PROFILE

Education

M.Sc. (Forestry), Ph.D. (Forestry)

Research Activities

Research Interests:

Establishment and evaluation of tree improvement trials, Genetic diversity analysis, TBOs, Sandalwood, Redsander, Electric Resistance Tomograph, Polyploidy in trees, Urban Forestry

Research Expertise

Establishment and evaluation of tree improvement trials, Genetic diversity analysis, TBOs, Sandalwood, Redsander, Electric Resistance Tomograph.

Completed Projects as PI:

Identification, Collection and Genetic Evaluation of Important Oil Yielding Trees (Karanj and Mahua) of Jharkhand” – Funded by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Exploration of Lac Cultivation on Non-Traditional Host Flemingia sp. and its Possibility in Sustainable Plantation Forestry”. – Funded by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

Phyto-sociological analysis of flora in selected forests and documentation of invasive plant species on non-forest areas of Latehar and Hazaribhag districts – consultancy project report submitted to United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), New Delhi, India.

Distribution, assessment and growth of Santalum album L., an important medicinal plant of Karnataka – Funded by National Medicinal Plants Board, Department of AYUSH, New Delhi.

Assessing the performance of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre in Karnataka and Establishment of Multi Location Trail: A step towards varietal release – Funded by Karnataka Forest department, Bangalore.

Enhancing seed productivity in Pongamia pinnata plantation by silvicultural practices – Funded by Karnataka Forest department, Bangalore.

Spatio-temporal landuse patterns at rural-urban interface and the relationship between green areas and biophysical features Phase I (Indo-German Collaborative project) – Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi.

areas and biophysical features Phase II (Indo-German Collaborative project) – Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi.

Evaluation of Heartwood Formation in Santalum album L. Using Non-destructive method – Funded by CAMPA – MOEFCC, New Delhi.

Identification of phenotypically superior Pterocarpus santalinus and establishment of progeny trials – Funded by CAMPA – MOEFCC, New Delhi.

Evaluation of heartwood formation in Pterocarpus santalinus using Electric Resistance Tomography - Funded by CAMPA – MOEFCC, New Delhi.

Current Research Projects as PI:

Inducing the Variation in Santalum album Linn. By Polyploidy Techniques for Genetic Improvement funded by National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), New Delhi.

Selection of disease free sandalwood phenotypes with high heartwood and oil content and assess the impact of genetic variants on the targeted traits.

Assessment of age and health of identified Potential Heritage Trees (PHT) in Chennai.

Consultancy Project as PI:

As a Karnataka state team leader, assisted in preparation and submitted Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Rejuvenation of Krishna River through Forestry Interventions, Funded by National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB), MoEF & CC, New Delhi, Period 2019- 2020, Budget 140 lakhs.

As a Nodal Officer sanctioned with a third party monitoring and evaluation of works under CAMPA Andhra Pradesh. Funded by Andhra Pradesh Forest Department (APFD) Period 2022-2024, Budget 114.34 lakhs.

As team member prepared 31 Reclamation and Rehabilitation plans for different mines in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur districts under consultancy project from Department of Mines and Geology, Govt of Karnataka.

Technologies Developed

Jethwi lac cultivation on non-traditional host Flemingia macrophylla in Jharkhand

Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT)

Resource person

As a course director organized two short term training programme Agroforestry based tree cultivation: special emphasis on sandalwood cultivation from 8th to 12th October 2018.

As a course director organized two short term training programme Sandalwood cultivation: nursery and plantation management from 31st October to 2nd November 2018.

Assisted in training program on “Sandal wood: Seed handling, nursery and plantation technology” from 10.12.2018 to 14.12.2018 as resource person and presented a topic on “General guidelines in sandalwood plantation management”.

Assisted in GSDP training program on “Propagation and Management of Bamboo” as resource person and presented a topic on “Edible Bamboo: An Alternative Food Source”.

Assisted in training program on “Sandal wood: Seed handling, nursery and plantation technology” from 09.12.2019 to 13.12.2019 as resource person and presented a topic on “Introduction to sandalwood”.

As a course director organized a training program on “Sandal wood: Seed handling, nursery and plantation technology” from 18th to 22nd February, 2019 at IWST.

As a resource person presented a topic on “General guidelines in sandalwood plantation management” and “Introduction to sandalwood” during training on “Sandal wood: Seed handling, nursery and plantation technology” from 18th to 22nd February, 2019 at IWST

Arranged the training programme on “Micro-propagation of Bamboo species” for Maharashtra bamboo development board and transferred the protocol of seven bamboo species and supplied base cultures as HOD of GTI division.

As a resource person presented a topic on “General guidelines in sandalwood plantation management” and “Estimation of yield and growth of sandalwood” during one day training programme to Farmers of Karnataka on 27th March 2019 at IWST.

As a course director organized a training programme on “Sandal wood: Seed handling, nursery and plantation technology” from 10.02.2020 to 14.02.2020.

As resource person presented a topic on “Introduction to sandalwood” during a training program on “Sandal wood: Seed handling, nursery and plantation technology” from 09.12.2019 to 13.12.2019.

As resource person presented a topic on “Edible Bamboo: An Alternative Food Source” during GSDP/BTSG training program on “Propagation and Management of Bamboo”. As a course director organized a virtual training programme on “Sandal wood: Seed handling, nursery and plantation technology” on 21.08.2020.

As resource person presented a topic on “Economics of sandalwood cultivation” during a Short term training for Master Trainers on “Indian Sandalwood” from 23.11.2020 to 27.11.2020.

As resource person presented a topic on “Forest Degradation” during two days training program on capacity building of state forest departments for developing state REDD+ action plans on 15th and 16th March, 2021 at IWST, Bengaluru

As resource person presented a topic on “Forest Degradation” during two days training program on capacity building of state forest departments for developing state REDD+ action plans on 23rd and 24th August, 2022 at Goa Forest Department, Panaji.

As resource person presented two topics (1) `Estimation of Heartwood in Sandalwood Trees’ and (2) “Economics of sandalwood cultivation” during a training programme for forest officials of Bhadravati division on 20.02.2022

As a resource person presented a topic entitled “Plantation Technology and Economics of growing sandalwood” during online training on “Sandalwood farming and management of its health” in Hindi language as part of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav on 11.10.2021

As a resource person presented a topic entitled “Heartwood estimation and Economics of growing sandalwood” during online training on “Sandalwood farming and management of its health” as part of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav on 25.03.2022

As a resource person presented a topic entitled “Raising of Sandalwood plantations” during two days Online/Virtual training course on “Sandalwood cultivation and its prospects” under the Umbrella scheme “Forestry Training and Capacity Building - Training to Personnel of Other Services” conducted at IWST during 26 to 27 August, 2021

As a resource person during Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav on ‘Indian Sandalwood propagation and cultivation- question and answer session on 16/4/2021

As a resource person delivered a lecture on “Edible Bamboo cultivation and Utilization” during training on Bamboo propagation and Management organised by IWST, Bangalore during 17th Sept, 2021

A webinar was conducted on nursery techniques, cultivation and management of sandalwood at IWST on 10/12/2021

Conducted webinar on “Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT): A Technology in Deciphering the Interiors of Standing Trees” on 4th January 2022

As a resource person delivered a lecture on “Electric Resistance Tomograph: Estimation of heartwood in sandalwood trees” during one-week training for the ICFRE Scientists on ‘Wood Seasoning, Preservation and composite wood’ (7th to 11th March, 2022)

As a resource person delivered a lecture on “Heartwood estimation in standing trees of Sandalwood using electric resistance tomograph” during webinar on “Sandalwood Oil: Uses, Adulteration and Detection Techniques” was organized by Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru on 24th December 2021, under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence

Technical/ Scientific advisory /Consultancy services

Technical/ Scientific advisory:

Served as a member of the internal committee for reviewing Project Completion Reports (PCRs) of internally funded projects.

As a Nodal officer, 3rd Party Monitoring and Evaluation of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Activities of Andhra Pradesh Forest Department (APFD) During 2016-17 to 208-19 (three years).

Played a key role in fixing service charges for heartwood detection and estimation in standing sandalwood trees:

Consultancy Charges: ₹200/tree

Testing Charges (under i-STEM): ₹1000/tree

Consultancy Services (ERT-Based Heartwood Estimation): Provided technical consultancy and field execution using Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT) for non-destructive estimation of heartwood content in standing trees: Sandalwood (Santalum album L.):
o Chhattisgarh Forest Department, Sep 2024 – 100 trees
o Kamplapura Sandalwood Estate, KFD, Jan 2025 – 136 trees
o Dharwad Circle, KFD, March 2025 – 39 trees
Teak (Tectona grandis L. f.): o Hosachiguru Farms (Green Meadows), Aug 2024 – 44 trees

Publications

Number of Research Papers Published: 100

International Papers – 30

National Papers – 35

International conference/seminars – 29

National conference/seminars – 18

Books – 1

Book chapters – 8

Scientific advisory /Consultancy services – 10

Details of Research Papers Published in International Journals:

Divakara BN., B. Mohan Kumar, PV. Balachandran and N.V. Kamalam. 2001. Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd.) Hedgerow systems in Kerala. India: Root distribution and root competition for phosphorus with adjacent teak and Malabar white pine trees. Agrofor. Sys. 51: 189-200p.

Mohan Kumar, B. and Divakara BN. 2001. Proximity, Clump size and Root distribution pattern in bamboo: A case study of Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. Poaceae, in Ultisols of Kerala, India. Journal of Bamboo and Rattan 1(1): 43-58p.

Divakara BN, HD Upadhyaya, SP Wani and CLL Gowda 2010. “Biology and Genetic Improvement of Jatropha curcas L.: A Review” Applied Energy 87: 732-742

Divakara BN, Alur AS and Tripati S. 2010. Genetic variability and relationship of pod and seed traits in Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. a potential agroforestry tree, International Journal of Plant Production 4 (2): 129-141.

Divakara BN and Rathakrishnan 2012. Clonal variability and divergence studies in Tamarindus indica L.: A multipurpose fruit tree. Journal of Biodiversity and Ecological Sciences 2(1): 31-41

Divakara BN and Rameshwar Das 2011. Variability and divergence in Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. for further use in tree improvement. Journal of Forest Research 22(2): 80-86.

Divakara BN, HD Upadhyaya and R Krishnamurthy 2011. Identification and evaluation of diverse genotypes in Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. for genetic improvement in seed traits. Journal of Biodiversity and Ecological Sciences 2(2): 121-129.

Kanchan Kumari, Amrita Sinha, Sanjay Singh and Divakara BN 2013. Biochemical Characterization and Genetic Diversity of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre in Eastern India. Journal of Forest Science 29(3): 200-210.

Divakara BN 2013. Exploration of Lac Cultivation on Non-Traditional Host Flemingia Macrophylla (Willd.) Kuntze Ex Merr. and it’s Possibility in Understorey Plantations of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. International Journal of Forest, Soil and Erosion 3(4): 129-133.

Divakara BN 2014. Relationship of Seed Traits on Initial Progeny Growth Performance and Divergence Studies in Madhuca Latifolia Macb. for Further Use in Tree Improvement. Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment, 4 (2): 11-23.

Divakara BN, HD Upadhyaya, Anandlaxmi, Rameshwar Das. 2015. Identification of diverse genotypes with high oil content in Madhuca latifolia for further use in tree improvement. Journal of Forestry Research 26(2):369–379.

Divakara BN. 2017. Assessing Variability and Divergence of Jatropha curcas Linn. Germplasm under Ex-situ conditions. Forest Research 6(2):1–8. DOI:10.4172/2168- 9776.1000201

Tewari V. P and B. N Divakara 2018. Development of a stand density management diagram for Santalum album plantations in Karnataka, India, Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science, 80:3, 251-259, DOI: 10.2989/20702620.2017.1379321

Awuah Kwame T, Nölke N, Freudenberg M, Divakara BN, Tewari VP, Kleinn C. 2018. Spatial resolution and landscape structure along an urban-rural gradient: Do they relate to remote sensing classification accuracy? - A case study in the megacity of Bengaluru, India. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment 2: 89-98.

Divakara BN, Viswanath S, Nikhitha CU, Kumar S. 2019. Economics of Santalum album L. Cultivation under Semiarid Tropics of Karnataka, India. Forest Res 2017, 7:3 DOI: 10.4172/2168-9776.1000223

Jha RK, Nolke N, Divakara BN, Tewari VP, Kleinn C. 2019. Differences in Tree species diversity along the rural-urban gradient in Bangalore, India. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening 46: doi 10.1016/j.ufug.2019.126464.

Divakara BN, CU Nikitha and Prabhudda HR. 2021. Enhancing seed productivity of Pongamia pinnata L. using silvicultural practices, International Journal of Forest, Soil and Erosion, 11(1): 14-23.

Divakara BN, CU Nikitha 2022. Assessing the Performance of Pongamia pinnata (l.) Pierre under Ex-situ Condition in Karnataka. Journal of Forest and Environmental Science 38 (1) : 12-20

Divakara BN, Nikitha CU, Nölke N, Tewari VP, Kleinn C. 2022. Tree Diversity and Tree Community Composition in Northern Part of Megacity Bengaluru, India. Sustainability 14, 1295. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031295

Divakara BN and Chaithra S. 2022. Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT): A review as NonDestructive Tool (NDT) in deciphering interiors of standing trees, Sensing and Imaging, 23:18 1-24 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11220-022-00385-3

Sneha MV, Madhushree AH, Tapas Ranjan S, Divakara BN, Mohana Kumara P, Prabuddha HR. 2023. Genome sequencing and characterization of microsatellite markers of Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.: an economically important endangered tree of Eastern Ghats, India. Journal of Genetics, 102 (2):35.

Prabuddha, HR., Singh, M., Purushotham, P., Divakara B.N., Manohara, T.N., Chandrashekar, B.S., Ravi, N., Reddy, N. and Singh, O. 2023. Forestry Interventions and Groundwater Recharge, Sediment Control and Carbon Sequestration in the Krishna River Basin. Open Journal of Forestry, 13, 368-395. https://doi: 10.4236/ojf.2023.134022

Tao Jiang, Maximilian Freudenberg, Christoph Kleinn, VP. Tewar, Divakara BN, Nils Nölke. 2024. Unveiling urbanization effects on trees outside forests along the urban-rural gradient in megacity Bengaluru, Forest Ecosystems, 12(4): 100258 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fecs.2024.100258

Divakara, B.N., Singh, M.P. 2025. Application of Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT): Innovative non-destructive method in analysing interiors of standing trees in tropics. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 55(1): 1-15 https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2024-0311.

Sneha MV, Prabuddha HR, Divakara BN, Madhushree AH, Subrahmanya Kumar K. 2025. Identification of polymorphic SSR markers by examining their cross-transferability and investigation of genetic diversity within Pterocarpus species. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding 85(2): 317-320

Mohana Kumara P, Prabuddha HR, Divakara BN, MV Sneha, AH Madhushree Chetan HC and Subrahmanya Kumar K 2025. Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of the endangered endemic and economically important plant, Red Sanders, distributed in the Eastern Ghats. India https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7357158/v1

Divakara BN, G. R. Maruthi Sankar 2025. Efficient sandalwood growth prediction models based on soil, weather and tree parameters under different Agro-Climatic Zones in Karnataka https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6984473/v1

Divakara BN, G. R. Maruthi Sankar 2025. Statistical Assessment of the Superiority of AgroClimatic Zones for Sandalwood (Santalum album L.) Cultivation Based on Variability in Tree Growth and Soil Fertility Parameters in Karnataka, India https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs6951024/v1

Divakara B.N., CU Nikitha and VP Tewari. Health Status of Street Trees Along the Urban– Rural Gradient in the Garden City of Bengaluru, India. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs6946956/v1

Divakara BN, Nikitha CU, Sethy AK 2025. Differentiating Heartwood and Sapwood in Tectona grandis Linn.f. (Teak) Using the Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT), Advance in Sustainability, 2025, 5(1), 40-49 https://doi: 10.26855/as.2025.06.005

Details of Research Papers Published in National Journals:

Divakara BN, Prasad kumar and BS Ganigara. 1996. Efficacy of insecticides against cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi) on Casuarina equisetifolia seedlings. My Forest 32(2): 132- 135p.

Divakara BN, Prasad kumar and BS Ganigara. 1996. Efficacy of insecticides against cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi) on Casuarina equisetifolia seedlings. My Forest 32(2): 132- 135p.

Rajendran P, S Thirumurthi and Divakara BN. 2000. Evaluation of the efficiency of certain biocontrol agents against Acizzia indica (Heslop-Harrison) (Psyllidae: Homoptera) on Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. My Forest 36(3): 207-209p.

Rajkumar M, RSV Rai, P Rajendran and Divakara BN. 2001. Optimization of sterilants concentration and duration for in-vitro propagation in Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. My Forest 37(1): 351-357p.

Rajendran, P, S Thirumurthi and Divakara BN. 2001. Insecticidal control of Acizzia indica (Heslop-Harrison) (Psyllidae:Homoptera) on Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. in forest nurseries. Ind. J. For. 24(3): 332-336p.

Sudhagar RJ and Divakara BN. 2001. Privatization in forestry. My Forest 37(3): 577-579p.

Sivakamar P, A Vijayaraghavan, I Sekar, MG Dasthagir and Divakara BN. 2002. Effect of growth regulators and pre-sowing chemicals on germination and growth attributes of Diospyros melanoxylon. My Forest 38(1): 29-33p.

Rajendran P, MG Dasthagir, MM Yassin and BN Divakara. 2002. Vegetative propagation of Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn. by stem cuttings. Ind. J. Agrofor. 4(1): 67-70p.

Ratha Krishanan P, Rajendran P and Divakara BN. 2003. Albinism in Simarouba glauca, Linn. Ind. For. 129(9): 1167-1169p.

Ratha Krishnan, P, Divakara BN, K Panneer Selvam and TN Neelannavar. 2003. Propagation of Simarouba glauca Linn. by air layering with the aid of indole butyric acid. My Forest 39(1): 61-64p.

Rajendran P, MG Dasthagir and Divakara BN. 2004. In vitro Propagation of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra Linn.) Using Nodal Segments. J. Tree Sci. 1&2:77-80.

Divakara BN. 2005. Review on genetic improvement of Tamarindus indica Linn. : a multipurpose tree species. My forest 40 (4): 335-357p.

Divakara BN. 2006. Forest Biodiversity: Indian Scenario. Indian J. Trop. Biodiv. 14 (2): 90- 96.

Divakara BN. 2006. Tamarind a boon to Farmers. Agri Gold Swarna Sedyam 10: 7-9.

Divakara BN. 2007. Correlation and path analysis in Tamarindus indica Linn. J. Non-timber For. Pro, 14(2):119-124.

Divakara BN. 2007. Variability and genetic analysis of Tamarindus indica Linn. J. Nontimber For. Pro, 14(2):45-52.

Divakara BN. 2008. Variation and character association for various pod traits in Tamarindus indica L. The Ind. For. 134:687 – 696.

Divakara BN and Kumar, R. 2008. Albinism in Madhuca latifolia Macbr. J. Non-timber For. Pro, 15: 117 – 118.

Divakara BN. 2008. Polyembryony in Derris indica (Lamk) Bennet. J. Non-timber For. Pro, 15: 65-66.

Divakara BN. 2009. Variation and character association for various pulp biochemical traits in Tamarindus indica L. The Ind. For. 135:57-61.

Divakara BN and Krishnamurthy R. 2009. Genetic variability, association and divergence studies in seed traits and oil content of Madhuca latifolia Macb. Accessions. J. oilseeds res. 26: 686-689.

Divakara BN and Krishnamurthy R 2010. Exploring the possibility of summer (Jethwi) lac cultivation on non-traditional host in understorey of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. J. of non-timber Forest Products 17 (3): 325-330.

Divakara BN, A. Sinha and A. Alur 2011. Genetic variability and character association among seed traits of Madhuca latifolia Macb. Indian forester 137 (7): 860 – 867.

Divakara BN, S. Prasad and R. Das 2013. Invasive plant species in forest and non-forest areas of Jharkhand” Jharkhand Journal of Development and Management Studies 11 (3): 5483 – 5500.

Divakara BN. 2013. Suitability of Tamarindus indica L. for rehabilitation of mine spoils: A brief review, My Forest 49 (2): 29 – 34.

Divakara BN. 2013. Characterization of genetic diversity in tamarind (Tamarindus indica Linn.) using isozyme approach, My Forest 49 (2): 57 – 64.

Divakara BN and R. Das. 2014. Genetic diversity assessment in Pongamia pinnata (l.) Pierre and Madhuca latifolia roxb.: oil yielding trees of Jharkhand. Indian forester, 140 (11): 1085 – 1091.

Divakara BN 2018. Variability in Pod and Seed Traits of Pongamia pinnata L. MyForest 54(2): 35-47.

Divakara BN, P Prathima, CU Nikhitha 2019. A review on edible bamboo: An alternative food source Indian J. of Agroforestry 21(2): 86-93.

Barathi N., Divakara BN 2021. Large scale cultivation and industrial application of banboo resources Wood is Good 2(1): 89 – 96.

Nikitha CU, Divakara BN 2018. Impacts of Urbanization on Bengaluru MyForest, 54(4):67- 79.

Kavya SR, S. Chaitra, Divakara BN 2020. Important uses of Red Sander (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.): A Royal Tree of India MyForest, 56 (3): 111-116.

Divakara BN, CU Nikitha and SS Chauhan. 2020. Inventory on Deciphering Interiors of Commercially Important Indian Trees Using 3D Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT) Indian Forester 2020, 146 (12): 1149-1153

Divakara BN and VP Tewari 2021. Distribution, Growth and Yield of Santalum album L. in Karnataka, India Indian Forester 2021, 147 (1): 42-50.

Chaithra S, Divakara BN, Tresa H and Kavya SR. 2021. Prospects of tissue culture in tree improvement. My Forest, 57(1): 97-110.

Divakara BN, Nikhita CU, Chitra S, Kavya R, Krishna C and Shetteppanavar V. 2021. Capacity building in cultivation of Santalum Album. L. My Forest; Vol. 57(3): 59-66.

Papers published in Proceedings of Symposiums/Conferences:

International Conferences/workshops/seminars

Divakara, BN., B. Mohan Kumar, PV Balachandran and NV Kamalam. 2000. Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd.) Hedgerow Systems in Kerala. India: Root Distribution and Root Competition for Phosphorus with Adjacent Teak and Malabar White Pine Trees. In: 21st IUFRO congress with the theme “Forests and Society: The Role of Research” held on 7th to 12th August 2000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Divakara, BN. and H.D. Upadhyaya. 2009. Identification of diverse genotypes with high oil content in Madhuca latifolia L. for further use in tree improvement In 2009 IUFRO Tree Biotechnology Conference held on June 28 – July 2, 2009 Whislter, BC, Canada.

Divakara BN, Alur AS and Shridhar Y. 2009. Exploration of Lac Cultivation on NonTraditional Host Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Kuntze Ex Merr. and it’s Possibility in Understorey Plantations of Dalbargia Sissoo. In: 2nd World congress agroforestry with the theme “Agroforestry - The Future of Global Land Use” held on 23th – 28th August 2009; Nairobi, Kenya.

Divakara BN and Rathore A. Genetic Diversity Assessment in Pongamia Pinnata (L.) Pierre: A Biodiesel Tree. In: 13th World Forestry Congress with the theme “Forests in development - a vital balance” held on 18 – 25 October 2009; Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Divakara BN 2009. Relationship of Pod and Seed Traits on Initial Progeny Growth Performance in Pongamia Pinnata (L.) Pierre. In: 13th World Forestry Congress with the theme “Forests in development - a vital balance” held on 18 – 23 october 2009; Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Divakara BN and KK Sharma 2009. Canopy management in lac cultivation for biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood support In: 5 th International Canopy Conference with the theme “Forest canopies: Conservation, Climate change and Sustainable use” held on 25 - 31 October 2009; Bangalore, India.

Divakara BN and Mohan Behl 2010. Oil Dream with Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) Challenges and Prospects In: 23rd IUFRO world congress with theme “Forests for the Future: Sustaining Society and the Environment” held on 23-28 August 2010 at Seoul, Korea.

Divakara BN and HD Upadhyaya 2010. “Identification and Divergence Studies of Genotypes with Superior Pod Traits in Tamarindus indica L.”: An Agroforestry Tree In: International symposium on Indigenous Fruit Trees for Dryland Africa: Domestication for use in a changing environment, held on 25-27 October 2010 at centre CIEVRA, Allada – Republic of Benin.

Divakara BN, M Irshad Ahmed and KN Reddy 2010. “Pod and pulp traits variation in Tamarindus indica Linn. Under different altitudinal ranges and site conditions of south India” In: International Symposium on Indigenous Fruit Trees for Dryland Africa: Domestication for use in a changing environment, held on 25-27 October 2010 at centre CIEVRA, Allada – Republic of Benin.

Divakara BN 2010. “Evaluation of field performance of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. Clones by morphometric analysis” In: 23rd IUFRO world congress with theme “Forests for the Future: Sustaining Society and the Environment” held on 23-28 August 2010 at Seoul, Korea.

Divakara BN, R. Das and A. Sinha 2011. “Clonal performance of Madhuca latifolia Macb. under field conditions” In: International symposium on plant biotechnology towards tolerance to stresses and enhancing crop yield, held on Sep 28th – Oct 1st, 2011 at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra – Ranchi.

Divakara BN 2015 Floristic analysis, phytosociological studies and regeneration status of tree species in sal forests of Jharkhand, India. In: 14th World Forestry Congress with the theme “Forests and people: Investing in a sustainable future” held on 07 – 11 September 2015; Durban, South Africa. (full paper published on web site: http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/world-forestry-congress/programme/technical-papers-andposters/en/).

Divakara BN and Srinivasa Rao M. 2015 Assessment of Floristic Composition and Diversity of Goa Forest Types In: 14th World Forestry Congress with the theme “Forests and people: Investing in a sustainable future” held on 07 – 11 September 2015; Durban, South Africa. (full paper published on web site: http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/world-forestrycongress/programme/technical-papers-and-posters/en/).

Divakara, BN 2015. “Growth Assessment of Santalum album L. Planted in Sandal Wood Estates of Karnataka”. In International conference on climate change and social-ecologicaleconomical interface-building: Modelling Approach to Exploring Potential Adaptation Strategies for Bio-resources conservation and livelihood development held on 20th to 21st May, 2015, ISEC, Bangalore, India.

Divakara, B.N., Jha, R.K., Nikhitha C.U., Nölke, N., Tiwari, V.P., Kleinn, C., Kumar, S. 2018. Tree species diversity in the northern parts of Bengaluru, Karnataka - case study. In: International Biodiversity Congress (IBC – 2018) “Biodiversity for Ecological Civilization” held at FRI Dehradune from 4th – 6 th October 2018.

Divakara BN 2019. “Assessing the growth performance of Pongamia pinnata L. Pierre genotypes under Multi Locational Trial” In: 4th world congress on Agroforestry with theme “Strengthening links between science, Society and Policy” held on 20-22 May, 2019 at Montpellier, France.

Divakara BN 2019. “Assessing the performance of Pongamia pinnata L. Pierre under ex-situ condition in Karnataka” In: 4th world congress on Agroforestry with theme “Strengthening links between science, Society and Policy” held on 20-22 May, 2019 at Montpellier, France. 18. Divakara BN 2019. “Exploring the Possibilities of Quantifying Heartwood of Tectona grandis Linn. f. Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for Tree Improvement” In: 25th IUFRO world congress with theme “Forest Research and Cooperation for Sustainable Development” held on 29th – 5 th October, 2019 at Curitiba, Brazil.

Divakara BN 2019. “Inventory on deciphering interiors of commercially important Indian trees using 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)” In: 25th IUFRO world congress with theme “Forest Research and Cooperation for Sustainable Development” held on 29th – 5 th October, 2019 at Curitiba, Brazil.

Divakara BN 2019. “The pattern of tree species composition changes along the urban-rural gradient in the Indian megacity of Bengaluru” In: 25th IUFRO world congress with theme “Forest Research and Cooperation for Sustainable Development” held on 29th – 5 th October, 2019 at Curitiba, Brazil.

Divakara, BN., CU Nikitha, N. Nölke, V.P. Tewari and C. Kleinn. 2022. Quantifying the stress on trees along the Urban - Rural gradient in the Garden city of Bengaluru, India In: 15th World Forestry Congress held on 2nd – 6 th May, 2022 at Seoul, South Korea.

Divakara, BN., Sheela HK. 2022. Genetic variability and divergence studies in seed parameters of Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. In: 15th World Forestry Congress held on 2nd – 6 th May, 2022 at Seoul, South Korea.

Divakara, BN., Chaithra S. 2022. Identification of wood decay and hollowness in standing tress using Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT): a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) approach In: 22nd International non-destructive testing and evaluation of wood symposium IUFRO held on 24th – 27th May, 2022 at Qubec, Canada.

Divakara, BN, S. Chaithra and C Balaji, Electric Resistance Tomograph: A Non Destructive Testing Approach to Valuation of High-Value Trees of India, In: 22nd International nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood symposium IUFRO held on 24th – 27th May, 2022 at Qubec, Canada.

Divakara BN. 2023. “Exploring the posiblility of agarwood estimation in standing trees of Aquailaria agallaocha using Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT)” In: 3rd Internatinal Scientific Symposium on Agarwood (ISSA 2023) Le Meriden Putrajaya, Malaysia on 17th – 18th October.

Divakara BN. and MP Singh. 2024. “Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT): Innovative nondestructive method in analysing interiors of standing trees in tropics” In: 26th IUFRO world congress held at Stockholm, Sweden on 23rd – 29th June 2024.

Divakara BN., CU Nikitha and VP Tewari. 2024. “Health status of the street trees along the Urban – Rural gradient in the Garden city of Bengaluru, India” In: 26th IUFRO world congress held at Stockholm, Sweden on 23rd – 29th June 2024.

Divakara BN. and Prashanth M. 2024. “Electrical Resistance Tomograph (ERT): An innovative technique in estimation of heartwood content in standing trees of Swietenia macrophylla King” In: 26th IUFRO world congress held at Stockholm, Sweden on 23rd – 29th June 2024.

Divakara BN. 2024. “Decay Assessment in Standing Trees Along Urban-Rural Gradient of Megacity Bengaluru Using Non-Destructive Method: Electric Resistance Tomograph” In: 5 th International Symposium of Forest Engineering and Technologies (FETEC 2024) held at Ljubljana, Slovenia on 16th – 18th September, 2024.

Divakara BN. 2025. Variability in Heartwood Content of Tissue Culture Raised Tectona grandis L. In: 5 th World Teak Conference (5th WTC) entitled ‘Sustainable Development of the Global Teak Sector – Adapting to Future Markets and Environments’ held at Cochin, Kerala during 17th – 20th September 2025.

Divakara BN. 2025. Assessing the Temporal Changes in Resistivity Pattern of Tectona grandis L. Using Electric Resistance Tomograph In: 5 th World Teak Conference (5th WTC) entitled ‘Sustainable Development of the Global Teak Sector – Adapting to Future Markets and Environments’ held at Cochin, Kerala during 17th – 20th September 2025.

National Conferences/workshops/seminars

Divakara BN and MG Dasthagir. 2003. Variation and Character Association for Various Pod Traits in Tamarindus indica Linn. In. National Seminar on “Forest Resource Management” at C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur on 17th - 19th November, 2003.

Divakara BN and A Sinha. 2004. Suitability of Tamarindus indica Linn. for Rehabilitation of Mine Spoils: a Brief Review. In: National Seminar on Rehabilitation of Lands Under Anthropogenic stress and Degradation held at Institute of Forest Productivity, Ranchi on 20th January, 2004.

Divakara BN. 2005. Impacts of silvicultural techniques in forest biodiversity conservation In: National conference on Population growth, Pollution & Biodiversity Loss: a Bio-social approach, at Ranchi, India on 18th & 19th Feb. 2005.

Divakara BN. 2005. Forests: a biosphere carbon sequester In: National conference on Population growth, Pollution & Biodiversity Loss: a Bio-social approach, at Ranchi, India on 18th & 19th Feb. 2005.

Divakara BN. 2006. Forest Extension: The challenges Ahead In: Regional workshop on forest extension review held at Institute of Forest Productivity, Ranchi on 27th March 2007.

Divakara BN. 2006. Relevance of Jatropha Cultivation for Jharkhand: Problems and Prospects In: Workshop on promotion of bio-fuels in India: Issues & Prospects held at New Delhi on 17th August 2006.

Divakara BN. 2006. Problems and Prospects of Degraded forests in Jharkhand In: workshop on Degraded Lands and Livelihood in Eastern India, at Ranchi.

Divakara BN and A Muthukumar. 2007. A review on utilization of bamboo In: National seminars on conservation and management of bamboo resources at Institute of Forest Productivity, Ranchi on Nov. 29-30.

Divakara BN and Krishnamurthy R. 2009. Exploring the possibility of summer (jethwi) lac cultivation on non-traditional host in understorey of Dalbergia sissoo roxb. In. Regional Conference on “Integrated Farming System Models for Eastern Region at Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (IINRG), Ranchi on 13th March, 2009.

Wani SP, TK Sreedevi, S Marimuthu, AVR Kesava Rao and Divakara BN. 2009. Harnessing potential of Jatropha plantations for improving livelihoods and rehabilitating degraded lands. In. ICRISAT – IFAD biofuel project first annual review meeting at ICRISAT, Patancheru on 31st March – 1 st April, 2009.

Divakara BN and R Das. 2011. Genetic Diversity Assessment in Pongamia pinnata and Madhuca latifolia: Oil yielding trees of Jharkhand In: conference on conservation, improvement and sustainable use of medicinal plants and non-wood forest products, held on 8 th – 9 th March 2011 at Institute of Forest Productivity, Lalgutwa – Ranchi, India.

Divakara BN, S. Prasad and R. Das 2011. Documentation of invasive plant species in forest and non-forest areas of Latehar and Hazaribhag districts, Jharkhand – India In: National Forest Congress held on 22-25 Nov, 2011 at Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

Divakara BN, S. Prasad, A. Kumar and DP. Nirala 2011. Genetic resources of Jatropha in Jharkhand: Sustainable utilization by tribes.” In: National symposium on Assessment and Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources through Biotechnological Interventions held on 19- 20, 2011 at Institute of Forest Productivity, Lalgutwa – Ranchi.

Srinivasa Rao M, Divakara BN and Surendra Kumar. 2017. Reclamation and Rehabilitation of Over Burden Dumps by Tree Transplanting Technique In: 28th National convention of mining engineers and National Seminar on Challenges for sustainable development of mining industry to meet energy security on 11th and 12th 2017 at CMPDI, Ranchi.

15. Srinivasa Rao M, Divakara BN and PR Triveni. 2017. Necessaty of Wood Use policy in India: An Initiative In: National Seminar on Role of Wood in Climate Change Mitigation on 15th and 16th 2017 at IWST, Bangalore.

Divakara BN, PV Somashekar, CU Nikitha, Tanzem Fathima, Ajay Kumar, G Ravi Kumar, Shreedevi CN. 2018. Variability in Growth, Heart Wood and Oil Content of Santalum album L. in Telangana In: 14th National Silvicultural Conference “Forest & sustainability securing a common future” held at IWST, Bangalore on 3rd – 5 th December 2018.

Shreedevi CN, Tanzem Fathima, HR Prabhuddha, Divakara BN, CU Nikitha. 2018. Comparison of wood DNA extraction protocols for economically important tree species of india In: 14th National Silvicultural Conference “Forest & sustainability securing a common future” held at IWST, Bangalore on 3rd – 5 th December 2018.

Somashekar PV, Almas Khannam, Divakara BN. 2018. Noval methods for hardening of invitro rooted plantlets of different bamboo species In: 14th National Silvicultural Conference “Forest & sustainability securing a common future” held at IWST, Bangalore on 3rd – 5 th December 2018.

Rameshwar Das, Divakara BN, Santosh Prasad. 2013. Invasive Alien Plants of Jharkhand: A guide to common man. Institute of Forest Productivity, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Lalgutwa, Ranchi – 835 303, Jharkhand – India. P110.

Divakara BN. 2008. Impacts of silvicultural techniques in forest biodiversity conservation. In Environment, Pollution and Health Hazards (Sinha BK and Choudhary S ed.) New Delhi, India: Aph Publishing Corporation 60-73p.

Divakara BN. 2008. Forests: a biosphere carbon sequesters. In Environment, Pollution and Health Hazards (Sinha BK and Choudhary S ed.) New Delhi, India: Aph Publishing Corporation 166-179p.

Prasad S, Divakara BN, P. Kumar and A. Kumar 2012. “Medicinal attributes of invasive alien flora of Latehar, Jharkhand”. In Non-timber forest products and medicinal plants conservation, improvement and sustainable utilization (Sanjay Singh and Rameshwar Das ed.): Institute of Forest Productivity, ICFRE, Lalgutwa - Ranchi 230 – 233p.

Divakara BN, Santosh Prasad and Rameshwar Das 2013. “Density, Frequency, Abundance and Distribution of Invasive Alien Plants in Forest Areas of Jharkhand – India”. In FOREST HEALTH MANAGEMENT (A Balu and N Krishnakumar ed.) Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore p. 331 – 342.

Divakara BN, Nikhitha CU. 2019. Silviculture of Pterocarpus santalinus In: Red Sanders: Silviculture and Conservation T. Pullaiah, S. Balasubramanya and M. Anuradha (ed) pages 101-123.

Pullaiah T., Divakara BN. 2019. Wood Uses, Ethnobotany and Pharmacognosy In: Red Sanders: Silviculture and Conservation T. Pullaiah, S. Balasubramanya and M. Anuradha (ed) pages 17-34.

Noorunnisa Begum S., Ravi Kumar K., Divakara BN. 2019. Threats and Conservation In: Red Sanders: Silviculture and Conservation T. Pullaiah, S. Balasubramanya and M. Anuradha (ed) pages 153-171.

Divakara BN, CU Nikhitha, MA Mahmud, Nils Nölke and VP Tewari 2021. Tree Species Diversity in the Southern Transect across the Rural–Urban Interface of Bengaluru In: The Rural-Urban Interface, The Urban Book Series E. Hoffmann et al. (eds.), pages 151- 162.

Priyank Maithani, Divakara BN and Anil Kumar Sethy 2023. Trees as Bio-indicators of Pollution and its Impact on the Chemical Composition and Anatomy of Wood In: Recent Advances in Agriculture and Forestry, Dongre et al (eds), pages 15-28

Number of Books Published:

BOOK

Rameshwar Das, Divakara BN, Santosh Prasad. 2013. Invasive Alien Plants of Jharkhand: A guide to common man. Institute of Forest Productivity, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Lalgutwa, Ranchi – 835 303, Jharkhand – India. P110. BOOK CHAPTER

Divakara BN. 2008. Impacts of silvicultural techniques in forest biodiversity conservation. In Environment, Pollution and Health Hazards (Sinha BK and Choudhary S ed.) New Delhi, India: Aph Publishing Corporation 60-73p.

Divakara BN. 2008. Forests: a biosphere carbon sequesters. In Environment, Pollution and Health Hazards (Sinha BK and Choudhary S ed.) New Delhi, India: Aph Publishing Corporation 166-179p.

Prasad S, Divakara BN, P. Kumar and A. Kumar 2012. “Medicinal attributes of invasive alien flora of Latehar, Jharkhand”. In Non-timber forest products and medicinal plants conservation, improvement and sustainable utilization (Sanjay Singh and Rameshwar Das ed.): Institute of Forest Productivity, ICFRE, Lalgutwa - Ranchi 230 – 233p.

Divakara BN, Santosh Prasad and Rameshwar Das 2013. “Density, Frequency, Abundance and Distribution of Invasive Alien Plants in Forest Areas of Jharkhand – India”. In FOREST HEALTH MANAGEMENT (A Balu and N Krishnakumar ed.) Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore p. 331 – 342.

Divakara BN, Nikhitha CU. 2019. Silviculture of Pterocarpus santalinus In: Red Sanders: Silviculture and Conservation T. Pullaiah, S. Balasubramanya and M. Anuradha (ed) pages 101-123.

Pullaiah T., Divakara BN. 2019. Wood Uses, Ethnobotany and Pharmacognosy In: Red Sanders: Silviculture and Conservation T. Pullaiah, S. Balasubramanya and M. Anuradha (ed) pages 17-34. vii. Noorunnisa Begum S., Ravi Kumar K., Divakara BN. 2019. Threats and Conservation In: Red Sanders: Silviculture and Conservation T. Pullaiah, S. Balasubramanya and M. Anuradha (ed) pages 153-171.

Divakara BN, CU Nikhitha, MA Mahmud, Nils Nölke and VP Tewari 2021. Tree Species Diversity in the Southern Transect across the Rural–Urban Interface of Bengaluru In: The Rural-Urban Interface, The Urban Book Series E. Hoffmann et al. (eds.), pages 151- 162. ix. Priyank Maithani, Divakara BN and Anil Kumar Sethy 2023. Trees as Bio-indicators of Pollution and its Impact on the Chemical Composition and Anatomy of Wood In: Recent Advances in Agriculture and Forestry, Dongre et al (eds), pages 15-28.

Achievements

Recipient of University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad Gold Medal for first rank in B.Sc. (Forestry).

Recipient of late Shri. Seshagiri N. Keshwain Gold Medal for first rank in B.Sc. (Forestry).

Holder of University Merit scholarship for four years during Under Graduation.

Recipient of Kerala Agricultural University Research Fellowship for two years during PostGraduation.

First rank holder during Post-Graduation Studies.

Recipient of lCAR – Senior Research Fellowship during doctorate studies

Recipient of Appreciation letter from NABARD for best performance in R&D projects in Jharkhand.

IUFRO-SPDC Fellowship for Pre–congress training and participation in the XXIII IUFRO World Congress held at the Korea Forest Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea during 15th 28th August 2010.

FAO travel grant to participate in 13th World Forestry Congress held on 18th – 23rd October 2009; Buenos Aires, Argentina

IUFRO-SPDC Fellowship for Pre–congress training and participation in the XXIV IUFRO World Congress held at Salt Lake City during 29th Sep 2014 to 6th October 2014.

DST travel grant for participation in the XXV IUFRO World Congress held at Curitiba, Brazil during 29th Sep 2019 to 5th October 2019.

Received sponshorship from APAFRI 2023. To attend 3rd Internatinal Scientific Symposium on Agarwood (ISSA 2023) Le Meriden Putrajaya, Malaysia on 17th – 18th October and present research paper “Exploring the posiblility of agarwood estimation in standing trees of Aquailaria agallaocha using Electric Resistance Tomograph (ERT)” In:.

Received sponsorship from organizers to attend the 5th International Conference of Forest Engineering and Technologies (FETEC 2024): “Forest operation technologies and systems for small-scale forestry applications” to present paper entitled ‘Decay Assessment in Standing Trees along Urban-Rural Gradient of Megacity Bengaluru Using Non-Destructive Method: Electrical Resistance Tomograph’ held on 16th – 18th September 2024 by University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.