Effect of climatic factors on survival of Kikar and Shisham in Punjab.

Critical analysis of meteorological data proved that some extreme climatic factors are responsible for weakening the plant system and causing considerable physiological changes in Kikar and Shisham growing in Punjab. Extreme winter, hot summer seasons, erratic rainfall after long dry spells during active growth season, short rainy season and drastic increase in number of fog days/hours seem to be primary factors to induce mortality in these species by weakening the plant protection mechanism. Imbalances in soils physical properties, nutrient deficiencies, water logging and low water table may be the other causes needs to be addressed.