ABSTRACT
This chapter covers a detailed review of the Ecology of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. (Shisham). The genus Dalbergia comprises almost 100 to 300 species dispersed all over tropical and subtropical habitats. Out of which a few are lianas and shrubs, but most of them are trees. Dalbergia sissoo is a medium to large, deciduous, and nitrogen-fixing tree with a spreading crown along thick branches common to semiarid areas of the Asian Subcontinent. Sissoo is a benchmark forest species of this genus; it is also called Indian rosewood, indigenously found in the Indian Subcontinent. Rosewoods naturally occur in Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Amazon for their unique timber characteristics. Shisham naturally grows in the Sub-Himalayan Tarai area from Bangladesh to Afghanistan. Now it is planted all over South Asian subtropical areas, and commonly so in Nepal, India, and Pakistan. Dalbergia sissoo grows well in the riverine environment and prefers alluvial soil, natural sand, or gravel conditions with abundant moisture and sunlight. It is known as the best premier timber-producing tree all over the world. In addition to excellent timber with commercial importance, Dalbergia sissoo is a valuable multi-use tree. It is a significant part of the inter-cropping system in South and Southeast Asia. It is famous among small-scale and resource-limited farmers due to its multipurpose properties. Sissoo provides not only timber, but also fuelwood, charcoal, traditional medicines, fodder, green manure, and honey. In the Indian Subcontinent, this tree is grown in forest plantations, roadsides, canal banks, and avenues. Because of good wood strength, durability, and elasticity, it is highly appraised as a constructional and overall utility timber. Moreover, shisham has been used as medicine for several years, and now demand is increasing for plant-based medicines, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Dalbergia sissoo has great importance as an agroforestry application; therefore, it is highly valued in South Asia’s socio-economic progress. Unfortunately, multiple threats have been noticed to this tree consisting of animal grazing, agricultural cultivation, diseases, forest fires, logging, and insect attack, causing a considerable decline of species. In previous years shisham has been affected with decline diseases, and cases have been identified even in its indigenous lands. It is suggested that resistant species must be planted on well-aerated soils to conserve this valuable tree species from being endangered in the future. Though extensively used and extremely valued, Dalbergia sissoo has never remained a key species for research and knowledge-sharing activities.
