Comparative Analysis of Tapping Technique in Indian Ash Tree, Jhingam (Lannea coromandelica) (Houtt) (Merr) and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) (Roxb) in Pakhanjure Uttar Bastar Kanker Region of Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Gum and resin from non-wood forest products (NWFP) play a crucial role in the income and livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Recently, there has been a significant increase in industrial demand for these products. Therefore, a study of “Tapping Technique” was conducted in 2022–23 to assess various traditional, mechanical, and gum enhancer applications for enhancing gum and resin production during both the winter and summer seasons. This study revealed that the Jhingam tree demonstrated excellent potential for gum production throughout the year. Specifically, the application of a 2% ethylene-based gum enhancer injected via the drill method at 1-meter height from the ground in trees with over 90 cm diameter significantly increased gum production quantity, rate, and quality. Analysis of physiochemical properties showed that this treatment resulted in higher moisture content, pH, and bulk density (0.76-0.78) while reducing tapped density. The Fat and protein content were also higher compared to other methods. The angle of repose indicated good capsule-filling properties at 31.87%. On the other hand, the Arjun tree exhibited lower gum production potential compared to Jhingam, with most production occurring during the summer. Similar to Jhingam, the application of a 2% ethylene-based gum enhancer reduced the moisture content, pH, and bulk density while increasing the fat and protein content. Both gums showed high solubility in hot water, with a viscosity at 6.1 cP (high) at 100 rpm and 1 cP (low) at 10 rpm in a 1% solution. The angle of repose for Arjun gum was 25.33%.