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Reproductive Phenology and Germination Behavior of Some Important Tree Species of Northeast India

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Abstract

The reproductive phenology and germination behavior of 15 important tree species (Acer laevigatum, Adinandra griffithii, Citrus latipes, Elaeocarpus prunifolius, Engelhardtia spicata, Ilex embelioides, Ilex khasiana, Ilex venulosa, Illicium griffithii, Magnolia lanuginosa, Magnolia punduana, Photinia cuspidata, Photinia integrifolia, Quercus glauca and Schima khasiana) were monitored at monthly intervals for two calendar years in subtropical broad-leaved humid forests of Northeast India. These species are either endemic or threatened to the region. The investigated species showed peak flowering during the spring- while fruiting peak was observed in the autumn-season. Of the fruit types, drupes and follicles were produced by many of these species. Majority of the species adopted zoochoric mode of dispersal. The germination phenology revealed that most of the species (Acer laevigatum, Elaeocarpus prunifolius, Illicium griffithii, Magnolia lanuginosa, Magnolia punduana and Quercus glauca) undergo a period of dormancy during winter season (December–February) and germination collides with the onset of rain indicating that moisture aids in germination. The prevailing environmental condition coupled with human disturbance seems to be of potential importance in influencing the recruitment of the selected species. Such studies would help in formulating effective strategies for conservation of these species.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF& CC), Government of India for the financial support in the form of a project (No. 14/25/2011-ERS/RE). The help and cooperation received from Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong and the local people during the field study is also acknowledged. The critical comments received from two anonymous reviewers has helped to improve the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Basic Sciences and Social Sciences, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India

    Krishna Upadhaya

  2. Department of Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India

    Aabid Hussain Mir & Viheno Iralu

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  1. Krishna Upadhaya
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Correspondence to Krishna Upadhaya.

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Upadhaya, K., Mir, A.H. & Iralu, V. Reproductive Phenology and Germination Behavior of Some Important Tree Species of Northeast India. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 88, 1033–1041 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-017-0841-4

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