MSc

A study was undertaken in Mangaladevi, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, during the period 2001-2002 keeping in mind that edge species are better suited for the afforestation of the depleting shola forest than going for exotic species or any of the interior species. The specific objectives of this research project were to study and find out important edge tree species in the shola forest, to study the phenological aspects of these selected edge tree species and to study the artificial regeneration possibilities of these selected edge tree species.

Phytosociological analysis revealed 47 species of trees along the shola- grassland edge in an area of 5950m2 across 27 families. Species with highest Relative Importance Value Index (RIVI) were Psychotria elongata (15.22). Ligustrum robustum (11.33), Maesa indica (10.53), Litsea wightiana (7.39), and Vernonia arborea (5.27). The total density of the Shola forest edge was 1703 individuals ha-1. Psychotria elongata had the highest density of 588 individual ha-1 followed by Maesa indica, Ligustrum robustum and Litsea wightiana which were subjected to further phenological observations to determine their phenological patterns. Leaf, flower and fruit phenological patterns followed by these selected edge tree species during the period between July 2001 and June 2002 have been presented in detail. Data obtained from the phytosociological analysis were used to derive various diversity indices of the arborescent flora of these forests have also been presented. Results of maturity, storage and artificial regeneration studies conducted on Psychotria elongata, Ligustrum robustum and Maesa indica have also been presented. Maturity studies reveal that the seeds of Psychotria elongata and Ligustrum robustum mature in the month of January while, the seeds of Maesa indica was mature during the months of September to January. Results of storage studies on these species suggest that storage of Ligustrum robustum and Psychotria elongata is not advisable while, storage of Maesa indica is beneficial as it shows a ripening period after collection. The study revealed the lower diversity along the edges of the shola forests of Mangaladevi. This is of great concern and immediate steps need to be taken to stop further degradation of these forests and rejuvenate them. The results available about the phenology, maturity and storage studies of these species can help in further studies, which can lead to use of native edge tree species for enrichment of these depleting forests.