During tree surveys, we record the fungi, bacteria, and other organisms associated with tree decay, decline, and structural risk. Because systematically compiled information on these organisms in Indian urban trees is limited, we are building an open reference catalogue of decay fungi, bacteria, and other tree associates relevant to tree-risk assessment.
If you have photographs, records, identifications, or observations to add, please share them. The information on this page may be freely used for research, education, and tree-risk assessment.
Acacia auriculiformis
Chukrasia tabularis
Delonix regia
Enterolobium cyclocarpum
Hardwikia binata
Khaya senegalensis
Leucaena leucocephala
Memecylon umbellatum
Mimusops elengi
Peltophorum pterocarpum
Senna siamia
Tamarindus indica
To inspire researchers and encourage collaboration, we present further areas of research that we believe would improve urban tree management in India.
Long-term survival and lifespan: Establish the maximum attainable lifespan and long-term street survival of commonly planted urban tree species in India, and create an open, evidence-based database.
Summer canopy retention: Develop an India-specific urban-tree phenology classification that identifies species retaining functional canopy through the hot season, when shade is most valuable.
Multiple-stress tolerance: Combine air-pollution tolerance with drought, heat, rooting volume, soil conditions, and long-term survival, so species-selection guidance reflects real street conditions.
Root systems and infrastructure: Use pneumatic excavation and other non-destructive or minimally invasive methods to document root architecture, guide soil-volume requirements, and reduce conflicts with pavements, utilities, and built structures. (We have previously developed a research proposal on pneumatic excavation of urban tree roots and would welcome collaborators to take this work forward.)
Long-term planting trials: Establish repeat-measurement planting trials that evaluate species over decades, rather than assessing performance only during the first few years after planting.
Transplantation success: Compile and analyse evidence on transplantable tree species in India, including species, size, age, root condition, transplant method, aftercare, and survival.