http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/14471 2026-04-20T03:47:10Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/15908 Title: CHARACTERISITS OF VEGETATION AND THE VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS ON THE NORTHERN SLOPE OF THE USUN MOUNTAINS, XINJIANG Authors: TIAN, ZHONG-PING; ZHUANG, LI; LU, SHUANG; LI, WEI-HONG; WANG, ZHONG-KE; LIU, YANG Abstract: Representative plant communities on the northern slope of the Usun Mountains, Xinjiang were selected for sampling and investigation. A total of 48 plots were established along the slope, ranging from 1,400 to 3,000m asl. The investigated vegetation communities covered all community types along the altitude gradient. Using TWINSPAN classification, GAM model diversity index fitting and comprehensive DCCA sorting analysis, the results showed that: (1) Plant genera and species were relatively diverse. Rosaceae, Cruciferae, Leguminosae, Compositae, Poaceae and Labiatae were relatively abundant, seed propagation was dominant. (2) Four vegetation vertical bands were classified from high to low elevation as sub-alpine meadow, coniferous forest, mountain steppe and desert steppe, respectively. (3) Total species richness, Simpson index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou evenness index exhibited multiple peaks with the increase in elevation gradient, although only the last Pielou evenness index peak was very obvious. (4) The specific species diversity index pattern observed along the northern slope of the Usun Mountains was likely related to climate and soil nutrient status, and was specific for the Tianshan Mountains. (5) Under complex mountainous terrain, the differences in biotope conditions were very significant. The combination of elevation, slope, soil moisture, available phosphorus, available potassium and pH influenced and controlled the formation of community distribution patterns on the northern slope. This study revealed vegetation distribution patterns and their relationship with the environment on the northern slope of the Usun Mountains and provided important information for biodiversity conservation and the development. 2013-09-23T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/15907 Title: AGE AND GROWTH RATES OF DOMINANT CONIFERS FROM MOIST TEMPERATE AREAS OF HIMALAYAN AND HINDUKUSH REGION OF PAKISTAN Authors: MUHAMMAD FAHEEM SIDDIQUI; SYED SHAHID SHAUKAT; MOINUDDIN AHMED2; KHAN, NASRULLAH; KHAN, IMRAN AHMED Abstract: Dendrochronological studies were conducted based on the data of 41 different mature stands of moist temperate areas of southern Himalayan and Hindukush region of Pakistan. Wood samples as cores were obtained from 222 trees including those of Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson, Abies pindrow Royle, Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don., Picea smithiana (Wall.) Boiss., and Taxus fuana Nan Li & R.R. Mill., using an increment borer. Age and growth rates of these trees were estimated. Correlations were sought between the diameter / age, diameter / growth rate and age and growth rate on the basis individual stands and on an overall basis. More than 50% correlations were found to be significant. Relationship between the growth rate of dominant conifer species with environmental factors (soil nutrients, edaphic factors and topographic factors) was also sought. In general, they disclosed poor relationships. Growth rate of Abies pindrow showed weak correlation (p<0.1) with salinity, total dissolved salts and water holding capacity while that of Cedrus deodara also exhibited weak correlation (p<0.1) only with total nitrogen of soil. These significant correlations did not show any particular trend of growth and development of dominant conifer species and may be spurious. Pinus wallichiana is widely distributed species in the moist temperate area but its growth rate did not exhibit any relationship with the measured environmental variables. It is shown that largest tree, in terms of diameter, is not necessarily the oldest. Highest growth rate (1.7 ± 0.5 years/cm) was recorded for Pinus wallichiana while slowest growth rate (8.4 ± 0.7 years/cm) was recorded for Cedrus deodara. 2013-09-22T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/15906 Title: CHARACTERISITS OF VEGETATION AND THE VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS ON THE NORTHERN SLOPE OF THE USUN MOUNTAINS, XINJIANG Authors: TIAN, ZHONG-PING; LI ZHUANG; LU, SHUANG; LI, WEI-HONG; WANG, ZHONG-KE; LIU, YANG Abstract: Representative plant communities on the northern slope of the Usun Mountains, Xinjiang were selected for sampling and investigation. A total of 48 plots were established along the slope, ranging from 1,400 to 3,000m asl. The investigated vegetation communities covered all community types along the altitude gradient. Using TWINSPAN classification, GAM model diversity index fitting and comprehensive DCCA sorting analysis, the results showed that: (1) Plant genera and species were relatively diverse. Rosaceae, Cruciferae, Leguminosae, Compositae, Poaceae and Labiatae were relatively abundant, seed propagation was dominant. (2) Four vegetation vertical bands were classified from high to low elevation as sub-alpine meadow, coniferous forest, mountain steppe and desert steppe, respectively. (3) Total species richness, Simpson index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou evenness index exhibited multiple peaks with the increase in elevation gradient, although only the last Pielou evenness index peak was very obvious. (4) The specific species diversity index pattern observed along the northern slope of the Usun Mountains was likely related to climate and soil nutrient status, and was specific for the Tianshan Mountains. (5) Under complex mountainous terrain, the differences in biotope conditions were very significant. The combination of elevation, slope, soil moisture, available phosphorus, available potassium and pH influenced and controlled the formation of community distribution patterns on the northern slope. This study revealed vegetation distribution patterns and their relationship with the environment on the northern slope of the Usun Mountains and provided important information for biodiversity conservation and the development. 2013-09-21T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/15905 Title: TIJABAN-10 A DROUGHT TOLERANT AND HIGH YIELDING WHEAT VARIETY FOR RAINFED/SAILABA AREAS OF BALOCHISTAN Authors: JAHANGIR KHAN; SAIFULLAH KHAN; MUNIR AHMAD KHETRAN; AMANULLAH; NADEEM SADIQ; MOHAMMAD ISLAM; ABDUL HANAN; AHMAD AZIZ Abstract: Tijaban-10 a drought tolerant wheat variety was developed by Arid Zone Research Centre for rainfed (Sailaba/Khushkaba) areas of Balochistan and has been released by Balochistan Seed Council in 2010. Tijaban-10 is a semi dwarf wheat variety with high tillering capacity, high yield, bold grain and improved drought tolerance. The variety posses high protein content (13.29 %), high wet gluten (29.91%) and dry gluten (10.04%). The yield potential of Tijaban-10 was tested (1997-2008) in different yield trials (PYT, AYT) at AZRC, Quetta, micro plot trials and national trials over multiple locations in rainfed areas of Balochistan and Pakistan. The variety showed stability and wide adoptability under prevalent biotic (Rust and Insect/pest) and abiotic (drought and cold) stress of highland Balochistan. The line was tested over wide range of locations with extreme variation (cold and drought) in rainfed/Sailaba areas of Balochistan (Quetta, Mastung, Killa Saifullah and Loralai). Tijaban-10 produced higher yield in National Uniform Wheat Yield Trial (NUWYT) conducted by National Coordinated Program (NARC) Islamabad during 2006-07 in rainfed areas of Pakistan. Tijaban-10 out yielded check cultivars (AZRI-96, Sariba-92 & Local White) during yield trials in different agro-ecological zones of highland Balochistan with an increase of 20-34% over check cultivars. Tijaban-10 also yielded higher in micro plot (2005-2007) yield trials and produced 25-50% increased yield as compared to check cultivars. Tijaban-10 produced 6 % higher grain yield in National Uniform Yield Trial (2006-07) than check genotypes in pooled analysis all over Pakistan with potential yield of 7000 kg ha-1. It showed 5MS-10MS susceptibility to yellow rust strain of highland Balochistan while it showed resistant to leaf rust when tested in natural conditions of rainfed areas. The variety possesses desirable quality characteristics such as better chapatti quality; improved protein (13.29%) and higher harvest index (30-38%). This variety showed high acceptability/popularity among the farming communities of Balochistan and a new addition in genetic diversity of germplasm/cultivars already available in rainfed areas of Balochistan with significant improvement in farmers yield. 2013-09-20T00:00:00Z