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Scientific analysis of indigenous techniques for guggal (Commiphora wightii) tapping in India

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Title Scientific analysis of indigenous techniques for guggal (Commiphora wightii) tapping in India
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Creator J.N. Samanta
K. Mandal
 
Subject Burseraceae,
gummosis,
medicinal plant,
participatory forest management,
xerophytes
 
Description Not Available
Guggal, a threatened species that is endemic to western India, is tapped to extract medicinally important oleo-gum-resin (guggul). However, the plant dies after gum exudation. The indigenous tapping techniques used by local people were examined in Gujarat, India to discover the scientific basis behind these techniques: selection of gum inducer, season of tapping, and plant parts to be tapped. First, the presence of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. commiphorae (Xac) in the gum suspension used for tapping was established. This bacterium induces gum oozing from the tapped plants and later, causes them to die off. The population of Xac in gum was found to decrease with the age of the gum. With that, fresh gum increased the tapping success. Second, local people preferred tapping during the warm season, which we validated by determining that Xac growth was best at 30 °C. Tapping during September (mean temperature 25.7–30 °C) clearly favoured growth of the pathogen and yielded maximum guggul. Multiple tapping on a mature tree ensured maximum gum extraction before its death. Finally, application of indigenous technology under natural plant stands by the local people ensured availability of this important raw drug for consumption. Our study established that the age-old traditional methods have a strong scientific basis. However, it is imperative to formulate strategies based on contemporary scientific understanding to protect this natural resource before it becomes extinct.
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Date 2020-08-01T02:45:47Z
2020-08-01T02:45:47Z
2014-07-24
 
Type Research Paper
 
Identifier Samanta, J. N. and Mandal, K. 2014. Scientific analysis of indigenous techniques for guggal (Commiphora wightii) tapping in India. Journal of Forestry research 25: 695–700
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http://krishi.icar.gov.in/jspui/handle/123456789/38747
 
Language English
 
Relation Not Available;
 
Publisher Not Available