Experts sound caution on poplar tree felling, say ‘it can be disastrous’

With Government undertaking a challenging task to axe nearly two crore Russian poplar trees across Kashmir, studies have revealed that the problem of seed dispersal from the species can be controlled without mass felling of trees.

Dispersal of cotton seed by female Russian poplar trees for 15 to 20 days (April-May) in a year triggers allergic reactions like respiratory disorders, irritation of eyes, nose and throat in some people.

Experts maintain that wanton felling of Russian poplars to prevent dispersal of hazardous cotton seeds by female trees of the species can trigger a major environmental catastrophe in coming years in the eco-fragile Valley.

While it’s only female poplars that shed cotton in large quantity, experts say they can be differentiated from male trees only in April-May. So felling at this point of time will not discriminate between males and females, experts said.

To address the issue, the State Forest Research Institute (SFRI) based on surveys has given exhaustive recommendations. The SFRI in its studies reveals that female forms of poplars produce seeds with their cottony appendages in shape of cottony tufts that spread far and wide in April and May, in spring season much to the agony of one and all.

A study conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest department in collaboration with Forest Survey of India has estimated that there are about 1.62 crore poplars outside the forest area in the state. However, officials said there are over two crore poplars in the Valley.

SFRI experts state that poplars are diocious (separate male and female trees) and wind pollinated. The fruit ripe from ending April to early June and mature female forms of poplars produce seeds with their cottony appendages to help spread of seed in shape of cottony tufts (flying cotton) that spread far and wide.

“People dislike cotton tufts as these abruptly increase the Suspended Particulate Matter  (SPM) in the atmosphere and these tufts are suspected to cause many respiratory disorders, allergies, irritation of eyes, nose and throat and also aggravate the problems of people already suffering with respiratory ailments,” the SFRI states in its study.

The study states that due to fast growing nature, large plantation of poplar trees has been raised in the Valley. “However, not much emphasis has been laid on the sex ratio of the planted trees that resulted in upcoming of most of the female poplar trees. It is estimated that the ratio between female and male poplars is about 75:25 percent of the existing stock—leading to preponderance of female poplar, thus aggravating the menace.”

It however states that natural phenomenon of seed dehiscence cannot be grounds for condemning the commercially important tree.

“In Jammu and Kashmir, poplar has become an integral part of the rural economy. Poplar is the backbone of the fruit industry as almost all the fruit produced in Valley is exported out of the state in packing boxed made out of mainly poplar trees. The poplar trees have reduced the burden on our conifer forests, on account of constructional purposes, as poplar timber is also used for roofs,” it states.

It states that veneer, plywood and furniture industry have also come up because of the large-scale plantation of poplars undertaken during World Bank-Aided Social Forestry project period. “As such popular are integrated deep into day to day life of the common people of the state. Therefore it is not wise or possible to completely stop propagating this commercially important tree species that too only for the natural phenomenon of seed dehiscence accompany by cottony tufts for just 15-20 days in a year.”

The SFRI on the basis of its research has recommended slew of measures to tackle the problem of dispersal of cotton tufts without mass felling of trees. It has recommended lopping of the middle and upper seed bearing branches of female poplars before the initiation of the seeding season. “Planting of female clones may be regulated to minimum required numbers and ensuring all future planting of poplar are of optima ratio of male-female clones particularly in urban-populated areas. Identified and certified cotton free clones can be introduced by the Forest department, Social Forestry and SFRI.”

The general physical appearance of the both male and female poplars is similar. SFRI experts state that the distinction between the two sexes of this tree is possible only during March-April when catkins are visible.

“By observing the various developments during the active growing phase with the onset of spring, the shape of position of floral bud gives the idea of sex of the tree. The rounded male flower buds are found adjacent to pointed terminal leaf bud while as the female flower bud are quite smaller having tapering round appearance,” they said.

It recommends mass publicity among people about cotton producing poplars, their possible impact on health and precautionary measures to be taken. “The poplar producing private nurseries be advised and trained to use certified fast growing male planting material for commercial multiplication and finally for distribution to the people,” it states.

Abdul Majeed Butt, an environmentalist said felling of nearly two crore trees will lead to “environmental disaster” in Kashmir.

“After facing devastating floods last year, eco-fragile Kashmir is witnessing erratic climatic patterns. Felling of large number of trees will disturb the eco-system by destabilizing the unstable soil. Government should use scientific measures to control the dispersal of pollens by deculling female hormones of poplar trees by injecting related chemicals. Besides, the pruning of pollen dispersal sprouts is also a viable option, but it requires experienced staff and monitoring by experts,” Butt added.