Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding

Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding

Department of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding primarily focuses on genetic improvement, gene diversity assessment using conventional DNA analysis, research on reproductive biology, DNA fingerprinting, and gene flow. Some of our major activities are

• Reproductive biology of major timber species
• Provenance trial and evaluation is one of the department's main activities, and the best seed sources in Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea have been identified. Melia dubia, Terminalia paniculata, Dalbergia, Mahoganey, Ailanthus triphysa etc.
• A germplasm bank for teak was established, comprising 25 provenances from India's natural teak-growing states. These provenances were screened for economically important characters to include in further breeding programmes.
• More than a hundred teak trees were selected in Kerala and used to develop improved clones.
• Genetic diversity in Indian teak was analysed, and the effect of human interference on genetic diversity and pollen flow in teak was evaluated. These data are important for preparing guidelines for establishing seed orchards/ seed production areas and for genetic conservation.
• Karyotype analysis and genetic variability studies of major invasive species.
• Initiated studies on phytochemical analysis and reproductive biology in selected medicinal plants and invasive species.

The department is equipped with a state-of-the-art Molecular genetics Lab for DNA analysis, featuring a Fluorescence Microscope. This advanced technology is used in our studies on in vivo pollen tube growth, Karyotype analysis, and other genetic variability studies, demonstrating our commitment to using cutting-edge tools in our research.

Ongoing Research Projects

1. Conservation, improvement, management and promotion of Sandalwood (Santalum album Linn.) cultivation in India (AICRP-3).

   Project No.GOI RP 804/2020   Funding Agency: Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority- Indian Council of Forest Research and Education (CAMPA-ICFRE), Govt. of India
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Suma Arun Dev 

2. Population mapping, Phenological studies and quality planting material production of selected Diospyros species in Kerala parts of Western Ghats

   Project No.PG RP 872/2023   Funding Agency: KFRI Plan Grants
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Ayate Dipika Purushottam 

3. Transcriptome, methylome and small RNA analysis to identify the chronological age of flowering in bamboos

   Project No.GOI RP 878/2024   Funding Agency: National Bamboo Mission (NBM), Govt. of India
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Suma Arun Dev 

4. Developing of Scientific Capability for Combating illegal Trade and Sustainable Management of Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb)

   Project No.GOI RP 892/2024   Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)- Core Research Grant, DST, Govt. of India
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Suma Arun Dev 

Ongoing Extension projects

1. Management of Research & Development (R & D) at KFRI Kuzhur Sub Centre

   Project No.PG EP 382/2023   Funding Agency: KFRI Plan Grants
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Suma Arun Dev 

2. Quality Planting Material (QPM) Production through tissue culture in selected Rare Endangered and Threatened (RET) and high demand Medicinal species

   Project No.GOK EP 393/2024   Funding Agency: Chhattisgarh Tribal Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plant Board (CGSMPB) through Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment (KSCSTE)
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Suma Arun Dev