




Genetics & 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 Areas:
- 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.
- Allozyme variation in natural populations of deodar (Cedrus deodara). PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2005 to March, 2009).
- Productivity enhancement through selection of superior clones of Dalbergia sissoo. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2007 to March, 2013).
- Population genetic analysis and characterization of Cedrus deodara germplasm through DNA based markers. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2010 to March, 2013).
- Isozyme variation in natural populations of Pinus gerardiana (Neoza Pine). PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April, 2011 to March, 2015)
- 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).
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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).
- Identification of distinct traits for DUS for conifers. PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (June, 2010 -September, 2014).
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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).
Projects Completed:
A. Plan projects:
B. Externally aided projects:
Ongoing Projects:
A. Plan projects:
1. Standardization of grafting technique in Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G.Don PI: Dr. Rajesh Sharma (April 2016 – March 2019).
2. 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).
3. 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.(February 2017-March 2022).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 (June, 2018 - May, 2021).
Major Equipments:
S.No. |
Name of Equipment |
1 |
pH Meter |
2 |
Hot Air Oven |
3 |
Sealing Machine |
4 |
Electrophoresis Assembly |
5 |
Deionizer |
6 |
Deep Freezer |
7 |
Gel Documentation System |
8 |
Incubator |
9 |
Thermo cycler |
10 |
Circulating Water Bath |
11 |
Cooling Centrifuge |
12 |
UV- Trans-illuminator |
13 |
Laminar Air Flow |
14 |
Magnetic Stirrer |
15 |
Fume Hood |
16 |
Tissue Homogenizer |
Manpower:
S.No. |
Name and Designation |
1 |
Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Scientist- G, Head of Division |
2 |
Sh. Vinod Kumar, CTO |
3 |
Ms. Sonika Sharma, Technician |
4 |
Sh. Rakesh Sharma, Deputy Ranger |
5 |
Sh. Swaraj Singh, Forest Guard |
6 |
|
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Scientist – G, Head of DivisionEmail: sharmar@icfre.org Phone: 0177-2816176 Mobile No.: 94181-64067