KSCSTE-Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute

From the Krishi Vaibhav 2026 & Agrifest Exhibition Stall organized by the Centre for Innovation in Science & Social Action (CISSA) with support from the MSME ministry, National Cooperative Development Corporation, and National Dairy Development Board at Putharikandam Ground, Thiruvananthapuram.
An inspiring platform showcasing innovations, sustainable agriculture practices, and community-oriented initiatives for a greener future.

New Manuscript Published | New Species from Kerala…
Memecylon mathewdanii, a new endemic species from the Western Ghats, has been described from Kerala.
Santhosh Kumar E.S.*, Shareef S.M., Anusha P.P. and Rejitha Joseph
Journal of Plant Development Sciences Vol. 18(2): 69-73. 2026
The species is named in honour of Dr. Mathew Dan, Senior Principal Scientist (Retd.), JNTBGRI, for his contributions to Systematic Botany.

The Restoration of Forests and Ecosystems Mission Conclave, held at Peringammala Panchayath on 29 April 2026, highlighted the pivotal role of JNTBGRI as a scientific and technical leader in landscape-level ecological restoration.
The programme was presided over by Shri P.N. Arunkumar, Panchayat President, and inaugurated by Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, reflecting strong local governance and policy support. In his keynote address, Dr. Sreekumar S, Director, JNTBGRI, emphasized the genesis of biodiversity as a result of long-term evolutionary processes and ecological interactions and its central role in maintaining ecosystem stability, resilience, and sustainability. He stressed that restoration efforts must be grounded in native biodiversity, genetic integrity, and ecosystem functionality, supported by site-specific protocols and long-term monitoring. He also highlighted JNTBGRI’s contributions in conserving rare, endemic, and threatened (RET) species, developing science-based restoration models, and promoting community participatory approaches. He called for integrated and coordinated efforts among scientists, policymakers, institutions, and local communities.
The conclave also featured expert inputs from Dr. E.S. Santhoshkumar, Dr. M. Abdul Jabbar, and Dr. Joemon Jacob of JNTBGRI, along with active participation from NABARD, the Kulathupuzha Forest Range, the Agriculture Department, farmers, tribal communities, and Sasthra Sahithya Parishath, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive framework for sustainable ecosystem restoration and livelihood security.

We mourn the passing of Peter Raven (1936–2026), an eminent botanist, visionary leader, and tireless advocate for global biodiversity conservation. His lifelong contributions to plant science and environmental stewardship have left an enduring legacy across the world.
During his visit to KSCSTE-JNTBGRI on 21 February 1998, Dr. Raven planted a sapling of Mangifera indica in our arboretum - a simple yet profound gesture symbolizing his deep commitment to the preservation of plant diversity. Today, that sapling has grown into a flourishing tree, standing as a living tribute to his vision and dedication.
As we remember him, we also celebrate this thriving tree that continues to grow under our care - an enduring reminder of his visit and his message: that the future of humanity is inseparable from the future of plants.
We pay our heartfelt homage to a great scientist, mentor, and guardian of the natural world…

Manuscript Published…

Sabeena A, Biju H. 2026. First record of Meliola rhamnicola Stev. & Tehon (Meliolaceae) in India: A species originally described from British Guiana.

Plant Science Today.; 13(1): 1-5. https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.11676

Impact Factor : 0.8

Manuscript Published... First report of therapeutic investigation and metabolic profiling of edible mushroom Agaricus flocculosipes
Divya Sreekala, Vipin Mohan Dan, Gama Mohan M. Geetha, Arya Chamaparambath, Anagha Bindu, Sajith Raghunandanan and Chittethu Kunjan Pradeep
AMB Express (2026) 16:40 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-026-02028-2
Impact Factor: 3.7

We are delighted to share that Dr. Anurag Dhyani, Senior Scientist, Plant Genetic Resources Division, KSCSTE-JNTBGRI, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group.

Heartiest congratulations to Dr. Dhyani on this remarkable achievement! We wish him continued success in advancing global tree conservation efforts.

As part of the Earth Day celebrations on 22 April 2026 at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo & Museum campus, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board organized a tree planting programme under the Green-1000 Project, focusing on native endangered (RET) species and fruit trees. The programme was inaugurated by Padmasree M. C. Dathan, Scientific Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala with messages by N. Anilkumar, Chairman, KSBB and Sreekumar S, Director, KSCSTE-JNTBGRI. Manula Devi, Director Zoo & Museum, Rahul Bhatkoti, and Sebastian Britto, Adani group participated and addressed the gathering, highlighting urban greening and biodiversity conservation. Native RET species for planting are being supplied by Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute. This project is funded by Adani Group.