The Centre for Analytical Instrumentation Kerala (CAI-K) is part of Kerala Forest Research Institute (KSCSTE-KFRI), to provide cost-effective training and sophisticated Instrumental testing services to researchers, students and industries. This centre functions as a collaborative programme of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) and KSCSTE-KFRI. The Laboratory accommodates modern sophisticated analytical instruments of reputed makes with periodic calibrations and service maintenance. It is always better to contact CAI-K prior to submitting any samples in order to discuss your needs and the goals of your project, estimates concerning cost and turn-around time.
Wood Science and Technology Division offers consultancy services for wood identification, testing, and reporting timber samples to the end-user community, such as wood-based industries, public sector undertakings, the Forest Department, and the Judiciary. The facility offers consultancy and guidance on preparing DPRs for setting up wood, bamboo, and cane-based industries, Testing and Certification of timber treatment and wood quality, etc. on a per-sample payment or consultancy project basis. The analytical service includes Wood identification, Moisture content determination, Sp. Gravity/ Density, Chemical Preservative detection test, Bending test, Compression parallel to grain etc. Test Reports or Certificates on Timber species and wood properties will be provided.
Centre for DNA barcoding and Timber Forensics facility of KFRI offers DNA fingerprinting of plant species using Microsatellite (SSRs)/Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers For species/population/varietal discrimination, Genetic fidelity testing, DNA match testing of seized (logs) and evidence wood (stump) and DNA barcoding of timber/plant species using rbcL, matK and trnH-psbA barcode regions, Species authentication/identification, Check for Adulteration, Resolve taxonomic complexities. For DNA testing related to Crime cases, Wood specimens in sealed packets are accepted only from Courts of Law and Government Departments, along with a duly filled forwarding note from the concerned authorities.
The Plant Identification Service of the Forest Botany Department of KFRI is designed to identify and authenticate plant species accurately, offering valuable support to students, research scholars, scientists, academicians, and various institutions. This service also caters to industries involved in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, forestry, and other sectors that rely on precise plant knowledge. Download the Instructions and Application form for submission of plants for identification.