Seedling Recruitment of Rhododendron arboreum: an important NTFP species of North-Western Himalaya, India

Abstract

We examined the recruitment, survival, mortality, growth, and development of Rhododendron arboreum Smith, one of the important Non- Timber forest Product species (NTFPs). Ten permanent plots (10 x 10 m²) were created in four sites of mixed broad-leaved temperate forests of Garhwal Himalaya. We measured seedling shoot length and collar diameter at the beginning of the experiment and re-measured at three-month intervals with maximum seedling recruitment recorded in Triguginaryan (36.36 %, during Nov and Aug), and most seedlings were found established either on the boundary or in either partially or fully gaps. While a higher rate of mortality occurred in the winter season. Maximum height increment for seedlings was recorded in Adhwani (1.005 cm^-1). R. arboreum recorded the highest recruitment during post-rainy, with an overall increment of 0.60 cm^-1. Seasonal variations were seen in the overall relative growth rate for height (RGRH) for Rhododendron seedlings. Seasonal variation in temperature and light is a crucial factor in determining growth. Because of the favorable temperature and soil moisture during the rainy season, vigorous shoot growth continued for the longest period of time at all four sites. The current study's findings also show that seedlings develop and survive better in gaps than in the understory. The current study also demonstrates that ideal soil moisture and temperature conditions are essential for seedling growth and development.