudget:Rs. 6.0 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsExplorations were carried out in natural teakpopulations in different states of India and 23populations were selected for in-depth studies.Thirty-one morphological characters related totree height, GBH, tree form and leaves weremeasured or observed to study the phenotypicvariations. The data collected were computerized.All the characters related to tree formwere recorded as per the recommendations ofinternational teak provenance trials ofDANIDA Forest Seed Center. Seeds and leafsamples were collected from these 23 provenancesto establish a germplasm bank as well54

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07as to study the genetic variations including DNAlevel variations. Wood samples in the form ofdiscs/ core samples were also collected fromall the locations to study the wood characteristics....................................................................................................................................................................................Recording of weather data at differentcenters of KFRIInvestigator(s): Kallarackal, J.,Chandrasekhara Pillai, P.K.Objectives• To record the daily weather data at KFRIcentres at Peechi, Veluppadam, Nilamburand Devikolam• To feed the data into the existing databaseof the InstituteDate of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudget: Rs. 69,000 (1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsSix numbers of Automated Weather Stationswere acquired for SNPFM division to monitorthe weather parameters at hourly intervals. Theweather stations have been established atremote locations in different parts of Kerala.Weather data collected automatically by thestations is transmitted through satellite communicationnetwork. These data are then uploadedinto the KFRI website for public use.Establishment of a Clonal MultiplicationArea for teakInvestigator(s): Surendran, T.Objectives• To establish a clonal multiplication area(CMA) of promising superior teak clonesin the Institute campusDate of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudgetSponsoring Agency: Rs. 1.5 lakhs(1 st year): KFRI Plan GrantsAs envisaged in the project a CMA (ClonalMultiplication Area) was raised in the InstituteCampus near the Silviculture Nursery. Rootedramets of promising plus trees were plantedin a linear design. A total of 750 rootedcuttings cloned from ten different Plus Treesof teak were planted in the area. Growth andfield perfor-mance of these clonal ramets werenow conti-nuously monitored.Genetic diversity assessment of captiveAsian elephant (Elephas maximus) populationat Guruvayur elephant camp usingmicrosatellite DNA markersInvestigator(s): Balasundaran, M., Jayson, E.A.Objectives• To assess the genetic diversity of thecaptive elephant population at Guruvayurusing microsatellite markers.• To extrapolate the diversity of thepopulation to that of the natural elephantpopulations to which the elephantsoriginally belonged.• To develop breeding strategies tomaintain the genetic diversity in thecaptive elephant population of Guruvayur.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2006 MarchBudget : Rs. 75000/-Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsThis project aims at standardizing a noninvasivetechnique of extracting animal DNAfrom dung and genotyping the animals usingmicrosatellite DNA markers. Dung samplesfrom the 65 domesticated elephants of Guru-55

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutevayur temple were used for standardization ofthe technique. It was possible to extract pureDNA from elephant dung using QIAampDNA stool mini kit (Quiagen, Germany). Theendothelial cells sloughed off from the gutlining during the passage of the dung boluswere the source of the small quantity of theDNA. It was also possible to standardize DNAfingerprinting of elephants using microsatellitemarker technique. The analyses of the resultsare in progress.....................................................................................................................................................................................Improving sandal population in Marayursandal reserves through assisted naturalregeneration and planting improved seedlingsand clonesInvestigator(s): Balasundaran, M.,Dy. Conservator of Forests, KFDObjectives• To provide optimum eco-physiologicalconditions for survival and growth ofnatural seedlings through shade and hostplant manipulation in 10 ha area offenced Nachivayal Reserve.Sandal seedlings planted and protected• To identify candidate plus trees (CPTs) inMarayur reserves and planting superiorseedlings in reserves.• To estimate the extent of clonality andinbreeding caused by root suckers andpolyembryony using molecular markers.• To provide technical expertise to theForest Department for raising and plantingseedlings.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudget: Rs. 4 Lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsAttempts to improve sandal regeneration inMarayur reserves have not met with adequatesuccess. Besides identifying problems associatedwith seed setting, this project aims at establishinga 10 ha demonstration plot for improvingsandal regeneration through manipulation ofhost plant availabilty and regulation of shade.One of the reasons for low seed setting wasfound to be inbreeding caused by naturalcrossing of genetically related plants and seedproduction. Sandal regenerates through rootsuckers also. Most of sandal trees found ingroups in seed stands proved to be of identicalgenotypes through DNA fingerprintingtechnique using ISSR markers. All the treesarising from a single mother tree through rootsuckers will have the same genotype.About 150 kg of sandal seeds were sown inmounds and protection was provided to the56

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07growing seedlings from browsing animals.Shade was regulated in 10 ha area in Nachivayalsandal reserve. About 15,000 seedlings of15cm to 1 m height have established in the plot.The project work is being continued....................................................................................................................................................................................Studies on the growth performance of therattan species under plantationsInvestigator(s): Renuka, C.Objectives• To monitor the growth of differentspecies of rattans in the permanent plots• To study the flowering and fruitingpattern of flowering species if any.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 1 lakh (1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsObservations on growth characteristics likeheight, diameter, number of suckers, suckerheight, number of new leaves, survival, etc,were recorded from the 1998 plantations ofCalamus thwaitesii raised by the Forest Departmentat Pattikkad, Kottiyoor, Kannavam andThodupuzha ranges. Soil samples were collectedfrom all the plots and analysis completed.Documentation and conservation of smallmammals of the sacred groves of KeralaState, Peninsular IndiaInvestigator(s): Padmanabhan, P.Objectives• To identify and enlist small mammals ofsacred groves in Kerala.• To document endemic and endangeredspecies.• To record threats to the groves likefragmentation, habitat alteration, grazing,poaching, modernization of the templeassociated with the groves, etc. whichserve as animal corridors.• To measure and compare disturbance togroves.• To formulate conservation strategy andaction plan for economically and environmentallyimportant all small mammalsthrough partici-patory managementpractices.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudget: Rs. 1.98 lakh(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsView of a sacred groveSacred groves from the districts of Thrissur,Ernakulam, Palakkad and Malappuram werevisited. They include Irringole Kavu inErnakulam and Adiparambilkavu, Pipoth-Karuppily Kavu, Neeliammakavu andKaliyarakkal Kavu in Thrissur district. It wasobserved that many of the plant and animalspecies have disappeared from the neighboringareas and even from the forest. The identifiedcauses for the depletion include degradationof forests, spread of agriculture, introductionof weeds and other exotic species, cattlegrazing, poaching, weakening of faiths, beliefs,and taboos relating to the sacred groves,collection and removal of biomass, mining ofchina clay and laterite bricks.57

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteStatus of critically endangered species,Malabar civet (Viverra megaspila civettina)Blyth, 1862 in the South Western GhatsInvestigator(s): Jayson, E.A.Objectives• To locate the critically endangeredMalabar civet in its habitat.• Identify and locate the Malabar Civet inthe potential natural habitats.• To survey the captive civet populationsin Kerala for identifying the Malabarcivet.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchBudget: Rs. 2.29 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsSurveys were carried out at different parts ofthe Kannur District. Leaflets were distributedto locals and NGO’s to elicit the informationabout theMalabar Civet. Repeated field tripswere carried out. Respondents from differentparts of Malabar region were interviewed.Respondents from Elayur alone were aware ofthe Malabar civet. Malabar civets were oftenseen around the Cashew plantations of Elayurin 90s, but now they are not reported. Thesearch did not help in locating the animal.....................................................................................................................................................................................Enrichment of microbial culture collectionsat KFRIInvestigator(s): Mohanan, C.Objectives• To index the identified microbial culturesand prepare a checklist of identifiedspecies for easy information retrieval.• Ex-situ conservation of microbialcultures collection, especially the fungalcultures and to prepare a compendiumof identified speciesDate of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 1.50 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsPurification and sub-culturing of fungal isolateswere continued. More than 670 fungal isolatesbelonging to Hyphomycetes and Coelomyceteswere purified, sub-cultured and identity confirmed.Data entry on host, disease symptoms,substratum, locality, etc. continued.Bamboo for affordable shelter: Demonstrationof appropriate construction practicesand construction of durable modelbamboo houseInvestigator(s): Dhamodaran, T.K.,Gnanaharan, R.Objectives• Characterize the growth performance ofbamboos of Kerala• Generate basic data on the physical andmechanical properties of different speciesPreservative treatment of bamboo58

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07bamboos at different ages, grown inKerala.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 5.71 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsConstruction of bamboo houseDesigns for the permanent and modularbamboo houses were developed. The architectwas identified; plan and estimate were prepared.Building work of the permanent structure isabout to complete. Preservative treated bamboois used for floor, walls and roof. Cementplaster is applied over bamboo structural layers.Ferro-cement columns and beams are usedalong with bamboo structural elements.Fabrication of the portable house is in progress....................................................................................................................................................................................Developing an innovative industrial technologyof shockwave-assisted protectionof bamboo against fungi and insect borersInvestigators: Dhamodaran, T.K.,Gnanaharan, R., Maria Florence,E.J., Jagdeesh, E. (IISC, Bangalore)Objectives• Generate the basic information neededfor up-scaling the shockwave-assistedprese-rvative impregnation technologyfor the treatment of large quantity ofbamboos within short time, suitable forindustrial scale processing.• Optimize the shockwave treatmentconditions in relation to the physical andmechanical properties as well as thepenetration/distribution and retention ofpreservatives in the treated bamboo• Evaluate the efficacy of eco-friendlypreservative, chitosan against fungi andinsect borers in protecting bambooDate of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 12.05 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsAn agreement was reached with the AerospaceEngineering Laboratory of IISc, Bangalore,for using their shockwave generation facility.Preliminary investigation on the efficacy ofshockwaves for preservative impregnation ofair dry and green round bamboos of Bambusabambos was conducted. Satisfactory penetrationof the preservative as per Indian Standards wasconfirmed. Required loading of the preservativecould be achieved by using solutions ofappropriate concentration.Qualitative and quantitative analysis ofbiologically active principles, Baicalein,Luteolin and Psoralen from Oroxylum indicum,Premna integrifolia and Aegle marmelosrespectively and its allied speciesInvestigator(s): Sasidharan, N.Objectives• Isolation and characterization of Baicalein,Luteolin and Psoralen fromOroxylum indicum, Premna integrifolia andAegle marmelos respectively throughHPLC/GC.59

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteOroxylum indicum....................................................................................................................................................................................• Comparative analysis of the principlewith its allied species.• Screening of biological activities by invitro/In vivo assay system.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 4.5 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsQualitative and quantitative analytical studieswere carried out to detect the baicaleinglycosides in the allied species of Oroxylumindicum and Scutellaria growing indigenously.Five close related plants of Oroxylum indicumsuch as Stereospermum colais, S. suaveolens,Dolichandrone atrovirens, Radermachera xylocarpaand Millingtonia hortensis belonging to the familyBignoniaceae and two indigenously availablespecies of Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) were screenedfor the baicalein content. Protocol for Baicaleinisolation from Oroxylum indicum has beenstandardized. The presence of baicalein in boththe species of Scutelleria was detected bymedium pressure liquid chromatographysystem and confirmed by spectrophotometry.Radermachera xylocarpaThe biological activity screening of these plantsis under progress.The presences of luteolin and psoralen werereported from indigenously growing plants,Premna integrifolia and Aegle marmelos, respectively.Screening for the compounds in indigenouslygrowing related species of Premna integrifolia andAegle marmelos and the biological activityscreening are under progress.The conservation of mangroves in Kerala:Economic and ecological linkagesInvestigator(s): Muraleedharan, P.K., Anitha, V.Objectives• Study the socio-economic and ecologicalsystems of mangrove forests and theirlinkages for their conservation• Undertake an economic valuation ofmangrove ecosystemDate of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 6.0 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan Grants60

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07The study attempts to examine socio-economicand ecological systems of mangrove forestsand their linkages for its conservation. It alsounder-takes economic valuation of mangrove.Data was collected from mangrove areas ofKannur, Kada-lundy, Chettuvai and Puthuvipin....................................................................................................................................................................................Forestry sector analysis for the State ofKeralaInvestigator(s): Jayaraman,K., Krishnankutty, C.N.Objectives• To formulate an econometric modeluseful for projecting the status of supply,demand and price of various forestproducts in the State.• To evaluate the status of forest basedindustries like sawmilling, pulpwood,plywood, eco-tourism and drug manufacturingunits and work out their possiblefuture scenarios to the extent possiblesubject to the availability of data.• To analyze the interrelation betweenforestry and allied sectors in Kerala.Date of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchBudget: Rs. 3.12 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsA forest sector analysis was carried out in termsof changes in Net State Domestic Product offorest sector over time in relation to othersectors of the State. As this was found inadequate,a better framework was adopted whichwas based on Criteria and Indicators forSustainable Forest Management (SFM) formulatedas part of Bhopal India Process. Usingthe relevant data at the State level, progresstowards sustainability was assessed. A surveyof sawmilling units in the State was conductedand problems and prospects of the industrywere examined. The potential of ecotourismin the State was evaluated by gathering datapertaining to the forest-based ecotourismcentres. A supply demand model for teakwoodin Kerala was formulated and data requiredfor estimating the model parameters weregathered.Organizing educational programmes atTeak Museum, KFRI Sub centre, NilamburInvestigator(s): Sani LookoseObjectives• To organize different educational programmesto create awareness about teak andits related aspectsDate of Commencement : 2005 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 40000 (1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan GrantsA written quiz contest was organized on TeakMuseum Day (May 21, 2006) for students ofhigh school and higher secondary level. A twoday workshop on Teak Cultivation andManagement was organized on 23-24 June2006, for 42 ‘Prerak’ members of LiteraryMission, Nodal Continuing Education Centre(NCEC) Wandoor Block. Wildlife WeekProgramme was organized during the first weekof October 2006 for Nature Club members,members of nature education centers andstudents to create awareness. Two-week long‘One-day Camps’ on teak forests and plantationswere organized during 17-28 January 2007for student groups (both for students andteacher trainees). World Forestry Day programmewas organized on 21 March 2007 forLiteracy Mission members of Edavanna Panchayath,Malappuram. A visitor study on socialawareness of traditional teak wood articles usedin households of Nilambur and Malappuram61

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteareas of Kerala is in progress among thestudents, teachers, agriculturists and the generalpublic.....................................................................................................................................................................................Studies on controlling teak defoliator outbreaksby seeding baculovirus, HpNPV inepicenter populationsInvestigator(s): Sudheendrakumar, V.V.,Sajeev, T.V., Jayaraman, K.Objectives• Modeling of horizontal and vertical transmissiondynamics of Hp NPV• Seeding epicenter populations usingformulated Hp NPV and monitoring ofNPV disease incidence outbreak populationsDate of Commencement : 2005 AugustDate of Completion : 2008 JulyTotal Budget: Rs. 24.53 lakhs(1 st year)Sponsoring Agency : DBT,Govt. of IndiaThe transmission characteristics of the baculovirusin teak defoliator population werestudied. The existence of vertical transmission- transmission through the insect to the nextgeneration will be looked into. This informationis highly useful in designing the viral pesticidein the field. Preliminary data based onlaboratory studies indicate vertical transmission.Establishment of a bamboo stand for conservationand sustainable utilization ofAraya-mbu (Pseudoxytenanthera bourdillonii(Gamble) Naithani (Phase II)Investigator(s): Muktesh kumar, M.S.,Seethalakshmi, K.K.Objectives• Establishment of a 2 ha plot of the rareand endangered bamboo (Arayambu)with all the populations available fromNelliampathy and Sholayar forcommercial exploitation• Phenotypic and phonological studies onall the populations including growthperfor-mance of various populations• Adopt single macro-propagation techniquesfor large-scale multiplication of thespeciesDate of Commencement : 2005 AugustDate of Completion : 2007 JulyTotal Budget: Rs. 3.919 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Kerala ForestDepartment(Dev. Fund)Field work was started to collect the propagulesand propagation of the material for fieldplanting. Phenological studies were initiated.Multilocational field trials for selectedbam-boo species in KeralaInvestigator(s): Raveendran, V.P., Unni, K.K.,Seethalakshmi, K.K.Objectives• To conduct multilocational trials• Micro and macropropagation• Spacing trials• Bamboo-based cropping system• Clump managementDate of Commencement : 2005 AugustDate of Completion : 2007 JulyTotal Budget: Rs. 4.66 lakhsSponsoring Agency : National Missionon Bamboo Applications(NMBA)The trial plantation raised in December 2005was maintained and further inputs like fertilizerapplication were made during August 2006.62

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Periodic observations in 3-month interval werecarried out during March, June and September2006...................................................................................................................................................................................Promotion of weed biocontrol in Asia: theMikania micrantha experienceInvestigator(s): Sankaran, K.V.Objectives• To enhance dissemination of results fromthe research programmes on the weedMikania undertaken by KFRI in collaborationwith CABI Bioscience, UKDate of Commencement : 2005 AugustDate of Completion : 2007 JulyTotal Budget: Rs. 8.00 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Department ofInternationalDevelopment, UKTo create awareness of alien invasive weedsamong farmers, plantation owners, foresters,policy-makers and stakeholders of forests andforest products, a brochure on alien invasiveweeds in forests of India was prepared bothin English and Malayalam. A video film on thesubject was also produced.Estimation of moisture content in bambooculms for deriving the weight and priceconversion factorsInvestigators: Krishnankutty, C.N.Objectives• To estimate the average moisture contentin green culms in bamboo clumps in theforests• To find out the conversion factors fromthe weight of green culms to the weightat 50% moisture content and from theweight of harvested bamboo to theequivalent weight of culms in greencondition• To arrive at a price conversion factor forderiving the price of bamboo at 50%moisture content from the notified priceDate of Commencement : 2005 NovemberDate of Completion : 2006 OctoberTotal Budget: Rs. 3.0 lakhsSponsoring Agency : HindustanNewsprint Ltd.KottayamSelling price of bamboo, known as notifiedprice, is fixed annually by the government perSamples of bamboo cut for determination ofweight and moisture contentmetric tonne of standing weight of bambooin the forests. Weight of the utilizable portionof the standing green mature bamboo culmsin the forests is referred to as the standingweight, whereas the weight of the harvested63

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutebamboo when weighed at the factory gate isknown as the net weight. Conversion factorsare required to determine the equivalentstanding weight from the weight of harvestedbamboo and to derive the selling price ofbamboo at 50% moisture content from thenotified price. For deriving the weight and priceconversion factors, an estimate of the averagemoisture content in bamboo in the forests wasnecessary. Data collection is in progress....................................................................................................................................................................................Preliminary study for conservation andsustainable utilization of Erankol, a rareand endemic bamboo of Western Ghats andKoorankolliInvestigator(s): Mukteshkumar, M.S.,Krishnankutty, C.M., Vijayakumaran Nair,P.V., Pandalai, R.C.Objectives• To take stock of the quantity of thematerial available• Natural regeneration, productivity, growthperformance, management strategiesincluding soil workingDate of Commencement : 2006 JanuaryDate of Completion : 2006 DecemberTotal Budget: Rs. 1.986 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Kerala ForestDepartmentAdditional field trips were conducted toNilam-bur and other forest areas to assess thenatural regeneration, productivity and growthperfor-mance of both the bamboo species.Improving livelihood of bamboo artisansand bamboo farmers in ten clusters throughtechnological interventionsInvestigator(s): Seethalakshmi, K.K., Sankar,S., Pandalai, R.C., Muralidharan, E.M.,Dhamodaran, T.K.Objectives• To identify clusters of marginal bamboodependants and assess current status withregard to income and employment.• To organize and conduct training programmeon bamboo cultivation andman-agement for farmers• To organize and conduct training programmeon designing and manufacture ofpremium bamboo products to artisans.• To identify master trainers and provideintensive training in processing, design anddevelopment of value-added products.• To identify species suitable for differentvalue added products jointly with artisansand establish model plantations ofselected species with farmers.• Establish a coordination centre with facilitiesfor purchase and storing of bambooraw material, mechanized preliminaryproce-ssing, preservative treatment anddistribution of semi-processed materialto artisans for manufacture of valueadded products and their marketing.Date of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2011 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 15.83 lakhs(for the firstyear)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsVarious activities of the project such as survey,participatory rural appraisal, present skillassessment, training needs, supply of tools,design and training workshops, linkage ofproducer and end user of resources, productsurvey, market identification, outreach andsustainable livelihood analysis were undertaken.The project will be implemented in selected 10clusters of marginal bamboo dependants ofPalakkad district. There are 64 clusters of64

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07traditional bamboo artisans. The homesteadsof many farmers contain bamboo and thepromi-nent species is thorny bamboo (Bambusabambos).Training programmes were conducted forartisans in five clusters, viz., Nemmara, Kuthanur,Mundur, Vadakkanchery and Begur.Machinery was selected for primary processingof bamboo. Vadakkanchery was identified asthe site for installing. Farmers’ meeting wasorganized and planting stock for modelbamboo plantations was produced.Clonal propagation...................................................................................................................................................................................Improving the yield and reducing therotation age of teak plantations throughsuperior clonal teakInvestigator(s): Surendran, T., Muralidharan,E.M., Chacko, K.C., Sharma, J.K., CCF(Planning KFD), CF (WP& R), DCF Research(North) DCF Research (South)Objectives• To carryout clonal propagation of promisingplus trees of teak using the technologydeveloped at KFRI and to producesuffi-cient number of rooted ramets.• To produce sufficient number of tissuecultured plants of 5-7 promising superiorteak clones.• To establish clonal plantations of plustrees of teak at selected locations in Kerala.• To monitor the growth and field performanceof clones in terms of yield ofteak for three years.Date of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2011 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 5.95 lakhs(for the firstyear)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsView of misd chamberClonal propagation was carried out fromsprouted branch cuttings collected from geneticallysuperior trees and the rooted ramjets weretransferred to polybags.Strengthening and enriching InstituteCentral NurseryInvestigator(s): Pandalai, R.C., Pillai, P.K.C.Objectives• To modify the prevailing nursery practicesthrough sprinklers, poly shade netsand larger containers with lighter pottingmixtures in the nursery.• To compare the enhanced growth/biomass of seedlings achieved throughthe modified methods.Date of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2009 March65

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteTotal BudgetSponsoring Agency: Rs.3.0 lakhs(for the first year): KFRI Plan grantsFifteen nursery beds were established usingFerro cement slabs. The established nursery bedswere sown with seeds for seedling production.....................................................................................................................................................................................Strengthening and enriching BambusetumInvestigator(s): Pandalai, R.C., Unni, K.K.Objectives• To protect the bamboo clumps growingin areas with poor soil depth inside theBambusetum.• To carry out landscaping in essential areasof the Bambusetum to make it moreattra-ctive.Date of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 2.5 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsWork connected with establishment of shadenetnursery was initiated for raising bamboopropagules required for planting.Strengthening the ex-situ conservation ofevergreen treesInvestigator(s): Unni, K.K.Objectives• To collect propagules and strengthenthe collection o f rare and endemic foresttree species in the arboretum• To outplant the seedlings and strengthenthe arboretum with suitable plantingdesign based on ecological requirementsof the species• To prepare name boards, signboards,plot chart, etc. for all the speciesDate of CommencementDate of CompletionTotal BudgetSponsoring Agency: 2006 April: 2007 March: Rs.1.0 lakhs(for the first year): KFRI Plan grantsSeedlings in the Arboretum protected by tree guardsEight new species were added to the Arboretumas an addition to 150 species already raised.Seeds of eight other tree species were raised inthe nursery for planting. Tree guards wereprovided for protection of planted seedlings.Publication of a field guide to the birds ofKeralaInvestigator(s): Jayson, E.A., Carl D’Sylva(Pro-fessional, Wildlife Art andConservation, Goa)Objectives• To collect available information on thebirds of Kerala.• To prepare a Field Guide to the birds ofKerala.• To print and publish a Field Guide onthe Birds of Kerala.Date of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 March66

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Total BudgetSponsoring AgencyMuseum specimens: Rs. 2.80 lakhs(for the first year): KFRI Plan grants...................................................................................................................................................................................Format of the publication finalized. Basic dataof 130 species of birds gathered and typed.Memorandum of understanding betweenKFRI and artist Mr. Carl D. Sylva finalized.Research Fellow was recruited and the work isin progress.Strengthening and documentation ofWildlife MuseumInvestigator(s): Ramachandran, K.K., Jayson,E.A., Padmanabhan, P.Objectives• Strengthening and documentation ofmuseum specimens• Preparation of a database• Preparation of a compendium of WildlifeMuseum specimensDate of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2009 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 4.0 lakhs(for the first year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsNomenclatural, habit and habitat detailsgathered from literature regarding the specimensavailable in the museum and were computerized.Strengthening of floristic diversity in theKFRI Sub centre campus through plantingand weed managementInvestigator(s): Chandrashekara, U.M.Objectives• To revise the flora of KFRI sub centrecampus• To introduce angiosperm species whichare absent or poorly represented in thecampus• To adopt water and soil conservationmeasures for providing suitable habitatsfor the growth of seedlings/ propagulesintroducedDate of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2009MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 2.10 lakhs(for the first year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsSoil conservation measures and weeding wereinitiated and seedlings of a few arborescentspecies were raised in the nursery for planting.Transfer of technology of biologicalcontrol of the teak defoliator pest to theKerala Forest Department for field implementationand entrepreneurs for commercialproductionInvestigators: Sudheendrakumar, V.V.,Sajeev, T.V., Varma, R.V.Objectives• To establish a state level teak defoliatormonitoring and HpNPV applicationsystem involving the field level foreststaff as part of the technology transfer• Establishment of a pilot scale HpNPV67

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutemass production and formulation unit atKFRI Sub-center in Nilambur for makingavail-able high quality biopesticide forsupply to Forest Department and otherstake-holders• Locating potential beneficiaries (teakgrowers) within India and outside thecountry and transfer the technology ofHpNPV application.• Provide technical help to any entrepreneurto start HpNPV production unit.Date of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2009 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 4.35 lakhs(for the first year)Sponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsThe objectives include dissemination of the teakdefoliator biocontrol technology to the ForestDepartment and private farmers. Trainingprogrammes conducted for KFD staff. Thebiocontrol product was evaluated in otherstates too.....................................................................................................................................................................................Establishment of three model Bioparksthrough participatory approach for promotingawareness on Nature conservationInvestigator(s): George MathewObjectives• To establish Bio-parks through studentparticipation to generate conservationawareness.• Promote imagination and creativity ofstudents by enabling them to make observationson plants and animals in the parksestablishedDate of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2006 DecemberTotal Budget: Rs. 4.50 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsModel Biopark established ny KFRIThree different school premises were identifiedfor the establishment of model bioparks withthe participation of school children. Preliminarydiscussions were held with the schoolauthorities.Identification of Santalum album andOsyris lanceolata through morphologicaland biochemical characteristics andmolecular markers to check adulterationInvestigator(s): Bhat, K.V., Balasundaran, M.,Balagopalan, M.Objectives• To carry out microscopic studies andidentify structural features suitable fordistinguishing the woods of Santalumalbum and Osyris lanceolata• To compare santalol percentage in thewood dust of Santalum and Osyris forspecies identification• To develop and standardize DNA-basedmarker techniques suitable for distinguishingS. album and O. lanceolataDate of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2006 DecemberTotal Budget: Rs. 5.74 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grants68

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07The study envisages looking for woodanatomical, chemical and DNA fingerprintingmethods for distinguishing between Santalumalbum and Osyris lanceolata. Woods of Santalumalbum and Osyris lanceolata differed in somewood anatomical characteristics such as widthand seriation of rays, type of crystal-containingcells and abundance of extractives. Thus theycould be distinguished on wood anatomicalHot water extract of Santalum album and Osyris sppbasis. Both these woods and an Indian speciesof Osyris (O. wightiana) showed difference incolour of the hot water extract. DNA studiesand chemical analysis of oil are in progress.Model watershed: Maintenance, monitoringand outreachInvestigator(s): Sankar, S.Objectives• To maintain, monitor, and provideoutreach to the water shedDate of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 2.15 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsThe outflow from the model watershed anduntreated area was monitored. Planting was...................................................................................................................................................................................Contour trenchcontinued with stress on Vetiver hedges andalley cropping. Training was provided to stakeholdersInformation Compendium on KeralaForestry SectorInvestigator(s): Jayaraman, K.,Krishnankuttty, C.N., Menon, A.R.R.,Vijayakumaran Nair, P.V., Sivaram,M., Rugmini, P.Objectives• To bring out information bulletins onselected themes of public interest relatedto forests in Kerala based on relevant factsand figures.• To consolidate the information bulletinsinto an information compendium onKerala forestry sectorDate of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2008 MarchTotal Budgetyear)Sponsoring Agency: Rs. 0.85 lakhs(for the first: KFRI Plan grantsBulletins were prepared on the following topics,viz., Forest area, Type of forests, Biodiversity,69

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteWildlife, Sacred groves, Mangroves, Forestplantations, Agroforestry, Social forestry, Nonwoodforest products, Bamboo and cane,Ecotourism,Marketing of forest produce, Wood-basedindustries, Forest inhabitants, Threats to theforests of Kerala, Forest policy and regulationsand Forest Research. Certain additional piecesof information are to be added to the bulletins.View of the laboratory....................................................................................................................................................................................Capability development in instrumentalmethods of analysisInvestigator(s): Balagopalan, M.Objectives• To develop a Central InstrumentationFacility in the Institute.• To offer training in the use and maintenanceof sophisticated equipments aswell as in Modern Instrumental Methodsof Analyses for the Scientists and Researchscholars in the Institute as well asOutsidersDate of CommencementDate of CompletionTotal BudgetSponsoring Agency: 2006 April: 2009 March: Rs. 2.0 lakhs(for the first year): KFRI Plan grantsThe analytical instruments existing in theDivision were established in different laboratories.Research scholars desirous of usingthe equipments were given guidance in the useof the instruments. Proposals were made forprocurement of new equipments.Developing a safer (biological) preservativeagainst bamboo borer, based ontraditional knowledgeInvestigator(s): Varma, R.V.Objectives• To standardize the product formulationand application technology of thebiological preservative• To study the shelf life of the product• To evaluate the efficacy of the preservativethrough an interactive process byproviding the material to bamboo artisans,villagers, industries etc., for testingDate of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 DecemberTotal Budget: Rs. 2.5 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsAppropriate proportion of ingredients requiredin the preparation of the preservative inthe required consistency was standardized inconsu-ltation with persons experienced in thefield and by trial and error.Management and monitoring of growth ofcoppice crop in the experimental plantationsof Eucalyptus tereticornis (Kayampoovam& Punnala) and E. grandis (Sooryanelli& Vattavada)Investigator(s): Sankaran, K.V., Pillai, P.K.C.Objectives• Maintenance of the experimental plots of70

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis at foursites viz. Kayampoovam, Punnala, Surianelliand Vattavada, to promote healthygrowth of the second rotation (coppice)crop.• To evaluate growth in response to appliedtreatments in the first rotationDate of Commencement : 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2007 MarchTotal Budget: Rs. 2.20 lakhsSponsoring Agency : KFRI Plan grantsPeriodical observations were recorded onheight and diameter growth of the coppiceshoots at the four experimental sites of eucalyptplantation....................................................................................................................................................................................Post-harvest protection of bamboo frominsect borers by a technique enhancingstarch hydrolysisInvestigator(s): Bhat, K.V., Kallarackal, J.Objectives• To determine the rate of amylolyticactivity in harvested culms of Bambusabambos and Dendrocalamus strictus duringdifferent seasons• To assess the influence of climatic factorson starch degradation in felled culms andto attempt to promote the process byartificial means• To determine the sites of active metabolicsinks in the culms after harvesting• To examine the efficacy of applicationof exogenous amylase and different endcoatformulations in promoting starchdepletion in culms, and• To optimize the technique for utilizationand future popularizationDate of Commencement : 2006 MayDate of Completion : 2007 OctoberTotal BudgetSponsoring Agency: Rs. 7.66 lakhs: NMBA (Dept. ofScience andTechnology)Storage starch in harvested bamboo culms hasbeen found to be the major attractant to insectborers damaging bamboo. The investigationaimed at identifying optimum externalconditions for enhanced amylase activity toachieve maximum depletion of starch fromculms. The study involved monthly collectionof culms from Bambusa bambos and Dendrocalamusstrictus and analyzing their extent ofstarch depletion, moisture loss, amylase activityand activity of the respiratory enzyme succinatedehydrogenase during the post-harvest period.It was found that in both the species amylaseactivity which was generally low followingharvesting gradually increased and reached apeak and then gradually declined. Peak activitywas found usually on 6 th day from harvesting.Ambient temperature of about 30°C was idealfor the enzyme activity as compared to lowertemperature (20°C)Species recovery of Dipterocarpus bourdilloniiand Humboldtia bourdillonii, twocritically endangered endemic trees ofWestern GhatsInvestigator(s): Swarupanandan, K.,Muralidharan, E.M., Indira, E.P., Pandalai,R.C.Objectives• To understand the causes of rarity ofDipterocarpus bourdillonii and Humboldtiabourdillonii, the two Critically Endangerdtrees of the Western Ghats.• To study the distribution, populationstructure, variability and reproductivebiology with special emphasis on reproductiveconstraints, if any, such that theoutput from these studies is available for71

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteframing sound species conservationprogr-ammes.• To evolve appropriate macro or micropropagation techniques and nurserypractices for the species so that ampleplanting stocks of the species reburiedfor the desired species translocation programmesare available.....................................................................................................................................................................................Humboldtia bourdillonii H. bourdillonii - breeding experiment Dipterocarpus bourdillonii• To explore the possibility of enhancingthe natural population of the two speciesby appropriate translocation programmes• To evaluate the post-translocation survivaland growth of the planted stocksand eventually the chances of delisting thespecies from the Red-List.Date of Commencement : 2006 MarchDate of Completion : 2011 FebruaryTotal Budget: Rs. 37.13 lakhsSponsoring Agency : DBT (Ministry ofScience andTechnology)Humboldtia bourdillonii was located at PeriyarTiger Reserve. Seven populations of the specieswere dentified. Dipterocarpus bourdillonii waslocated in Urulanthanni forests near Kuttampuzha.Floral biology including anthesis,pollen fertility and stigma receptivity, werestudied of H. bourdillonii. In order to understandthe breeding behaviour, selfing andcrossing experiments were conducted in thecase of H. bourdillonii. DNA extracts wereprepared from leaves of both the species. Asthe trees are tall, method of extraction of DNAfrom bark samples was attempted. The feasibilityof vegetative propagation for the productionof planting stock is being experimentedwith branch cuttings in both the species.Standardization of media for micropropagationof the species is in progress. The feasibilityof embryo culture has been experimentedwith H. bourdillonii.A Handbook on the butterflies of NilgiriBiosphere ReserveInvestigator(s): George MathewObjectives• To prepare a computerized database andillustrated handbook on the butterflies ofNilgiri Biosphere Reserve• To assess the problems involved in theirconservationDate of Commencement: 2006 AprilDate of Completion : 2009 June72

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Total BudgetSponsoring Agency: Rs. 5.60 lakhs: Ministry of Environmentand Forests,GOIInformation generated on the butterflies of theWestern Ghats indicates that the southern partof this range i.e., the Nilgiri Biosphere Reservehad the highest diversity. Over 300 species ofbutterflies have been recorded from this region.Data pertaining to 300 species of butterfliesspecifically recorded from the NBR have beencompiled and the data being organized into acomputer database in a distinct format toinclude: Scientific Name, Common Name,Plate, Description of species, Expanse, Range,Habits and habitats and Remarks....................................................................................................................................................................................Processing storage and supply of foresttree seeds through KFSCInvestigator(s): Pandalai, R.C.Objectives• To receive/ collect seeds, perform thecutting and purity tests to assess seedquality• To store the seeds in appropriate containersand temperatures depending on thestorage physiology of each seeds• To supply quality seeds as per the requirementof the Department/ clientsDate of Commencement : 2006 JulyDate of Completion : 2007 JuneTotal Budget: Rs. 6.0 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Kerala ForestDepartmentRoutine collection of seeds, processing, dryingand cleaning were carried out for seeds ofdifferent forest tree species. The seeds werestored under appropriate condition of storagefor supply whenever needed.Ecosystem structure and dynamics, biodiversity,human dimensions and theirlinkages of Iringole Sacred Grove in theWestern Ghats of IndiaInvestigator(s): Nair, K.K.N., Menon, A.R.R.,Ramachandran, K.K., Thomas P. Thomas, Anitha,V., Sivaram, M., Jayson, E.A., George Mathew,Vijayakumaran Nair, P., Yesodharan, K.Objectives• To qualitatively and quantitatively analyzethe flora and fauna of the Sacred Groveand assess the status of biodiversity• To characterize the soil with respect toits physical, chemical and biologicalproperties, determine nutrient status,ascertain water availability and monitorthe microclimate.• To generate details on the cultural,religious and traditional background ofthe Grove and to examine and analyzethe human dependencies and managementaspects which sustain the ecosystem.• To organize the data on the vegetationand species distribution pattern on a GISplatform and correlate the same with thephysical parameters and human dimensions.• To establish the Sacred Grove as a permanentsample plot.Date of Commencement : 2006 AugustDate of Completion : 2009 JulyTotal Budget: Rs.11.98 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environmentand Forests,GOIThe 10.53 ha area of Iringole Kavu was demarcatedinto 26 full plots of 50x50 m size and 26partial plots of varying sizes along theboundary. Major part of floristic and faunal73

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutedata collection and generation of taxonomic,structural/population data on the biodiversitywas completed. Soil samples from all the plotsand microclimatic data from within and outsidethe Grove area were collected, which are underprocessing/analysis. Reconnaissance surveyswere conducted, and various aspects of humandime-nsions examined and the multiplestakeholders were identified. Proforma fordata collection was designed and the preliminarydata gathering almost completed. Also,major part of the historical data was generated.About 235 macrofungi (Basi-diomycetesand Ascomycetes) were collected. Spore printsfor mushrooms were prepared and morphologicalcharacters were studied. Fungal specimenswere dried and processed for furtherstudies.Linking conservation and forest managementwith sustainable livelihoods and resourceuse conflict in Agasthyamalai BiosphereReserveInvestigator(s): Anitha, V.....................................................................................................................................................................................Objectives• To study and examine land use changesand its impact on different productionsystems and socio-economic status of theresident population• To study human interaction, identifyand enumerate resource use conflicts andlivelihood issues of the resident population• To estimate the recreation and culturaltourism value of ABR and its incomegenerating potential• Examine the existing managementpractices and develop strategies for bettermanage-ment of the natural resources.Date of Commencement : 2006 AugustDate of Completion : 2009 JulyTotal Budget: Rs.6.90 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environmentand Forests,GOIReconnaissance survey was conducted in theentire study area covering the territorial Divisionsof Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur,Thenmala, Achankovil and Konni and theWildlife Sanctuaries Neyyar, Peppara andShendurney. Methodology has been finalizedand questionnaires for detailed surveys onvarious aspects are under preparation.Species recovery plan for Semecarpuskathalakanensis: a critically endangeredfresh water swamp species of the WesternGhatsInvestigator(s): Vijayakumaran Nair, P.,Pandalai, R.C.Objectives• Identifying and mapping populations ofas well as critical habitats of Semecarpuskathalakanensis and developing spatialrecovery maps for this species in theWestern Ghats using predictive tools suchas DIVA-GIS and GARPDate of Commencement : 2006 SeptemberDate of Completion : 2009 AugustTotal Budget: Rs.7.56 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Department ofBiotechnology,GOIThis project is a part of multi- institutionalproject funded by DBT, Government of India.Seed germination studies and planting trials ofSemecarpus kathalekanensis and associated specieswere carried out.74

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Tolerance of indigenous forest species todegraded lateritic soils of KeralaInvestigator(s): Sujatha, M.P., Suresh Kumar(KAU), Thomas P. ThomasObjectives• To study the nutrient efficiency and rateof absorption of nutrients in Ailanthustriphysa, Bambusa bambos, Dalbergialatifolia, Haldina cordifolia, Pterocarpusmarsupium, Terminalia crenulata and Xyliaxylocarpa.• To study the tolerance of above speciesto soil moisture, soil compaction, exchangeableAl and Mn.• To study the cation exchange capacity ofroots of selected species and to find outthe relation, if any, with their adaptabilityto degraded soil.• To categorize the above species in the...................................................................................................................................................................................order of their tolerance to degradedlateritic soil based on the above.Date of Commencement : 2006 OctoberDate of Completion : 2009 SeptemberTotal Budget: Rs.12.24 lakhsSponsoring Agency : Ministry of Environment& Forests,GOINutrient efficiency of selected species wasassessed by monitoring their growth performancein degraded soil through pot trial. Rateof absorption of nutrients was studied usinglabelled P. Tolerance to Al and Mn toxicity isdetermined by growing the plants in hydroponiccultures as well as pot trials at differentlevels of Al and Mn. The tolerance to moisturestress and soil compaction was found out bymonitoring the growth of species at differentlevels of soil moisture and bulk density.75

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteScientific Papers in Journals....................................................................................................................................................................................Abhilash, E.S. and Menon, A.R.R. 2007.Vegetation status evaluation of GoodricalReserve Forest Using Remote Sensing andGIS techniques. Eco-Chronicle 2(3):149-153.Babu, S. and Jayson, E.A. 2007. Roosting behaviorof white-bellied tree pie (Dendr-ocittaleucogastra Gould, 1833). Newsletter for BirdWatchers 47 (4): 60.Beena, V.B., Seethalakshmi, K.K. and Raveendran,V.P. 2007. Flowering and reproductivebiology of two endemic bamboospecies of the Western Ghats – Dendrocalamusstocksii and Pseudoxy-tenanthera ritcheyi.Journal of Bamboo and Rattan 6 (1&2): 11-20.Bhat, K. M. 2006. Development of effectivetraining programme for specialists ofdeveloping countries in wood science.ICCAE (International Cooperation Centre forAgricultural Education) Bulletin, NagoyaUniversity, Japan 6(3): 43-143.Biji, C.P., Sudheendrakumar, V.V. and Sajeev,T.V. 2006. Influence of virus inoculationmethod and host larval stage on productivityof the nucleopolyhedrovirus of theteak defoliator. Journal of Virological Methods133: 100-104.Biji, C.P., Sudheendrakumar, V.V. and Sajeev,T.V. 2006. Quantitative estimation ofHyblaea puera NPV production in threelarval stages of the teak defoliator, Hyblaeapuera (Cramer). Journal of Virological Methods136: 78-82.PUBLICATIONSChandrashekara, U.M. 2007. Effects ofpruning on radial growth and biomassincrement of trees growing in homegardens of Kerala, India. Agro forestrySystems 69(3): 231-237Chandrashekara, U.M. and Sreejith, K.A. 2006.Assessing recovery of humid tropicalforests after selective logging in the WesternGhats of Kerala, India. Current Science 91(4):421-423.Chandrashekara, U.M. and Sibichan, V. 2006.Logs and snags in a shola forest of Kerala,India. Journal of Mountain Science 3(2): 131-138.Chandrashekara, U. M., Muraleedharan, P. K.and Sibichan, V. 2006. Anthropogenicpressure on structure and composition ofa shola forest in Kerala, India. J. Mount. Sci.,3(1): 58-70.Dhamodaran, T.K. and Bhat, K. M. 2007.Advances in oil curing technology forvalue-added aesthetic products fromrattans. World Bamboo and Rattan 5(1): 5-11.Dhamodaran, T.K. and Jomy, M.J. 2007.Coloring bamboo slivers with natural dyes.Bamboo Science and Culture (Journal of AmericanBamboo Society) 20(1): 7-10.Dhamodaran, T.K., Thulasidas, P.K. andGnanaharan, R. 2006. Comparison of yieldand quality of bamboo charcoal producedby traditional methods. Journal of Bambooand Rattan 5(3&4): 133-139.76

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Francy, C.F. and Mathew, G. 2006. Genitalialmorphology of some species of the subfamilyCatocalinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).Millinium Zoology 7(1): 5-9.Francy, C.F. and Mathew, G. 2006. The noctuidfauna (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of Kerala,India. J. Zool. Soc. Kerala 11(1&2): 36-50Indira, E.P. 2007. Effect of seed source andsite on growth characters in Eucalyptusgrandis. Indian Journal of Forestry 30(2): 199-204.Indira E. P. and Renuka, C. 2006. Effect ofprovenance and progeny selection in Calamusandamanicus Kurz for faster growth.Journal of Bamboo and Rattan (1&2): 61-66.Jayaraman, K. and Sunanda, C. 2007. Yieldprediction models for Acacia mangium andAcacia auriculiformis plantations in Kerala.Indian Journal of Forestry 30(1):1-4.Jayaraman, K. and Zeide, B. 2007. Optimizingstand density in teak plantations. Journal ofSustainable Forestry 24(4): 1 - 22.Jayson, E.A., Sivaperuman, C. and Padmanabhan,P. 2006. Review of a reintroductionprogramme of Mugger Crocodile,Crocod-ylus palustris in India.Herpetological Journal 16:69-76Joyce Jose, Ramachandran, K. K. and Nair, P.V. 2007. A preliminary overview andchecklist of the spider fauna of Myristicaswamp forests of southern Kerala, India.Newsletter of British Arachnological Society 109:12-14.Joyce Jose, Ramachandran, K. K. and Nair, P.V.2007. A rare and little known lizard,Otocryptis beddomi from the Myristica swampsof Southern Kerala, India. The HerpetologicalBulletin 101:27-31....................................................................................................................................................................................Kallarackal, J., Bhat, K. V. and Seethalakshmi,K. K. 2006. Characterization and functioningof an exuding blister on the teak tree(Tectona grandis L.f). Phytomor-phology56:1-9.Mathew, G. 2006. An inventory of IndianPyralids (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Zoos’Print Journal 21(5): 2245-2258Mathew, G., Shamsudeen, R.S.M. and Brijesh,C.M. 2007. Insect fauna of Neyyar WildlifeSanctuary, Kerala, India. Zoos’ Print Journal22(12): 2930-2933.Menon, A.R.R. and Abhilash, E.S. 2007.Structural analysis and regeneration statusof Goodrical Reserved Forest: A TropicalRain Forest Ecosystem of Western Ghats,India. The Sri Lanka Forester 28: 37-52.Mohanan, C. 2007. Biological control ofseedling diseases in forest nurseries inKerala. Journal of Biological Control 21(2):189-195.Mohanan, C. and Jayaraman, K. 2006. Identificationof heartrot in commercial treespecies in natural forests of Kerala, Indiaby the use of decay indicators. Journal ofTropical Forestry 22: 30-42.Muraleedharan, P.K., Anitha, V. and Rugmini,P. 2006. The rattan based industry inKerala in the wake of globalization. Journalof Bamboo and Rattan 3&4 (5):169-176Muraleedharan, P.K. and Sreelakshmi, K. 2007.Economic aspects of sustainable extractionof non-timber forest products inKerala. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products14(4): 249-254Nair, K.K.N. and Jayakumar, R. 2007. Floraof New Amarambalam Reserved Forestsof the Western Ghats of India. J. Eco. Tax.Bot. 29:113-172.Nair, K.K.N., Mohanan, C. and GeorgeMathew 2007. Plantation technology of77

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteVateria indica L. (Dipterocarpaceae): Apotential species of diverse habitat suitabilityand multiple end-uses, endemic toWestern Ghats of India. Ann. For. 15:1-10.Renuka, C. and Sreekumar, V.B. 2006. Calamusrivlais Thw. Ex. Trim (Arecaceae): A newrecord for India. J. Econ. Tax. Bot. 30(2):277-279.Renuka, C. and James P. Thomas. 2006. Anevaluation of the nutrient contents of theedible shoots of four species of rattansfrom India. Journal of Non Timber ForestProducts 13(3): 173-177.Rugmini, P. and Balagopalan, M. 2006.Evaluation of factor patterns of soils indifferent plant-ations and natural forestsin the Western Ghats, Kerala. Indian Journalof Forestry 29(3): 271-275.Rugmini, P. and Jayaraman, K. 2006. Analysisof repeated measures: A comparison ofalternative methods. Indian Journal ofForestry 29(4): 423-428.Sasidharan, N., Sujanapal, P. and Binoy, P.C.2006 (2007). Novelty of Stereospermum colais(Buch.-Ham. ex Dillw.) Mabberley(Bignoniaceae) from Sahyadri Mountainsin Kerala. Rheedea 16(1): 37-40.Sasidharan, N. and Jomy Augustine 2006. Ethnobotany of the tribes living in and aroundthe Periyar Tiger Reserve, SouthernWestern Ghats, India. J. Econ. Tax. Bot.30(Suppl.): 45-58.Sasidharan, N., Jomy Augustine and SherinMathew 2007. Diversity and conservationof rare medicinal plants. STARS Int.Journal (Science) 1(1): 80-84.Sivaram, M., Easa, P.S. and Saju K. Abraham2007. Habitat suitability index model for....................................................................................................................................................................................Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam National Park.The Indian Forester133 (10): 1289-1304.Sivaram, M., Sasidharan, N., Soumya Ravi andSujanapal, P. 2006. Computer-aided inventoryanalysis for sustainable managementof non-timber forest products resources.Non-Timber Forest Products 13(4): 237-244.Sivaram, M., Sasidharan, N. and Soumya Ravi2006. Computer-aided inventory analysisfor sustainable management of non-timberforest product resources. Indian Journal ofNon-timber Forest Products 13(4): 237-244.Sreekumar, V.B., Renuka, C., Suma, T. B. andBalasundaran, M. 2006. Taxonomicreconsideration of Calamus rivalis Thw. exTrim. and C. metzianus Schlecht. (Arecaceae)through morphometric and molecularanalysis. Botanical Studies 47: 443-452.Sunanda, C. and Jayaraman, K. 2006. Predictionof stand attributes of evenaged teak standsusing multilevel models. For. Ecol. Manage.236 (1): 1-11.Thulasidas, P.K., Bhat, K.M. and Okuyama,T. 2006. Heartwood colour variation inhome garden teak (Tectona grandis) fromwet and dry localities of Kerala, India.Journal of Tropical Forest Science 18 (1): 51-54Thulasidas, P.K. and Bhat, K.M. 2007. Chemicalextractive compounds determining thebrown- rot decay resistance of teak wood.Holz Roh Werkst. 65 (2)121-124Varma, R. V. and Swaran, P. R. 2006. Dosubterranean termites attack exotic forestplantation species in preference to nativespecies? A case study from the Kerala State,India. Hexapoda 13 (1&2): 38-42Varma, R. V., Sajeev T. V. and Sudheendrakumar,V. V. 2007. Pest susceptibility in teak78

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07under intensive management. J. Trop. For.Sci. 19(1):46-49....................................................................................................................................................................................Yesodharan K. and Sujana, K.A. 2006. Ethnomedicinal plants used by the tribals ofParambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala,to cure cuts and wounds. J. Econ. Taxon.Bot. 30:365-369.Yesodharan, K. and Sujana, K.A. 2007. Wildedible plants traditionally used by the tribesin the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary,Kerala, India. Nat. Prod. Radiance 6(1): 74-80.Zubair, M., Shukkur, E.A.A., Azeez, P.A. andJayson, E.A. 2007. Diurnal rhythm andmovement pattern of Peregrine Falcon(Falco peregrinus) in captivity in United ArabEmirates. Zoos’ Print Journal 22 (11):2888 –2890.Papers published in Proceedings/BooksChandrashekara, U.M. 2006. Ecological andsocio-economic dimensions of homegardens of Kerala, India. In: M. Conan andChen Wangeng (Eds.) Contribution ofGardens to Cilty Life and Culture. WuhanUniversity Press, Wuhan, China. pp. 381-389.Chandrashekara, U.M. 2007. Ecological andsocio-cultural lessons from a witheringlanduse system of Muthuvas in ChinnarWildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. In: K.G. Saxena,Luohui Liang and Kanok Rersasem (Eds.)Shifting Agriculture in Asia: Implications forEnvironmental Conservation and SustainableLivelihood. Bishen Singh Mahendra PalSingh, Dehra Dun. pp.177-188Indira, E.P., Sabna Prabha, S. and Pramod N.Nair 2006. Use of microsatellite markersin seed orchard management in teak. In:K.V. Mohanan (Ed.) Proc. National Seminaron Recent Trends in Crop Science Research(Gregor Mendel Foundation). pp.45-50.Jayson, E.A. and Jayahari, K.M. 2007.Conservation status of rodents in India.In: Shakunthala Sridhara (Ed.), VertebratePests in Agriculture-The Indian Scenario.Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, India. pp.387- 398Jayson, E.A. and Sivaperuman, C. 2007. Statusand conservation of bird fauna in theVembanad- Kole Ramsar Site, Kerala,India. In: V.K. Gupta (Ed.) Perspectives inAnimal Ecology and Reproduction. DayaPublishing House, New Delhi. Vol. 4: 286-298.Jayson, E.A. and Christopher, G. 2007. Largemammals in the Southern Western Ghats.A case study from the Peppara WildlifeSanctuary, Kerala. In: B.L. Kaul, (Ed.)Advances in Fish and Wildlife Ecology andBiology. Daya Publishing house, Delhi, India.Vol. 4: 135-148.Joyce Jose, Ramachandran, K.K. and Nair, P.V.2007. Animal diversity of the Myristicaswamp forests of Southern Kerala withspecial reference to herpetofauna. Proceedingsof the 19th Kerala Science Congress.pp.724-726.Mathew, G. 2006. Diveristy and significance ofinsects- An overview. UGC sponsoredNational Seminar on Biodiversity- A LifeSustaining System, Significance and Management.pp. 39-47.Mathew, G. 2006. In situ conservation ofbutter-flies through butterfly gardening: Acase study in Kerala, India, In: S.Ignacimuthu and S. Jayaraj (Eds.) Biodiversityand Insect Pest Mana-gement. NarosaPublishing House. pp.155-16.79

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteMathew, G. 2007. Butterfly gardens andecotourism. In: B.B. Hosetti (Ed.) EcotourismDevelopment and Management. PointerPublishers, Jaipur. pp.172-177.Menon, A.R.R. 2007. Value addition of forestryproducts. Proc. Industrial Carnival (INCA),Kochi. pp. 79-81.Menon, A.R.R., Abhilash, E.S. and BrijeshSathian 2007. Remote sensing and geographicinformation system for environmentalprotection and wasteland conservation.Proc. Kerala Environmental Congress2007. Centre for Environment andDevelopment, Trivan-drum. pp.305-308.Nair, K.K.N. and Bijukumar, A. 2007.Indicators on forests and biodiversity ofKerala. State of Environment Report, Kerala2007. Kerala State Council for ScienceTechnology and Environment. Trivandrum.pp. 1-26.Padmanabhan, P. 2007. Ethnozoologicalstudies on the tribals of Palghat andMalappuram districts of Kerala, SouthIndia. Proceedings of National Seminar onNatural Resource Management and LivelihoodSupport Systems, Planning & EconomicAffairs Department Thiruvanan-thapuram,pp 257-262.Padmanabhan, P. and Cini, N.U. 2006. Documentationof mammalian diversity inKerala, S. India. Proceedings of the NationalSeminar on Biodiversity Conservation. PondicherryUniversity.....................................................................................................................................................................................Seethalakshmi, K.K. 2007. Bamboos. In: K.Vananagamudi; K. Natarajan, T. Saravanan,N. Natarajan, R.Umarani, A. Bharathi andP. Srimathi, (Eds.) Advances in Seed Scienceand Technology. Agrobios (India) Jodhpur.pp. 89-97.Sudheendrakumar, V.V., Sajeev, T.V., Varma,R.V., Biji, C.P. and Mahiba Helen 2006.Current status of the use of Baculovirusesfor mana-gement of forest insect pests withspecial reference to the teak defoliatorHyblaea puera (Cramer). Proc.12th SilvicultureConference, FRI, Dehra Dun. pp. 225-229.Mohanan, C. and Manoj Sebastian 2006.Mycorrhizal status of nineteen species ofbamboos in Kerala, India. In: Anil Prakashand V.S. Mehrotra (Eds.) Mycorrhizae.Scientific Publishers (India), Jodhpur. pp.90-95.Renuka C., James P. Thomas and Sreekumar,V. B. 2006. Calamus nagbettai Fernandez &Dey – A promising species for raising largescale plantation in Kerala. SustainableNatural Resources Development. Western GhatCell, Planning and Economic AffairsDepartment, Government of Kerala. pp.44-48.Renuka, C., James P. Thomas and Rugmini, P.2006. Cultivation of rattan for edibleshoots - a source of additional income forthe farmers of the Western Ghats. SustainableNatural Resources Development. WesternGhat Cell, Planning and Economic AffairsDepartment, Government of Kerala. pp.49- 59.Roby, T.J. and Nair, P.V. 2007. Myristicaswamps - a prime habitat of the criticallyendangered tree Syzygium travancoricum.Proceedings of the 19th Kerala Science Congress.pp.764-765.Sabna Prabha, S., Indira, E.P. and Nair, PramodN. 2007. Contemporary gene flow innatural teak forest of Kerala using microsatellitemarkers. Proceedings 19th KeralaScience Congress. pp. 142-144.80

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Books/ Handbooks/ProceedingsPadmanabhan, P. 2007. Beekeeping and SocialForestry (in Malayalam) IV edition. StateInstitute of Languages, Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala....................................................................................................................................................................................Ph.D. ThesisAbhilash, E.S. (2007). Ecosystem Analysis andVegetation Mapping of Goodrical Range(Kerala), using Remote Sensing Techniques.FRI University, Dehra Dun.Mahiba Helen, S. 2007. Studies on Bioecologyof Nucleopolyhedrovirus of the TeakDefoli-ator and Evaluation of FormulatedProducts. FRI University, Dehra Dun.Popular articlesSeethalakshmi, K. K., Raveendran, V.P., Jijeesh,C. M. and Beena, V. B. 2007. Recentflowering of different bamboo species inKerala. Ever-green 57&58: 12-14.Seethalakshmi, K. K. 2007. Bioshield for protectionof coastal areas- bamboo plantingwith people’s participation. Evergreen 57&58: 16Sasidharan, N. 2006. Vanangalil OushadhaSasyangal Thedumbol. Desabhimani DailySunday Supplement 23.07.2006Participation in SeminarsConferences / Papers presentedAbhilash, E.S. and Menon, A.R.R. 2007.Feasibility of remote sensing and geographicalinformation system (GIS) inenvironmental protection aspects: A casestudy from Goodrical Forest Range,Kerala. National Conf. on Ecorestoration ofDerelict Mined Lands. 1-2 Mar. 2007.NationalInstitute of Oceano-graphy, Goa.Balagopalan, M. 2006. Impact of changes invegetation on sustainability of land resources.National Conference on New Vistasin Microbiology and Plant Sciences, 19-20Sept.2006. Gurukul Kangri University,Hardwar.Balagopalan, M., Menon, A.R.R. and Rugmini,P. 2006. Impact of fire on ecosystemrecovery with special reference to vegetationin the evergreen and dry deciduousforests in Kerala. National Conference onNew Vistas in Microbiology and Plant Sciences19-20 Sept. 2006. Gurukul Kangri University,Hardwar.Balagopalan, M. and Rugmini, P. 2006.Ecosystem resurgence in relation to soilsdue to fire in the evergreen and dry deciduousforests in Kerala, India. NationalConference on Forest Biodiversity Resources:Exploitation, Conservation and Management. 21– 22 March 2006. Centre for Biodiversityand Forest Studies, Madurai KamrajUniversity, Madurai.Geetha, T. and Balagopalan, M. 2006. Declinein soil productivity associated withplantation forest ecosystem in Kerala.National Confe-rence on Forest BiodiversityResources: Exploitation, Conservation andManagement 21-22 March 2006. Centre forBiodiversity and Forest Studies, MaduraiKamraj University, Madurai.Mathew, G. 2006. Impact of Forest disturbanceon insect species diversity- a case study inthe Kerala part of Western Ghats. InternationalConference on Biodiversity of Insects:Challenging issues. 30 Jan- 3 Feb. 2006.Department of Zoology, BharathiarUniversity, Coimbatore.Mathew, G. 2006. Plant and insect diversitypatterns in cardamom plantations vis-a vis-81

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutenatural forests: an assessment in the NelliyampathyHills, Kerala, India. NationalConference on Agro Biodiversity, 12-15 Feb.2006. National Biodiversity Authority,Chennai.Meenattor, R.J., Gireesh, T., Nair, R.B. andJayaraman, K. 2007. Timber yield of differentclones. Extended Abstracts. 19th KeralaScience Congress. 29-31 Jan. 2007. Kannur,Kerala.Mohanan, C. and Rajesh Kumar, K. 2006.Health of forestry crops in nurseries andplantations: Management strategies. NationalSeminar on New Frontiers in PlantPathology 28-30 Sept. 2006. KuvempuUniversity, ShankaraghattaSivaram, M., Ramachandran, K.K. and Jayson,E.A. 2006. Estimating abundance of wildelephants based on dung piles: Surveymethods and statistical models. InternationalConference on Statistics and Informaticsin Agricultural Research. 27-30 Dec. 2006.Indian Agricultural Statistics ResearchInstitute, New Delhi.....................................................................................................................................................................................Research/ Consultancy/ExtensionreportsNair, K.K.N. and Bijukumar, A. 2006. Stateof Environment Report (SoEn-Phase II):Indicators on forests and biodiversity.KFRI Extn. Report No.16Nair, K.K.N., Ansari, R., Ramachandran, K.K.,Jigi K. Joseph, Francis Xavier, Rajasekaran,R. and Neelakandan V.N. 2007. Biodiversityof Thrissur District, Kerala State. KFRIExtension Report No. 20.Sivaram, M., Ramachandran, K.K. VijayakumaranNair, P. and Jayson, E.A. 2006.Statistical Analysis of Elephant Census -2005. KFRI Extn. 61/2005Swarupanandan, K., Pandalai, R.C. and Menon,A.R.R. 2006. Conservation and afforestationof the Kottuli Wetland, Kozhikode.KFRI Extension Report No. 89.Swarupanandan, K., Pandalai, R.C., Menon,A.R.R., Chacko, K.C. and Sharma, J.K.2006. Mangrove afforestation in five areasof reclai-med backwater along the proposedVallarp-adam-Cheranellor LinkRoad, Kochi. KFRI Consultancy No. 105.82

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Dr. K M Bhat was invited to deliver keynoteaddress on Fast growing plantation resources forsustainable wood processing as an option for revival ofplywood sector in India at the Annual Conferenceof South Indian Plywood Manufacturers’Association, held in Western India PlywoodsLtd., Kannur on 5 Aug. 2006Dr. K.K.N. Nair acted as Programme Coordinator,Biodiversity Technical ProgrammeCommittee of Kerala State Biodiversity Boardat KFRI, attended various meetings of theBoard as a special invitee and contributed tochalking out and implementation of variousprogrammes of the Board.E.A. Jayson attended the two day Symposiumof Taxonomists organized by the State BiodiversityBoard at Trivandrum from 22 - 24March 2007.E.A. Jayson attended the National Seminar onthe Management and Conservation of Nature-Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) at EmeraldHeights College Ooty, Tamil Nadu and delivereda plenary lecture entitled Endangered animalsof the Western Ghats and also presented a paperentitled Status of the critically endangered MalabarCivet Viverra megaspila civettina in the southernWestern Ghats....................................................................................................................................................................................PARTICIPATION IN SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/SYMPOSIADr. E.A. Jayson attended the 4th WorldCongress on Mountain Ungulates at Munnar(12-15 Sept. 2006). He also attended theworkshop for preparing the Management Planfor the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in theCochin Corporation Office, Ernakulam andpresented a paper on the Birds of the Mangalavanammangroves (27 July 2006).U. M. Chandrasekhara presented an invitedlecture on Sacred grove of Iringole in the Conferenceon Environment and Heritage in Keralaorganized by Regional Museum of NaturalHistory (Mysore) and Centre for Heritage,Environment and Development, Cochin heldon 18-19 May 2006 at ErnakulamP. Padmanabhan participated in a workshopon Dissemination of Latest Technology inBeekeeping under Honey Mission Programmeat Marthandam organized by CKVI, Maduraiand SBEC, Nagercoil.P. Padmanabhan participated in NationalSeminar on Wildlife Biodiversity Conservationduring 13-15 Oct. 2006 held at PondicheryUniversity and presented the paper entitledMammalian diversity in Kerala.P. Padmanabhan participated in final reviewmeeting on Scientific Evaluation of Sree RamaTaraka Mahayaga on 3-4 Dec. 2006 andpresented a paper on Scientific evaluation of animalbehavior during Sree Rama Taraka Mahayaga atSree Rama-chandrapura.P. Padmanabhan participated in the TrainingProgramme on Good Quality Honey organizedby Kerala Agricultural University,sponsored by APEDA (Agricultural andExport Development Authority), Ministry ofCommerce and Industry, Government ofIndia.83

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteDr.T. Surendran participated in the NationalWorkshop on Rural Development through Integrationof Agro-forestry and Wood-basedIndu-stries organized at New Delhi on 11- 12Oct. 2006 and presented a paper on Clonaltechnology of teak.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated in the programmeadvisory committee meeting at MSSwaminathan Research Foundation, Kalpetta.He also served as Expert Member for selectingResearch Fellows for the project on the Conservationof 80 RET species in Kerala on 08 April2006.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated in the Workshoporganized by the State Medicinal Plants Boardregarding cultivation and marketing ofmedicinal plants at Thrissur on 26 June 2006.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated as resourceperson in the Workshop on Plant Taxonomyorganized by the Kerala Chapters of IndianBotanical Society at Kerala University, Kariavattomon 24 Aug. 2006. He gave lectures onPlant taxonomy concepts and practices and Herbariumtechniques.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated in the RegionalSeminar on Flowering Plants Diversity at SNMCollege, Moothakunnam on 27 Sept. 2006 andresented a paper Plant diversity and taxonomy.Dr. A.R.R. Menon attended the 19th KeralaScience Congress as Co-chair person forEcology and Environment session, on 30 Jan.2007.....................................................................................................................................................................................Dr. N. Sasidharan participated in the InternationalSeminar on Recent Trends and FutureProspects of Angiosperm Taxonomy atAgarkar Research Institute, Pune during 04-06,Oct. 2006 and presented a paper Computer aidedtree identification package for the trees of Kerala.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated in the RegionalWorkshop Modern Trends in AngiospermTaxonomy at St. Thomas College, Kozhencherryon 22 Nov. 2006 and delivered theKeynote address Computer aided identification oftrees.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated as a resourceperson in the Seminar on Cultivation ofMedicinal Plants organized by KozhikkodeDistrict Floriculture and Medicinal Plants CooperativeSociety at Kozhikkode during 11-12Dec. 2006. He gave a talk on the Prioritizedmedicinal plants of National Medicinal Plants andtheir sustainability for cultivation in Kerala.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated in the ProgrammeAdvisory Committee meeting of CABC,MSSRF Kalpetta held at Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasalaas an invited member on 21 Jan. 2007.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated in the meetingof State Medicinal Plants Board for preparingthe strategy and action plan of the board as amember of the board at Thrissur on 12 March2007.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated in the workshopon Preparation of Biodiversity Register,organized by the State Biodiversity Board atTrivandrum on 23 March 2007. He was theConvenor of the group for suggesting resourcepersons for diffe-rent plant groups at districtlevel for the Biodi-versity Register Programmeof the State Biodi-versity Board.Dr. N. Sasidharan participated on 24 March2007 in the meeting as an expert member ofthe Committee for Establishing a BiodiversityPark at Nedumbassery Airport Area, Cochin.Dr. C. N. Krishnankutty acted as a resourceperson in a National Workshop on CreativeResearch in Social Sciences: Qualitative and84

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Quantitative Analysis held during 15-16 March2007 organized at Vimala College, Thrissur.Dr. A.R.R. Menon participated in the trainingprogramme on Space Enabled Geoinformationfor Disaster Management organized byDept. of Space, Govt. of India, at NationalRemote Sen-sing Agency, Hyderabad, during22-27 Nov. 2006....................................................................................................................................................................................Drs. K. Jayaraman and N. Sasidharan attendedthe 19th Kerala Science Congress 2007 heldduring 29-31 Jan. 2007 at Kannur.Dr.R.C. Pandalai attended the ManagementDevelopment Programme on Forest Certificationfor Sustainable Forest Management atIndian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopalduring 29 Nov.-1 Dec. 2006.85

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteExtension Services....................................................................................................................................................................................R.C. Pandalaidelivered lectures on Increasing the productivity ofplantations and site preparation and Management ofcoppice forests/plantations at BIOTRIM, Tirupatiduring 12-13 Dec. 2006 in connection with theAPCFM Project-Interactive seminars byResearch wing for the officers of the AndhraPradesh Forest Department.Co-coordinated the training course onCultivation and Management of Teak (SecondEdition) from 16-25 May 2006 at Kerala ForestResearch Institute. Lectures were delivered onContainers and potting mixtures, and Methods ofplant production.delivered a lecture on Nursery Practices andSeedling Production in the Training course onTree Farming in Agro forestry Systems andWastelands conducted at KFRI during 4-11 Feb.2007.gave lecture on Tropical forest management atKerala Forest School, Arippa in connection withthe short refresher course on Tropical ForestManagement by MoEF, Govt. of India on 4Feb. 2007.participated in the training programme (B2/06-07) on Propagation, Cultivation,Management and Post-harvest Technology ofBamboos and Rattans during 3-12 Jan. 2007and took a class on Nursery, plantation andharvesting techniques of bamboos.acted as Co-coordinator for the training courseon Modern Trends in Teak Cultivation andOUTREACH PROGRAMMESManagement from 13-22 Feb. 2007 at KeralaForest Research Institute. Lectures were deliveredon Containers and potting mixtures andMethods of plant production.delivered a lecture on the silvicultural aspectsof Bamboo with particular reference to theirmanagement and harvesting in nurseries and plantationsat RCDC Centre for Forestry and Governanceat Bhubaneswar, Orissa during 15 -16 March,2007Dr. E.A. Jaysonvisited the Kadalundy area, in the MalappuramDistrict, as per the request of DFO, to studythe damage done by the birds on the windowsof houses. After a survey, detailed report wassubmitted to the DFO.delivered three lectures in Sept. 2006 on WildlifeCensus Methods to Forest Department staffunder-going in-service training at Arippa ForestSchool and at Walayaroffered a training class to the field staff of theParambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary as per therequest of the Wildlife Warden (Dec. 2006).surveyed the Juvenile Home at Cherur, Thrissurto study the human-snake problems andadvised solutions to reduce the menace (10Jan.2007).took class on Ecotourism to the students oftourism clubs from colleges and to students86

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07who were attending the Wildlife week celebrationsorganized at the Teak Museum, KFRIoffered a class to IFS officers on Methods toassess faunal diversity on 11-09- 06 and also toPanchayath presidents in KILA for the coursesponsored by the Biodiversity Board.delivered a lecture at Vimala College, Thrissuron the Animal Biodiversity in the Seminar onBiodiversity Conservation and SustainableDevelopment organized by the Zoology andBotany Depart-ments of the College....................................................................................................................................................................................Dr. C. Mohananattended disease problems in teak, rosewood,and anjily reported to the Division by farmersand appropriate suggestions to control thediseases were made.attended to an enquiry on alleged irregularitiesabout sale of a tree from the campus of HSDGovernment Hospital, Thripunithura. Heprovi-ded expert comments on possible decayof Melia dubia (Malavepu) and Sweiteniamahogany (Maha-gony).visited the medicinal gardens of The PharmaceuticalCorporation (IM) Kerala Ltd.(Oushadhi) at Kuttanellur and providedrecommendations for managing the diseases ofmedicinal plants.performed peer review of many scientificpapers for Indian Journal of Forestry andJournal of Non-timber Forest Products.Dr. C. Renukagave details of rattan identification to Mr. V.D.Singh, IFS Gujarat.reviewed two project proposals submitted toMOEF by other Scientific Institutions andcomments were sent.gave classes on the Forest plant diversity duringthe Open Day at KFRI.gave a talk on Forest biodiversity conservation inthe Seminar organized during Peechi Ulsav.gave a radio talk on Biodiversity conservation – theneed of the day (in Malayalam) on 22 May 2006.participated in the Regional ConsultationMeeting on the Draft Approach Paper on the11th five year plan of Kerala at Kochi organizedby the State Planning Board on 26 September2006.Dr. K.K.N. Nairgave details on plantation technology of indigenoustree species to Energy Plantations IndiaLtd., Chennai.took classes on Biodiversity to trainees fromIndian Institute of Public Administration, NewDelhi, teachers of Irinjalakuda Subdistrict andstudents of Forestry College, KAU, Mannuthy.coordinated classes for more than 750 GramaPanchayath Presidents on Biodiversity incollab-oration with Kerala Institute of LocalAdmini-stration (KILA).Dr. M. Balasundarantook class on Genetic improvement of teak duringthe training programme on Cultivation andmanag-ement of teak conducted by KFRItook class on Genetic improvement of seeds duringthe training programme on seed technologycondu-cted by KFRItook class on DNA markers for mating systemanalysis and seed orchard management during thetraining programme on Biotechnology conductedby KFRIDr. K. M. BhatServed as resource person, for the trainingcourse at KFRI on Cultivation and Managementof Teak’ 16-23 May 200687

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteDr. K. M. Bhat, K. V. Bhat andP. K. Thulasidas....................................................................................................................................................................................gave a one- week training a Researcher fromITC Bhadrachalam on Wood micro techniquesand pulpwood qualityDr. N. Sasidharangave a talk on Botanical keys and Computer AidedPlant Identification to the B.Sc. Botany studentsof Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur duringtheir visit to KFRI on 25 Aug. 2006.gave a lecture on Cultivation and marketing ofmedicinal plants to the participants of InductionTraining for Foresters and Forest Guards heldat Social Forestry Complex, Kannur on 26 July2006.inaugurated the one month Traditional AlternativeMedicine Diploma Course organized bythe SNA, Oushdasala, Thrissur for theDivehibeys Health Practitioners from Maldiveson 02 Aug. 2006.inaugurated the Botany Association ofSt. Thomas College, Pala and gave a talk onDiversity of the tropical forests of Kerala on 30 Oct.2006.Took class on Medicinal plants of Kerala to 50Doctors from Italy during their visit to KFRIon 27 Nov. 2006.Gave a talk on Plant identification techniques tothe M.Sc. Botany Students of Govt. SanskritCollege, Pattambi during their visit to KFRIon 15 Feb. 2007.identified the plant specimens referred fromArya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal on 26.06.2006 andfrom National Chemical Laboratory, Pune on30 Jan. 2007.Dr. K. Jayaraman, Smt. P. Rugmini, Dr. C. N.Krishnankutty and Dr. M. Sivaram delivered aseries of lectures in the training course onExperi-mental Designs in Forestry Research forthe officers of the Tamil Nadu Forest Departmentat KFRI during 19-28 April 2006.Dr. A.R.R. Menonparticipated as Resource person in the seminaron Panchayat Resource Mapping Programme,at Pazhayannur, Thrissur- on 27 Feb.2007.participated as subject expert for pre-PhD vivavoceat IFGTB, Coimbatore- on 19 Feb. 2007.participated as Resource person for the trainingprogramme on Application of GeographicalInformation Systems and Remote Sensing in EnvironmentalManagement at Bharathiar University,Coimbatore during 2-3 June, 2006.delivered a lecture on Forest degradation and it’simplications for KSSP seminar on EnvironmentalIssues, at Kottayam on 13 January 2007.gave a talk on Environmental conservation, resourceevaluation and application of remote sensing, GIS andGPS technology to students of Polytechnique atThrissur, on 17 January 2007.took classes on Application of GIS in forest resourcemanagement at Govt. College Chitoor, Palakkad(12 Feb. 2007), Rajagiri College of SocialScience, Kalamassery(19 Feb. 2007), SreeSankara College, Kalady (23 Feb. 2007). andAlphonsa College, Pala (28 Feb. 2007).Dr. M. Sivaramdelivered a lecture on Survey and estimation ofmedicinal plants in the training course on Conservationand development of medicinal plantsand benefit sharing with local communities forIndian Forest Officers at KFRI during 13-17Nov. 2006.delivered a lecture on Calculation and interpretationof biodiversity indices in the One week training88

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07programme on the Biodiversity documentation,evaluation and monitoring for IndianForest Service Officers at KFRI during 11-15Sept. 2006.delivered lectures on EXCEL program in thein-house Computer Training programmeconducted during May-June 2006 at KFRI,Peechi....................................................................................................................................................................................Dr. U.M. Chandrashekaracoordinated the preparation and installation ofa Touch Screen Teak Information System inthe Teak Museumtook part in promotion of tree cultivation infarmlands by providing plant propagules andtechnical know-how. Over one lakh plantpropagules of different trees and bamboospecies were made available to farmers onnominal price. For all the farmers who purchasedplant propa-gules, necessary technicalguidance for cultivation, management andharvest of crops was providedtook several classes on topics related to forests,agro forestry and biodiversity conservation tothe Forest Department officials, trainees, NGOgroups, school and college students who visitedthe Teak Museum and KFRI Sub Centre.Dr. P. Padmanabhanconducted a class on Mammalian Diversity ofKerala during a one-day refresher course forHigher Secondary School teachers in Zoologyof Thrissur on 21 Nov. 2006 at Kerala ForestResearch Insti-tute, Thrissur, Kerala.Dr.T. Surendranimparted training and a demonstration onClonal propagation of teak to a team of threeForest Officials of KFD at KFRI on 12 July2007delivered a lecture on Clonal propagation of teakto a batch of 40 officers of the Kerala ForestDepart-ment as part of a training programmeon 19 July 2006 at the Institute of Managementin Government, at Calicut.served a resource person and Convener of thecommittee for briefing the activities of theInstitute to visitors for the Open Day Programmecondu-cted a KFRI on 11 May 2006delivered a lecture and gave a demonstrationon Clonal propagation of forest trees on 15 Feb.2007 to a team of trainees from AndhraPradesh.delivered a lecture on ‘Modern trends in teakcultivation and management’ on 12 March 2007to a batch of IFS trainees.89

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteDr. K.K. Seethalakshmi was nominated asMember of the Expert Committee on Scienceand Technology for Women, Department ofScience and Technology, Government of IndiaDr. C. Renuka was nominated as Member ofthe Executive Committee and Research AdvisoryCouncil of IRTC, PalakkadDr. C. Mohanan was nominated as Memberof Board of Examiners for II and 1V semesterM.Sc. Plantation Development (Calicut Univ.)E.A. Jayson was selected as Member, Boardof Studies in Wildlife, Kevampu University,Shimoga, Karnataka.Dr K.M. Bhat served as External Expert inthe Assessment Committee Meeting held forasse-ssing the scientists of Rubber ResearchInstitute of India (RRII), Kottayam on 22 Sep.2006.E.A. Jayson visited Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaryfor evaluating the protected area for the ManagementEffectiveness Evaluation Programmeof the Ministry of Environment, Govt. ofIndia (09-10-2006 to 10-10-2006).E.A. Jayson visited the Mudumalai NationalPark, Tamil Nadu for evaluating the protected....................................................................................................................................................................................NOMINATION TO NATIONAL/ INTERNATIONALCOMMITTEESarea for the Management effectiveness evaluationprogra-mme of the Ministry of Environment,Govt. of India (18.09.2006 to 20-09-2007).Dr. M. Balagopalan has been a Fellow Member,International Congress on Chemistry and Environment- FICCEDr. P. Padmanabhan was elected as a Memberof South Asian Regional Network of the InternationalZoo Educators Association andassociate of Zoo Outreach Organization, 2007.Dr. E.A. Jayson visited the Gulf of MannarNational Park, Manpadam, Tamil Nadu forevaluating the management effectiveness as aCommittee member, appointed by the Ministryof Environment, Govt. of India. 21-01-2007to 24-01-2007).Dr. K.M. Bhat was elected Board Member ofInternational Academy of Wood Science forthe period 2006-2012.Dr. K.M. Bhat was nominated as Member ofEditorial Advisory Board, Journal of TropicalForest Science, Malaysia (since 2006)Dr. A.R.R. Menon participated in the KSRECGoverning Body meeting at Trivandrum, on25 January 2007.90

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07...................................................................................................................................................................................EXTENTION AND TRAINING ACTIVITIESTechnical support is provided to the KeralaForest Department, other governmental andnon-governmental agencies and farmers onsite-species matching, site selection and nutrientstatus, fertiliser dosage, pest and disease controland conservation, utilization and marketing oftimber of forest species. Advice on resourceExtension activities attendedsurvey and estimation as well as wildlifemanagement and census are also provided. TheInstitute undertakes identifi-cation of plants,insects, animals and timber. Quality seeds andseedlings are also supplied at reasonable cost.The following arethe different activities of theDivision during the year.Sl. Year & Problem attended Client Persons involvedNo. Month1. 2006 April Drying up of Casuarina Divisional Manager, Kerala Forest Dr. C. Mohananplants in plantations Development Corporation Ltd.,Divisional Office, Thalicode2. 2006 April Wood sample testing Civic Building Materials,TC-29/309, Dr. K. M. BhatPazhamukku Road, Ollur, Thrissur3. 2006 April Wood sample testing Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat4. 2006 April Wood sample testing Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat5. 2006 May Wood sample testing Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat6. 2006 May Wood sample testing The Assistant Engineer, Central Public Dr. K. M. BhatWorks Dept., Pallipuram P. O.,Thiruvananthapuram7. 2006 May Wood sample testing Shri. P. Sankaranarayanan, Dr. K. M. BhatPuthanpurayil veedu, Chelakkara8. 2006 May Wood sample testing The Assistant Engineer, LIC of India, Dr. K. M. BhatBranch Office Kannur9. 2006 May Wood sample testing The Assistant Engineer, Central Public Dr. K. M. BhatWorks Dept., Pullazhy, Thrissur10. 2006 June Collar and root rot of Divisional Manager, Kerala Forest Dr. C. MohananAcacia mangium Development Corporation Ltd.,seedlingsDivisional Office, Thrissur11. 2006 June Wilt and root rot of Dy. Range Officer, Ezhattumugham Dr. C. MohananTectona grandis Forest Station, Ayyampuzha12. 2006 June Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager, Dr. K. M. BhatTownship Administrative Office, Neyveli91

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute13. 2006 June Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager, Dr. K. M. BhatTownship Administrative Office, Neyveli14. 2006 June Classification of panel The Managing Director, Dr. K. M. Bhatdoors and flush doors Feroke Boards Ltd., Malappuram15. 2006 June Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager,Township Administrative Office, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat16. 2006 July Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager,Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd.,Township Administrative Office, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat17. 2006 July Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager,Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited,Township Administrative Office, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat18. 2006 July Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager,Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited,Township Administrative Office, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat19. 2006 July Wood sample testing The Divisional Forest Officer,Timber Sales Division, Punalur P. O. Dr. K. M. Bhat20. 2006 August Wood sample testing M/S Romko Umas Enterprises, 158,Valayamdevi Road, Neyveli- 607 802 Dr. K. M. Bhat21. 2006 August Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager, (Civil),Civil/MTCE/South Zone,Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited,Township Administrative Office, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat22. 2006 August Wood sample testing The Engineering Assistant (Civil),LIC India, Branch No.2, Thalassery, Kerala Dr. K. M. Bhat23. 2006 August Wood sample testing The Assistant Executive Engineer,Kerala State Housing Board, T.B.Road,PalakkadDr. K. M. Bhat24. 2006 August Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager, (Civil),Civil/MTCE/South Zone,Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited,Township Administrative Office, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat25. 2006 August Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager, (Civil),Civil/MTCE/South Zone,Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited,Township Administrative Office, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat26. 2006 August Wood sample testing Oushadhi, The Pharmaceutical Corporation(India Medicines) Kerala LimitedKuttanellore, Thrissur 680014Dr. K. M. Bhat27. 2006 August Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager, (Civil),Civil/MTCE/South Zone,Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited,Township Administrative Office, Neyveli Dr. K. M. Bhat28. 2006 August Wood sample testing M/s. Jyothi ConstructionsE.15,A. Srinivasan Salai, Block – 20 Neyveli,Tamil NaduDr. K. M. Bhat....................................................................................................................................................................................92

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-0729. 2006 August Wood sample testing The Assistant Engineer, Central PublicWorks Department, Trichur CentralSub Division No.1 Mundassery MemorialBuilding, Chembukavu, Thrissur – 680 020 Dr. K. M. Bhat30. 2006 August Wood sample testing M/s. Romko Umas Enterprises, 158,Valayamadevi Road, Neyveli- 607 802 Dr. K. M. Bhat31. Wood sample testing M/s Jothi Constructions, G. K. G. Road,Block – 20, Neyveli-3, Tamil Nadu Dr. K. M. Bhat32. 2006 August Wood sample testing Shri. V. K. Diksit, Assistant Director(WLP),Wildlife Sub-Regional Office, SouthernRegion, Kakkanad- 682 037, Cochin Dr. K. M. Bhat33. 2006 August Wood sample testing Dr. K. Gopalan, Dy. Production Manager,Quality in charge, Oushadhi, Kuttanellur Dr. K. M. Bhat34. 2006 August Wood sample testing M/s Sree Balaji Timbers, 119,Meenakarai Road, Zamin Uthukuli,Pollachi – 642 004Dr. K. M. Bhat35. 2006 Wood sample testing The Assistant Engineer,SeptemberCentral Public Works Department,Kottayam Central Sub Division No.IV,Building No. 311, Ward No.VIII,Pathanamthitta, Kollam 691 008Dr. K. M. Bhat36. 2006 Wood sample testing The Assistant Engineer,SeptemberCentral Public Works Department,Trichur Central Sub Division No.1,Mundassery Memorial Building,Chembukavu, Thrissur 680 020Dr. K. M. Bhat37. 2006 Wood sample testing Shri. Jayamadhavan, A. Forest Range Officer,September Wadakkanchery Dr. K. M. Bhat38. 2006 Wood sample testing The Asst. Executive Engineer, Kerala StateSeptemberHousing Board, T. B. Road,Palakkad – 678 014Dr. K. M. Bhat39. 2006 October Wood sample testing OushadhiThe Pharmaceutical Corporation(India Medicines) Kerala Limited,Kuttanellore, Thrissur 680 014Dr. K. V. Bhat40. 2006 October Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager (Civil),Civil/MTCE/South Zone,Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited,Township Administrative Office,Block -10, Neyveli – 607 801, Tamil Nadu Dr. K. M. Bhat41. 2006 October Wood sample testing OushadhiThe Pharmaceutical Corporation(India Medicines) Kerala Limited,Kuttanellore, Thrissur 680 014Dr. K. M. Bhat42. 2006 October Wood sample testing Mr. K. RajuEngineering Contractor,No. 7, 100 Feet road, Ellaipillaichavadi,Pondichery – 605 005Dr. K. M. Bhat...................................................................................................................................................................................93

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute43. 2006 October Wood sample testing Capt. M. Prathapan, Consulting Engineer,41, 2 nd Cross street, Venkata Nagar,Pondicherry- 605 011Dr. K. M. Bhat44. 2006 October Wood sample testing Oushadhi, The Pharmaceutical Corporation(India Medicines) Kerala Limited,Kuttanellore, Thrissur 680 014Dr. K. M. Bhat45. 2006 Wood sample testing Mrs. K. A. Vivek AyannaKannan DevanNovemberHills Plantations CompanyPrivate Limited,KDHP HouseTea manufacture DepartmentMunnar - 685 612Dr. K. M. Bhat46. 2006 Wood sample testing The Assistant Commissioner ( SIIB)DecemberOffice of the Commissioner of CustomsCustoms House, New Harbour Estate,TuticorinDr. K. M. Bhat47. 2006 Wood sample testing M/s Sree Balaji Timbers119,DecemberMeenakarai Road, Zamin Uthukuli,Pollachi – 642 004 Tamil NaduDr. K. M. Bhat48. 2006 Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager ( Civil)DecemberCivil/MTCE/North Zone, Neyveli LigniteCorporation Ltd., Township AdministrativeOffice, Neyveli – 607 801, Tamil Nadu Dr. K. M. Bhat49. 2007 January Plant test Shri. Somanathan, C.P.Panamketty House,Venmannad PostPavaratty, Thrissur Dr. N. Sasidharan50. 2007 January Information regarding Mr. M. PraveenplantsPharmacist Gr. II, Primary Health Centre,TholicodeThiruvananthapuram - 695 842 Dr. N. Sasidharan51. 2007January Availability of seedling Mr. R. R. NairRavimangalam, Dr. R. C.Kuzhimattom P. O, Kottayam 686 533 Pandalai52. 2007January Wood sample testing The Addl. Chief Manager/CivilCivil/Maintenance/North ZoneTownshipAdministrative OfficeNayveli - 607 801,Tamil NaduDr. K. M. Bhat54. 2007 January Wood sample testing The Asst. Engineer Central Public WorksDepartment KottayamCentral Sub – Division V, CPWD,Kollam – 691 008Dr. K. M. Bhat55. 2007 February Identification of the Sri. Johny A. M (PC 7196) Dr. K. K.material object Kothamangalam Police Station Ramachandran56. 2007 February Wood sample testing The Assistant Engineer, PuthenchiraGrama Panchayat, Puthenchira P. O.Irinjalakkuda via, Thrissur Dist.Dr. K. M. Bhat57. 2007 February Wood sample testing The Asst. EngineerCentral Public WorksDepartmentKottayam CentralSub – Division No. IIPublic LibraryBuilding, Sastri RoadKottayam – 1 Dr. K. M. Bhat....................................................................................................................................................................................94

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-0758. 2007 March Wood sample testing M/s. Nagpal Builders, NH 47 Bypass,Palarivattam, Kochi – 2459. 2007 March Wood sample testing The Executive Engineer,Kerala State Housing Board,Palakkad Division, T. B. Road – 678 01460. 2007 March Wood sample testing The Assistant Executive Engineer,LSGD Sub Division, Vellangallur, Thrissur2007 March Wood sample testing The. Addl. Chief Manager / Civil SouthDivisionTownship Administrative Office,Block – 10, N. L. C. Ltd. Neyveli – 607 801,Tamil NaduTraining Programmes Conducted...................................................................................................................................................................................Dr. K. M. BhatDr. K. M. BhatDr. K. M. BhatDr. K. M. BhatSl. Year Month KFRI Title SponsorNo.Project No.1 2006 19-28 April Ext/83/06 Experimental designs in forestry research Tamil Nadu ForestDepartment2 2006 16-25 May Ext/85/06 Cultivation and management of teak ITTO + PRIVATE3 2006 15-Sept. Ext/93/06 Biodiversity documentation, evaluation andmonitoringMoEF, New Delhi4 2006 13- 17 Nov. Ext/98/06 Conservation and development of medicinalplants and benefit sharing with localcommunitiesMoEF, New Delhi5 2006 26Nov. Ext/100/06 Study tour of two officials from Myanmar FAO(India),2 Dec. under ‘Strengthening capacity and upgrading New Delhithe Forest Research Institute, Yezin’6 2006 11-20 Dec. Ext/111/06 Forest seed management for production of Andhra Forestsuperior planting stockDepartment7 2007 3-12 Jan. Ext/110 /07 Propagation, cultivation, management and Andhra Forestpost-harvest technology of bamboos Departmentand rattans8 2007 4-11 Feb. Ext/101/07 Tree farming in agroforestry systems and Tamil Nadu ForestwastelandsDepartment9 2007 13-22 Feb. Ext/112 /07 Modern trends in teak cultivation and Andhra ForestmanagementDepartment10 2007 1-10 March Ext/113 /07 Molecular and biotechnological techniques Andhra Forestin tree improvementDepartment11 2007 29March Ext/109/ 07 Propagation, cultivation management and7 April post-harvest technology of bamboos ITTO-FRI yezin95

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteTraining in tree farming in agroforestry systemsand wastelandsExhibitions conducted....................................................................................................................................................................................Visit of the trainees to BambusetumSl. Title of the exhibition Period Name of the OrganizationNo.1. Thrissur Pooram Exhibition, 5 days Pooram Committee of Paramekkavu and2006, Pooram ground Thrissur. (18.4.06 to 22.05.06) Thiruvambadi Devaswoms, Thrissur.2. Shiva Temple ground, 8 daysErnakulam (10.10.06 to 17.10.06) Swasraya Bharath Science and TechnologyExhibition3. Peechi Fest Exhibition 3 days(24.11.06 to 26.11.06) Govt. Higher Secondary School, Peechi4. Christ CollegeIrinjalakkuda 6 days Jubilee ExhibitionChrist College,(6.12.06 to 11.12.06) Irinjalakkuda5. State Animal Husbandry 3 daysMela Exhibition (7.12.06 to 9.12.06) Engadiyoor Grama Panchayath &State Animal Husbandry Department6. Kerala Karshika Mela 10 days Gandhiji Study CentreThodupuzha(28.12.06 to 06.01.07)7. State Bamboo Fest at 12 days Swapna Nagari, CalicutMalabar Shipping Festival (20.12.06to 31.01.07)8. Golden Jubilee Exhibition 5 days GVHSS AlanallurMannarkkad(8.01.07to 12.01.07)9. Kerala Science Congress 3 days Dinesh Auditorium, Kannur(30.01.07 to 01.02.07)96

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07...................................................................................................................................................................................ACADEMIC PROGRAMMEThe following students registered for Ph. D. during the year.Sl. Name Guide Topic UniversityNo.1 E. L. Linto Dr. C. Renuka Systematics and phylogeny of the tribe: FRI Univ.Caryoteae (Fam: Arecaceae) in India.2 K. Smitha John Dr. M.P. Sujatha Impact of organic matter management FRI Univ.strategies on sequestration of soil carbonand productivity of teak plantations onultisoils in Kerala.3 S. M. Sujeesh Dr. E.P. Indira Breeding system of Dipterocarpus bourdillonii FRI Univ.and Humboldtia bourdillonii- Two endemic treespecies of Western Ghats4 Sanjayan Kumar Dr. P.K. Muraleedharan Stakeholders’ livelihood in Protected area: FRI Univ.Economic trade-off in conservation ofwildlife5 Sandeep Nair Dr. E. M. Muralidharan Genetic diversity and conservation of some Cochin Univ.Dipterocarpus and Humboldtia species of the Sci. Tech.Western Ghats using biotechnological tools (CUSAT)6 Divya K. Das Dr. K.K.N. Nair Ecological analysis of the phytodiversity of Cochin Univ.Iringole Sacred Grove in the Western Ghats Sci. Tech.of Kerala State Using GIS(CUSAT)The following research scholars were awarded Ph. D. degree during 2006-07Sl. Name Guide Topic UniversityNo.1 Durai, V. Dr. S. Sankar An assessment of ecological stability and FRIsustainable productivity in home garden Universityagro forestry system in Kerala2 Nagesh Prabhu Dr. J.K. Sharma Studies on seed production areas of teak FRI(Tectona grandis L. f.) in Kerala for their Universityquality and nursery performance3 Abhilash, E. S. Dr.A.R.R.Menon Ecosystem analysis and vegetation mapping FRIof Goodrical Range (Kerala) using remote Universitysensing techniques97

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute....................................................................................................................................................................................SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS /SYMPOSIA ORGANIZEDIn collaboration with the Institute of LandManagement, Thiruvananthapuram, KFRIorganized a one day seminar on Conservationand Management of Natural Resources forEnvironmental Protection of the Coastal ZoneLighting the lampof Kerala. The Seminar was held at Peechi on28 August 2006. The Seminar was inauguratedby Sri K. P. Rajendran, Hon’ble Minister forAddress by Mrs. Niveditha P. Haran (IAS)Revenue and was presided over by Sri RajajiMathew Thomas, MLA. Lectures weredelivered by experts from several organizationslike National Bureau of Soil Survey and LandUse Planning, Bangalore; Institute of LandManagement, Thiruvananthapuram; Kerala andTamil Nadu Forest Departments; Centre forEarth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram;M.S. Swaminathan Foundation, Chennai andKFRI, Peechi.Dr. N. Sasidharan was the Course Director forthe one week training for IFS Officers onMedicinal plant cultivation during 13-17,November 2006 at KFRI, Peechi.Participants of the training ProgrammeDr. N. Sasidharan arranged a three-day orientationworkshop for the Research Fellows ofMS Swaminathan Research Foundation,Kalpetta at KFRI during 31 May 2006-02 June2006. Gave lectures on ‘Principles of planttaxonomy and Herbarium techniques’.A one day workshop on ‘Water Harvesting’ washeld on 28 Feb. 2007 as a part of Nationalscience Day. The Workshop was organized byKFRI and KSCSTE, Thiruvananthapuram.98

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Inaugural addressThe Workshop was attended by over 100participants and was inaugurated by Sri. RajajiMathew Thomas, MLA, Kerala Assembly.Training programme on Hpnpv applicationA training programme on biological controlof the teak defoliator using Hpnpv wasorganized for the benefit of the Forest Departmentstaff of Konni in June 2006...................................................................................................................................................................................Bioresource Nature Park in theKFRI Sub CentreKerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) hasinitiated a programme to establish a BioresourcesNature Park with the financial assistanceform the Department of Biotech-nology,Government of India, at the KFRI Sub Centre,Nilambur.The Park was inaugurated on 12-02-2007 byShri. Binoy Viswam, Hon’ble Minister ofForests, Government of Kerala, in a publicfunction presided over by Shri. AryadanMohammed, MLA. The Park is located adjacentto the Teak Museum in Nilambur.Inauguration of the parkThe Park has conservation themes for the lowergroups of plants (such as algae, bryophytes andpteridophytes), plants found in specializedecological niches such as xerophytes (cacti andsucculents) and hydrophytes (aquatic plants),beneficial plants (medicinal), ornamental andaesthetic plants (orchids) and endemic, rare, andthreatened (RET) species. Propagules of over700 species of plants have been collected andintroduced in the thematic areas of the Park.Orchids, ferns, gymnosperms, palms, aquaticplants, xerophytes and succulents are assembledin the park.Added cultural antiquity of the Park is amegalithic burial ground, dating 1800 to 2300years back in history. Situated at one corner ofthe Park, these burials provide an opportunityto the visitors to learn more about the Megalithiccivilization and the then culture. They alsohighlight the archeological and historicalimportance of Nilambur.99

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteBio-shield for protection of coastalareas - bamboo planting with people’s participationInauguration of the planting programme....................................................................................................................................................................................KFRI, Social Forestry Wing of Kerala ForestDepartment and Eriyad Grama Panchayathjointly initiated a programme for establishmentof Bio-shield. Bamboo planting with people’spartici-pation was taken up as part of thisprogramme. On an experimental basis, a stretchof 1 km was planted in two rows with sevenbamboo species behind the Casuarina beltalready established during the previous year atMunackal Beach, Eriyad Panchayath, TrichurDistrict. The progamme was inaugurated byHon. Minister for Forests and Housing ShriBinoy Viswam at a function presided over byHon. Minister for Revenue Shri. K. P Rajendranat Munackal, Eriyad Panchayath on 25 th August2006.100

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07During the year new facilities were establishedand some more equipments were procured fordifferent laboratories. The notable among themwere the following:...................................................................................................................................................................................MAJOR EQUIPMENTS PROCUREDParticle size analyzerA Particle Size Analyzer was acquired for theInstrumentation Division. The equipment issuitable for measurement of particle size of alltypes of powders in dry, wet, aerosol and spraymodes. The instrument is based on diffractiontechnique with a parallel beam Optics. It has amulti e semiconductor as the detector. Themeasuring range is 0.1 to 875 microns.A sophisticated Leica research microscope(DM2500) with high resolution and imageanalysis attachment (DFC 420) was acquired forWildlife Biology laboratory of FEBC Division.Six numbers of Automated Weather Stationswere acquired for SNPFM division to monitorthe weather parameters such as temperature,relative humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, winddirection and wind velocity at hourly intervals.Leica research microscopeThe weather stations have been established atremote locations in different parts of Kerala.Weather data collected automatically by thestations is transmitted through satellite communicationnetwork. These data are then uploadedAutomatic weather station101

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteinto the KFRI website for public use. Theuploading and updation of the weather datain the website is done by the SNPFM Division.A few smaller equipments were also aquiredfor Non-Wood Forest Products Discipline forestablishing facilities for phytochemical analysis.The following are the equipments added.Gel Electrophoresis: The system is used toisolate and characterize macromolecules dependingupon their molecular weight and threedimensional structure.Fraction collector: Fraction collector willRotary Evaporator and Fraction Collector....................................................................................................................................................................................accurately collect up to 80 fractions, at a flowrate of up to 40 ml/min. Fraction collector isspill-proof and solvent resistant.Rotary Evaporator: It is used for distillationand vaporization of solvents and recrystallization.KERALA FOREST SEED CENTREThe Kerala Forest Seed Centre (KFSC)established during 2002-04 under the the KeralaForestry Project aided by World Bank has madegood progress during the fourth year of itsoperation. KFSC has been receiving a numberof requests from other states and a few fromoverseas for the supply of quality seeds. Therehas been greater demand for seeds of teak anda few other medicinal plants.During 2006-07 teak seeds from all the sixresearch ranges of the Forest Department wereSeed drying shedbrought to KFSC and tested for viability andgermination percentage. Simultaneously theseeds were cleaned and size-graded for temporarystorage and at a later stage supplied backSeed dryingto different ranges for their nurseries. Totallyaround 16 tonnes of seeds were processed andsupplied to the Forest Department. Seeds ofabout 30 different species of forest trees werecollected and processed for sale. Visitors andtrainees from other organizations as well asstudents from different universities were briefedabout the activities of the Seed Centre and weregiven hands on training in different seedhandling methods.102

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07...................................................................................................................................................................................BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 st MARCH. 2007KERALA FOREST RESEARCH INSTllUTE - PEECHILIABILITIES SCH 31/03/2007 31/03/2006 ASSETS SCH 31/03/2007 31/03/2006GENERAL FUND I 52507475.00 52507534.00 FIXED ASSETS VII 82746953.05 70966088.12CURRENT II 13546812.01 11545181.00 ADVANCE FOR 4608561.00 0.00LIABILITIESCAPITAL ASSETUNSPENT XV 0.00 16149339.76 CURRENT VIII 38606817.00 35488941.97BALANCE OFASSETSGRANT FROMGOVT OFKERALABALANCE OF III 10191315.09 13935149.68 LOANS & IX 775860.80 889882.80EXTERNALADVANCESPROJECTCONSULTANCY IV 0,00 EXTERNALPROJECTPROJECTS:CURRENT X 0,00 0,00ASSETSCORPUS FUND V 0.00 0,00 LOANS & XI 0,00 0.00ADVANCESRESERVES &CONSULTANCYSURPLUS: VI PROJECTS:CAPITAL 81813665.99 63081529.17 OVERSPENT IV 164576.50 172128.00RESERVEBALANCE OFCREATED ONCONSULTANCYACQUISITIONCONSULTANCYOF FIXEDPROJECTSASSETSWORK IN 5541849.00 0.00 CURRENT XII 0,00 0,00PROGRESSASSETSOTHER 390423,00 390423.00 LOANS & XIII 0.00 0,00RESERVES &ADVANCESSURPLUSCORPUS FUND: VTERMDEPOSIT 5104409.70 4240574.70WITH BANKSINCOME &EXPENDITURE XIV 31984361.90 45851541.02TOTAL 163991540.09 157609156.61 TOTAL 163991540.09 157609156.61103

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute....................................................................................................................................................................................EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED31 st MARCH, 2007KERALA FOREST RESEARCH INSTllUTE - PEECHIEXPENSES Sch 31/03/2007 31/03/2006 INCOMES Sch 31/03/2007 31/03/2006Salaries A 29383898.00 28119734.00 Grant from F 36000000.00 29482614.24AllowancesGovernmentStaff Expenses B 3832551.00 2078444.00 Receipts from 0.00 0.00Corpus FundEstablishment C 4054237.00 4152782.00 Prior Period 0.00 0.00ExpensesIncomeAdministrative D 610460.00 628363.00 Other Receipts G 11386768.16 9396581.51ExpensesGeneral Expenses E 1447049.80 1008710.75Expenses of out 5767327.00 2891162.00 Proportionate * 5767327.00 0.00of Plan fundamount transferredfrom PlanFund Accounttowards Revenueexpenditureincurred out ofPlan FundRevenue expenses 20113927.21 43865481.96 Proportionate ** 20113927.21 43865481.96for Externalamount trans-Projectsferred from Externalprojects Grantreceived Accounttowards Revenueexpenditure incurredfor ExternalprojectsDepreciation 10412391.14 6817136.39 Proportionate 10412391.14 6817136.39w/offamount transferredfrom CapitalReserve Accounttowards depreciationw/off. in theIncome & ExpenditureAccountExcess of Income 8058572.36 0.00 Excess of Expen- 0.00 0.00over Expenditurediture over incomeTOTAL 83680413.51 89561814.10 TOTAL 83680413.51 89561814.10104

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07...................................................................................................................................................................................1. CONSULTATIVE GROUP FORFORESTRY RESEARCHMANAGEMENT(PROGRAMME ADVISORY GROUP)(vide Council (M) Order No. 45/2003/KSCSTE dated, Thiruvananthapuram, 12-11-2003 &Council (M) Order No.104/06/KSCSTEdated, Thiruvananthapuram, 15-3-2006)1. The Principal Chief -ChairmanConservator of Forests2. The Additional Principal - MemberChiefConservator of Forests3. The Chief Conservator of - MemberForests (Planning & Research)4. The Chief Conservator of - MemberForests (Wildlife)5. The Chief Conservator of - MemberForests (Tribal Welfare &Economic Development)6. The Chief Conservator of - MemberForests (World Bank Projects)7. The Chief Conservator - Memberof Forests (Development)8. The Chief Conservator - Memberof Forests (Protection)9. The Chief Conservator - Memberof Forest (FMIS)10. The Chief Conservator - Memberof Forest (HRD)INTERNAL COMMITTEESTo implement various programmes and activities in the Institute various committees have beenfunctioning.11. The Chief Conservator - Memberof Forest (Administration)12. The Chief Conservator - Memberof Forest (Vigilance)13. The Chief Conservator - Memberof Forest (Social Forestry)14. The Regional Chief - MemberConservator of Forests(North)15. The Regional Chief - MemberConservator of Forests(South)16. The Conservator of Forests - MemberBiodiversity)17. The Conservator of Forests - Member18. The Deputy Conservator - Memberof Forests (Research) North19. The Deputy Conservator - Memberof Forests (Research) South20. The Managing Director, - MemberKerala Forest DevelopmentCorporation21. The Associate Dean, Forestry - MemberFaculty, Kerala AgriculturalUniv.22. The Director, Tropical - MemberBotanic Garden & ResearchInstitute, Palode23. The Director, Institute of - MemberForest Genetics & TreeBreeding, Coimbatore105

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute24. The Managing Director, - MemberOushadi, Thrissur25. The Director, Centre for - MemberEarth Science Studies26. The Director, Centre for - MemberWater Resources Development& Management27. The Director, Rajiv Gandhi - MemberCentre for Biotechnology28. ‘URAVU’ Wynad (N.G.O.) - Member29. The Director, Medicinal - MemberPlant Research Centre, AryaVaidya Sala Kottakkal30. The Managing Director, - MemberHindustan Newsprint Ltd.,Kottayam31. The Managing Director, - MemberKerala State WoodIndustries Ltd., Nilambur32. The Managing Director, - MemberKerala State BambooCorporation Ltd.33. The Director, Salim Ali - MemberCentre for Ornithologyand Natural HistoryCoimbatore34. Director, Kerala Forest - MemberResearch Institute, PeechiMember35.Research Co-ordinator, - MemberKerala Forest ResearchInstitute, Peechi36.Programme Co-ordinator, -ConvenorTraining & Extension Division,KFRIFunctions:i. Advise the Institute to address problemsof applied value and relevant to theForest Department and wood basedindustry.....................................................................................................................................................................................ii. Consider and recommend appropriateactions and permission required by KFRIscientists from the Forest Departmentfor conducting field studies.iii. Identify forest officials from the ForestDepartment in specific research projectswhere KFD’s collaboration is requiredfor successful implementation of a fieldbasedstudy.iv. Facilitate transfer of technology fromKFRI to Forest Department and otherstakeholders.2. PURCHASE COMMITTEE(vide Council (M) Order No. 37/2003/KSCSTE Thiruvananthapuram, dated, 29-10-2003)A Purchase Committee with the followingstructure is constituted for the purchase ofrecurring and non-recurring items.One Scientist For above:Dr. RV Varma- ChairpersonOne Scientist nominatedby the DirectorDr. Jose Kallarackal - MemberRegistrar- ConvenerProcedure:Each R&D centers will have a Purchase Committee,which consists of two Scientists (one notbelow the rank of Scientist F Grade) andAdministrative Officer/Registrar/Controllerof Administration. The Scientist not below therank of F Grade will head the Committee. ThePurchase Committee shall take a decision basedon the price quoted as well as the quantity ofthe item required. The Administrative Officer/Registrar/Controller of Administration shallsign the purchase order as per the rate approvedby the Purchase Committee. A register ofsuppliers shall be maintained showing thenames and address of suppliers and perfor-106

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07mance details shall be recorded in the saidregister. Enquires in writing shall be send to allthe suppliers whose name is listed in the Registerof Suppliers. The quotationer should keep thequoted rates form for a period of one year.The maximum amount that can be incurred forthe purchase of a single item is Rs.10 lakh bythe Purchase Committee. The Director willbe the approving authority of the purchase. Forthe item above Rs.10 lakh but below Rs.50 lakhthe Purchase Sommittee shall have an externalmember in the Purchase Committee. TheMana-ging Committee will be the approvingauthority. Any item costing more than Rs.50lakh, should be referred to the Executive Committeeof the Council for approval.Any amendments to Financial Rules shall bemade with the approval of the ExecutiveCommittee of the Council....................................................................................................................................................................................3. COMMITTEE TO PREVENTSEXUAL HARASSMENT ONWOMEN AT KFRI(Vide KSCSTE letter No.1763/B6/03/KSCSTE dated 5-12-2003)1. Dr. KK Seethalakshmi, - Chair PersonScientist, KFRI2. Dr. EJ Maria Florence, - MemberScientist, KFRI3. Mrs. K Annapoorni, - MemberConfidential Asst., KFRI4. Dr. K Jayaraman, - MemberScientist, KFRI5. Dr. KC Chacko, - MemberScientist, KFRI6. Mrs. Seetha Sadanandan - MemberC/o Kudumbasree State PovertyEradication MissionWard 16, Cheenikkadavu, KannaraPanancherry Panchayath, Trichur Dist.7. Mrs. VK Leela, - MemberSection Officer, KFRI ConvenerFunctions:1. To receive complaints from the staff onsexual harassment.2. To examine and enquire into the matterand report the findings to the Directorfor necessary action.4. FOREST SEED CENTREADVISORY COMMITTEEDirector- ChairpersonConservator of Forests - Member(WP & RC), KFDConservator of Forests - Member(Central Circle), KFDResearch Coordinator, - MemberKFRISilvicultural Research - MemberOfficer (North), KFDSilvicultural Research - MemberOfficer (South), KFDSilviculturist, KFRI - MemberScientist-In-Charge, FSC- ConvenorFunctions1. To monitor the working of the FSC, andadvise on smooth functioning of theSeed Centre.2. To fix price for seeds.3. To promote sale and export of seeds5. COMMITTEE OF PROGRAMMECOORDINATORS (CPC)Chairperson DirectorMembers All Programme CoordinatorsScientist-in-charge, NilamburSub CentreOfficer-in-charge, FRC,VeluppadamInvitees Dy. Registrar (Admn.)Dy. Registrar (Fin.)EngineerConvenor Registrar107

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteFunctions....................................................................................................................................................................................i. Discuss common issues related to researchand administration and issuespertaining to Programme Divisions/SubCentre.ii. Any other matter relating to the conductand administration of research in theInstitute.Procedurei. Meetings will be held once a month,preferably in the first week providedthere are agenda items to be considered.ii. The Convenor will prepare the agendaand minutes and have them approved bythe Chairperson.6. INTERNAL RESEARCH GROUP(IRG)Director- ChairpersonDr. KC Chacko- ConvenorDr. UM Chandrasekhara - AssociateConvenorAll scientific staff- MembersFunctionsi. Presentation and Discussion on conceptnotes/ new project proposalsii. Review of Research Projects underimplementationiii. Presentation and discussion of finalreport of completed projectsiv. Discussion of any other matter concerningresearch projects, subject to priorapproval of the agenda item by theChairperson.Procedurei. Normally, meetings will be held once amonth, preferably during the first week,but special meetings may be convenedwhenever required, on due notice. TheConvenor may also invite other interestedpersons to attend the meeting.ii. The Convenor will prepare minutes ofthe meeting and circulate to all themembers with the approval of theChairperson.7. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTGROUPDirector- ChairpersonDr. KM BhatDr. KC ChackoDr. S SankarDr. VV SudheendrakumarDr. M BalagopalanDr. KK SeethalakshmiDr. KV SankaranFunctions- WorkingChairperson- ConvenorThe main functions of the Group will be tofacilitate transfer of technology to end usersas well as commercialization of technologythrough entrepreneurs for generating revenuefor the Institute.As a result of problem solving research carriedout in KFRI the outcome of quite a few ofthe research investigations (root trainer technology,composting technology, suitability of aclone or tree species, fertilizer dosage, fungicide/pesticidedosage for controlling diseases/pests, wood preservative treatment, etc.) findfield applications for the benefit of ForestDepartment as well as other end users. Sincewhatever recommendation or the technologyis transferred is very crucial from the point ofview of the Institute’s credibility, it is essentialthat all such field based technolo-gies/recommendationsare rigorously screened before theyare actually transferred or recomm-ended. TheGroup will evaluate the technol-ogy developedor proposed recommendation.108

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Procedurei. The Group will meet as and whenrequired. The Working Chairperson,with prior approval of the Director, willhave an authority to call for a meetingof the PIs concerned whose projectshave come out with field based recommendations.ii. The PI will forward all the details (eg.Statistical design, treatments, sample size,data sheets, etc.) pertaining to the proposedrecommendation to the Convenorwho in consultation with the Chairpersonwill convene a meeting.iii. The PI who has proposed the transferof technology/field based recommendationwill also attend the meeting as aspecial invitee to present the details ofthe technology developed/ recommendationbefore the committee.iv....................................................................................................................................................................................The Group may also visit field site/experimentalareas to ascertain the effectivenessof the proposed recommendation.v. The Chairperson may constitute a subcommitteeincluding the PI and theConvenor for further rigorous screeningof the technology/recommendation.vi.Based on the recommendations of theCommittee, appropriate actions will betaken by the Institute for transferring thetechnology or field based recommendationto user agencies/entrepreneursfor commercialization.vii. In the case of commercialization theGroup will evaluate the technologiesdeveloped, having wider applications forcommercialization through entrepreneursthrough entrepreneurs and other industrialparties.viii. The Chairperson may invite expressionof interest from entrepreneurs throughmedia/ website and negotiate andshortlist the parties who are interested totaken up the technology for commercialization.ix. The Group will prepare a draft MOUin consultation with the party taking intoaccount the financial aspects and IPRaspects.x. The draft MOU will be placed in theManagement Committee of the Institutexi.for approval.The final MOU will be sent to the Councilfor final approval.xii. The Director will be authorized to signthe MOU on behalf of the Institute.xiii. The Convenor will prepare minutes ofthe meeting and circulate to all the memberswith the approval of the Chairperson.8. PROGRAMME PLANNING ANDEVALUATION GROUP (PPEG)Director- ChairpersonDr. R Gnanaharan - WorkingChairpersonDr. K JayaramanDr. Jose KallarackalDr. PK MuraleedharanDr. RV VarmaDr. KC ChackoDr. George Mathew - ConvenorFunctionsi. To plan activities, programme of theCentre as per the approved priority areasof research in coordination with RMEand forward the proposals to the Directorfor necessary clearance/appro-valof CGFRM and RC.ii. To have interface with developmentagencies and sponsors to secure financialassistance.iii. To facilitate formulation and submissionof research proposals to appropriatesponsoring agencies.109

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteiv. Prepare a detailed database on state,national and international sponsoringagencies, including their priority areas ofresearch, proforma for submission ofthe proposal, type of funding andfunding limit, contact person/Departmentand any other specific requirementsfor submission of proposals and sharethe information with the scientiststhrough LAN and internal workshops.v. Organise project cycle managementworkshop involving scientists concernedand other Stakeholders/Forest Departmentand undertake objective analysis,output analysis, stakeholder analysis todevelop project proposals and identifyproject coordinators.vi. To assess the workload of scientistsgiving thrust to sponsored projects, andmonitor and evaluate progress of workin coordination with RME and suggestcorrective measures to the Director.Procedurei. The Working Chairperson will have anauthority to call for a meeting with theprior approval of the Director.ii. The Group will meet as and whenrequired but atleast once in a quarter andkeep the Director informed of the meetingthrough the minutes of the meeting.iii. The database generated on sponsoringagencies will be provided to scientiststhrough LAN.iv. The Group will hold discussion with theScientist individually or in group foractivities related to project identificationand development and monitoring andevaluation of progress of work.....................................................................................................................................................................................The Convenor will prepare minutes of themeeting and circulate to all the members withthe approval of the Chairperson/WorkingChairperson.9. FORESTRY TRAINING ADVISORYCOMMITTEEDirectorDr. KC ChackoDr. CN KrishnankuttyDr. KK RamachandranDr. EA JaysonDr. P Vijayakumaran NairDr. V Anitha- Chairperson- WorkingChairperson- ConvenorFunctionsi. Evaluate the training needs of variousstakeholders in India and other underdeveloped/developingcountries.ii. Prepare a database of various trainingpogrammes offered by various agenciesin forestry/tropical forestry, their coursecontent, fee structure, duration, etc.iii. Identify appropriate training programmeswith yearly schedule, course content,fee structure, duration, etc., whichcan be offered at KFRI; develop a formatfor application.iv. Take necessary steps to publicise thetraining programmes to be offered byKFRI globally through internet, Newsletter,newspapers, personal invitation,etc.v. Contact the sponsoring agencies for tieupsfor providing financial assistance toprospective participants/trainees.vi. Screen and process requests/applicationsfor training programmes.vii. Evaluate the training programmesoffered by KFRI for their quality andeffectiveness.viii. Identify qualified resource persons andco-ordinators and take necessary actionto obtain their willingness.ix. Oversee the preparation of course materialsby the resource persons.110

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Procedurei. The Committee will meet as and whenrequired but at least twice a year.ii. The Committee will take appropriatenecessary actions to facilitate implementationof effective training programmesin the Institute, including infrastructuredevelopment.iii. The Convenor will prepare minutes ofthe meeting and circulate to all the memberswith the approval of the Chairperson/WorkingChairperson....................................................................................................................................................................................10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYRIGHTS, PATENT AND MATE-RIAL TRANSFER COMMITTEEDr. VV Sudheendrakumar - ChairpersonDr. Muktesh KumarDr. N SasidharanDr. EM Muralidharan - ConvenorFunctionsi. Acquire all available information/literature/procedures on IPR and patentingand make them available to scientistsas and when required.ii. Keep scientists abreast of new developmentsin the field of IPR and patenting.iii. Identify new technologies developed byKFRI which can be patented with thehelp of scientists concerned.iv. Facilitate filing of patent applications bythe Institute.v. Pursue patent applications at national orinternational level.vi. Facilitate material transfers for researchpurposes to other research organizationsthrough agreements/memorandum ofunderstandings to safeguard Institute’sinterests.Procedurei. The Committee will meet as and whenrequired and identify the new technologieswhich possibly can be patented.ii. The Committee may also include a newtechnology for consideration for patentingas suggested by a scientist.iii. The Committee will hold detaileddiscussions with the scientists concernedabout the technology to be patented andgather details of the technology.iv. The Chairperson will make a presentationon the technology/technologies tentativelyselected in a special IRC. Thescientists concerned will be present toprovide details and clarifications.v. The Committee will submit the final listof new technologies to Director for hisapproval.vi. After Director’s approval the Committeewill obtain the necessary details of thetechnology in the prescribed formatfrom the concerned scientist(s) and submitto Director for onward transmissionto Patent Office.vii.The Committee will pursue the applicationwith the patent office and keepthe Director informed of developments.viii. The Convenor will prepare minutes ofthe meeting and circulate to all the memberswith the approval of the Chairperson.11. TEAK MUSEUM & NATURETRAIL ADVISORY COMMITTEEDr. RC Pandalai- ChairpersonDr. KM BhatDr. George MathewDr. C MohananDr. K SwarupanandanDr. TV SajeevScientist-In-Charge,KFRI Sub Centre, NilamburMrs. Sani Lookose, - ConvenorTeak Museum Curator111

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research InstituteFunctionsi. Review the overall activities and performance/functioningof the Teak Museumincluding Nature Trail.ii. Consideration of requests from the TeakMuseum Curator for implementingvarious activities/programmes.iii. Advise the Teak Museum Curator withregard to functioning or taking up newactivities and programmes.iv. Make recommendations to Director fortaking necessary actions with regard tofunctioning/improvements or newactivities and programmes.Procedurei. The Committee shall meet as and whennecessary but at least once in six months.ii. Minutes of the Meeting along withobservation/recommendations will besubmitted to the Director for considerationand approval.....................................................................................................................................................................................12. BUILDING COMMITTEEDirector- ChairpersonRegistrarDr. R GnanaharanDr. KC ChackoDr. RV VarmaDr. Jose KallarackalDr. S SankarDr. C MohananMr. KR Mukundan, Engineer - ConvenorFunctionsi. The Committee will take decisions onselecting the contractors after evaluatingthe expression of interest, work tenders,quotations, etc. A separate sub committeewill be made responsible for thispurpose, for reporting to the Committee.ii. Before executing the agreements with thecontractors the Committee will scrutinizethe work plan, estimates, etc. and satisfythe conditions incorporated in theagreement.iii. Committee will monitor the constructionas well as infrastructure requirements ofproposed works.iv. In case any dispute arises during thecourse of planning and execution theCommittee will take appropriate actiondeemed necessary.Procedurei. The Committee will meet bi-monthly oras and when necessary.ii. The Convenor will prepare minutes ofthe meeting and circulate to all themembers with the approval of theChairperson.13. EQUIPMENT/INFRASTRUCTUREDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEEDr. M. Balagopalan - ChairpersonDr. Jose KallarackalDr. M BalasundaranDr. P Vijayakumaran NairDr. EM MuralidharanMr. ARR RajanMr. KR Mukundan, EngineerMr. PP SunnyMr. UY JohnDy. Registrar (Admn)/ - ConvenorSupdt./OA (Purchase)FunctionsEquipmenti. Screening of requisitions for major itemsof equipments, computers and accessories,ii. Examine necessity for the equipment/furniture for the project and fundallotment in the project.iii. Scrutiny of quotations and recommendationfor acceptance.112

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07iv. Recommendations for proper maintenance,upkeep and use of equipments.v. To fix up charges for the use of equipmentsby outsiders...................................................................................................................................................................................Infrastructure:i. Screening of infrastructure needs of thestaff, for civil works, furniture, phone,e-mail connection, furnishings, air conditioners,phone, e-mail connection, etc.ii. To assess and evaluate infrastructurerequirement of the Institute (Peechi,Nilambur, Palappilly)iii. To give suitable recommendations toDirector for his consideration andapproval.Procedurei. Meetings may be arranged by the Convenoras and when necessary.ii. The Convenor will prepare the minutesof the meeting including the decisionstaken and communicate to the Directorfor consideration.14. CONSULTANCY ADVISORYCOMMITTEEDr. K Jayaraman- ChairpersonDr. RV VarmaDr. ARR MenonDr. Mammen ChundamannilDr. EP IndiraRegistrarPI of the proposed Consultancy projectOther scientists co-opted depending uponthe subject requirement.Dr. RC Pandalai- ConvenorFunctions1. To keep up to date records/database ofConsultancies/Extension projects offeredto the Institute by various clients.2. To screen consultancy requests fromclients and make recommendations tothe Director, in due consideration ofthe Guidelines of the Council.Procedurei. The Committee shall meet as and whennecessary. Four members shall make upthe quorum.ii. Recommendations will be submittedto the Director for consideration andapproval.15. Ph.D. PROGRAMME AND M.Sc.STUDENTS ATTACHMENTADVISORY COMMITTEEDr. R Gnanaharan - ChairpersonDr. RV VarmaDr. M BalasundaranDr. EA JaysonDr. TK Dhamodaran - ConvenorInvitee(s)- Respective guide(s)FunctionsPh.D.i. Screen applications received for Ph.D.registration in due consideration of theguidelines issued by KFRI and theUniversities concerned in this matter andmake recommendations to the Director.ii. Organize and approve course work ofstudentsiii. Approve the schedule of attachment ofpart-time students at KFRI.iv. Advise the Director on policy mattersrelated to Ph.D. programme.v. Organize Seminars by Ph.D. scholarsevery month in consultation with theGuides and Chairperson, Seminar Committee.M.Sc.i. Screen applications/requests for specializedtrainings to fulfil M.Sc. degree in113

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutespecialized areas and select the candidatesdepending upon merit/interview.ii. Assign the students to the scientistsconcerned and coordinate their activities.iii. Evaluate the performance after theattachment and send the report to theCollege/University concerned.ProcedureThe Committee shall meet as and whennecessary. Three members shall make upthe quorum.....................................................................................................................................................................................16. NEWSLETTER COMMITTEEDr. VV Sudheendrakumar - EditorDr. K Swarupanandan}Dr. TK Dhamodaran - AssociatesDr. M SivaramMr. Subhash KuriakoseFunctionsi. Assembling and editing relevant materialfor the Newsletterii. Publication of the Newsletter once in sixmonthsiii. Review of policies for publication anddissemination of the Newsletter.ProcedureInformation relating to the activities of theInstitute, interim results of research projects,and other material of interest to practisingforesters originating from research in KFRI orelsewhere, should be assembled, edited andpublished in the Newsletter on a regular basisduring March and September of each year. Allmembers of the staff may send materials tothe Editor for consideration for publicationin the Newsletter. Recommendation forimprving the effectiveness of the newsletter,based on periodic review of the policies andproce-dure, shall be sent to the Director forapproval.17.BIODIVERSITY TECHNICALPROGRAMME COMMITTEEDirector- ChairpersonDr. C RenukaDr. KKN NairDr. Muktesh KumarDr. K YesodharanDr. KK RamachandranDr. EA JaysonDr. P PadmanabhanDr. RV VarmaDr. George MathewDr. VV SudheendrakumarDr. K MohanadasDr. C MohananDr. EJM FlorenceDr. KV SankaranDr. N SasidharanDr. M BalasundaranDr. K SwarupanandanDr. ARR MenonDr. P Vijayakumaran NairDr. PK Muraleedharan- Working Chairperson- Technical ProgrammeCoordinator andConvener18. BAMBOO AND RATTANJOURNAL COMMITTEEDirector- ChairpersonDr. R Gnanaharan - Editor-in-Chief/WorkingChairpersonDr. C. Mohanan - Editor/MemberDr. EM Muraleedharan - Editor/MemberDr. K Sankara Pillai - CirculationOfficer/MemberDr. N Sarojam - AssociateCirculationOfficer/Member/Convener114

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Functionsi. Maintain a database of Advisory Boardmembers, peer reviewers, subscribers, etc.ii. Correspond with Authors, AdvisoryBoard Members, Peer reviewers andPrinter.iii. Call for articles and get them peer reviewed,edit them technically and send themto the authors for correction and forwardthe corrected copies to the printerfor publishing.iv. Maintain international quality and punctualityin bringing out four issues in ayear.v. Oversee the dispatch of the copies, offprints, etc.vi. Get new subscribers and advertisers.vii. Prepare annual budget during August/September for the following year andforward to the Director.viii. Submit a report of the activities to theDirector six monthly and annually,including receipts and expenditure statements.ix. For all purchase, printing, etc., followInstitute procedure and Rules of KSCSTE.x. All the receipts and expenditure will bebooked under a separate head “Bambooand Rattan Journal”...................................................................................................................................................................................Procedurei. The articles received shall be assignedregistration numbers and new filesopened.ii. The editorial team will meet regularly todecide the peer-reviewers to whom themanuscripts should be sent for review.iii. The accepted articles will be edited, pagesset and sent to the press.iv. Galley proof will be sent to the authorsalong with copy right permission and offprints requests.v. Each issue will be dispatched throughbulk mailing system/operator.vi. Invoices will be sent to the subscribersfor renewing the subscriptions.vii.The Committee will decide the tariff foradvertisement and periodically reviewthe tariff and subscription rate.19. SEMINAR COMMITTEEDr. George Mathew - ChairpersonDr. CK SomanMr. KH HussainMr. PP SunnyMr. PK Thulasidas - ConvenorFunctionsi. Organise lectures by scientists/researchfellows of the Institute as well as invitedexperts on various subjects related toforestry.ii. Organize debates and discussions ontopics of multi-disciplinary interest.iii. Organise presentation of talk by scientistswho are proposing to attend nationaland international meetings.iv. Suggest improvements and modificationsin the presentation material.v. Custodian of all audio-visual equipmentsin the Institute and their maintenance.vi. Supervise maintenance and upkeep ofAuditorium, Seminar Hall and ConferenceHall and suggest modifications/changes, if any required.vii.Assist the organization of various Workshops,Meetings in the Institute.Procedurei. There shall be at least one Seminar oncein three months.ii. Invited speakers may be paid travelexpenses and local hospitality whennecessary, and a token honorarium, onprior approval of the Director.115

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Instituteiii. Seminar presentations by the participatingScientists will be organized as andwhen required.20. LIBRARY & INFORMATIONNETWORKING ADVISORYCOMMITTEEMr. K Sankara Pillai - ChairpersonDr. Jose KallarackalDr. PK MuraleedharanDr. P RugminiDr. C MohananMrs. N SarojamMr. KH HussainMr. AR Rajan- Convenor....................................................................................................................................................................................Functionsi. Recommendations on general managementpolicies of the Library.ii. Review of the library and informationservices and recommendations.iii. Review of requests and recommendationsfor purchase of books and documentsand subscription to journals.iv. Periodic check on the upkeep of theLibrary independently and report toLibrarian/Director on actions needed.v. Periodic updation of the website withnew research activities, training programmes,human resource requirements/positions available, tender notices, etc.Procedurei. Meetings may be arranged by the Convenoras and when necessary, but at leastonce in three months.ii. The Chairperson shall communicate theminutes/recommendations to theDirector for information/action.21. AUDITORIUM, CONFERENCE/LECTURE HALLS COMMITTEEEngineer- ChairpersonDr. CK Soman - Working ChairpersonMr. PP SunnyMr. UY JohnFunctionsi. To oversee the upkeep, maintenance/cleaning of Auditorium/all the ConferenceHalls/ Lecture Halls (including inthe Extension & Training Centre) andtheir facilities (Airconditioning, Projectorsand Public Address System).ii. Keep a register for booking and allottingConference/Lecture Halls on prioritybasis. The Auditorium and Main ConferenceHall in the Administration will bebooked only with the prior permissionof the Director. No booking will bedone for outside agencies without priorsanction of the Director.iii. Mr. PP Sunny will be responsible forswitching on of A/C units at least oncea week with a log book (separately forAdministration/ Conference Hall/ LectureHalls).iv. Dr. CK Soman will be custodian ofLCD Projector and Mr. PP Sunny, ofPublic Address System.v. Undertake repairs and annual maintenanceas and when required; any damagenoticed should be reported to the Director.vi. Mr. UY John will be responsible for thecleanliness of premises of all the facilities(Auditorium, Conference Halls, LectureHalls).vii. The Booking Register and Log Book ofairconditioner will be under the custodyof Dr. CK Soman.116

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07viii. To ensure that these facilities are notmisused such as Conference Secretariator meeting with visitors or lounge foreating food, etc.22. ANNUAL REPORT COMMITTEEDr. N. Sasidharan- ChairpersonDr. R. GnanaharanDr. VV SudheendrakumarDr. KV BhatMr. PK Chandrasekhara PillaiRegistrarDr. CK Soman- Convenor...................................................................................................................................................................................Functionsi. To compile information on progress ofwork in each research project, variousaspects of research and other activitiesin a prescribed format for all theDivisions from RME, and Nilambur SubCentre and Field Research Centre, Palappilly.ii. To collect relevant information onBudget, fund allocation, expenditure, etc.from RME and Administration.iii. Prepare a draft Annual Report by 30 thJune each year for approval of the ManagingCommittee.iv. To get the Annual Report printed afterthe approval of the Managing Committeefor circulation.23. PUBLIC RELATIONS ANDEXHIBITION COMMITTEEDr. Thomas P. Thomas - ChairpersonDr. KV Mohammed Kunhi - Co-ChairpersonDr. MP SujathaDr. UN NandakumarMr. P. PadmanabhanMr. PK ThulasidasMr. V AsokanMr. Subash KuriakoseMr. A RamakrishnanMr. KK AhmadMr. AntonyMr. VP Ravindran - ConvenorFunctionsi. Organize and participate in exhibitionsto disseminate the research results generatedin the Institute.ii. Organize public lectures by eminentpersons/scientists.iii. Arrange press release, reports, TV interview,radio talks to publicize the researchresults/sanction of new projects and othermatters of interest to forestry sector withthe permission of the Director.24. CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTCOMMITTEEDr. RV Varma- ChairpersonDr. RC PandalaiDr. C MohananDr. KK RamachandranDr. UM ChandrasekharaMr.Chandrasekhara PillaiDr. UN NandakumarDr. KV BhatDr. K YesodharanMr. KK UnniMr.V AsokanMr.T PrabhakaranMr.CK VincentMr.KR Mukundan, Engineer - ConvenorFunctionsi. To advise the Director on matters relatedto upkeep of the campus buildings,117

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institutegardens and surroundings at Peechi,Nilambur and Palappilly.ii. To propose development plans for theInstitute campuses.iii. To scrutinize proposals put up by othersand make recommendations to Directorfor approval.Procedurei. Meetings will be organized and site visitsmade as and when necessary.ii. Recommendations of the Committeewill be forwarded to the Director forconsideration with a copy to Equipment& Infrastructure Development Committeefor inputs/ observations.....................................................................................................................................................................................25. SPORTS COMMITTEEDr. K Mohanadas- ConvenorMr. KR MukundanMr. K Sankara PillaiMr. CK VincentFunctionsi. To organize sports and games.ii. To coordinate with the State ForestDepartment in sports events.26. CAFETARIA COMMITTEEDr. KV Sankaran- ChairpersonDr. T SurendranDr. EJ Maria FlorenceMr. ThulasidasMr. PP SunnyMr. MC MohandasDy. Registrar (Accounts)Mrs. Mary Kuruvilla - ConvenerFunctions1. Overall supervision of efficient functioningof the Institute Cafetaria, includingmaintaining hygiene and leanliness.2. Oversee the pricing and quality of food.3. To suggest menus depending uponrequirement and demand.4. To keep an inventory of all the itemssuch as kitchen equipments, cookware,crockery, cutlery, etc. belonging to theInstitute.5. To facilitate repairs and maintenancework in Cafetaria.6. To make suggestions and recommendationsfor improving the working ofthe Cafetaria.7. To ensure prestigious ambience in theCafetaria to suit the Research Institution.118

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07...................................................................................................................................................................................LIST OF STAFFThere are 58 Scientific, 9 Technical, and 68 administrative staff in the Institute. Apart from this thereare persons working on contract basis, project staff working for different research projects andsecurity staff on contract basis.Scientific StaffDr. R Gnanaharan, DirectorNo. Name Designation Date ofjoining1. Dr. R. Gnanaharan, Director Scientist –G 14-09-19792. Dr. J. K. Sharma Director till Jan 2007 Scientist - G 13-11-1978Research Monitoring & Evaluation Unit3. Dr. C.K. Soman Scientist –B 06-12-1978Sustainable Natural and Plantation Forest Management4. Dr. Jose Kallarackal, Programme Coordinator Scientist –F 14-12-19875. Dr. M. Balasundaran, Scientist I/C(F), Biotechnoloy Scientist –EII 12-04-19796. Dr. E.P. Indira, Scientist I/C(F), Genetics and Tree Breeding Scientist –EII 28-02-19797. Dr. K.K.Seethalakshmi, Scientist I/C(F), Tree Physiology Scientist –EII 13-09-19798. Dr. T. Surendran Scientist –EII 30-07-19799. Dr. R. C. Pandalai, Registrar I/C Scientist I/C(F), Silviculture Scientist –EI 14-03-198310. Dr. U.N. Nandakumar Scientist –EI 23-03-198311. Dr. E.M. Muralidharan Scientist –EI 27-05-199112. Dr. M.P. Sujatha Scientist –EI 11-12-198713. Dr. S. Kumaraswamy Scientist-B 28-09-199814. Mr. P.K. Chandrasekhara Pillai SSA 18-10-1983InstrumentationDr. M. Balagopalan, Programme CoordinatorScientist I/C(F), Soil Science Scientist –EII 14-03-1978Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation15. Dr. Renuka, C, Programme Coordinator Scientist –EII 10-06-197716. Dr. K.K.N. Nair, Scientist I/C(F), Forest Botany Scientist –EII 26-08-198217. Dr. P. S. Easa Scientist –EII 16-08-197818. Dr. K.K. Ramachandran, Scientist I/C(F), Wildlife Scientist –EII 17-08-197819. Dr. M.S. Mukteshkumar Scientist –EII 18-09-198020. Dr. E.A. Jayson Scientist –EII 16-12-1981119

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute21. Dr. K. Swarupanandan, Scientist I/C(F),Forest Ecology and Conservation Scientist –EI 20-07-197922. Dr. U.M. Chandrashekara, Scientist I/C, Nilambur Sub Centre Scientist –EI 15-07-199223. Mr. P. Padmanabhan Scientist –B 07-02-197924. Dr. K. Yesodharan Scientist –B 18-04-198025. Mr. K.K. Unni SSA 11-12-1978Forest Protection26. Dr. R.V. Varma, Programme Coordinator Scientist –F 28-10-197627. Dr. George Mathew, Scientist I/C(F), Entomology Scientist –EII 08-07-197728. Dr. C. Mohanan, Scientist I/C(F), Forest Pathology Scientist -EII 16-05-197929. Dr. V.V. Sudheendrakumar Scientist –EII 19-02-197930. Dr. K.V. Sankaran Scientist –EII 21-05-198231. Dr. K. Mohanadas Scientist –EI 01-06-198232. Dr. T.V. Sajeev Scientist -C 06-02-1997Forest Utilization33. Dr. K. Mahabala Bhat, Programme Coordinator Scientist –F 12-01-197934. Dr. N. Sasidharan, Scientist I/C(F), NWFP Scientist –EII 25-02-197735. Dr. T.K. Dhamodaran Scientist –EI 02-08-198236. Dr. K.V. Bhat, Scientist I/C(F), Wood Science and Technology Scientist –EI 31-05-198237. Mr. P.K. Thulasidas SSA 28-06-1984Forestry and Human Dimensions38. Dr. P.K. Muraleedharan, Programme Coordinator (In-Charge) Scientist –EII 24-05-198239. Dr. S. Sankar Scientist –F 19-09-198140. Dr. C.N. Krishnankutty Scientist –EII 24-09-198141. Dr. Mammen Chundamannil Scientist –EI 29-05-198242. Dr. V. Anitha Scientist –B 07-09-1998Forest Information Management System43. Dr. K. Jayaraman, Programme Coordinator Scientist –F 02-05-198444. Mrs. P. Rugmini Scientist –EII 17-11-197845. Dr. P. Vijayakumaran Nair, Scientist I/C(F), GIS Scientist –EII 01-11-198046. Dr. A.R. R. Menon, Scientist I/C(F),Remote Sensing Scientist –EII 19-09-197947. Dr. M. Sivaram Scientist –B 04-12-1998Extension and Training48. Mr. K.C. Chacko, Programme Coordinator Scientist –F 22-09-197749. Dr. Thomas P. Thomas Scientist –EII 31-12-197950. Dr. E.J. Maria Florence Scientist –EII 22-09-198051. Dr. K.V. Mohammed Kunhi Scientist –B 24-10-199452. Mrs. Sani Lookose, Curator, Teak Museum Scientist –B 07-08-200253. Mrs. V.P. Raveendran SSA 25-02-1993....................................................................................................................................................................................120

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-07Library and Information54. Mr. K. Sankara Pillai, Librarian,Programme Coordinator (In-Charge) Scientist –C 05-07-198055. Mr. A.R. Rajan, Scientist I/C(F), LAN Scientist –EI 01-12-197856. Mrs. N. Sarojam, Asst. Librarian Scientist –B 06-07-198157. Mr. K.H. Hussain SSA 28-12-198158. Mr. K.F. George SSA 23-12-1994Technical staff...................................................................................................................................................................................No. Name Designation Date ofjoining1. Mr. K.R. Mukundan Spl. Grade Engineer 17-11-19802. Mr. P.P. Sunny Sr. Spl. Grade Technical Officer 23-04-19793. Mr. U.Y. John Spl. Grade Technical Officer 09-01-19814. Mr. C.A. Jose Sr. Spl. Grade Technical Assistant 07-05-19825. Mr. D. Skariah Spl. Grade Technical Assistant 01-09-19836. Mr. K.C. Subramanian Spl. Grade Technical Assistant 22-07-19857. Mr. K.M.Velayudhan Spl. Grade Technical Assistant 10-03-19868. Mr. M.R. Anilkumar Spl. Grade Technical Assistant 30-01-19899. Mr. P.B. Sajeeva Rao Spl. Grade Technical Assistant 30-01-1989Administrative staffNo. Name Designation Date ofjoining1. Mr. K. Thulaseedharan Nair Registrar (on deputation leave) 15-03-20022. Mr. P. Achuthankutty PS to Director 03-01-19833. Mrs. V.K. Leela Sr. Section Officer 02-07-19794. Mrs. K.N. Rajamma Sr. Section Officer 02-07-19795. Mr. M. Achuthan kutty Internal Auditor On Deputation6. Mr. A. Ramakrishnan PA to Registrar 16-11-19777. Mr. M.S. Sukumaran Section Officer 09-01-19808. Mr. V. Asokan Sr. Office Superintendent 16-10-19769. Mrs. K.M. Suseela Sr. Assistant Office Manager 18-04-198010. Mr. K. Rajendran Assistant Office Manager 01-07-198611. Mr. P.A. Sulaiman Assistant Office Manager 12-08-200312. Mr. K.A. Gopalan Assistant Office Manager 20-05-198713. Mrs. Mary Kuruvilla Sr. Assistant Office Manager 07-07-1980121

Annual report 2006-07Kerala Forest Research Institute14. Mrs. Sabitha Balakrishnan Office Assistant 03-09-199915. Mrs. Shirly Issac Office Assistant 26-08-200316. Mrs. K. Annapoorni PA to Research Coordinator 12-07-198217. Mrs. Grace Andrews Spl. Grade Confidential Assistant 27-01-198718. Mrs. T.V. Chandrika Sr. Spl. Grade Typist 28-04-198019. Mr. P.M.Venugopalan Spl. Grade Typist 22-05-197820. Mr. E.O. James Tidode Spl. Grade Typist 31-01-197921. Mr. M. Cherukunhan Nair Sr. Typist 20-10-197622. Mr. K.P. Manoj Sr. Typist 28-08-199223. Mr. T.M. Abdul Vahab Sr. Word Processing Assistant 27-01-198924. Mr. K.S. Karunakaran Sr. Clerical Assistant 01-12-197825. Mr. T. Prabhakaran Sr. Clerical Assistant 23-10-197626. Mr. T. Chandran Sr. Spl. Grade Driver 19-10-197627. Mr. P.I. Madhavan Sr. Spl. Grade Driver 22-10-197628. Mr. K. Girijavallabhan Sr. Spl. Grade Driver 22-03-197729. Mr. S. Shahul Hameed Sr. Spl. Grade Driver 06-06-197730. Mr. P. Mohandas Spl. Grade Driver 06-08-197931. Mr. T.C. Paul Senior Driver 01-07-199432. Mr. V.C. Chandran Senior Driver 01-07-199433. Mr. K.M. Mathen Driver 31-03-200134. Mr. M.C. Mohandas Sr. Attendant 24-10-197735. Mr. P.A. Sankarankutty Sr. Attendant 30-01-197836. Mr. K.R. George Sr. Attendant 18-07-197837. Mr. K.R. Sevaraman Sr. Office Messenger 22-01-197938. Mr. A.V. Velayudhan Sr. Attendant 13-06-197939. Mr. K.K. Ahammad Sr. Attendant 02-08-197940. Mr. P.S. Raman Sr. Attendant 02-04-198041. Mr. M.C. Reghunathan Sr. Attendant 08-04-198042. Mr. V.N. Balakrishnan Attendant 24-07-198143. Mr. K.C. Subramanian Attender 06-10-198244. Mrs. N. Baby Attender 24-11-199545. Mr. A.C. Antony Sr. Attender 10-11-198246. Mrs. Ricy Eliner Varkey Computer LAN Assistant 02-03-200647. Mrs. K.K. Vanaja Helper 26-08-200348. Miss. N. Aparna Helper 23-08-200449. Mr. P. Rajeesh Helper 14-06-200050. Mr. K. Syed Mohammed Spl. Grade Watcher 24-07-198551. Mr. K. Nanu Spl. Grade Watcher 12-06-1986....................................................................................................................................................................................122

Kerala Forest Research InstituteAnnual report 2006-0752. Mr. T.P. Padmanabhan Sr. Cook 06-01-198153. Mr. K.Mohanan Sr. Ticket Vendor 09-11-198154. Mr. C.K. Vincent Sr. Gardener 17-12-199155. Mrs. A.M. Lalitha Sr. Helper 01-08-198656. Ms. T.G. Chandrika Sr. Helper 01-03-198857. Mr. V.K. Mohandas Sr. Helper 01-01-199258. Mr. N.I. Thankappan Sr. Helper 01-01-199259. Mr. E.P. Ulahannan Sr. Helper 01-01-199260. Mrs. A.K. Ammini Helper 03-01-198661. Mrs. E.V. Thanka Helper 03-11-198662. Mrs. K.V. Bharathy Helper 03-11-198663. Mr. C.J. John Sr. Helper 01-08-198664. Mr. V. Mohammed Ali Sr. Helper 01-08-198665. Mr. P. Mohammed Sr. Helper 01-08-198666. Mr. C.P. Shoukathali Sr. Helper 01-03-198667. Mr. K. Mohammed Sr. Helper 01-01-199268. Mr. K.K. Mohammed Helper 05-07-1994...................................................................................................................................................................................123

2006-07 - Kerala Forest Research Institute

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