This study focuses on optimization of in vitro propagation protocols for Santalum album L. (Indian sandalwood) to address the increasing global demand and to aid in conservation aspects. This investigation evaluated various micropropagation parameters including explant types, basal media, disinfection methods and plant growth regulators (PGR). Murashige and Skoog medium consistently outperformed other media, with shoot tips showing the highest morphogenetic response (66.66%). Surface disinfection with 4% NaOCl for 10 min was the most effective and resulted in the explant survival rate of 86%. For shoot induction, 2 mg/L kinetin in MS medium resulted in the highest number of shoots (3.81) and longest shoots (5.39 cm) after 60 days. An effect was observed when PGR was combined with 5.0 mg/L kinetin + 2.0 mg/L BAP, corresponding to a shoot induction rate of 65.75%. Root induction was recorded at 14.79% after 10 days with the best treatment (MS + 1 mg/L IBA). Callus culture showed limited success as only one treatment (MS + 1 mg/L BAP + 25% coconut water) showed a regenerative response of 7.14%. These results provide a foundation for micropropagation of Sandal while highlighting areas that require further optimization, particularly in root induction and acclimation phases.

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of NPK on the performance of Thespesia populnea. A total of 17 treatments consisted of four levels of Nitrogen (50, 75, 100 and 125 g N plant-1), two levels each of Phosphorus (50 and 75 g P plant-1), and Potassium (25 and 50 g K plant-1) were tried in RBD replicated three times, to standardize the fertilizer schedule for the tree crop taken for investigation. The experimental soil was red sandy loam, non-calcareous, neutral in reaction, low in available nitrogen, phosphorus and medium in available potassium with low organic carbon content. Ecophysiological parameters viz., photosynthestic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs) and Intercellular CO2 concentration (CINT). Growth attributes were influenced by N, P and K at different levels. Among the various treatments application of 100 : 75 : 50 g NPK plant-1 (T12) significantly influenced the growth attributes followed by 100 : 75 : 25 g NPK plant-1 (T11).

Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn. commonly known as kapok, is increasingly gaining importance as one of the major tree components in agroforestry systems due to its multipurpose nature. Its adaptability and productivity make it advantageous for promoting sustainable livelihood improvement among farmers. The study explores the ecological, economic and environmental significance of kapok, by assessing the effectiveness of wedge grafting methods and its successful propagation under controlled nursery conditions. Grafting was performed at six intervals (June-November) with two conditions: with polycap and without polycap. One-year-old scions with 3-4 healthy buds were grafted onto 6-8-month-old rootstocks. Various parameters, including graft take percentage, bud sprouting time, sprouting percentage, first leaf emergence time, sprout length, number of leaves and graft survival, were evaluated. The results highlighted the significant influence of timing and polycap usage on grafting success. November grafts with polycap exhibited the highest graft take (71.5%), while July grafts with polycap showed the shortest bud sprouting time (13.78 days) and longest sprout lengths. Graft survival was highest (79.8%) in October with polycap. Polycap usage enhanced outcomes by creating a humid microenvironment, reducing desiccation and supporting graft union formation. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of wedge grafting and polycap in improving vegetative propagation success in kapok. This technique offers a reliable method for clonal multiplication, ensuring high-quality planting stock for agroforestry and commercial applications.

Indian sandalwood, renowned for its aromatic heartwood and essential oil, holds a revered status in traditional practices and modern industries. Its essential oil, celebrated for its exquisite fragrance, is a staple in perfumery, cosmetics and traditional medicine due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.Culturally, sandalwood is deeply embedded in Indian traditions, where it is used in religious ceremonies and for crafting sacred artifacts symbolizing purity and serenity. From an economic perspective, the high demand for sandalwood, coupled with its slow growth rate, presents significant challenges in its cultivation and conservation. This review addresses the over-exploitation of natural sandalwood resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable cultivation practices to ensure its future availability. such practices involve enhancing genetic strains, adapting to climate change and promoting biodiversity through agroforestry systems that provide multiple income streams for farmers. The review also highlights the critical challenges in cultivating sandalwood, such as its speciesspecific climatic requirements and susceptibility to pests and diseases. These challenges are compounded by the economic risks associated with the high value of sandalwood and its long maturity period, which can deter investment and conservation efforts. Technological advancements play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, with innovations in biotechnology and precision agriculture enhancing yields and sustainability. The review advocates for a balanced approach that meets commercial demands while preserving ecological and cultural integrity. It calls for continued research, international cooperation and adaptive management strategies to secure a sustainable future for Indian Sandalwood cultivation and trade. Additionally, the review emphasizes the need for integrated approaches combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific and technological advances to optimize sandalwood cultivation.

Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss, a lesser-known species from the Meliaceae family, is gaining attention for its rich phyto-pharmaceutical potential conferred by its bioactive compounds, namely, limonoids, flavonoids, tannins and essential oils. Widely used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha and Chinese medicine, because this plant possesses numerous therapeutic properties like that of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial and cytotoxic. It is historically used and its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties have not been explored fairly in science. Studies in recent years have demonstrated that C. tabularis bark, leaves, seeds and wood are rich in bioactivity especially in the fight against microbial infections and cancer. The plant extracts were found to have antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial and fungal strains; hence the plant has potential for natural antimicrobial agent. In addition, its limonoid rich extracts are cytotoxic properties and could be used as anticancer agents targeting different cancer cell lines and overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR). In addition, these therapeutic benefits may include chronic inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases due to the plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. C. tabularis has a wide range of medicinal uses, but it is also important in agriculture and forestry due to its use as a biopesticide, soil enhancer and natural dye supplier. It also has high quality timber and serves the country’s ecological and economic importance. Nevertheless, more complex toxicity assessments and clinical trials are needed to verify them safety and therapeutic potential. This review highlights the importance of further research on combining C. tabularis into current pharmaceutical and sustainable mechanisms and the in-depth studies on C. tabularis to support its integration into modern medicine, pharmaceuticals and sustainable industries.