Population studies for the evaluation of germplasm and threat status of the alpine medicinal herb, Nardostachys jatamansi
2003
Nautiyal, B.P. | Chauhan, R.S. | Prakash, V. | Purohit, H. | Nautiyal, M.C. (High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Garhwal, Uttaranchal (India))
Population ecology, morphological variation, germination potential and threat status of Nardostachys jatamansi were studied in Garhwal Himalaya. Habitat and native populations were analysed for the occurrence, distribution and status of the species. On the basis of phytosociological analysis, density and relative dominance were found to be very poor when compared with other alpine species. Observations on the extent of occurrence and population estimates of the species showed its endangered and vulnerable status in different locations. In general, the species was determined as vulnerable for Garhwal Himalaya. Morphological and environmental features that have a bearing on belowground biomass were identified. The medicinally useful plant part (underground rhizome) exhibited a significant relationship with plant density, plant height, and soil organic carbon and nitrogen content. On the basis of availability, superiority of morphological characters, yield per unit area, and presence of essential oil content, the Tungnath site (NJ3) was found to be suitable for collecting and multiplying germplasm for future conservation and cultivation. In general, germplasm collected from moist rocky habitats having higher carbon and nitrogen content was considered superior
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