Tree decline in Parkia timoriana: A review

Parkia timoriana, the tree bean popularly known as Yongchak is an important non-timber forest produce of Northeast India. The population of the species has been suffering from tree decline since 2002, causing loss of income to the local population and also huge expenditure in importing tree beans from Myanmar. The research organizations in Northeast India have been undertaking research to identify the causes of tree decline and to develop measures to control the problem. The local press had been actively following up on the matter. A large number of conferences and workshops have addressed the issue. The paper summarizes the various discussions on the topic and research undertaken in the last two decades, from various reports in the press, proceedings of the workshops and conferences and published literature, and suggests action for the future.