This study examines the socio‐economic determinants of non‐timber forest products (NTFPs) derived income across ethnic communities in the Jhargram District of West Bengal, India. Using a structured survey of 190 households, the authors used descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the difference in livelihoods among ethnic groups. Multiple linear regression, and Tobit regression model were used to identify the determinants of the dependency on NTFPs. It was found that larger size of land holding, more livestock assets and farm wage income are negatively associated with NTFP income, while adult female members in the household have a positive significant effectearning through forest produces. Family size positively influences sal leaf dependence, while education of the household head negatively affects reliance on sabai grass, mahua flower, and sal seeds. Landholding size has a significant negative association with sal leaf, kendu leaf, and sabai grass collection. Farm and non-farm income show a reducing effect on NTFP reliance, particularly for kendu leaf and sabai grass. Ethnic differences emerge prominently, with Lodha and Santal households showing more dependence on sal leaves, while Munda and Bhumij communities show increased engagement in sabai grass and mahua flower collection.

Forest zones protected by local people for their religious or cultural beliefs are classified as Sacred Groves. They are distributed across the world as well as in India in different names.  Shakumbari Devi Sacred Grove is located in the Jasmour village area of the Shiwalik Range in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is basically a temple grove located around the Shakti Peeth Shakumbari Devi Temple. Present study investigates the ethnobotanical uses of plants by the locals residing around this grove.

The present paper provides information about the economic and medicinal plant resources of Champawat and adjoining areas in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. A total of 100 plant species belonging to 91 genera under 59 families have been documented from the study area,  out of which, 82 plant species are of Angiosperms; 02 species of Gymnosperms; 11 species of Pteridophytes; 02 species of Bryophytes; 02 species of Fungi and 01 species of Lichen found as wild or naturalized in the study area. These species are mostly used by the local people to support their livelihood.

Physiological factors, which include internal processes and responses to environmental stimuli, are crucial for every stage of plant growth and development. Assessment of physiological attributes can provide indication whether seedlings are experiencing normal growth or stress, so that better source(s) can be recommended for planting in field. In this study, physiological attributes like leaf chlorophyll content, cell membrane stability index, relative water content, ascorbic acid content and leaf extract pH of seven months old seedlings raised from five different seed sources viz., Idukki, Mysore, Bengaluru, Dharwad, and Junagadh, have been evaluated at College of Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. Result shows a significant variation among seedlings of five studied seed sources for physiological attributes in sandalwood. Idukki source (2.42 mg/g) recorded significantly higher total chlorophyll content (1.87 mg/g) than Dharwad source. Dharwad, followed by Idukki and Junagadh sources recorded lower pH values than Mysore and Bengaluru sources. The local seed source- Junagadh, (Gujarat) recorded the higher cell membrane stability and ascorbic acid content, indicating that this seed source may perform well even under stress conditions. Study implies that, for large scale nursery raising, stress physiological attributes can be taken into consideration while evaluating seed sources at different climatic conditions.

This paper lists the 45-leaf infecting micro fungi described as new species among 250 fungal samples collected and studied from the Campus of Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute by various fungal taxonomists during the years 1998 to 2018.

Gum ghatti (GG) is a natural, biodegradable exudate from Anogeissus latifolia for its superior emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties in food. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) –designated and widely approved in Asia, it offers a sustainable, natural alternative to synthetic additives. Sourced from forest trees, GG supports rural livelihoods though post-harvest processing is still limited. Present review consolidates current knowledge on Gum ghatti, covering post-harvest processing, chemical composition, and applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. By addressing critical gaps, it aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in optimizing GG’s potential.

Wild Edible Mushroom (WEM) is a valuable yet underutilized natural resource. This study explores the potential of WEM in Jharkhand, India. Despite their high nutritional value and economic potential, challenges such as limited cultivation knowledge, lack of standardized practices, and poor market access hinder their widespread utilization. This study aims to document local perceptions and assess the market value of WEM to support their future commercialization.

Survey was conducted to examine the diversity, indigenous uses, utilization pattern of floristic diversity in Uhl watershed, Beas River, Himachal Pradesh. The current study documented 180 plants belonging to 157 genera of 72 families in which Asteraceae (16), Fabaceae (14), Rosaceae (11), Lamiaceae (8), Moraceae (5), Pinaceae (5) etc. were the most used families. Apart from the qualitative ethnobotanical assessment, use value was also calculated and Rhododendron arboreum showed high use value. Acknowledging these ancient practices will help promote resource conservation and sustainable management.