POPULATION DYNAMICS OF DESMODIUM REPANDUM (VAHL) DC.AND D. GANGETICUM (L.) DC. IN A TROPICAL DRY DECIDUOUS FOREST OF ALWAR RAJASTHAN

The population dynamics of Desmodium repandum and Desmodium gangeticum was studied over a two-year period in a tropical dry deciduous forest of Alwar in Rajasthan state (27° 4′ to 28° 4′ N and 76° 7′ to 77° 13′ E ). The population density of Desmodium repandum (11.6 m2) was higher than that of Desmodium gangeticum (2.8 m2). However, the later species showed higher population growth rate (1.57) than the former (1.19). The seedling cohorts of Desmodium repandum showed Deevey Type II survivorship curve while that of Desmodium gangeticum showed Deevey Type I survivorship curve. The seedlings of both species suffered mortality mainly dry conditions and also due to competition with associated vegetation. The adult population of the perennial herb Desmodium gangeticum showed decrease in mortality with increase in age of individuals. It may be concluded that both the Desmodiumspecies have stable population in this undisturbed forest.