E Roshini Nayar

‘Drumstick tree’ (Moringa oleifera Lam.): a multipurpose potential species in India

Moringa oleifera Lam., a medium sized tree species has gained importance due to its multipurpose usage and well adaptability to dry and hot climates of north-western plains, central India and dry regions of peninsular India. This species is reported in this paper for distribution of diversity and genetic resources value in different parts of the country. Information on diversification in use viz. regional importance has been included to broaden the scope for value addition, identification of potential value and use in plant genetic resource programmes.

Genetic resources of Prunus (Rosaceae) in India

The genetic diversity in genus Prunus is mainly confined to temperate regions of Himalaya and to a lesser extent in the sub-montane and hilly regions of peninsular India. The cultivated and wild species of Prunus have tremendous potential for improvement and utilization. This paper includes the genetic resources of cultivated and wild useful species of Prunus in India with emphasis on their distribution, potential traits/ useful characteristics and utilization. The information on potential genetic resources of Prunus would be helpful in collection, evaluation, conservation and utilization of species.

Collecting Crop Genetic Resources from Mon, A Remote District of Nagaland

An exploration for agri-horticultural crops from Mon district of Nagaland has resulted in the collection of 138 accessions representing rich variability in major field crops such as rice, maize and foxtail millet, besides first time collection of local germplasm of chenopod and prosomillet in this state. Drastic reduction in cultivation of Jobs tears, a native crop of North-eastern Hill region, was observed. Diversity in exotic vegetables–Abelmoschus caillei, Capsicum chinense and C. frutescens, Solanum aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon along with important crops viz. okra, chilli and brinjal was also noted. Brief information on the salient collections, cultivation practices, local type preferences, folk use and conservation strategies are also highlighted.

“Meetha patta” (Plukenetia corniculata Sm.): a new report of leafy vegetable crop from north-eastern region of India

During survey and field collection of crop genetic resources in diverse parts of north east India, the authors came across Plukenetia corniculata Sm. under cultivation at field as well as homestead level for use as a leafy vegetable, a species otherwise known under cultivation from Southeast Asia. Its preference over other leafy vegetables by the Naga tribes was noted during market survey in Dimapur and Mokokchung districts of Nagaland. Apart from being delicious and easy to cultivate, higher nutritive values in the edible portion indicate its potential for popularization. Detailed information on botany, ecology, cultivation and utilization is provided here. Collecting more diverse germplasm, identifying elite types and their biochemical characterization, and developing standard cultivation practices would aid in popularising the crop at the country as well as regional level.

National Herbarium of Cultivated Plants (NHCP): Importance of Voucher Specimens of Introduced Germplasm

Herbarium specimens representing plant genetic resources introduced from abroad, are a distinctive component of the National Herbarium of Cultivated Plants (NHCP). These specimens represent diversity augmented in crops and wild species mostly not native to the Indian region. Herbarium specimens, bearing the unique identity number assigned to germplasm introduced into the Indian region, were screened, checked with primary and secondary data records for identity, source locality/area, and its availability as ex situ germplasm. Additional data on area of origin/diversity of species was used to delineate specimens of value in PGR and represented as cultigens, cultivars, both popular and historic, as well as local morphotypes and ecotypes of crops, as well as wild relatives of crops.