Research at KFRI
KFRI has completed about 600 scientific enquiries pertaining to various aspects of ecology and management of tropical natural and planted forests. Funding and technical collaboration was received from national and international agencies such as Kerala Forest Department, MoEF, DST, DBT, CSIR, National Bamboo Mission, FAO, Ford Foundation, Natural Resources Institute (UK), ACIAR, Aus-AID, IDRC (Canada), ITTO, CSIRO, IDPAD, CIFOR, UNEP, INBAR (China), Mc Arthur Foundation, FORSPA, IPGRI, DFID, Winrock International, UNESCO, British Council, National National Biodiversity Authority etc.
Field and lab research at KFRI has led to the standardisation of propagation techniques, evolving of bio-control of pests and pathogens, productivity improvement, plantation technology, etc., as below:
- Developed and standardised vegetative and micropropagation techniques for superior selections in teak, eucalypts, bamboo and various medicinal plants. KFRI was the first to standardise a methodology for clonal propagation of teak.
- Developed Biological control mechanism for controlling Teak Defoliator using HpNPV and mass production of the virus.
- DNA mapping and genetic improvement of teak and developing clonal technology for production of improved planting stock of teak.
- Productivity improvement of Eucalypt plantations through clonal technology, disease-resistant provenances and sylvicultural practices.
- Standardised fertiliser dosages for teak and eucalypt plantations and assessment and augmentation of micronutrient deficiencies.
- Preservative/curing treatments for rubber wood bamboos and canes for improved quality value addition and durability.
- Root-trainer technology, compost media and micro and macro propagation techniques for bamboos, canes, selected medicinal plants and forest trees.
- Developed plantation technology for more than 15 Indigenous tree species, bamboos and rattans.
The Cutting Edge
We possess substantial expertise across various disciplines, including the social sciences, which can facilitate a degree of syncretism. Additionally, we recognize that many people live in and around forests, relying on them for their sustenance. It is important to acknowledge that our conventional approach to development often does not align with the long-term health of the environment.
- Biodiversity: Biodiversity in its entirety is often neglected by specialists in their quest for a deeper understanding of the individual components. Research at the ecosystem and landscape levels is being undertaken, and in the process, we gain insight into the mechanism by which the fine harmony that sustains life has evolved.
- Global Climate Change : Global Climate Change has emerged as the single most important challenge in recent times to researchers and policymakers who have to grapple with an array of issues whose nature and implications still need to be clarified. To elucidate and address region-specific issues and explore mitigative and adaptive methods to combat these issues, the Institute is developing the capability in terms of deploying a multidisciplinary research team, setting up permanent plots and revisiting the old ones.
- Forest Policy research : Forest Policy research, through which we hope to play a greater role in bringing about responsible government policies, is another of the big steps we propose to take. This will lead to the setting up of an exclusive policy research facility at the Institute for research on policies relating to conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and institutional arrangements.
- Environmental Impact Assessment : Pre- and Post- implementation impact assessment has become mandatory pre-requisite for all developmental projects. In a biodiversity hotspot like Western Ghats EIA studies should be a priority, leading to appropriate policies in environmental management and mitigation. KFRI has been instrumental in conducting several EIA studies and will continue to get involved in important ventures that impact the forests and environment.
- Restoration Forestry: Human-impacted biotopes such as the coast, mangroves, river banks, headwaters, watersheds, highways, urban conglomerations, and industrial belts are to be subjected to Afforestation and Reforestation. Suitable protocols and programmes are to be evolved for ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation by intensive research in the field.
- Clean Development Mechanism:Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. They conserve water resources, topsoil, and can capture and hold carbon, minimizing greenhouse gas effects. They also provide monetary benefits through the Clean Development Mechanism. Understanding the carbon cycle dynamics in different forest types and their utilization is essential. Nurturing trees helps lock up carbon and provides perennial green cover. KFRI is leading in this emerging area, evaluating climate change trends and their impacts on the region and economy.
- Clean development Mechanism: The Green Revolution's excitement is fading as synthetic chemicals continue to cause environmental damage. A research team from biochemists, soil chemists, and entomologists will examine the fate of plant protection chemicals and their derivatives in soil, focusing on their retention, runoff, biodegradation, and long-term impact on all life forms. The Institute's in-house analytical capability will be utilized.
- Alien Invasive Species: A new menace is looming over the horizon. With the increase in human and material traffic across the globe, many species of plants, fungi, and animals have also crossed the oceans; the forest and its biodiversity are in peril, and agricultural systems are causing immeasurable havoc. KFRI plays a crucial role in combating threats to forests and biodiversity through the Asia Pacific Invasive Species Network, a forum for 33 Asia Pacific countries, and promoting awareness and containment measures.
