Shisham-an indigenous tree- is gradually vanishing apparently due to dieback disease in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the environmentalists have stressed the need for advanced research studies to save the economically beneficial specie from possible extinction.
Former Conservator of Forests, Gulzar Rehman said that Shisham has been endangered by the dieback also called cancer in Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera and Swabi districts where the infestation rate was high compared to other districts of the province.
Botanically known as Dilbergia sissoo, he said Shisham is under increasing threat of disappearing since it was first reported in 1998 in these areas and that advanced research studies and investigations were required for eradication of dieback that often attack the species at a young age.
An eminent pathologist of Pakistan, Dr A. H. Khan in his book ‘Pathology of Trees volume-II’ had disclosed that dieback in Shisham was found in early 1900 in the subcontinent. He observed various fungi including Ganoderma lucidum in the Khanewal plantation in Punjab, which ultimately led to dieback in 1956.
“My late father had planted Shisham with advice that sissoo will overcome your financial constraints in future,” said Kamal Ahmed (30), a former of Mohib Banda in Nowshera district while talking to APP.
He said from generation to generation they were planting the species and selling them for the dowry of sisters or education of children.—APP
