Tropical Plant Research

Ningthoujam Linthoingambi Devi*, Dipendra Singha and Ashesh Kumar Das

*Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar-788011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/tpr.2019.v6.i3.046

Abstract:
Phenological characteristics of dominant deciduous tree species were investigated in the traditional Meitei homegardens at Bantarapur village, Barak valley, Assam, northeast India. A considerable variation was recorded in leaf flush, leaf fall, flowering and fruiting pattern of the tree species that could be attributed to climatic factors. The peak periods of leaffall occur in the months of November–January, leaf flush and flowering peaks in the months of February - March, and the peak fruiting occurs in the months of May-June. The leaf flushing and leaf fall periods were delayed during second year of observation for all the deciduous tree species. The leaf flush period of all the tree species showed a positive correlation with rainfall and temperature, while a negative correlation was observed between leaf fall and rainfall. Synchrony indices for leaf flush phenophase of the entire deciduous tree species ranged from 0.68–0.95. The leaf strategy index increased as a function of deciduousness duration and ranged from 0.61–1.00 for all the deciduous tree species. Present findings significantly enhanced in understanding the phenology of selected deciduous tree species growing homegarden in relation to varying climatic parameters. The outcomes of the present study could well be utilized significantly for further study in broader levels to understand the adaptive response of trees growing in the homegarden to changing climatic factors and their better management for sustainable use.