One of the potential areas identified for implementation of the National Mission on Edible Oils- Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) is the Northeast India, and in this context this review suggests strategies to simultaneously meet the growing demand of edible oils and also conserve the biodiversity and ecology of the sites proposed for planting of oil palm. The strategies suggested include increasing the production of edible oils, by area expansion or increasing productivity, decreasing consumption of oils, which is much above the recommended dietary standards, policy changes in import and export of edible oils and taxation of consumer goods, and appropriate policy on land use and land use changes.

Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.f.) is the most abundant tree species, spreading across 10 Mha, covering 10.62% share in India. The local population has been profoundly dependent on sal forests for their livelihood. Besides acting as  wild animal’s habitat and controlling soil erosion, sal forests have the largest share in carbon sequestration in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, ranging from 30 to 170 Mg Carbon/ha. Due to excessive population pressure, dense sal forests are being converted into thin and dispersed forest; hence, it is essential to critically review the lapses in the existing system and take bold steps to address them. Government-community collaborative efforts for conservation, rejuvenation, mass-scale afforestation, and establishing non-timber sal-based cottage industries can help maintain a healthy forest cover and sustainably support livelihood.

Sal (Shorea robusta C.F.Gaertn.), a tree of significant ecological and economic value in India, is highly susceptible to infestation by a wide range of insect pests. Present work, conducted in the Sal-dominated Thano Forest Range of Dehradun Forest Division, identified 24 insect species, including 22 pests such as defoliators, sap suckers, bark feeders, and borers, and 2 natural predators. These belonged to 20 families across 8 insect orders, with Coleoptera being the most dominant (41.67%). Insect occurrence peaked during spring and summer (25%), with defoliators (33.33%) and sap suckers (29.17%) being the most prevalent. Economically significant damage was caused by stem borers and white grubs of bark and root feeders.

This study explores seasonal variation in soil microarthropods-Collembola, Acari, and Hymenoptera- across five habitat types: degraded forest (DF), dense mixed forest (DMF), open mixed forest (OMF), bamboo forest (BF), and wetland (WL) in a subtropical deciduous forest of the Eastern Ghats in India. Seven Collembola and four species each of Acari and Hymenoptera were identified, though species diversity remained low across zones. Collembola were consistently abundant in wetlands, independent of season. Microarthropod populations peaked during the wet season. Correlation analysis and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) revealed strong positive associations with soil moisture and organic carbon, with significant population differences observed between dry and wet seasons.

Since ancient times, natural remedies have been used to treat various ailments, with ferns and fern allies widely utilized in traditional medicine by tribal and ethnic communities worldwide. Ethnomedicinal knowledge, supported by historical texts and plant studies, is increasingly vital for healthcare and conservation efforts. This review documents 59 species (49 ferns and 10 fern allies) across 14 families and 26 genera, with 33 species reported for medicinal use in Uttar Pradesh.

A comprehensive scientific survey was conducted between 1970 and 2000 by the Survey of Medicinal Plant Unit, CARI, Kolkata, to document traditional knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants used by indigenous communities and traditional healers across various districts of West Bengal. The study includes taxonomic information, vernacular /Ayurvedic/names, plant parts used, and medicinal applications for each species. Standard plant collection and herbarium protocols were followed, with each specimen identified using relevant literature and labelled with a collection number and unique barcode ID. A total of 100 plant species belonging to 77 genera and 35 families were recorded, with Apocynaceae being the most represented family (18%). Herbs constituted the dominant growth form (34%), and leaves were the most commonly used plant part (38%). The highest number of species (14) were used in the treatment of hemorrhoids/piles and rheumatism. The findings highlight the significant reliance of indigenous communities on plant resources for primary healthcare. This traditional knowledge not only holds cultural importance but also provides a valuable foundation for future research aimed at discovering novel phytochemicals and developing new drugs for various ailments.

The present study was carried out to comprehend the seed viability of Memecylon macrocarpum over seed desiccation and storage. Present research work explains the effect of fresh and desiccated moisture content on viability. Seeds are being both desiccation and chilling-sensitive categorized as recalcitrant. Seed viability can be sustained up to 60% for four months when stored hermetically in 20^oC. The outcome of the result will aid in ex-situ conservation and popularization of the species.

Diploclisia glaucescens (Bl.) Diels (Menispermaceae) is a dioecious liana that flourishes in the tropical regions of Asia, exhibiting distinctive growth attributes within its indigenous environment. It is of particular interest to note that D. glaucescens is the exclusive representative species of the genus Diploclisia in India, presenting a unique botanical presence in the area. Present communication offers an examination of the distributional trends, taxonomic attributes, and botanical depictions of Diploclisia glaucescens across the Central Western Ghats of India.

The present study deals with the taxonomical study of 37 grasses of wetlands of North Bihar with a detailed systematic account and keys for easy identification.

The study documents traditional knowledge and practices of stingless beekeeping (meliponiculture) among rural communities in southern Karnataka. Ethnographic surveys across four districts examined local taxonomy, traditional techniques, and the marketing of stingless bees and their hive products. The findings emphasize their role in pollination, medicinal applications, and terrace gardening, and highlight innovative, sustainable practices using locally available materials. The study underscores the need to promote meliponiculture to support livelihoods, conserve biodiversity, and preserve traditional knowledge in the region.