Morphological, physiological and phytochemical variability in Cinnamomum tamala cultivated in two different community lands in Almora district, uttarakhand, India
摘要
Cinnamomum tamala is an important evergreen multipurpose tree species growing in the Indian Himalayan region. Several studies have reported its high nutritional potential, but no study has investigated morphological, physiological and phytochemical properties. In the present study, community land in the Almora district (Jyoli and Bamnigad) was identified for the plantation of mature seedlings (3 years) of C. tamala through a participatory approach involving the community. A total of 50 individuals in both sites were tagged for long-term research and recorded for morphological, physiological, and phytochemical attributes over the years (2021-22). Results revealed a significant variation among analyzed parameters and locations. Plants growing in Bamnigad was found to be rich of diverse biochemical contents (phenolics 5.87, flavonoids 9.24, tannins 1.94, gallic acid 1.84, chlorogenic acid 3.48 mg/g), antioxidant activities (ABTS 30.50, DPPH 11.13, FRAP 0.40 mM AAE/100 g) and enzymatic activities (peroxides 4.29 U min− 1g− 1, H2O2 13.47 mg/g, proline 0.08 mg/g, catalase 5.79 U min− 1g− 1). Similarly, plants showed best for morphological attributes (plant height 58.28 cm, leaf length 15.57 cm, number of leaves 18.0 ind.) and physiological performance in the higher elevation range (1250 m) of Bamnigad. Results indicated that species cultivated in two different lands have significant differences, and the species cultivated in Bamingad (1250 m) was found to be the best. Therefore, the large-scale cultivation or plantation of C. tamala in the Himalayan landscape should be promoted for the conservation and mass production of the species, as well as the rehabilitation of barren or degraded land. The study’s findings will be beneficial to the forest department, breeders, and farmers seeking to commercialize the species.