Sparassis crispa is an edible mushroom exhibiting a wide range of medicinal properties. It is recognized for therapeutic value because of the high β-glucan content in the basidiomes. The broad range of its reported curative effects include anti-tumour, anti-cancer, immune-enhancing, hematopoietic, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, wound-healing, antioxidant, anti-coagulant, and anti-hypertensive properties. However, most of the studies are conducted on immunomodulatory and anticancer activities. Besides this, it also exhibits anti-microbial properties due to the presence of sparassol. Technology is now available for the cultivation of S. crispa on coniferous sawdust. This review is an attempt to focus on its distribution, taxonomy, chemical composition, medicinal properties, potential applications, and artificial cultivation.

Invasive insect pests are one of the greatest and fastest-growing threats to natural resources like agricultural biodiversity, animal sector and social progresses are profusely hampered through insect infestation. Through this present study, it was first recorded that Yponomeuta padella attack Prunus cornuta (Himalayan Bird Cherry) leaves in high altitudinal transition zone forests of North Western Himalaya in India. The first damage was observed duringthe month of July, 2022 and randomly collected egg masses form the infested leaves of Prunus cornuta. This species identified through its morphological and genital characteristics. A complete biology of ermine moth, morphology and genital characteristics were studied to update the taxonomic details of the species. More than 90% infestation in leaves was recorded in some trees in the study area. As an alternative, an integrated pest management system needs to be developed for better insect's sustainable management.

Quercus floribunda (Green Oak) which is locally known as Moru Oak, is one of the important species of oaks widely distributed in the north western Himalayan ecosystems in the altitudinal range of 2000 to 2800m above msl. The Moru Oak is very vulnerable to insect pests attack and sometimes these attacks transformed into the outbreak of pests. During the study extensive surveys were carried out in the selected sites i.e. Chamba, Kullu and Shimla to assess the insect pest infestation during different seasons i.e. pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon using an appropriate design. During this study different insect pests attacking different parts (Leaves, stem, acorns etc.) of Moru Oak were observed along with the extent and frequency of insect attack. Insects were collected in the field and geo-information of the study sites was also recorded. The study on life history of a major defoliator Heterocrasa expansalis was undertaken in the laboratory. Assessment of the damage by different insect pests on Oak species was monitored and data on infestation status was recorded. Management of defoliators using IPM methods was also discussed.

No abstract