Environmental issues in RT 03 RW 01 Pematang Gubernur include the presence of arid land in water catchment areas, which increases the risk of soil erosion. The Thematic Community Service (KKN-T) Program of Group 30 from Dehasen University Bengkulu aims to address these issues through a strategic reforestation initiative. The methods employed include participatory observation and mutual cooperation in tree planting with the local residents. The activity was conducted on January 11, 2026, involving the planting of productive fruit tree seedlings, including durian, matoa, Jamaican guava, and rambutan. The results show an increase in vegetation coverage, which serves as natural shade and a soil erosion inhibitor. Beyond the ecological benefits, the selection of Multipurpose Tree Species (MPTS) provides long-term economic and nutritional value for the community. In conclusion, integrating reforestation programs with productive plants effectively enhances community participation and environmental sustainability.

Azadirachta indica (A. indica) A. Juss., commonly known as Neem, is a valuable multipurpose tree with profound medicinal properties and socioeconomic importance, widely recognized since ancient Ayurvedic times. Despite its prominence, knowledge about its genetic diversity within the metropolitan area of Ahmedabad is limited. This study marks the first in-depth exploration of the genetic diversity and population structure of A. indica in Ahmedabad. The authenticity of the species was validated through DNA barcoding, and a Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to collect the samples. A total of 35 A. indica accessions were analyzed using five Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers. Genetic diversity and population structure were evaluated using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers through polymorphism assessment, clustering, ordination, and Bayesian population structure analyses. ISSRs revealed a high level of polymorphism (75.66%), indicating substantial genetic variability among accessions. An analysis of genetic diversity indices revealed low to moderate diversity (Hs = 0.14, Ht = 0.217, I = 0.217). Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) analysis depicted 81% variation within the population and 19% among the population. Low to moderate genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.319) and moderate gene flow (Nm = 1.06) indicated that urban development has not hindered gene flow among populations. Mantel's test revealed a weak but significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances, suggesting limited isolation by distance. The estimated ΔK using STRUCTURE exhibited two subpopulations, representing two gene pools for A. indica accessions (K = 2). Collectively, these patterns indicate that urbanization has not severely disrupted genetic connectivity in A. indica, reflecting its resilience and adaptive potential in a metropolitan environment. These findings provide pivotal knowledge for further understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of A. indica in one of the fastest-growing cities in India, which can be utilized for new breeding programmes, sustainable development and future conservation strategies around the globe.

Dryland areas in southern Ethiopia are highly vulnerable to climate-driven prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, which threaten agricultural productivity and food security. Micro-catchment water harvesting (MCWH) techniques show promise; however, selecting the appropriate micro-catchment should balance labor, ecological objectives, and site-specific conditions. This study evaluated MCWH techniques for enhancing soil moisture retention and growth of Moringa stenopetala, a drought-resistant multipurpose tree, as a climate resilience strategy in the Hamer district, southern Ethiopia. Additionally, we evaluated pastoralists’ preferences based on design simplicity and labor requirements for successful adoption. Field experiments conducted from 2021 to 2023 compared traditional planting methods with microcatchments such as trenches, half-moons, and improved pits, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. A participatory approach involved 90 pastoralists to gauge their preferences for the different microcatchments. Results showed that the introduced microcatchments increased soil moisture by 93% in half-moons (18.72% at 20–40 cm depth) and 49% in trenches compared to traditional pits (9.68%). Half-moons boosted Moringa performance: leaf yields + 26% (427 g/plant), plant height + 27% (114 cm), and survival rate 85% vs. 45% in control. Community preferences supported these results, with 72% favoring half-moons for low labor (2.5 days/plot) and simplicity, supporting adoption, thereby improving resilience and sustainable water management. These results highlight half-moons as a scalable, community-accepted strategy for combating water scarcity and building climate resilience in arid agro-pastoral systems. However, long-term economic and soil health studies are recommended.

The study was conducted during 2023–2024 in nine villages of the Chamba block, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, to assess seasonal patterns of fuelwood and fodder consumption and the associated socio-economic characteristics of rural households. A participatory rural appraisal approach was adopted. A total of 135 households were selected through stratified random sampling, and primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, household surveys, and direct field measurements. Fuelwood consumption was estimated using a 24-hour weight-survey method, while fodder consumption was quantified based on livestock numbers standardized to cattle equivalent units. The results indicated a predominance of nuclear families (80%) and an ageing population, with agriculture remaining the primary occupation. Fuelwood was identified as the principal household energy source across all villages. Per capita fuelwood consumption increased from 1.67 kg day-1 in summer to 2.59 kg day-1 in winter. Fodder consumption showed seasonal variation, with a mean intake of 16.65 kg day-1 cattle-1 in summer and 15.36 kg day-1 in winter, largely derived from forest vegetation and multipurpose tree species. Fuelwood and fodder collection required substantial labour input, long travel distances, and significant time investment. The findings indicated strong seasonal dependence on forest resources and highlighted the need for sustainable biomass management and agroforestry-based fodder development.

The high demand for conventional ingredients used in the formulation of rabbit diets has increased competition, resulting in higher costs. Tropical forage plants with high nutritional content can provide relief for this pressing issue, as well as offer potential health benefits to the animal, which would ultimately lead to a quality product. A review of 33 studies on Trichanthera gigantea (T. gigantea), Morus alba (M. alba, MA), Leucaena leucocephala (L. leucocephala, LL), Gliricidia sepium (G. sepium) and Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) and their effect on rabbits spanning 1999 to 2026 was conducted. This review demonstrated that alternative tropical fodder trees found in the Caribbean have the potential to enhance performance, the oxidative status of sera and meat, carcass traits, blood and meat biochemistry indicators and digestibility. On the contrary, most of these plants contain anti-nutrients that exert negative effects on growing rabbits and their health. The evidence revealed in this review shows that various inclusion levels of the forages can improve rabbit meat production, thereby lowering ingredient costs and providing consumers with a quality protein option. Therefore, the incorporation of tropical forages in rabbit diets is recommended.

Idesia polycarpa is a multipurpose tree species valued for both fruit production and timber and is often referred to as a “beautiful oil reservoir on trees”. However, research has largely focused on fruits, whereas the metabolic composition and potential value of other tissues, such as leaves and shoot tips, remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we employed UPLC–MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics to compare metabolite profiles and functional components between the leaves and shoot tips of I. polycarpa. In total, 378 differential metabolites were identified, with 105 significantly upregulated in leaves and 273 significantly upregulated in shoot tips. Among these, 32 metabolites were detected exclusively in shoot tips, and 22 were unique to leaves. Leaves were enriched in secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, with scutellarin and catechol as representative compounds. In contrast, shoot tips exhibited higher levels of primary metabolites, including nucleotides and their derivatives as well as amino acids, with catechin and epicatechin being representative compounds. In addition, targeted metabolomics was performed to quantify 53 flavonoids in leaves; scutellarin (2088.1350 μg/g) and apigenin-7-O-glucuronide (1020.9085 μg/g) showed the highest concentrations. Collectively, these results reveal tissue-specific metabolic characteristics in I. polycarpa and provide a data basis for future functional studies and the comprehensive utilization of leaves and shoot tips.

Moringa oleifera (Lam.) is a multipurpose agroforestry tree cultivated worldwide for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic value, and it is increasingly grown commercially in subtropical regions, including Nepal. While vegetative propagation is feasible, large-scale production relies predominantly on seeds, making efficient germination critical for seedling establishment, uniform growth, sustainable production, and preservation of genetic diversity. Seed pre-treatments are widely recognized as a simple and effective approach to enhance germination, early seedling vigor, and nursery performance. This study evaluated the effects of seven pre-sowing treatments under controlled nursery conditions to determine the most effective method for improving Moringa oleifera seedling production. A total of 2100 seeds were used, with 100 seeds per treatment and three replicates, arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatments included control (no pretreatment), normal water soaking (12 h and 24 h), alternating wetting (water) and drying cycles (12 h each), hot water soaking (60 °C for 5 min), cow urine soaking (1:2 of urine to water proportions for 12 h), and hydrochloric acid soaking (35% for 20 min). All pre-treatments were conducted at room temperature, and the seeds were subsequently sown in controlled nursery conditions. Seed germination was monitored twice daily for 30 days, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test to identify significant differences in germination performances. Results demonstrated that alternating wetting and drying produced the highest germination percentage (89%), shortest mean germination time (8.44 days), and strongest seedling vigor, outperforming all other treatments. Conversely, cow urine and acid treatments completely inhibited germination. This study recommends alternating wetting and drying as a simple, low-cost, and chemical-free pre-treatment to optimize Moringa oleifera seedling production in nurseries. These findings provide practical guidance for commercial and smallholder farmers, contributing to sustainable agroforestry, food security, and climate-resilient livelihoods in resource-limited habitats.

Abstract. Mahmud, Endayani S, Stefano A, Lakehu A, Mutakim, Wahyudi, Husodo SB, Moeljono S. 2025. Shifting cultivation and soil conservation strategies among Papuan communities, Indonesia. Asian J Agric 9: 671-682. Local Papuan communities in Indonesia, rely heavily on land resources for food security, yet shifting cultivation remains the dominant practice. This system, while traditional, often leads to soil nutrient depletion, reduced productivity, and increased deforestation. To understand the dynamics of local farming practices, this study applied interviews, surveys, and participatory approaches with farmers and community members. Findings reveal that short-term crops such as long beans, peanuts, cabbage, chilies, and sweet potatoes dominate cultivation, contributing to rapid soil fertility loss. In contrast, perennial crops such as Areca catechu, Musa paradisiaca, Nephelium lappaceum, and Artocarpus altilis are typically maintained in fixed plots without being shifted. To address soil degradation, the study proposes several conservation strategies. These include mulching to retain soil moisture, living fences and cover crops to minimize erosion, intercropping to diversify yields and improve nutrient cycling, and the integration of Multipurpose Tree Species (MPTS) and hedgerows to restore long-term soil fertility. Collectively, these measures can reduce the necessity for continuous land clearing and help communities move toward more sustainable sedentary agricultural systems. Beyond technical solutions, the research highlights the importance of strengthening community awareness about forest and soil conservation. Transitioning away from shifting cultivation not only improves land productivity but also contributes to broader ecological resilience. By adopting integrated conservation practices, Papuan farmers can secure food production, maintain forest ecosystems, and develop more sustainable livelihoods in harmony with their environment.

Abstract. Saraan M, Rahmawaty, Harahap RH, Hilmi E, Delvian, Sibarani R. 2025. Agroforestry-based plant diversity and its implications for ecosystem restoration in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 6367-6377. The Indonesian government promoted conservation partnership schemes in Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) to resolve land-use conflicts while supporting ecosystem restoration and local livelihoods, where communities implement agroforestry that combines native species and Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS). However, empirical evidence on plant diversity and vegetation composition within these systems remains limited. This study analyzes vegetation structure, species composition and plant diversity in conservation partnership areas and assess their contribution to ecosystem recovery, including provides recommendations for sustainable management. Vegetation surveys were conducted on 1-ha plots across three stations representing upper, middle, and lower areas. Species composition, dominance, and diversity were quantified using Importance Value, Shannon–Wiener and Margalef Species Richness Index. The upper area was dominated by native dipterocarps (Dryobalanops aromatica), while lower areas were characterized by cultivated MPTS (Parkia speciosa), reflecting trade-offs between natural regeneration and livelihood-oriented agroforestry practices. Species diversity ranged from moderate to high, with native species concentrated near rehabilitation zones and cultivated species in lower areas, which are intensively managed by communities. Overall, agroforestry within conservation partnership enhances biodiversity, supports ecological recovery, and strengthens livelihoods while offering scalable pathways for integrating restoration and biodiversity enhancement with community-based forest management. Strengthening native-species enrichment is recommended to balance ecological objectives with community needs and guide large-scale restoration policies.

Mixed crop–livestock systems dominate the Ethiopian highlands, yet their productivity remains constrained by chronic feed shortages and declining feed quality, particularly during the dry season. Integrating multipurpose fodder trees into these systems offers a sustainable strategy to improve livestock nutrition, enhance resource use efficiency, and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farming systems. This study examined farmers’ perceptions, adoption, and management of multipurpose fodder trees and grasses (MPFTs) in Aleta Wondo district, Sidama, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 144 households selected through stratified random sampling across two kebeles. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were employed for data analysis. The results revealed the presence of 26 fodder tree and grass species widely known and utilized by farmers. Respondents demonstrated strong knowledge of both indigenous and improved species, with high preference for grasses such as Hyparrhenia rufa, Pennisetum purpureum, and Desho grass, alongside protein-rich legumes including Medicago sativa and Sesbania sesban. Multipurpose trees such as Leucaena leucocephala and Grewia bicolor were highly valued for their palatability, adaptability, and year-round availability. Farmers selected species based on feed value, durability, ease of propagation, and resilience, while sustainable management practices particularly partial canopy harvesting and organic soil enrichment were commonly applied. The logistic regression results indicated that access to seedlings, institutional support, education level, household income, and land size significantly influenced adoption. Overall, the findings underscore that effective adoption of multipurpose fodder trees depends not only on farmers’ knowledge but also on enabling institutional and resource conditions. Strengthening extension services, improving access to quality planting materials, and promoting locally adapted fodder species are therefore critical for enhancing livestock productivity, livelihood resilience, and sustainable farming systems.

Abstract Tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis) is a multipurpose fodder tree promoted in Ethiopia to address livestock feed shortages while supporting climate-smart and income-diversifying farming systems. However, empirical evidence on the factors influencing its adoption and the income gained from tree lucerne sales remains limited. This study examines the determinants of tree lucerne adoption and income from tree lucerne sales in South Wollo, Ethiopia, using data from 400 randomly selected smallholder households. We used a two-part modeling framework that combines a probit model and a generalized linear model. The results show that adoption is significantly influenced by livestock ownership, household size, landholding size, frequency of extension contact, soil fertility status, gender of the household head, market distance, and membership in local associations. Conditional on adoption, income from tree lucerne sales is primarily driven by livestock ownership and extension contact. The estimated mean conditional income from tree lucerne sales among adopters (12,506 Ethiopian birr [ETB]) is nearly three times the unconditional mean income observed across all households (4,340 ETB). This gap underscores tree lucerne’s income potential and supports policy efforts to scale it to a broader set of farmers. As a result, tree lucerne plantations should be promoted as part of the national sustainable land management program and climate-resilient green economy strategy by strengthening extension services and reducing adoption barriers to enhance tree lucerne’s contribution to improving farmers’ incomes.

In Ethiopia, population increase and the demand for more agricultural land and forest products have resulted in the destruction of natural vegetation and land degradation. Planting multipurpose trees and shrubs for the rehabilitation of severely degraded land has been suggested as a management option. A field experiment was conducted in Choroqo, one degraded land vegetation restoration site of Halaba zone in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia, to determine the suitability of 12 multipurpose trees and shrubs. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), and data on plant survival and growth parameters were collected every 6‐month interval for 3 years. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test ( p < 0.05) were computed to determine the effect of species on the measured variable. SAS software was used for statistical analyses. The highest mean survival was recorded by Grevillea robusta R.Br (99.542 ± 1.05), followed by Senegalia polyacantha Willd (88.88 ± 1.05) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (83.33 ± 1.05). The largest (20.67%) overall plant death was recorded within the first six months of field plantation. Acacia saligna (Labill.) Wendl (4.48 m ± 0.81), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (4.38 m ± 0.99), and Casuarina equisetifolia L. (3.14 m ± 0.49) exhibited better growth in height at the end of the experiment. Moreover, early management was found to be very important in reducing the mortality rate of planted species for rehabilitation programs. The higher use value was calculated for Eucalyptus camaldulensis , followed by Dodonaea angustifolia L.f. and Grevillea robusta. Therefore, Grevillea robusta, Eucalyptus camaldulensis , Dodonaea angustifolia , and Senegalia polyacantha are found to be ecologically suitable and socially acceptable species for the rehabilitation of degraded lands of Halaba and the Central Rift Valley. Further research is needed to know the impact of these species on the physicochemical properties of the soil and the undergrowth flora.

Moringa stenopetala (MS) is a stress-resilient, multipurpose African tree known for its valuable leaves as well as the protein and oil rich seeds. This study evaluated the effects of acetone (AMSPI), hexane (HMSPI), methanol (MMSPI), 100% ethanol (EMSPI), 70% ethanol (7EMSPI), 50% ethanol (5EMSPI), and water (WMSPI) pretreatments of MS seed meal on the physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolates obtained via alkaline isoelectric precipitation (ISO). These protein isolates were compared with the isolate produced from the untreated moringa seed meal (UMSPI). The protein content ranged from 85.34% for 5EMSPI to 96.95% for MMSPI. Protein isolates obtained from solvent-treated meals had higher contents of hydrophobic, positively charged, negatively charged, and sulfur containing amino acids than the UMSPI. Bitterness scores of the protein isolates obtained from solvent extracted MS meals ranged from 23.3 to 28.3 when compared to the 23.8 for the UMSPI while AMSPI and 7EMSPI had the highest scores of 28.3 ± 0.2 and 27.9 ± 0.1, respectively, as determined by electronic tongue. AMSPI demonstrated superior (p < 0.05) solubility (25–75% across pH 3–9), foaming capacity (~ 80%), and thermal stability (Td = 88.77 °C) while MMSPI displayed the highest fluorescence intensity at pH 3. The UMSPI had the highest (p < 0.05) total phenolic content of 1.45 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, while WMSPI (0.86 mg GAE/mg) had the lowest value. These findings highlight the significant influence of solvent extraction methods, with AMSPI and 7EMSPI emerging as optimal choices for food applications requiring high solubility, stability, and foaming properties.Graphical

Introduction: Albizia lebbeck L. and Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. are exotic multipurpose tree species with high potential for urban and rural afforestation in Sudan. Understanding their pod and seed characteristics, as well as factors influencing germination and early growth, is essential for effective propagation and plantation success.Objective: This study, conducted during 2019–2020, aimed to evaluate the morphology of pods and seeds, germination behavior, and early seedling growth of A. lebbeck and A. procera under different pre-sowing treatments.Method: Mature pods were collected from both species in the Blue Nile and Khartoum States. Pod and seed traits were measured for size, weight, and seed count. For germination tests, a total of 400 seeds per species were subjected to four pre-sowing treatments (100 seeds each): immersion in hot water (100 °C, cooled overnight), cold water (4 °C, 24 h), concentrated sulphuric acid (5 min) followed by soaking, and untreated control. Seeds were sown under controlled nursery conditions, and germination percentage, germination rate index (GRI), mean germination time (MGT), and early seedling growth (stem, leaves, roots) were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (GLM, SAS v9.0).Results: Significant differences (p = 0.0001) were observed between species in pod and seed morphology. Pre-sowing treatments significantly enhanced germination compared with the controls. The highest germination success (82.07 %) was achieved with hot water treatment at 80 °C for 10 min, followed by 79.00 % at 100 °C for 1 min. Germination started 4–6 days after sowing and was completed within 22–25 days. Although seed source had limited influence, significant interactions occurred between source and treatment.Conclusion: Hot water treatment (100 °C for 1 min) is recommended to improve seed germination of Albizia procera, especially under rural conditions such as those in Bangladesh. These findings contribute to the propagation and management strategies of Albizia species for afforestation programs.

The Fabaceae family, known for its agricultural significance, includes Dalbergia sissoo, a multipurpose tree used in reforestation and timber production. This species plays a critical role in preventing soil erosion due to its root system's suckers and contributes to nitrogen fixation. To adapt to varying environmental conditions, plants exhibit anatomical changes across different habitats. This study aimed to investigate the comparative anatomy of D. sissoo specimens collected from 16 sites in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan, including Gutwala, Shahkot, Gatti, Gokhowal, and others. The plant samples were preserved using formalin acetic acid alcohol solution (FAA) for short-term preservation and acetic alcohol solution for long-term preservation. Stem and leaf sections were prepared using the free-hand sectioning technique, followed by staining using the double staining method for detailed anatomical analysis. Permanent slides were prepared with Canada balsam and observed under a stereo microscope. The study revealed significant anatomical variations in response to ecological factors such as salinity, pollution, and water stress. The adaxial epidermal and sclerenchyma thickness were highest in the saline Pakka Anna ecotype, while the cortical cell area of the leaf was maximum in the pollution-affected Shahkot ecotype. Notably, lamina, midrib, phloem thickness, and metaxylem cell area were minimum in the Sahianwala and Pakka Anna ecotypes. Stomatal area and density were minimum in the water-stressed regions. Statistical analysis using ANOVA (5% probability level) demonstrated significant differences, supporting the influence of environmental stressors on plant anatomy. This research enhances our understanding of how D. sissoo adapts to various ecological conditions, contributing valuable insights to its conservation and agricultural use.

Genetic variation among half-sib families of the multipurpose indigenous fruit tree Vangueria infausta in Malawi

Plant diversity and its utilisation by local communities are increasingly threatened by demographic pressures, climate variability, and land-use change. Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. (African elemi), a multipurpose tropical tree of the family Burseraceae, is culturally and economically significant in West Africa, yet remains under-documented in terms of human use across ecological gradients. This study investigated the influence of altitude on the utilisation of C. schweinfurthii in Plateau State, Nigeria. Three Local Government Areas representing distinct altitudinal zones, namely Jos East (high), Kanke (mid) and Shendam (low) were surveyed using 150 structured questionnaires administered, to purposively selected households engaged in farming, trade and medicinal plant practices. Data collected covered plant parts used, purposes, frequency of use and perceived availability. Findings revealed marked spatial differences: mid-altitude communities exhibited the highest and most diversified utilisation, including food, fuelwood, timber and medicinal applications. High-altitude respondents emphasised medicinal and oil uses, while low-altitude communities demonstrated limited engagement,reflecting both ecological scarcity and reduced cultural familiarity. Statistical modelling (GLM) confirmed altitude as a significant predictorof utilisation (χ² = 75.43, df = 2, p &lt; 0.001). The study underscores the interplay of ecological availability and traditional knowledge in shaping resource use. These results provide a baseline for conservation planning, sustainable harvesting and integrating C. schweinfurthii into agroforestry and biodiversity restoration initiatives.

Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi) is an economically and ecologically valuable multipurpose tree species which is widely distributed across the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. This species is gaining commercial significance due to its multi-utility for natural detergents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biofuel, Ayurveda and traditional medicine. Despite its wide-range uses, large-scale plantations of Ritha are constrained by poor and inconsistent seed germination which is caused primarily by a hard and impermeable seed coat that induces physical dormancy. The present study was conducted to investigate fruit and seed morphology as well as to evaluate the efficacy of different pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and early seedling growth under greenhouse conditions during 2024-2025 at Tree Propagation Nursery, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. Six pre-sowing treatments viz., untreated seeds (control), concentrated H₂SO₄ (20 min), GA₃ (1000 ppm), PEG (10%), hot water (80 °C for 2 h) and cold water (48 h) were employed. Fruit length ranging from 24.40–27.62 mm, seed length from 13.24–16.22 mm and seed weight from 1.48–1.98 g was observed in Ritha seed morphology. Germination response varied significantly among treatments and the highest germination percentage (87.50%) was observed in concentrated H₂SO₄ seed treatment which representing a 21% increase over the control. Seedling growth parameters viz., seedling height, collar diameter, root length and leaf area were also maximized under H₂SO₄ treatment followed by hot water treatment. Acid scarification proved most effective in breaking hard-seeded dormancy in Ritha by enhancing water permeability which improving germination kinetics and seedling vigour. Standardizing pre-sowing treatments can substantially improve nursery propagation and promote wider adoption of Ritha in agroforestry and plantation programmes in the subtropical region of Himachal Pradesh.

Bael is an endangered medicinal tree with multipurpose utility, propagated through seeds. Hence, attempts were made to improve the vigour of the seed through seed pelleting with eco-friendly organic products. The study investigated the influence of seed pelleting through a series of laboratory experiments (factorial completely randomized design - FCRD) and nursery studies (randomized block design - RBD) with five replications. The seeds were pelleted with botanical leaf powders namely, karisilanganni (Eclipta prostrate), avaram (Cassia auriculata), arappu (Albizia amara) and neem (Azadirachta indica); biofertilizers such as Azophos, phosphobacteria and biocontrol agents viz. Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens, along with unpelleted control seeds. The results revealed that, among the treatments arappu pelleting enhanced germination (76 %) and seedling quality characters such as root length (13.0 cm), shoot length (9.9 cm), dry matter production (318 mg) and vigour index (1740), followed by neem leaf powder and phosphobacteria pelleting compared to the control. The result concluded that seed pelleting with arappu or neem leaf powder at 250 g kg-1 of seed or phosphobacteria at 100 g kg-1 of seed by using 10 % as gum as an adhesive, enhanced seed germination and seedling vigour under both laboratory and nursery conditions.

Abstract Agroforestry is a land-use system that integrates agricultural crops and forestry, or livestock, on a single plot of land, with the aim of achieving sustainable economic, ecological, and social benefits. Generally, the crops grown are multipurpose tree species (MPTS). Through an agroforestry system, land use can be developed, including food crops (tubers, seeds), woody plants such as fruit trees. By combining food crops with woody plants, this system produces a wider variety of food products and increases food availability for the community. The aim was to determine the species of agroforestry plants cultivated by farmers and to determine the level of food recilience of farmer households in Sipolha Horisan Village, Pamatang Sidamanik District, Simalungun Regency. The method used for plant diversity uses the Shannon-Wiener Species Diversity Index (H’) and food resilience using the Household Food In recilience Access Scale (HFIAS). The results of the study showed that there were 16 species of agroforestry plants planted by the community spread across four hamlets, with coffee plants as the most dominant type (296 individuals), followed by cocoa (70 individuals) and candlenut (56 individuals). Meanwhile, the results of the household food resilience questionnaire in Sipolha Horisan Village, Simalungun Regency showed that 52.8% of respondents were in a low level of food inresilience, 33.3% were in the food secure category, 11.1% of households were classified as moderate food inresilience and only 2.8% of households were classified as high food inresilience. Although no food crops are found, agroforestry systems play an indirect role in supporting household food resilience through the economic contributions derived from plantation and forestry crop yields.