Akhila Pinnuri

Developing Seed testing and seed storage protocols of selected forestry species from diverse forest types - AICRP-funded Project

Junior Project Fellow - Institute of Wood Science and Technology - Bengaluru

(2022-07 - 2025-03)

Developing Seed testing and seed storage protocols of selected forestry species from diverse forest types - AICRP-funded Project

• Surveyed diverse forest types and identified target species for seed study.
• Identified seed maturity indices and standardized collection, extraction, and processing techniques for selected forestry species across diverse forest types.
• Assessed germination behavior and dormancy by testing pre-sowing treatments and optimizing germination protocols; studied seed-borne pests and developed management measures.
• Characterized seed storage physiology by categorizing seeds (orthodox/intermediate/recalcitrant), testing viability under various storage conditions, and developing species-specific storage protocols.
• Correlated seed traits (size, mass, moisture) and ecological parameters (climate, vegetation) with desiccation sensitivity and storage behavior to develop a predictive model.
• Conducted extension activities including preparation of technical manuals and hands-on training programs to build capacity in seed and nursery techniques.
• Actively contributed in drafting compilation of the project Compilation reports.

Project Associate - Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute

(2021-06 - 2021-11)

Status of Floristic Diversity Regeneration, Soil Physical and Chemical Properties of Fire-Affected Vegetation in Different Areas of Karnataka

• Conducted field surveys to assess post-fire floristic diversity and natural regeneration patterns across varying fire-affected sites in Karnataka.
• Collected and analyzed soil samples to evaluate changes in physical (texture, bulk density) and chemical (pH, organic carbon, nutrients) properties due to fire impact

Master of Science - Forestry - Guru Ghasidas Central University (2020-07)

Bachelor of Science - Botany, Forestry, Chemistry - Telangana University (2018-03)