Lac, a natural resin secreted by the lac insect (Kerria lacca), is a vital livelihood source for millions of rural and tribal communities in India. India’s lac industry is centered in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, with two primary strains: Rangeeni (higher yield) and Kusmi (superior quality). A notable shift has occurred, with Kusmi lac now contributing 70% of production, reflecting changing market preferences. Despite abundant host trees, actual production (17,761 tons/year) remains far below the estimated potential (76,200 tons/year), indicating significant untapped opportunities. Lac processing yields diverse products, including seedlac, shellac, and high-value derivatives like aleuritic acid and lac dye, which hold promise in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries. However, challenges such as price volatility, labor-intensive cultivation, and competition from synthetic substitutes hinder growth. Innovations like Flemingia semialata cultivation and byproduct utilization (e.g., dye recovery) offer pathways to enhance sustainability and profitability. This review analyzes production trends (1919–2020), regional contributions, and dynamics, emphasizing the need for policy support, farmer training, and market linkages. By leveraging India’s natural resources and prioritizing value-added products, the lac sector can retain its global leadership while supporting rural livelihoods and environmental conservation.

The present study is based on a survey in the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, during August 2024. Green tiger beetle Calochroa whithillii Hope, thrives during the wet season and did not always cohabit in nature with other species of tiger beetles in this area. The details of female genitalia of green tiger beetle is depicted here probably for the first time. The morphometry of the male and female adult of this species has also been presented here for the first time in case of the green tiger beetle. The result of the morphometric analysis suggests no significant difference in the body size of the male and female beetle except labrum length, which is significantly larger in females, suggesting its potential role in sexual dimorphism or functional adaptation.These beetles play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by preying on insect pests and serving as indicators of environmental health.

Arjuna Tree (Terminalia arjuna) is a fast-growing multipurpose tree and a priority species for afforestation and reforestation due to its high carbon sequestration potential. This study documents its growth, crown architecture, and yield attributes across different girth classes. Result shows that height, commercial bole height, girth, crown length, crown diameter, volume, biomass and carbon storage increased significantly (P<0.05) from lower girth classes to higher girth classes. Form quotient shows that there was more tapering at lower girth classes and it was least in higher girth classes indicating its significance while estimating volume of standing tree to make them more cylindrical. Arjuna trees belonging to lower girth class (G1: 25–50 cm) accumulated 24.66 kg carbon tree^-1 and it reached to 904.84 kg tree^-1 at higher girth class (G7: 175–200 cm). Present work concludes that there was an increasing pattern of growth, biomass and carbon accumulation from lower to higher girth classes in T. arjuna, indicating normal growth pattern of fast-growing species.

An experimental trial was conducted to study the effect of depth of seed sowing on germination and seedling vigour of Prunus cerasoides D.Don under nursery conditions. The seeds of Prunus cerasoides were sown at 6 levels of depth in the nursery, viz., 1.00 cm (T₁), 1.50 cm (T₂), 2.00 cm (T₃), 2.50 cm (T₄), 3.00 cm (T₅) and 3.50 cm (T₆) to study the effect on germination and seedling vigour. The maximum germination of 93.00 percent was recorded in seeds sown at 2.50 cm depth followed by 92.00 percent germination of seeds sown at 2.0 cm depth, 91.00 percent germination in seeds sown at 2.0 cm depth and 88.00 percent germination in seeds sown at 1.0 cm depth. The minimum germination of 85.00 percent was recorded in seeds sown at 3.5 cm depth in the nursery. Similarly, maximum seedling vigour index (1450.80) was recorded in seeds sown at 2.5 cm depth followed by (1372.64) seedling vigour index of seeds sown at 2.0 cm depth whereas minimum seedling vigour index (1079.50) was recorded in seeds sown at 3.50 cm in the nursery. Therefore, it is recommended that the seeds of Prunus cerasoides should be sown at 2.50 cm optimum depth for better germination and seedling growth in the nursery.

Garcinia imbertii Bourd. (Clusiaceae) is a critically endangered and endemic tree species confined to the southernmost Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. This study reports a pioneering effort in the successful interspecific grafting of G. imbertii onto G. celebica L. rootstocks. The technique provides an effective method for clonal propagation and serves as a valuable tool for the ex situ conservation and ecological restoration of this threatened species.

This paper deals with 32 species of plants covering 28 genera of 20 families used by tribals of Khammam district, Telangana as galactagogue. Fabaceae and Asclepiadaceae are the most used families with four species each. Herbs are represented by 15 species. Root is used in a maximum of eight practices. Ten practices are found to be new.

Weeds adversely affect agricultural productivity and crop quality. However, many weed species have long been recognized for their diverse traditional uses, including as fodder, wild edible plants, medicinal resources, and other ethnobotanical applications. In the present study, a total of 198 weed species belonging to 37 families were documented. Among the genera, Ipomoea was the most dominant, followed by Euphorbia. The family Poaceae was the most represented among the monocots, comprising 41 species, whereas Asteraceae was the dominant dicot family with 21 species. Weed species belonging to the Poaceae were predominantly utilized as fodder, highlighting their significant role in supporting livestock and rural livelihoods.

Dombeya spectabilis often called Bee tree or Honey tree is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree recognized for its large, fragrant winter flowers. Both the flowers and flower-nectar (honey) are integrated into traditional ethnomedicine and local remedies to treat various ailments in the area. Dwarf honey bees (Apis florea) collect the sugary nectar from flowers to produce rich honey. It is widely cultivated in Meerut and NCR. The honey is used by local people  of Meerut district in treating their ailments. Honey obtained from Dombeya spectabilis is used for antibacterial, wound healing effects, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal and digestive health.