Anjani Kumar Jha

Analysis study on potential underutilized edible fruit genetic resources of the foothills track of Eastern Himalayas, India

Several wild indigenous fruit crops which are rare in other part of the world grow favourably and naturally in the foothills track of Eastern Himalayas due to suitable geo-climatic conditions. These wild fruits are Padus napaulensis (Ser. ex DC.) Schneider, Elaeagnus latifolia L., Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., Pyrus pashia Hamilton ex D. Don, Calamus meghalayensis (Becc.) A.J. Hend., Gynocardia odorata R. Br., Prunus undulata Buch.-Ham., Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne., Rhus chinensis Mill. and Viburnum foetidum Wallich. These naturally occurring fruit plants which are harvested and marketed locally, not only nutritionally and medicinally rich but also thrive well under adverse climatic conditions and can be the source of several desirable gene(s) or traits particularly for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In spite of their potential, these fruit plants are unattended both at scientific and farmers level. There is a need to attain sustainable growth, food and nutritional security for the most susceptible tribal population in the near future. Therefore, during the course of survey, collection and evaluation of eleven naturally occurring potential wild edible fruit plants have been discussed including their habitat, distribution, morphological description, quality parameters, utilization potential, constraints and possible strategies like how to increase their population size, productivity, conservation and utilization.

Impact of Abiotic Stresses on Horticulture and Strategies for Mitigation in Northeastern India

The northeastern region is considered to be the richest reservoir of genetic variability of large number of horticultural crops. Changes in weather parameters have profound impacts on the livelihood of people and their ecosystem as whole. These problems can be mitigated by the selection of suitable cultivars of fruits, vegetables and spices crops which have the potential to grow under diverse weather conditions. Protected cultivation of high-value vegetable crops like tomato, capsicum and cucumber provides means for round-the-year production with protection against low temperature and heavy rains. Drip irrigation is the most suitable system for efficient utilization of water especially for the horticultural crops. The appropriate techniques to overcome the impact of climate change are necessary to protect our biodiversity and for feeding the fast-growing population. Awareness and educational programmes for the growers, modification of present horticultural practices and greater use of greenhouse technology are some of the solutions to minimize the effect of climate change.