B. R. Sthapit

Genetic Diversity Studies in Certain Indigenous Mango (Mangifera indica L) Varieties

The large seedling diversity of mango has not been fully evaluated. The evaluation of seedling diversity was carried out for morphological traits in the Chittoor area of Andhra Pradesh in India. The statistical analysis carried out for fruit characteristics showed significant differences among the varieties for various fruit characteristics. Molecular characterization was carried out using microsatellite markers. Most of the indigenous varieties from Kalepalli region are grouped in the same cluster. It is interesting to note that the morphological characterization and molecular characterization follow almost the same pattern suggesting the genetic control of these fruit characters. The study shows that the diversity observed within a geographic region is derived from the varieties that are being grown in that region. The promising seedling varieties selected with desirable traits would help the farmer in benefit sharing as and when they are registered. In addition it would help in ‘on farm conservation’ and use of these varieties in crop improvement programmes.

Traditional knowledge associated with tropical fruit tree genetic resources: comparison of upper-Ghat and coastal situation of Central Western Ghats, India

The study was taken up in two representative villages each from upper-Ghat and coastal bioclimatic zones of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, India with an objective to document the total tropical fruit tree species diversity and the associated traditional knowledge. About 43 tropical fruit tree (TFT) species, were recorded. Seventy four traditional knowledge associated with TFTs were recorded from the study sites. It was noted that traditional knowledge related to culinary uses and processing of TFTs were practised even today. However, traditional knowledge related to medicinal uses showed a decreasing trend, where traditional medicines are being replaced with modern medicines. Cultural Importance (CI) value was calculated for all the 42 TFT genetic resources recorded. Mango showed highest value for CI when considered for each bioclimatic zone as well as when the data was pooled over all the village. Further, other two species that showed relatively higher values of CI were jack fruit and Garcinia indica. There was a positive association of the frequency of TFTs and their CI values. Documentation of such invaluable traditional knowledge would establish the rights of local communities over their traditional knowledge and its use. It is suggested that community biodiversity register (CBR) could be effectively adopted to empower local people.

Pummelo in Homestead Garden: Conservation through Family Farming

The pummelo (Citrus grandis Merr.), the largest fruit size in citrus species, is an underutilized fruit in India. Pummelo in Bihar is mostly grown as homesteads and this fruit is to be developed as potential table fruit because of thick rind, easy to handle and transport. Genetic diversity is an important factor in any crop improvement programme for obtaining high yielding cultivars. Variation among seedling progenies is a rule in pummelo since it is monoembryonic Citrus spp. This study was conducted through four cell analysis in the five project communities under the UNEP-GEF project at the Pusa Site, Bihar during 2012 with aim for estimation of genetic diversity for physico-chemical traits, selection of superior clones and to draw the interrelationships between observations for precise characterization of pummelo seedling. Superior plants were also identified based on the highest yield i.e. number of fruits/ plant (> 300). Statistical analysis for physico-chemical parameters revealed significant differences among the selected plants for the 12 horticultural traits indicating the higher variability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster dendrogram performed on the basis of studied parameters showed continuous variation in the fruit physico-chemical traits and many groups were formed, indicating existence of large and continuous variation. The first four PCs contributed 68.30% of the variability for fruit quality and PC1 accounted for 30.44% (acidity percentage) followed by fruit length (PC2), fruit width (PC3) etc. The maximum coefficient of variation was found in in case of rind thickness, 100 seed weight and acidity percentage. A large number of variability of pummelo with seedling origin and monoembryonic helps in identification of 4 pummelo clones for pulp colour (2 each for dark red flesh and pink flesh) with excellent eating quality, 9 superior clones were identified for profuse bearing with red fleshed and early. The above variation in the selected pummelo seedlings can be exploited for development of superior varieties, marketing and maintenance of exiting superior clone and above all grower can be ensured livelihood security through homestead farming practices in the community.

Genetic diversity in seedling populations of Mango

The genetic improvement of mango (Mangifera indica L.), a native of India, has been largely through selection among seedling populations or propagating elite clones and such efforts have resulted in the identification and cultivation of improved commercial varieties. Development of better cultivars by traditional method using morphological traits, although highly heritable, is slow because of long juvenility and being expensive. Farmers of Pusa, Bihar have been conserving high levels of intraspecific diversity of mango in old orchards mostly located along the Gandak River. These orchards are often poorly maintained as revenues obtained are small compared to income from other farm activities; however these old orchards harbour a highly diverse population of traditional mango varieties and seedlings, with trees over 80 years old. Hence a survey was conducted in five communities for documenting the mango diversity found in native landraces. Sixteen superior mango varieties of endemic value and importance were evaluated for table, sucking and pickling purposes on the basis of physical appearance and chemical attributes. Out of these, six were found suitable for table, five for sucking, three for pickle and two for dual purpose (sucking and table). Studies revealed a clone from Bhuskaul community with fruit weight up to 420.0 g with TSS 27.400B and having very thin stone and maturing by the end of August. The present study highlights the need for and demands of diversity rich areas of Pusa community in Bihar to conserve and protect seedling mangoes for the benefit of posterity with high value traits for future promotion. Furthermore, the characterization work was captured in fruit catalogues and shared back with the farming community, which might have increased the awareness, interest and appreciation of the available mango diversity and the interest in the continuation of these old highly diverse mango orchards for home use and to explore the commercial potential of these orchards and various types.

Diversity in Cultivated and Wild Nephelium species in South-East Asia

The diversity of Nephelium species in the home gardens, orchards and forests from 12 selected sites in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia were studied. A total of 20 Nephelium species including four unidentified species were recorded in the three countries. The highest number of species was recorded in Malaysia (12 including one unidentified species), followed by Thailand and Indonesia each with six species, with two unidentified species in Thailand and three unidentified species in Indonesia. Most of the Nephelium species were found in the forest: Malaysia (seven), Thailand (four) and Indonesia (five). Using the four cell analysis, Shannon Diversity Index was highest at Sijunjung (H’=1.386) followed by Sibuti, Serian and Papar each with H’= 1.099; and followed by Nakhon Sithamarat and Sisaket, H’=0.693. Although Sibuti and Papar had three species each but the Shannon Diversity Index was higher in Sibuti (H’=0.558) compared to Papar (H’=0.400) due to the uneven number of the trees for the species. In Sisaket and Nakhon Sithamarat, Shannon Diversity Index showed highest H’=0.693. Lambir Forest Reserve showed the highest number of species (seven), followed by Sijunjung (five) and Kota Belud (three). Similarly, Shannon Diversity Index was highest at Lambir Fores Reserve H’=1.946, followed by Sijunjung (Sumatera) H’=1.609 and Kota Belud H’=1.099. The commercial species, N. lappaceum is widely cultivated in all the three countries. N. ramboutan-ake and N. maingayi can be considered as rare while the other species are threatened. In order to capture enough genetic variability for conservation it requires to select many home gardens and large areas of forest reserves. It is recommended to intensify the survey of the cultivated and wild Nephelium species in other areas in order to obtain comprehensive data pertaining to species diversity and distribution. The genetic materials of the wild Nephelium species also need to be collected and planted in the field genebank at various government institutions for ex situ conservation.

Motivation for On-farm Conservation of Mango (Mangifera indica) Diversity in India - A Case Study

Studies were carried out to investigate the reasons underlying farmers’ motivation to conserve mango diversity particularly of indigenous varieties. At four project sites, viz., Chittoor, Malihabad, Pusa and Sirsi, 48 custodian farmers were identified. The results of the analysis indicated that it is not only the economic factors (market value, 79%), but also other factors such as personal (63%), social (52%), cultural/religious (14%), natural (48%) factors and biological traits (52%) which motivate farmers to conserve specific varieties while maintaining mango diversity. Further, while all the custodians maintained the diversity, some others (34%) also promoted and adapted the diversity. For promotion of mango diversity conservation, value addition to diversity and linking mango diversity to markets through diversity fairs, stakeholders’ meeting, and roadside stalls will have to be given priority. National policy support in the form of establishing a network of custodian farmers and skill up gradation (grafting, management of genetic resources) and registration of farmers’ varieties will go a long way in ensuring conservation of mango diversity on sustainable basis.

Phytochemical evaluation of pummelo fruits (Citrus grandis) in India for enhancing marketing opportunities

Pummelo (Citrus maxima) is a nutrient-rich citrus fruit that helps to preserve human health and provide nutritional security. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of different sites on the phytochemicals content in eight accessions collected across India. Different varieties of pummelo were collected and analysed for their physico-chemical, biochemical and phytochemical properties, mainly total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, total phenols, limonoids, hesperidin and naringin. Results revealed that individual phytochemicals, flavonoids showed unique characteristics. Considerable differences were observed regarding the naringin (51.42-129.66 mg/l) and hesperidin (0.44-3.35 mg/l) contents among the different accessions. Naringin the predominant flavonone glycoside along with hesperidin was recorded highest in Pummelo from Salem (Tamil Nadu) as compared to the other accessions.

Use values and cultural importance of major tropical fruit trees: an analysis from 24 village sites across south and South-East Asia

Native communities of South and South East Asia, a centre of diversity of tropical fruit trees (TFT), share a common cultural heritage associated with tropical fruits. Unfortunately, there is a dramatic loss of traditional knowledge associated with TFTs. This comparative study was undertaken in 24 village communities spread across India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand using structured questionnaires and multiple approaches to document use-value of TFTs. Considering only four focal genera of TFT species viz., Mangifera, Garcinia, Citrus and Nephelium, an amazing diversity of 56 species was reported to be utilized by the communities. Ranking of species based on the number of use-categories and based on the cultural importance value showed differences. Mangifera indica, Citrus aurantifolia and C. reticulata were the three extensively used TFTs as food and for processing. As revealed by Jaccards’ index, three South East Asian countries showed a higher similarity among themselves than India. M. indica, M. pajang, M. foetida, G. morella, G. atroviridis, G. mangostana, C. hystrix, C. aurantifolia and C. grandis were culturally the most significant TFTs and hence may be conserved with high priority.

Heirloom/Seedling Mango Varieties of India –Potentialities and Future

Mango is very widely distributed in India with more than one thousand varieties throughout the tropical and subtropical regions. Most of these varieties are of Seedling origin and are found to be growing as heirloom varieties from generation to generation. Survey carried out under the UNEP-GEF TFT project in the four sites viz., Chittoor, Amravathi, Pusa and Malihabad resulted in the documentation of Seedling types, which showed desirable traits in them. These varieties evaluated in situ, ex situ resulted in indicating the desirable traits, which would help in introgression through breeding. The promising among them were registered. Some of these heirloom varieties can be directly adopted for commercial cultivation. The diversity analysis based on the morphological characteristics showed similar trend as the molecular characterization.

A Preliminary Appraisal of Mango Biodiversity in Kerala, India

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a keystone species in homestead gardens across Kerala, India. This study was conducted in two village sites in Kerala to assess their richness and evenness values of mango diversity, document farmers’ motivations for maintaining this diversity, and record pertinent indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK). Four Cell Analysis (FCA) in the context of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was used to generate biodiversity data and gauge farmer rationale for cultivation. The average household (HH) richness in the Erippadam village was r=6.29 and the average HH evenness was λ=0.64, whereas the average HH richness in the Maruthampadam village was r=2.84 and the average HH evenness was λ=0.40. These variations were attributed to the presence of different forms of agricultural commercialization in the two village sites. Drawing on FGD results, several suggestions were offered that may serve to enhance and maintain mango biodiversity in the Kerala region.