MSc

A study on the “Geographical Indications status for Nilambur teak (Tectona
grandis L.f)” was carried out in teak plantations of Nilambur and in Central Kerala
(Thrissur, Palakkad and Ernakulam) during 2014-2016. The investigation focused on
analyzing the potential of securing Geographical indications status for Nilambur teak
by exploring the historical importance of Nilambur teak with the help of PRA tool
timeline, comparing its wood quality with other National and International
provenances and analysing the soil properties and climatic factors that are responsible
for the uniqueness of Nilambur teak and to assess the popularity of Nilambur teak
among the timber traders.
Wood properties of three best teak growing plantations in Nilambur viz.,
Aryavallikkavu, Elencheri and Kanakuthu were analysed. Growth parameters such as
girth at breast height (GBH) and height were taken from the selected trees; also non
destructive testing methods (NDT) using Pilodyn (6J) and Tree Sonic Timer
(FAKOPP) were used to estimate wood physical and mechanical properties.
Heartwood percentage and colour were estimated in the teak discs collected from the
selected plantations. No significant variation was found in Pilodyn penetration depth
(PPD), Stress wave velocity (SWV), dynamic modulus of elasticity, heartwood
percentage and GBH between the three plantations of Nilambur region. Heartwood
colour determining components (hue, value and chroma) did not show any significant
variation between the sites. In general, there was not much variation in physical and
mechanical properties of teak grown in the various sites of Nilambur region.
For analyzing soil properties, two soil pits of 1 m * 1 m* 1 m were dug from each
of these plantations. Soil samples were collected from 0-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80 and
81-100 cm depths. The soil texture was sandy loam in all the sites and at different
depths of soils in the selected teak plantations. Soil pH ranged from 6.05 to 4.79 from
top to bottom layer indicating moderate acidity which measured with soil depth in
teak plantations. The bulk density values were generally higher in the deeper layers
of the soil. The mean bulk density values were in the range 1.0 to 1.92 g/cm3. Soil N,
P, K content was lower in all the three sites compared to natural forests. Organic
carbon content varied from 1.83 to 0.25 per cent with depth.
Popularity and reputation of Nilambur teak among the traders studied through a
questionnaire survey in sawmills of Thrissur, Palakkad and Ernakulam revealed that
Nilambur teak has a high reputation among sawmill owners. Among teak woods
available in the timber market of Central Kerala, Nilambur teak fetches high market
prices per cubic feet. It is concluded that Nilambur teak has good potential for
securing Geographical Indications status owing to its historical importance, good
reputation, excellent colour, higher heartwood percentage and better strength
properties.