The four-year centrally sponsored Seed and Pasture Development Programme is under implementation (1998-99 to 2001-02). The main objective of this scheme is to improve the existing infrastructure for seed processing, packaging and distribution. Under this programme construction of buildings for seed processing, laboratory for seed testing and purchase of machinery and equipment have been envisaged.

The centrally sponsored CSS Seed and Pastures Development Programme is at implementation at Shimoga and Dharwad.

In the year 1998-99 and 1999-2000, pouch packing of Dendrocalamus strictus, Wrightia tinctoria, Butea monosperma and Pongamia pinnata seeds was done.

14.2 Import of seeds

In the year 1999-2000, Eucalyptus camaldulensis , and Acacia auriculiformis seeds were imported from CSIRO Australia. The seeds of Acacia koa were imported from Agro Forester , Hawaii USA . All the seeds were distributed to the silviculturists for conducting trials.

14.3 Seed collection and DISTRIBUTION

Depending upon the seed requirement of commercially important tree species seed were collected and processed in the seed processing units. The processed seeds were dispatched to the territorial, social forestry and other divisions of the Department. Apart from supply of seeds to the Department, seeds have also been supplied to other State Forest Departments on demand.

In the year 1989-90 Aerial seeding of native species was undertaken in collaboration with the National Wasteland Development Board over an extent of 3100 ha . The objective was to study the effectiveness of the aerial seeding technique for afforestation in difficult and inaccessible areas. The seeds were treated and pelletized a few days prior to aerial seeding and were classified as light seeds and heavy seeds based on their size. During seeding operation, species selection for each sortie was done based on the terrain and the silvicultural requirement of the species. Ground preparation work was done in the areas prior to seeding. Staggered contour saucers measuring 100cm radius and 40cm depth were dug and semi circular bunds were formed on the lower end of the slope. This helped in preventing run off, arresting seeds and enhancing moisture retention in the area. The technique was tried in Charmrajnagar, Bandipur National Park , Bangalore Rural and Bangalore Urban Divisions.

In order to assess the germination and establishment of these seeds, sample plots were laid in seeded areas.

15.1.1 Irrigation trials - Tectona grandis and Dalbergia latifolia , 1991

In order to test the effect of irrigation on growth of Tectona grandis and Dalbergia latifolia trial plots were laid at Doresanipallya Research Station in the year 1991. Irrigation schedule was on alternate days for first three years.

Observation in 1999

15.1.2 Trials on pit size for forest tree species

Multiplication of commercially important fruit yielding species viz; Tamarindus indica, Emblica officinalis, Syzygium cumini, Artocarpus heterophyllus etc., is being undertaken in the state by vegetative methods. These propagules are either used for departmental planting or distributed to farmers, as there is a good demand for them in transitional and dry areas.

It is observed that the size of the pit has a bearing on moisture conservation besides providing ideal root-bed conditions, which in turn may influence establishment and growth of grafts under rain fed condition. With this background experiments were performed during 1998 rains at Gungargatti, Goovinakovi and Beeranakere to study the effect of different pit sizes on establishment and growth of grafts of various fruit yielding species. Different pit sizes of 50cm x 50cm x 50cm, 75cm x 75cm x 75cm and 100cm x 100cm x 100cm were tried as sub-treatments. Anacardium occidentale , Emblica officinalis, Tamarindus indica and Feronia elephantum grafts were planted in these pits. It was observed that at Gungargatti Anacardium occidentale, Emblica officinalis and Tamarindus indica reacted favorably to 75cm x 75cm x 75cm and 100cm x 100cm x 100cm size pits with respect to plant height and girth at ground level compared to 50cm x 50cm x 50cm pit size.

15.1.3 Agri-Silvi plot at Sampaje 1979 - 1.0 ha

With an object to find out the effect and economics of agricultural crops with tree crop, 1.00 ha plot of agricultural and forest species was raised at Sampaje. One thousand Acrocarpus fraxinifolius seedlings were planted as tree crop; Chillies, Brinjal, Beans, Sweet potato and Tomato were planted in between the rows as agricultural crop.

15.1.4 Teak coppice study

Some of the Teak plants when cut, produce profuse and vigorous coppice shoots. If the progenies of such plants are propagated and supplied to farmers to plant them in their lands, it will be beneficial to them, as they can obtain Teak poles within a short period. Hence, such Teak plants were identified in Kalaghatgi and Dharwad area and Teak seedlings were propagated vegetatively from the buds of the plants. These seedlings were planted in small plots as detailed below. The performance regarding production of coppice shoots is being studied.

15.2.1 Research Works on Rattans (Canes) in Southern Zone, Madikeri:

Eighteen-month-old cane seedlings with protective spines are ideal for planting and show better success rate. With regard to the requirement of shade in the nursery stage, Calamus nagbettai does not require any shade while Calamus prasinus requires moderate shade and Calamus thwaitesii and Calamus vattayila require good shade.

Cane plantations have been established in Sampaje, Madikeri, Monnangeri, Derane and Boliyar in South Zone. Cane Seed Production Stand ( 25.0 ha ) have been established at Kollamogaru in South Kanara District for collecting quality seeds. A cane germ-plasm bank has been established at Sampaje in Kodagu District. The species planted are: Calamus metzianus, Calamus travancoricus, Calamus rotang, Calamus stoloniferus, Calamus gamblei, Calamus psuedotenuis, Calamus hookerianus, Calamus prasinus, Calamus thwaitesii, Calamus vattayila, and Calamus nagbettai. The growth of Calamus nagbettai and Calamus vattayila is better compared to Calamus prasinus and Calamus thwaitesii in departmental plantations. Two varieties of Calamus nagbettai , one with light yellow and other with pink stem are observed in Subramanya Range in Dakshin Kannada district but this is not reported in the literature available. Stem in the genus, Calamus has no branching. But an unidentified species with aerial branching is observed in Kagenari in Hassan District . This phenomenon is reported in the case of Calamus gamblei . But the species found in Kagenari appears to differ from Calamus gamblei .

15.2.2. Trial on afforestation on saline soils at Hosur

A trial plot was established in the year 1987 in an area of 2 ha at Hosur on saline soils in Badami Research Range with Azadirachta indica, Acacia nilotica, Albizzia lebbek , Dalbergia sissoo, Caesalpinia coriaria, Ziziphus jujuba and Syzygium cumini to find the suitability of these for afforestation in saline soils.

The above seven species were planted under three different treatments (1) Pits (2) Raised mounds and (3) Trenches. Albizzia lebbek , Azadirachta indica , Caesalpinia coriaria , Acacia nilotica have come-up well in all the three methods of site preparations. In the initial years, the performance of species planted on mounds was good compared to growth on other methods of site preparation. But as the trees aged, the influence of site preparation technique was not evident.

15.2.3. Fertilizer trials and natural stand of Big and Small Bamboo:

Fertilizer application trials on big and small bamboos were performed in 1997 at Kalave, Sirsi and at Kukwada Ubrani State Forest . The experiments were performed with 9 treatments in 3 replications. Number of culms, girth and height were the parameters recorded. Fertilizers like DAP, (750gm/clump and 1500gm/clump), Rock Phosphate (1kg/clump and 2kg/clump), FYM (0.1m 3 and 0.2m 3 / clump) and Mycimeal (1kg/clump and 2 kg/clump) were applied. Decongestion of the clumps was common to all treatments. Initial observations were recorded on, number of culms, culm girth and height during November 1997. Second observations were recorded during November 1998. Number of culms increased significantly in all the treatments except where application of FYM 0.1 m 3 /clump, Mycimeal 1 kg and Mycimeal 2kg per clump was done. The culms' girth increased significantly due to the application of Mycimeal 1kg and 2kg, Rock phosphate 1kg and FYM.

15.2.4. Low cost afforestation technology:

Seed dibbling and stump planting were done at Hoskote and Ramdevarabetta. Stump planting at Ramdevarabetta has given encouraging results but growth rate is not appreciable.

15.2.5. Micro Orchard

An attempt has been made to develop a Tamarind micro-orchard. The technique involves developing the selected clonal parents in 1m diameter cement pots, which can be shifted from place to place. Grafted seedlings are raised in these pots. Flowering will be induced after 3 years by hormonal spray. These micro-orchards may allow the breeder to combine desired characters and controlled pollination can be carried out. Thereby, breeding for new varieties can be attempted. This is a new method being tried for the first time in the State. Further experiments and studies are needed.

15.2.6. Production of instant trees

Publicity and Extension are integral components of research. The knowledge acquired through research needs to be disseminated. Therefore the research wing of the department is engaged in various activities by which it intends to transfer the technology to the field.

16.1 Publications

Notable amongst the publications is the journal MY FOREST . This is published quarterly and is sent to forest officers and educational institutions. Articles are from scientists, foresters and other researchers.This journal is abstracted in the “Commonwelth Forestry Abstracts”

In addition to this SILVA'S NEWS LETTER is brought out monthly. It keeps track of the latest experiments carried out in the field of forestry and publishes the same for the benefit of all. Brochures for several species such as Tamarind, Bamboo, Teak, Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Jackfruit, Amla, Neem etc., were printed for the distribution to the public. The officers of the department have published several books and theises either in their personal capacity are while performing their duties in various capacities.