Ethnobotany I

Aims, Objectives and scope, methods of study of Ethnobotany.Ethnobotany of Rajasthan and India. Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan. Ethnic groups of Rajasthan.  Major tribes – Meena, Bhil, Garasia, Saharia, Dhanka, Kalbelia, Nut, Banjara, Koli, Naika and their life style.                                                                                                                                 

Jhoom and shifting cultivation, consequential damage to forest eco-system. Traditional use of plants as Food, Fodder, Fencing, Decoration and Adornment, Dyes, Timber, Intoxicants and Masticatories

Plants and their parts used for curing various ailments found in human beings and animals. Detailed study about the mode of use and application of following important medicinal plants : Aloe, Bacoppa, Barleria, Bombax, Calotropis, Catharanthes, Chlorophyton, Cissus, Commiphora, Convolvulus, Datura, Jatropha, Ocimum, Phyllanthes, Plumlbago, Ricinus, Sentella, Terminalia, Thespisia, Thevitia, Tinospora, Tribullus, Tylophora, Withania.                                                     

Efforts and initiatives to conserve biodiversity.  Biological production with particular reference to conservation of flora, windbreaks, heltter belt, afforestation and desert control measures.  Unexploited plants of potential economic value with special reference to Rajasthan.  Sacred groves. Strategies for conservation: in situ and ex-situ Role of Biotechnology in Biodiversity conservation: Causes of loss of Biodiversity.  

Resources, types, conservation, need for integration of Biodiversity with Science and Technology. Soil conservation, Desertification, Afforestation, World conservation and National Conservation strategies, voluntary agencies and non-government organizations. National research institutes participating in conservation of biodiversity such as CSIR, NBPGR, ICAR, CAZRI, BSI, DBT.