Gaya: Scientists of the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, on Saturday conducted a health check-up of the sacred Bodhi tree on the World Heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara campus in Bodhgaya.

Under supervision of the scientists, an iron pole was placed under one of the branches of the tree towards the southern end to give support.

A few days back, leaves of the Bodhi tree had started falling, following which the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) consulted the experts.

The scientists suggested treatment such as sprinkling of nutrients, which BTMC implemented. On request by the BTMC, FRI tree physiologist Santan Barthwal and tree pathologist Amit Pandey arrived in Bodhgaya on Saturday for a check-up of the tree.

The duo collected soil from the Mahavihara campus and a few leaves to test these at the laboratory in Dehradun.

Amit said: "Nutrients and other measures would be suggested according to the lab test report of soil and leaves. At present, the tree seems to be in good health. Some complications arise owing to ageing. Besides, some complications are seasonal also that include insects. Depending upon the nature of complication we will suggest treatment which the BTMC will implement."

Earlier, the Bodhi tree was found affected from milibug, a plant disease, as leaves had started falling and a couple of branches dried up after which the BTMC signed an MoU with the FRI in 2008 for two years for upkeep and maintenance of the tree.

The MoU was signed again for five years from 2010 to 2015. Another MoU was signed for 10 years in 2016. Since the pact, the FRI scientists visit twice or thrice every year and offer necessary suggestions to BTMC.

Earlier, devotees also used to light candles and oil lamps under the tree, which has been banned now.

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, had made an appeal to the devotees. Now, a separate butter lamp house has been made towards the south-western end of the Mahavihara campus where devotees light candles and oil lamps.