Himalayan Forest Research Institute

Dye pollutions are persistent organic pollutants that are receiving much attention. Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are substantial compounds for the removal of organic dyes from wastewater. In this study, Azadirachta indica (A. indica) extract and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer were used as an encapsulating agent for Ni/Cu-doped α-Fe2O3 NPs. Those NPs exhibit rhombohedral crystals with the crystallite size of 14–22 nm in a spherical shape, which have a saturation magnetization value approximately between 30 and 36 emu·g−1 under ambient conditions. Bismarck brown Y (BBY) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes were used to test the photocatalytic activity, and results showed that Fe2O3 had a removal efficiency up to 96

The present review focuses on the distribution, regeneration status and nutritive potential of Quercus glauca Thunberg in the Indian Himalayan region. The species is widely distributed in the northwestern Himalaya, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where it grows in moist and shady habitats and forms an important component of evergreen broadleaf forests. It is closely associated with rural livelihoods and serves as a valuable fodder resource for livestock. The leaves of Q glauca possess high nutritive value with considerable crude protein, mineral content and moderate fibre composition, making it suitable for sustaining livestock productivity in hill agroecosystems. Despite its ecological and economic importance, the species is facing serious challenges in natural regeneration due to anthropogenic disturbances, overgrazing, limited seed viability, poor dispersal and changing climatic conditions. Seed germination in Quercus species is influenced by several factors including seed size, altitude, time of collection and pre-sowing treatments. Physical treatments such as scarification and water soaking along with proper nursery management have been found effective in improving germination and seedling establishment. The review highlights that regeneration of Q glauca is site-specific and favoured under moderate disturbance and adequate canopy gaps. However, overall regeneration remains inadequate across its natural distribution range. The study emphasizes the need for integrated management strategies focusing on habitat conservation, improvement in regeneration techniques and sustainable utilization of the species.

Oak forests are a vital component of the western Himalayan ecosystem, providing essential services such as soil and water conservation, biodiversity support and livelihood sustenance. These forests are increasingly threatened by insect pests, biotic pressures and climate change. The present study assessed the diversity, abundance and seasonal dynamics of insect pests in oak forests of Himachal Pradesh, western Himalaya. Surveys were conducted at 25 oak-dominated sites across six districts during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons from October 2019 to March 2022. A total of 107 insect pest species belonging to 38 families and seven orders were recorded. Lepidoptera was the most dominant order in terms of abundance and richness, followed by Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Pest abundance peaked during the monsoon season, though diversity and evenness varied among sites, with Chamba and Kinnaur showing higher diversity despite lower abundance. Lepidopteran defoliators caused the most severe damage, while borers and sap-sucking insects affected multiple plant parts. The results indicate increasing pest pressure on Himalayan oak forests, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and integration of pest management strategies into forest conservation programmes.

Forestry plantations in the northwest Himalayas are increasingly threatened by insect pests such as Agrotis ipsilon and Plecoptera reflexa, which cause severe defoliation and economic losses. The present study evaluated the pesticidal potential of leaf extracts of the native plant Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hook) against these two major forest insect pests under laboratory conditions. Leaf extracts were prepared using methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate and their insecticidal efficacy was assessed using the leaf-dip bioassay method. Among the tested solvents, the methanolic extract showed the highest extraction yield (18.58%) and insecticidal activity, causing 60.00 per cent mortality in P reflexa and 56.66 per cent mortality in A ipsilon at 1 per cent concentration after 72 h . Further bioassay of the methanolic extract at graded concentrations (0.25-1%) demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in larval mortality. The LC50(%) values ranged from 0.81 to 0.89 per cent for P reflexa and 0.86 to 0.96 per cent for A ipsilon. GC-MS analysis revealed that the extract was rich in bioactive terpenoids, with a-pinene (16.56%),(+)-sylvestrene (16.27%), ß-pinene (14.82%) and carvone (6.51%) as the major constituents. These compounds are known to possess insecticidal, repellent and neurotoxic effects against insect pests. The findings demonstrate that B albiflora leaf extract possesses significant insecticidal activity and may serve as a promising eco-friendly botanical alternative for the management of forest insect pests in the northwest Himalayan region.