Timing of phenological events and fruit ripening in Ficus palmata forssk. In the Mid Himalayan Region

Abstract

Ficus palmata Forssk. is commonly growing wild in the Himalayan region of the family Moraceae. A study was undertaken at the Kumaun Himalaya region to evaluate the regeneration, phenology, maturity indices, and nutrition status of F. palmata. The density of F. palmata across the sites ranged between 22 and 122 ind/ha. Seedlings were completely absent in all the study sites. However, saplings were present in low numbers. The seeds were minute, and germination was high ranging between 84.68 ± 2.42 and 95.33 ± 1.64% while the seed moisture content was between 36.33 ± 0.88 and 42.33 ± 0.88% across all the sites. Flowering and fruiting occurred twice a year from March-May to October-December. Only the seeds produced during summer season (April-May) were viable. It is facing high anthropogenic pressure and poor regeneration. There is an urgent need for conservation and large-scale plantation programs. Assessment of the exact time of fruit/seed maturation using physical indicators can help collect viable seeds for regeneration and multiplication of the species. The study could highlight that this species is facing severe regeneration problems. Fruit/seed maturation can disturb its synchronization with the monsoon rains when maximum germination occurs. Study developed baseline data on phenological events for future referencing on the impact of climate change on this species.