Foreword by: Prof. N. Kumar

Melia dubia is a multi-purpose fast-growing tree species amenable for agroforestry. In the recent past, this species has gained significant attraction among the farmers and wood-based industries from across the country as a source of commercially viable species with multiple domestic and industrial utility. Such a multi-purpose commercial tree has received little research attention and there are no documented research inputs for genetics, silviculture, utilization and the associated economics for deployment and commercial utilization of Melia dubia. This research and development gaps have necessitated the documentation and publication of relevant information pertaining to Melia dubia. Hence the current book on "Malabar Neem – Melia dubia (Genetic Resources, Silviculture and Economics)" has been prepared taking into consideration all the requirement of farmers, industries and other professionals involved in promotion of Melia dubia. This book has incorporated the information on improved genetic resources, silvicultural technology and propagation methods which may find profound utility by wood-based industries, tree growing farmers, forestry students and other professionals involved in promotion, research and educational activities. The incorporation of wood quality characterization particularly physical, chemical, anatomical and mechanical properties will have significant attraction from the researchers and industries as a source of ready reckoner for research and practical application. This book has also incorporated the economics, insurance and contract farming systems along with all supply chain managers involved in the entire Production to Consumption System and hence the book will have profound utility by the industries, forestry professionals, nursery growers, financial institutions and others involved in promotion of agroforestry on a commercial basis. In a holistic approach, the current book on Malabar Neem Melia dubia is a ready reckoner for Professional Foresters, academicians, researchers, industrial establishment and all other stakeholders involved in promotion and development of forestry and agroforestry activities on a commercial scale.

CONTENTS

1. Melia Genetic Resources 

2. Silviculture - Distribution, Ecology and Environmental Requirements 

3. Propagation Methods 

4. Silviculture: Plantation Establishment 

5. Growth and Yield of Melia dubia 

6. Agroforestry Models and Systems 

7. Melia Wood Properties: Physiochemical Properties 

8. Melia Wood Properties: Mechanical Properties 

9. Melia Wood Properties - Anatomical Properties 

10. Melia Wood Properties: Thermochemical Properties 

11. Melia Leaf Properties 

12. Utilization of Melia dubia 

13. Melia based Plywood Industrial Processing 

14. Economics of Melia Cultivation 

15. Insurance Scheme for Melia dubia 

16. DUS Traits and Characterization 

17. Melia Contract Farming 

18. Organizations and Institutions involved in Production to Consumption 

19. Success Stories of Melia dubia Tree Farming 

20. Failure Stories of Melia dubia Tree Farming 

21. References