Government of India encourages the cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this plant?<br/>1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.<br/>2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.<br/>3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.<br/>4. Its timber is of great commercial value.<br/><br/>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Correct. Sea buckthorn is used for soil conservation, stabilizing slopes/sand and helping check erosion and desertification.

2. Incorrect. It is not known as a major biodiesel plant in the UPSC context; its importance is mainly ecological, nutritional and medicinal.

3. Correct. Sea buckthorn berries are highly nutritious and the plant is well adapted to cold, arid, high-altitude regions such as the Himalayas.

4. Incorrect. It is a thorny shrub, not valued primarily for commercial timber.

Hence, statements 1 and 3 only are correct.