Textbook of Forest Science

About

Asim Kumar Mandal Ph.D. Editor Mandal is retired Principal Scientist and Ex-Director of ICFRE-Tropical Forest Research Institute Jabalpur India. His broad areas of research interest were genetic and tree improvement of timber yielding tree species and medicinal plants.  His work led to the development of improved production populations and increased in productivity of  teak (Tectona grandis)  plantations and development and release of improved varieties of Rauvolfia serpentine with higher active ingredients.  Dr. Mandal was the first country coordinator of Asia Pacific Forest Genetic Resources Programme. He represented ICFRE as member in the Board of International Union of Forest Research Organisation. Served  number of national organisations as member in different technical committees. He is  member and fellow of  number of academic bodies. Recipient of international fellowship for higher study and research. Received two national awards and has one patent in his name. Dr. Mandal has 143 publications including books technical bulletins and research papers in national and international journals. Abel Nicodemus Ph.D. Co-Editor Nicodemus has been working as a Scientist in ICFRE- Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding India for the past 34 years. His broad areas of research are breeding of short rotation trees for fast growth and higher wood production varietal development and commercialization and domestication and conservation of timber yielding trees. Dr Nicodemus has been implementing systematic breeding programmes for short rotation trees like Casuarina and Leucaena involving multiple generations of selection and testing. He has released new varieties of pulpwood species possessing desirable traits like fast growth high pulp yield and tolerance to drought and pests.  The varieties secured IPR protection and commercialized in a large scale which substantially increased the wood production. Dr Nicodemus functions as the Deputy Coordinator for the IUFRO Working Party on Improvement and Culture of Nitrogen Fixing Trees. He also serves as a Consultant to major paper industries for securing pulpwood production in their respective catchment area.