This volume presents current evidence base in tree biotechnology and functional physiology, with applications to forest and agroforestry systems. Bringing together contributions on genome editing, molecular breeding, plant tissue culture, clonal forestry, morphogenesis and developmental biology, and bioactive compounds, the volume examines how cellular and physiological processes shape stress resilience, productivity and health under abiotic and biotic pressures. It also addresses climate‑induced stresses and adaptive responses, forest pathology and early disease diagnostics, alongside the role of soil microorganisms in tree health. Chapters further consider ecological, agronomic and socio‑economic dimensions, and the place of agroforestry in sustainable land‑use.

This book is designed for advanced researchers, practitioners and policymakers working across forestry, tree physiology, forest genetics and biotechnology.

Dr. Rakesh Pathak, obtained Ph.D. from the Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur. He is a Chief Technical Officer in the ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan and is a Fellow of Institution of Chemists (India). His work mainly focuses on plant biotechnology, molecular characterization, and the genetic diversity of different crops and tree species. Dr. Pathak has published more than 100 research papers and book chapters on molecular characterization and genetic diversity studies of several crops and trees in journals and books of national and international repute. He has molecularly characterized and submitted more than 450 novel gene sequences belonging to trees/plant varieties/germplasm, macro-fungi, fungal pathogens and PGPRs with NCBI, USA, to address Indian biodiversity. Dr. Pathak has delivered several oral and poster presentation in national and international conferences. He has been regularly reviewing manuscripts as a referee for high-impact journals and serving as editor for high impact international journal.