1. Research and Development

 

Teak

  Identified superior genotypes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh.

  Developed micropropagation protocols for large-scale production.

   Conducted clonal trials across states for performance evaluation.

  Genetic fidelity testing of clones established.

  Biotech, HiFi Biotech, Santhi Clonal Nursery, DevLeela Biotech, Kyros’ Agritech & Tropical Biosciences).

 

Bamboo

  Tissue culture mass production of seven bamboo species.

  Extended seed viability in Bambusa bambos to 36 months.

 

Melia dubia

   Recognized as DUS Centre for Melia dubia.

   Established germplasm banks at Panampally and Thalamalai.

  Registered farmer’s variety GK 10 under PPV & FRA, GoI.

  Conducted clonal trials across locations for performance evaluation.

 

Medicinal Plants

  Initiated hairy root cultures in Aegle marmelos, Gmelina arborea, Oroxylum indicum, Premna integrifolia and Nicotiana tabacum.

  First report on genome size of endangered Saraca asoca (~1430 Mb).

 

Neem

  Documented recovery from neem decline and incidence of Tea Mosquito Bug.

  Enhanced azadirachtin (aza) yield in callus suspension cultures.

  Established neem trial with accessions from 200 trees at Neyveli Research Station.

 

Madhuca longifolia

  500 plants propagated through cleft grafting.

  Phytochemical profiling of flowers, seeds, and leaves (GC-MS).

  Established clonal orchards and germplasm resources.

  Documented Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK).

   Demonstrated anticancer properties in Madhuca extracts.

 

Dalbergia latifolia

  Established clonal trials, germplasm banks, and progeny trials.

  Identified antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties of extracts.

 

Other R&D Initiatives

  Orthoptera diversity: discovered 4 new grasshopper species and published identification keys.

  Hill Area Development Programmes: climate impact studies on Shola species; developed field guide to Nilgiri flora; value addition of Acacia flowers for livelihood.

 

2. Bioprospecting and Product Development

 

Biopesticides

  Oil-based: Vilvekam (Bael seed oil), Hy-Act (Hydnocarpus), Tree PALH, Simca BC (Simarouba).

  Microbial: Ento-fight NaSa (Nigrospora sphaerica).

   Green insecticides: Crawl Clean (botanical mix).

 

Bioboosters and Biofertilizers

  Tree Rich Biobooster (organic biomass-based).

  Vermico-IPM (instant organic potting mixture).

 

Natural Colourants & Value-Added Products

   Tara Red (from Tamarindus indica).

   Natural extracts from Careya arborea and Eucalyptus.

   Royalseema Red Sanders Soap (with antimicrobial properties).

  Home Garden Kit with saplings, biobooster, and insecticide.

   Tara Red Jam (from unripe tamarind fruits, patented process).

   Herbal Hand Sanitizer (plant-extract based).

  DYECOP natural dyed masks (90% BFE efficiency).

   Mosquito-repellent agarbattis from eucalyptus waste

 

Technology Transfer and Partnerships

  Licensed teak tissue culture technologies to multiple biotech firms.

   Developed commercial tissue culture protocol for mahogany, bamboos and eucalypts.

  MoUs with industry partners for scaling TC production.

  Public–private partnerships for eco-friendly bioproduct commercialization.

 

Livelihood, Outreach, and Tribal Development

   IFGTB recognized as Centre of Excellence by Ministry of Tribal Affairs for NTFP value addition.

  Infrastructure support: jam-making machine (Kemmarampalayam) and block-making machine (Rayaroorpathi).

   Tribal Women SHGs trained in Tree Rich Biobooster and Tara Red Jam production, registered under TNSRLM, and linked to TRIFED markets.

   Established Seed Production System (SPS) for NTFPs in Attappadi Hills with Vattaluki Tribal Farming Society.

  Trained tribals in sustainable harvest of Terminalia and other NTFPs.

   Short films prepared on tribal development, biopesticides, and tissue culture.

 

Training and Capacity Building

   Hands-on training in tissue culture, nursery practices, molecular markers, HPLC, GC/MS/MS.

  Training for IFS officers and officials on bioprospecting and biopiracy

  Women empowerment programs through SHG-based product development.

  Knowledge dissemination on “Wealth out of Waste” initiatives.

  Capacity building for Tamil Nadu Greening Mission staff on seed supply systems.

 

Recognition and Certification

  IFGTB identified as Centre of Excellence by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

   Organic certification for Tree Rich Biobooster (TNOCD).

   FSSAI approval and process patent for Tara Red Jam.

   Trademark and patents obtained for bioproducts (biopesticides, soaps, hand sanitizers, natural dyes).