ICFRE - Himalayan Forest Research Institute

Genetics and Tree Improvement Division

Mandate:   

• To undertake and promote forestry research, education and extension, leading to scientific and sustainable management of forests, with special focus on Himalayan forests. 
• To provide scientific advice to the central and state governments aiding informed decision making in matters of national and regional importance and international commitments and to address forestry research needs of mandated states. 
• To undertake research on genetic improvement of temperate and sub-tropical species for enhancement of productivity and quality of forests and commercially important tree species.
• To undertake all such activities as necessary, incidental and conducive to attainment of the objectives of the council.

Thrust area:

• To identify natural sources of superior seeds/planting material having desirable traits for raising quality planting stock.
• To screen populations of important tree species for genetic diversity, strategizing their conservation and future improvement to increase productivity.

Projects

Projects Completed:    

A. Plan projects:

1) Allozyme variation in natural populations of deodar (Cedrus deodara). PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2005 to March, 2009).

2) Productivity enhancement through selection of superior clones of Dalbergia sissoo. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2007 to March, 2013).

3) Population genetic analysis and characterization of Cedrus deodara germplasm through DNA based markers. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2010 to March, 2013).

4) Isozyme variation in natural populations of Pinus gerardiana (Neoza Pine). PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2011 to March, 2015)

5) Population genetic analysis of Himalayan Banj Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forests and its pertinence to genetic conservation. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2011 to March, 2015).

6) Standardization of grafting technique in Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G.Don PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April 2016 – March 2019). 

7) Characterization of Hills Bamboo species (Ringal) of the North-Western Himalayas for their conservation and genetic improvement. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (August, 2017 – July, 2020).

B. Externally aided projects:  

1) Setting up 100 hectare demonstration plot in Himachal Pradesh and production of elite planting material of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (July, 2005-June, 2010).

2) Identification of distinct traits for DUS for conifers. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (June, 2010 -September, 2014).

3) Creating awareness for revival, recharging, sanitation & hygiene of natural water resources through adoption of scientific intervention in Model Village Lanabanka, District Sirmour, HP. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (September, 2014 - August, 2017).

Ongoing Projects: 

A. Plan projects:

1) Identification, ecological assessments for selection and screening of superior and insect/pest resistant clones of Salix for cultivation, production, trend and conservation in the cold deserts of H.P. and J.K”. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma/ Dr. Sandeep Sharma(February 2017-March 2024).

B. Externally aided projects:

1  Establishment of Community Fodder Banks in Forest Fringe Villages of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. (Funding Agency: National Mission on Himalayan Studies).  PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma/ Dr Sandeep Sharma (June, 2018 - May, 2021).

2 National Bamboo Mission 

CAMPA Funded

C. All India Coordinated Research Projects 

1 All India coordinated Research project on Bamboo (AICRP-02). PI: Dr.Vaneet Jishtu / Sh. Praveen Rawat (2019-2025).

2 Enhancement of Fodder availability and Quality to Reduce Unsustainable grazing in the forest. (AICRP-02) PI: Sh.Praveen Rawat (2019-2025).

3 All India coordinated Research project on Dalbergia sissoo(AICRP-11). PI: Dr. Ashwani Tapwal/ Dr.Balkrishna Tiwari(2019-2025).

4 Domestication, Genetic Characterization, Improvement and Diversified Utilization of Poplars (AICRP-25) PI: Dr.Balkrishna Tiwari (2019-2025).

5 National Program for Conservation and Development of Forest Genetic Resources (A 10-year program for conservation and development of FGR) 

6 PI: Dr.Sandeep Sharma; Dr.Vaneet Jishtu; Dr. Ranjeet Kumar; Sh. Pitamber Negi; Dr. Balkrishna Tiwari (2019-2025).

Major Equipments in the Division:

1. Thermal Cycler
2. Gel Documentation system
3. Centrifuge
4. Micro Centrifuge
5. Tissue Homogenizer
6. Deep Freezer
7. Laminar Air Flow
8. Incubator
9. Electrophoresis unit
10. Deionizer

Manpower

Nurseries in the division

1. Field Research Station, Birplassi Nalagarh
2. Field Research Station, Johdo Paonta Sahib

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Scientist-G & Head of Division Genetics and Tree Improvement Division

     Email:      sharmas@icfre.org
      Phone:       0177- 2816119, Mobile No.: 94181-29759