Dalbergia sissoo (Sheesham) toward its extinction

Dalbergia Sissoo also called Indian rosewood or shisham is found in the subcontinent of Pakistan, India, and South Iran. It grows very fast. It is hard. It is a crooked tree with long leathery leaves. The flowers can be white or pink. ^[1]Dalbergia sissoo“. European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). Retrieved 15 April 2021. 

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Eudicots

Clade: Rosids

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Faboideae

Genus: Dalbergia  ^[2]Dalbergia sissoo – Wikipedia

Importance of Dalbergia Sissoo

Some importance of Dalbergia Sissoo is given below.

• They keep the weather pleasant and also play an important role in keeping the environment clean. These trees keep the environment clean from pollution. 
• The oxygen that we breathe is possible because of these trees.
• Dalbergia Sissoo wood is sold internationally. It is the most valuable of all types of wood.
• It can also be used for fuel and shelter.
• It is planted along roadsides, along canals for strengthening, and as a shade tree for tea gardens.
• One of its main uses is that it is used as furniture and construction wood. 
• Along with its wood, leaves its fruit are also used for making medicine.
•  Its wood is also used to make ships and railroads.  ^[3]Dalbergia Sissoo – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 
• Its body part i.e., leaves, fruits has been used for medcine and scients also working on its medcinal value. ^[4]www.iosrphr.org/papers/v7i2V1/F0702015971.pdf ^[5]12.1.pdf (plantsjournal.com)

Causes of damage of Dalbergia Sissoo

Dalbergia Sissoo presents roadsides and the banks of the canals, but now you will not see this tree there, although these trees prevent erosion and reduce the risk of flooding. But now it is not present and other tresses replace it i.e., white eucalyptus. Although it is less than Dalbergia Sissoo in terms of usefulness and value, it is quicker in growth.

In addition, in the last few years, nature has been somewhat unkind. Some diseases have arisen due to which Dalbergia Sissoo (Sheesham) trees have become extinct day by day.

Experts have not done enough research on these diseases and the trees have been dying and did not research or find any solution for these diseases. Apart from these diseases, ordinary people also destroyed this precious tree.

These are just some of the common causes of their extinction. Scientists have also discovered some of the parasites that cause them to wither and die.

Preliminary investigations into the cause of death of Dalbergia Sissoo in eastern Nepal were carried out in 1998. Order Coleoptera beetles were the most prominent. Termites were spotted in some places. Causes severe damage and death.

The forest department said the fungus and bacteria were affecting mango and other legumes in addition to Dalbergia Sissoo (Sheesham) trees.

A field survey conducted in five districts of Central and Eastern Terai has indicated that Dalbergia Sissoo’s (Sheesham) death was due to root infection and rot. The study also found borer insects in tree trunks and root nematodes.  ^[6]Fungi species causing dieback and wilt diseases in shisham [Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb)] and impact of various fungicides on their management – ScienceDirect ^[7]https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/janr/article/download/33915/26633/99055  ^[8]http://researcherslinks.com/base/downloads.php?jid=24&aid=2153&acid=8&path=pdf&file=1554576305PJAR_32_2_302-316.pdf

How to rescue Dalbergia Sissoo (Sheesham) trees

You should also know that Dalbergia Sissoo’s (Sheesham) is the only tree that can absorb an abundant amount of nitrogen better. Some rescue steps are below for this tree.

• Authentic research should be done to find out the root cause of its damage.
• Diseases should be known, and a proper execution plan should be implemented for them.
• Government should make laws and implement them that cutting and damaging of this tree should be banned. Punishment should be necessary for those who cut down this tree.
• People should grow as many Dalbergia Sissoo’s (Sheesham) trees as possible.
• An awareness program should be launched in the affected area to educate people. ^[9]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318093575_Conservation_strategies_to_save_the_Sissoo_Dalbergia_sissoo_trees ^[10]www.pakbs.org/pjbot/PDFs/39(7)/PJB39(7)2651.pdf ^[11]2000S.pdf (hec.gov.pk)

Reviewed By:

Dr. Ameer Khan

Associate Professor of Botany

University of Education, Lahore