Seeds are truly remarkable in that they are miniature representations of the entire plant, containing the entire tree structure within their skin, and are capable of thriving in optimal conditions. Throughout history, seeds have played a critical role in agriculture, from nomadic farming to precision farming, and they are now utilized in a wide range of applications, including food, decoration, cosmetics, medicine, and pharmaceuticals, among others.

This book, which includes descriptions and photographs of seeds for over 75 tree and plant species commonly used in forestry programs, is an invaluable resource for students, field personnel, and anyone else interested in forest nursery activities. The book covers seed phenology, distribution, and basic seed handling techniques, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to learn more about tree and plant seeds. With this book, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the physiochemical and biological properties of seeds and how they can be harnessed for various purposes.

Ashwath M.N., Research Scholar, Department of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement College of Forestry, KAU, An enthusiastic scholar in the field of Forestry. Currently perusing Doctoral Degree in the field of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement. Awarded with a gold medal in M.Sc. (For. FBTI) from the University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga. Qualified ASRB-NET and gained research and teaching experience. Honored with DST-Inspire fellowship for Doctoral research.

Dr. Sathish B.N. is currently working as Asst. Professor in College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga. He has twelve years of experience in teaching, research and outreach activities in the field of Forestry.  Before joining as Asst. Professor in the university, he worked in a project on ‘Mapping of plant resources of Western Ghats’ funded by DBT, New Delhi for five years. During this period he has extensively worked in the forests of Western Ghats. He has handled more than 10 research projects related to biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement. He has participated in various national and international conferences, seminar and symposia. he also published more than 50 research papers in peer reviewed national and international journals. He has published three books independently. He was a recipient best teacher award for the year 2020 by Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga.

Dr. G.M. Devagiri is the doyen of tropical forestry. Currently he is working as Professor and Head, Dept. of Natural Resource Management and Dept. of Forest Products and Utilization, and University Head, Division of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga. He has more than 25 years of experience in teaching, research and outreach activities in different aspects of tropical forestry.

He has implemented several research programs in Western Ghats, India. Notably, DOS-DBT– Biodiversity characterization in south Karnataka, Vegetation carbon project under ISRO-IGBP program, Sentential Landscape project funded by ICRAF-CGIAR, Quantification of ecosystem services in Central Western Ghats, funded by Canadian Model Forest Network.

He has attended several national and international conferences, seminars and symposia. He has been actively associated with many national and international organizations. He has been serving as member of Western Ghats Eco-sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee, member of Kodagu Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Foundation, Govt. of Karnataka. He is serving as the President of Agricultural Sciences Forum of Kodagu in India.  

Dr. Devagiri’s interest in Forest Ecology, Remote sensing and GIS, Biodiversity conservation, Climate Science has placed him as one of those   forestry scientist who lay hands on whisper of nature and bring in the science and aesthetic value of nature. He is an prolific writer and has published about 100 research papers in peer-reviewed national and International journals. He has also published many books and book chapters on Forestry and Environmental sciences.

Clara Manasa P.A. is a dedicated researcher in the field of Agroforestry and Silviculture. Completed B.Sc. and M.Sc. Forestry from the University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga and currently pursuing PhD from the same University. Qualified ASRB-NET and has gained experience in teaching as Assistant Professor (CT).

1.  Introduction, 2. Seed Handling and Description