INFLUENCE OF CALCIUM SUPPLY ON BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN ENDEMIC AND ENDANGERED TREE SPECIES OF TROPICAL FORESTS, OF SOUTH EASTERN GHATS

摘要

Three tropical endemic tree species viz., Pterocarpus santalinus L.f., Boswellia ovalifoliolata Bal. & Henry and Syzygium alternifolium Walp were grown in soils amended with different calcium concentrations (10,20,30,40 and 50 mM) in earthen pots. Allthe three species grown in amended soil, with addition of calcium, showed higher levels of biomass, calcium and calmodulin content. Among the three species, P.santalinus showed more biomass production than the other two tree species grown on soils supplemented with 30 mM calcium. Higher levels of Ca~(2+) and CaM were associated with calcium treated saplings than with the control plants. Ca~(2+) plays an important role to increase biomass production in tree saplings.