GLOBAL HEATING IS MELTING THE ARCTIC ICE, AND GREEN COLONIALISM ALONG WITH IT..

Arctic is under existential threat.

The amount of frozen seawater in the Arctic fluctuates during the year as the ice thaws and regrows between seasons. Scientists chart these swings to construct a picture of how the Arctic responds  over time to rising air and sea temperatures and lower melting seasons. Over the past 46 years, satellites have observed persistent trends of more melting in the summer and less ice formation in winter.

While sea ice coverage can fluctuate from year to year, it has trended downward since the start of the satellite record for ice in the late 1970s. Since then, the loss of sea ice has been about 30,000 square miles (77,800 square kilometers) per year, according to NSIDC.

“Today, the overwhelming majority of ice in the Arctic Ocean is thinner, first-year ice, which is less able to survive the warmer months. There is far, far less ice that is three years or older now,” Kurtz, the chief of NASA Laboratory says.

In indigenous cultures, the ice is not considered as an obstacle, but an enabler. During winter, ice allows the indigenous people to travel over the Arctic. Secure ice was integral to dog sledging, leading to the formation of ice-highways. With the ice in place, the Arctic people could travel far and wide, thus maintaining the community.

The building block of food chains: Algae and Phytoplankton: Algae and phytoplankton form the foundation of Arctic marine food webs. It’s also well worth noting that all of the phytoplankton in the world’s oceans together provides half the Earth’s oxygen supply. Sea ice provides a stable environment for algae and phytoplankton to thrive and reproduce. As sea ice diminishes, the related change in sunlight penetration stimulates changes in the growth and composition of these organism communities.

Beluga whales; Sea ice is critical for Beluga whale habitat preservation. Beluga whales inhabit the Arctic waters and depend on sea ice for various activities, including mating, giving birth, and evading predators. The melting sea ice affects nearly every aspect of their lives, from food availability to migration patterns to overall habitat quality. Reduced sea ice cover can leave whales more vulnerable to shipping traffic and noise pollution and with greater exposure to predators.

Polar Bears: They overwhelmingly rely on sea ice, which makes up over 96% of critical polar bear habitat. They use sea ice as a hunting platform to catch seals, their primary food source. With diminishing ice cover, polar bears face longer fasting periods, reduced hunting success, and increased energy expenditure. The loss of sea ice also limits their ability to reach important denning areas and negatively impacts their survival rates, reproductive success, and overall population size.

And the story goes on with other species, too, like Arctic foxes, Musk Oxen, Reindeer etc.

The years are not far when we are going to lose this wealth to our greed.

(courtesy Internet, TOI)

GARDENING IN APRIL

Perennials are a must-have in your garden because of their ability to come back year after year, usually growing even stronger and more beautiful with age. But unlike annuals that can bloom non-stop for months, most perennials have a relatively short bloom season, lasting from just a few days to a few weeks. You can still ensure plenty of flowers from your perennials through the seasons by choosing varieties with staggered bloom times. And don’t be afraid to pack in the plants for the best color show: Where three or four types of annuals can brighten a bed all season long, you might need a dozen different perennials to make sure something is blooming from spring to fall. Start planning your continuously blooming garden by selecting a combination of these spring, summer, and fall-blooming perennials for sun and shade.

Cuttings and seeds of shrubs not sown in March can still be sown early this month. You can propagate cuttings of

• Hamelia patens
• Buddleja madagascariensis
• Buddleja asiatica
• Acalyphas
• Duranta
• Hibiscus
• Bougainvillea
• Petre Eranthemum
• Dombeya Lantana
• Tecoma stans
• Hamelia patens
• Murraya exotica
• Cassias Plumbago
• Barleria

Summer Annual seeds of following flowers and greens can be planted still in this month.

• Zinnia
• Sunflower
• Gailardia
• Gomphrena
• Tithonia
• Rudbeckia
• Cosmos
• Marigolds
• Hollyhock
• Kochia
• Portulaca
• Purslane
• Coleus
• Roselle

Established shrubberies will also require careful attention. After pruning ,spread liberal quantities of manure in all types of jasmine, night queen (Raat ki rani , hibiscus, oleander etc.

Cannas will be at their best and can be propagated also.
Summer bulbs which can still be planted are:

• Caladiums
• Football Lily
• Gloriosa lily
• Ginger lilies
• Day lilies
• Crinum
• Lycoris
• Tuberose
• Costus

Seeds of winter annuals should be collected, cleaned and stored with proper labels.
The following are varieties of annuals of which it is preferred to buy fresh if you want to use them for exhibition:

• Aster
• Carnations
• Cineraria
• Clarkia
• Hybrid Dahlias
• Godetia
• Nasturtium
• Nemesia
• Marigold
• Pansy
• Stocks

Rest of varieties may be safely collected and preserved.If possible put small notes of colour ,species ,heights in the jars /pkts. On no account should drying be done in the direct sun or the vitality of the seed will be seriously impaired.

When thoroughly dried and all rubbish removed store in airtight containers. Seal with wax and keep in coolest place. Before sealing do add any powder like Saaf or silica gel crystals. Foliage plants in pots can be repotted or fertilized adequately. Chrysanthemums can be transplanted now in 6in pots. These should be kept in the sunny position.
Simultaneously prepare your pots and baskets for the seedlings of Sweet peas.

Happy Gardening!!

Rama Tyagi
tyagirama1@gmail.com.

DO YOU NEED WORDS TO TELL THE STORY..

THE GREEN WARRIORS..

Bio fumigation: A Natural Solution for Soil Health and Pest Control

Introduction

Bio fumigation is an eco-friendly agricultural technique that uses the natural compounds released by certain plants to suppress soil-borne pathogens, pests, and weeds. It is a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides and is widely used in regenerative agriculture and permaculture systems.

Many biofumigant plants belong to the Brassicaceae family, including mustard, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, radish, rapeseed, and turnip. However, other plant species, such as marigold, garlic, and sorghum, also exhibit strong biofumigant properties. These plants release compounds that act as natural fungicides, bactericides, nematicides, and herbicides, enriching the soil while protecting crops.

Top 15 Biofumigant Plants for Sustainable Farming

These plants not only improve soil health but also protect crops from harmful microbes and pests.

Brassicaceae Family (Mustard & Cabbage Family)

1. Mustard (Sinapis alba & Brassica juncea)
   1. A high-glucosinolate crop effective against nematodes, fungi, and soil-borne diseases.
2. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
   1. Residues help control clubroot disease and nematodes.
3. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
   1. Suppresses soil-borne diseases like Verticillium wilt.
4. Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
   1. Releases natural fungicidal compounds to protect crops.
5. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
   1. Improves soil structure while reducing harmful fungi.
6. Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea var. viridis)
   1. Enhances soil microbiome balance and suppresses soil pathogens.
7. Daikon Radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus)
   1. Breaks up compacted soil while acting as a biofumigant.

Other Powerful Biofumigant Plants

8. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
   1. Produces alpha-terthienyl, a natural nematicide effective against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne).
9. Garlic (Allium sativum)
   1. Contains sulfur-based compounds like allicin, which suppress fungal and bacterial pathogens.
10. Onion (Allium cepa)
11. Has antimicrobial properties that reduce soil-borne diseases.
12. Sorghum-Sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum sudanense)
13. Releases cyanogenic glucosides that suppress nematodes and weeds.
14. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
15. Leaves and roots excrete allelopathic compounds that inhibit weed growth.
16. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium)
17. Produces natural pyrethrins, which act as insect repellents.
18. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
19. Neem leaves and cake have strong antifungal and pesticidal properties.
20. Castor Plant (Ricinus communis)
21. Suppresses root-knot nematodes and repels soil pests.

How Biofumigants Improve Soil Health

Biofumigants influence the soil microbiome by releasing natural compounds that:

✅ Control fungal infections (e.g., Verticillium wilt).
 ✅ Reduce harmful bacteria (e.g., Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which causes root gall disease).
 ✅ Suppress nematodes (e.g., Meloidogyne species that damage roots).
 ✅ Inhibit weed growth through natural herbicidal effects.

Unlike synthetic chemicals, biofumigants do not harm beneficial soil microbes, ensuring a healthier, more balanced ecosystem.

Best Practices for Using Biofumigant Crops

To maximize biofumigation benefits, follow these steps:

• Grow biofumigants as cover crops before planting main crops.
• Chop and incorporate them into the soil before flowering for maximum glucosinolate release.
• Keep the soil moist after incorporation to enhance decomposition and release of biofumigant compounds.
• Rotate biofumigant crops with vegetables to improve soil health and prevent disease buildup.

Conclusion

Bio fumigation is an effective and sustainable method to manage soil-borne pests and diseases while improving soil health. By integrating Brassicaceae plants, marigolds, garlic, sorghum, and other natural biofumigants into farming systems, growers can reduce chemical pesticide use, enhance soil biodiversity, and promote regenerative agriculture.

From the lens of the members.

Once, Earth was a Greenland…

Greenland’s WALRUSES were commercially hunted by the Vikings in the mid-12th century. These animals were hunted for their ivory tusks, trading them with Western Europe, which then were used as ornaments, and chess pieces.

Walruses almost went extinct, and with them, the Vikings too.

The Arctic Fox has a wondrous white winter coat, turning grey in summer, thus camouflaging it. As the region warms, the Arctic Tundra is retreating, and trees are moving North, bringing in the Red Foxes, which are double the size of the white fox, and have been hunted as prey to red fox.

Atlantic puffins wear white and black plumage, with a gorgeous bill. Called ‘clown of the sea’, puffin nests on the cliffs. But with global heating, the seas are rising, and with melting of ice, the food and habitat are reducing.

Scientists warn that by end of this century, about 70% of them will vanish from earth.

How to Propagate a Guava Tree from Cuttings

If you love guava trees and want to grow your own at home, propagating from cuttings is one of the easiest and most effective methods. Unlike growing from seeds, which can take years to bear fruit, cuttings allow you to grow a healthy guava tree much faster while ensuring it retains the same characteristics as the parent plant.

Best Time to Propagate Guava Trees from Cuttings

The ideal time to propagate guava trees from cuttings depends on the season and climate. Here’s the best timing:

✅ Spring (March – April): The best time as temperatures are warm but not extreme, allowing cuttings to root quickly.

✅ Monsoon (July – August): High humidity and moderate temperatures create a favorable environment for root development.

✅ Early Autumn (September – October): In regions with mild winters, early autumn can also work before the temperature drops.

⚠️ Avoid Winter & Peak Summer:

• Winter (December – January): Cold slows down root development.
• Peak Summer (May – June): Excessive heat can dry out the cuttings before they root.

For best results, choose a time when temperatures are between 20-30°C with moderate humidity. 🌿

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of propagating a guava tree from cuttings, ensuring fast rooting and healthy growth.

Why Grow Guava from Cuttings?

Propagating guava trees from cuttings has several advantages:

• Faster Growth: Unlike seeds, which take time to germinate, cuttings grow into mature trees more quickly.
• True to Parent Plant: Cuttings produce trees identical to the original plant, ensuring the same fruit quality and characteristics.
• Simple and Cost-Effective: You don’t need to buy new plants; you can propagate from an existing tree.
• Stronger Plants: Trees grown from cuttings tend to be hardier and more resistant to diseases.

Materials You Need

Before you start, gather these materials:

✔ Healthy guava cutting (6-8 inches long, taken from a mature tree)
 ✔ Sharp pruning shears (for clean cuts)
 ✔ Rooting hormone (optional but helps speed up root growth)
 ✔ Well-draining potting mix (a combination of cocopeat and sand)
 ✔ Small pot or container (for planting)
 ✔ Plastic bag or clear cover (to maintain humidity)
 ✔ Water spray bottle (for keeping the soil moist)

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Guava Cuttings

Step 1: Select a Healthy Cutting

Choose a strong, disease-free branch from a mature guava tree. The ideal cutting should be semi-hardwood (not too young or too old), about 6-8 inches long, and should have at least 3-4 nodes (small bumps where leaves grow).

Step 2: Prepare the Cutting

• Use sharp pruning shears to make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle, just below a node.
• Remove all lower leaves, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top to reduce moisture loss.
• Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage faster root development (optional).

Step 3: Plant the Cutting

• Fill a small pot with a well-draining mix (cocopeat, sand, or a combination of both).
• Make a small hole in the soil and insert the cutting about 2-3 inches deep.
• Gently press the soil around the stem to hold it in place.

Step 4: Create a Humid Environment

• Lightly water the cutting to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a plastic bottle cut in half to create a mini greenhouse effect, which helps retain moisture.
• Place the pot in a warm, shaded area with indirect sunlight.

Step 5: Care and Root Development

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Use a spray bottle to mist the cutting when needed.
• After 3-4 weeks, check for root development by gently tugging the cutting—if it resists, roots have formed.
  • Once the roots are strong enough, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the garden.

Final Thoughts

Growing guava trees from cuttings is a simple, cost-effective, and rewarding method to expand your garden. With the right care, your guava tree will thrive and produce delicious fruits in a much shorter time than growing from seeds.

Start your guava propagation journey today, and enjoy the benefits of homegrown, organic guavas!

Thank you and Happy Gardening

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com