MSc

The research work entitled "Standardisation of gum-oleoresin extraction technique in Matti
(Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston.)" was carried out April 2017 to April 2018. The experiment
was carried out in the field of Instructional
Farm, College of Horticulture, KAU, Vellanikkara. The main objective was to
develop an appropriate technique for extraction of gum-oleoresin and also to
study the correlation between tree dimension and anatomical features with gumoleoresin
production in Ailanthus triphysa.
A total of twenty-seven trees were selected for conducting the study in
which three girth classes (<75, 75-150, >150) and three extraction technique each
with three replication were taken. Data analysis done for monthly interval,
showed significant difference in girth class except in the month of July and
August and for extraction technique it was found to be non-significant difference
for all the months except May.
Data analysed for different seasons revealed that the girth class <75 was
found to be significantly different from other girth classes i.e., 75-150 and >150.
Different extraction techniques were found to be non-significant for all the three
seasons. Effect of season and treatment (girth x extraction techniques) on gumoleoresin
yield was found to be significantly different. The highest quantity of
gum oleoresin was reported in post-monsoon season (65.15 g/tree/season)
followed by monsoon (39.23 g/tree/season) and least in summer season (18.08
g/tree).
Analysis for whole study period revealed that girth class <75 was found to
be significantly different from girth classes >75. As the amount of gum-oleoresin
yield was obtained from girth class >150 cm (712.07 g/year) and in 75-150 cm
girth class, (604.06 g/year) and least in girth class <75cm (147.64 g/year). It was
found to be non-significant for different extraction techniques.
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Anatomical study unveiled the deposition of gum-oleoresin in vessels
through the pits present on the walls of vessels and it was also observed that the
ray parenchyma was playing an important role in production of gum-oleoresin as
the rays are mainly meant for radial conduction.
The effect of bark thickness and girth on production of gum-oleoresin was
found to be significant with correlation coefficient 0.65 and 0.82 respectively.
The climatic parameters like temperature, relative humidity, Rainfall,
number of rainy days, sunshine hours, wind speed was found to be nonsignificantly
related with gum-oleoresin production.
The present study carried out during April 2017 to April 2018, concluded
that the trees having <75 girth should not be tapped as its yield was found to be
very low. For the extraction of gum oleoresin, all the three methods can be used as
it has no effect on the gum-oleoresin production. The present study also revealed
that the gum-oleoresin production was less during the summer season. So, the
tapping can be avoided during that period.