Elaeagnus latifolia L. conservation: Perspectives in land reclamation

India represents one of the richest mega biodiversity hotspot. The rich and unique floral diversity of N. E. India is under threat due to adverse interactions of multiple factors related with edaphic, geological, climate as well as human interventions. The present work is focused on exploiting the importance of hitherto-unexplored endemic plant species, Elaeagnus latifolia L., with due interest in identifying scientific conservation strategies using modern biological tools and techniques. In-depth study of valuable plant genetic resources are of immense value for developing the research on drug discovery, validation of traditional healing practices, micropropagation of commercial species and biotechnological studies including genomics, metabolomics & phenomics of medicinal plant. Ample scope exists to use endemic plant species for reclamation of degraded lands like tea soils, thus, opens novel insights for forestry and plantation research. Indigenous plants may be exploited for microbial activity related treasures like biosurfactant producing microbes, pesticide degrading microbes as well as diverse enzymatic actions and microbial biofilm formation and biostimulation activities.