Ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Pinus gerardiana in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh,India

Investigations on the diversity of ectomycorrhizal macrofungi associated with Pinus gerardiana in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh revealed the associations of 22 ectomycorrhizal fungi belonging to 12 genera in 11 families.The dominant genus was Geastrum(4 species),followed by Russula and Suillus(3 species each);Boletus,Ramaria and Scleroderma(2 species each)and rest of the genera were represented by one species each.Among these,Scleroderma polyrhizum had the highest frequency of occurrence and was recorded in most of the sites.Maximum diversity was recorded beyond 2500m above mean sea level.Morpho-anatomical study of mycorrhizal roots revealed typical ectomycorrhizal association exhibiting well-developed mantle and hartig net.

Neotectonic Evidences of Rejuvenation in KaurikChango Fault Zone, Northwestern Himalaya

Neotectonic investigations using morphotectonic parameters such as basin asymmetry, drainage anomalies, digital data interpretation and geomorphic field evidences were carried out in Satluj river valley downstream of Khab in the Kaurik Chango Fault (KCF) zone. The study reveals the presence of a northsouth trending fault which is similar to the KCF. Unpaired, tilted terraces, V shaped valleys, deep gorges and lakes are the manifestations of fault movement in the area. Presence of deformation structures preserved in the palaeolake profile at Morang indicates that the area has also been seismically active in the past. In this paper we present a conceptual model of the formation of lakes in KCF zone. Morphometric analysis was carried out with the help of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and field investigations.

An analysis of tourist’s perceptions toward tourism development:Study of cold desert destination,India

Tourism impacts on society are complex and mixed.However,they are vital to diverse societies,clusters,and individuals dependent upon their morals,attitudes,and resources existing for tourism development.Increasing tourism also brings many problems.Hence,tourist experience is fundamental for destination image and devel-opment.This research examines tourist perceptions and attitudes toward tourism impacts in Chitkul,Kalpa,and Nako in Kinnaur.Random sampling has been used to measure tourist responses on a range of indicators related to tourism development.Likert scale responses were analyzed using factor analysis,ANOVA,Mann-Whitney U-test,Kolmogorov test,and descriptive statistics.The results confirmed that tourists do not perceive any type of pollu-tion or societal barriers.They observed that natural magnetism and the socio-cultural milieu of the destination is what attracts tourists.However,tourists are not satisfied with‘networking services’,‘organization efforts’,‘sup-plementary conveniences’,and‘carriage concerns’at selected destinations in Kinnaur.Moreover,Chitkul emerged as the top tourist destination in Kinnaur.Since the destination would emerge as a hub of tourist activities shortly considering the congestion and exploitation of nearby tourist destinations at Kulu-Manali-Rohtang in Beas Valley.Hence,the assessment of tourist perceptions can be used as an indicator of tourism destination competitiveness and can assist in developing appropriate tourism policies and infrastructure upgrades.