State of Forest Genetic Resources in India: Country Report

V. Singh, born on 15th August, 1947 obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Botany from the University of Meerut (U.P.) during the year 1967 and 1974 respectively, with specialization in Taxonomy. He is devoted to the study of Indian biodiversity right from the date of completion of post graduation and in thirty nine years of his research career he has published books like : 3-volumed Flora of Rajasthan, Flora of Banswara district, Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, Asteraceae of Sikkim, Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants of India and Nepal (ed.) Indian Folk medicines and other products (ed.) which have got worldwide recognition. He is also recognized for the monographs on Indian Zygophyllaceae, Lamiaceae (the genus Leucas R.Br.), Caesalpiniaceae (subtribe Cassiinae) and Ebenaceae (the genus Diospyros L.). He has worked on different aspects of Indian flora viz. taxonomy, ecology, phytosociology, ethnobotany, medicinal botany, conservation etc. and has about 100 research papers in his credit. His recent contribution on the Biodiversity of Desert National Park hasfound wide recognition in the field of conservation and management of protected areas.