K. Joseph John

On the occurrence, distribution and taxonomy of Momordica subangulata Blume subsp. renigera (G. Don) de Wilde in India

Different authors in India and South East Asia treat dioecious species in the genus Momordica differently. The cultivated ‘bhat karela’ of East and North East India is referred to as Momordica dioica Roxb. by botanists and herbarium curators whereas agricultural scientists, in general, designate it as Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng. A critical study of 266 herbarium sheets housed at CAL and BSISH and in situ field studies at specific pockets in the North East India followed by preliminary characterization revealed its correct identity as Momordica subangulata Blume subsp. renigera (G. Don) de Wilde. First hand information on its occurrence, taxonomy and distribution in India is given. The species was found in wild as well as in homestead cultivation in North Eastern India and exemplify direct utilization of biodiversity by indigenous people.

On the occurrence, distribution, taxonomy and genepool relationship of Cucumis callosus (Rottler) Cogn., the wild progenitor of Cucumis melo L. from India

Recent research point to the Indian wild taxa of Cucumis callosus (Rottler) Cogn. as the wild progenitor of melon (C.melo L.). Overlapping distribution with cultivated and weedy and feral forms of melo and normal fertility of F1 and BC1 generations of its cross with cultivated melon indicate its progenitor status. A perusal of herbarium data indicate its natural distribution pattern in the region comprising Vindhya Hills and Aravalli mountain ranges extending northwards to Indo-Gangetic plains and southwards to the Deccan plateau touching rain shadow areas of Western Ghats. Characterised by drought tolerance and field resistance to a host of pests and diseases, it is conspicuously absent in the high rainfall areas of Western Ghats and upper Himalayan region. Based on its morphological distinction and F1 and BC1 fertility with C. melo, a subspecific rank within C. melo is postulated. First-hand information on its occurrence, distribution and crossability relationship with other Indian taxa of Cucumis are given.

Vigna konkanensis (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) a new species from the west coast of India

A new species of the genus Vigna Savi of the Section Ceratotropis namely, Vigna konkanensis Latha, K.V. Bhat, I.S. Bisht, Scariah, Joseph John et Krishnaraj, is described and illustrated from the west coast of India. This species is closely allied to Vigna sublobata and Vigna hainiana but differs from both in having glabrous stem, stipule, leaflets and inflorescence, acute leaflets, immature pods without a pinkish spot at the apex, mature pods with sparsely short setose hairs and seeds rough with appressed concentric reticulations on testa.

Collection and preliminary evaluation of small bitter gourds ( Momordica charantia L.) a relict vegetable of Southern Peninsular India

Small-fruited bitter gourds, the “pavel” and “pandi-pavel” described in Hortus Malabaricus, is nearly an extinct crop in Kerala and rest of southern peninsular India. They are reported to have been cultivated extensively in the past. However, presently its cultivation is restricted to a few home gardens in remote forest areas consequent on its replacement by large-fruited cultivars over the last two centuries. Special traits like unique flavour, taste, medicinal properties and fruit fly tolerance have enabled the perpetuation of this relict vegetable still in a few homesteads. Eleven named landraces have been collected from South Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu plains and their seeds conserved in the genebank of NBPGR, New Delhi. Known as “uchie” in Northern India and “methipavai” in Tamil, these miniature bitter gourds have different landrace names in specific pockets of natural occurrence/cultivation.

Ecological and morphological characterisation of two rare and endemic wild edible Cucumis species (Cucurbitaceae) of Western Ghats of India

Cucumis silentvalleyi (Manilal, T. Sabu et P.J. Mathew) Ghebretinsae et Thulin and Cucumis indicus Ghebretinsae et Thulin are two rare narrow endemics of Western Ghats of India. Both have morphological resemblance but distinguishable by a few key characters like shape of the leaf, ovary and fruit, and chromosome number. While both are edible and non-bitter, their distribution is mutually exclusive, but overlapping with Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii (Royle) Alef. (the wild and feral form of C.sativus L.). Interspecific crossability studies indicate that both are related to each other and to a lesser extent to Cucumis setosus Cogn. and Cucumis melo L. Being incompletely described, a comparative account of their morphology, phenology, distribution, ecology and conservation are provided.

Occurrence, distribution and economic potential of seashore mangosteen (Garcinia hombroniana Pierre) in India

Seashore mangosteen (Garcinia hombroniana Pierre), an important component of Garcinia gene pool, is useful as a rootstock and also in the genetic improvement of mangosteen. A brief description along with short notes on distribution and uses is given. Naturally occurring in Nicobar Islands and under cultivation in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, its germplasm needs to be collected and conserved for its potential horticultural value.

Taxonomy, Diversity and Distribution of the Genus Cucumis L. in India

The eco-geographic distribution and taxonomy of 17 taxa of Cucumis L. was investigated based on the study of 978 herbarium sheets in seven major Indian herbaria and germplasm collection of 261 accessions. Distribution map was plotted based on authentic identification of herbarium specimens and field observations under natural conditions. Areas of higher concentration/richness have been worked out for individual taxon. Morphological, ecological, phenological features and economic importance are discussed. The ideal time for collection of germplasm is indicated.

A new subspecies of Momordica cochinchinensis (Cucurbitaceae) from Andaman Islands, India

The middle Andaman Island populations of Momordica cochinchinensis are quite distinct from true M. cochinchinensis in some floral characters. Such deviating specimens are described here as a new subspecies. A full technical description, a morphological comparison between the two subspecies, ecology, phenology, confirmation of genomic distinctiveness through DNA barcoding of matK and rbcL chloroplast loci and viability under cultivation are discussed. An epitype is also designated for Momordica cochinchinensis subsp. cochinchinensis.

Agro-biodiversity and ethnobotany of Lakshadweep Islands of India

The Lakshadweep is a tiny landmass of 32 km2 area (8o–12oN, 71o–74oE) constituted by a group of 27 small atolls located in the Indian territory of Arabian Sea of Indian Ocean. Studies on crop genetic diversity including wild relatives of crop plants of the region are little known except for coconut palm. This report deals with 106 collections assembled in two exploration and collection missions comprising 46 plant species under 35 genera belonging to 24 families. The plant germplasm collected during the trips are mostly useful as vegetable, fibre, medicinal plant, dye, edible tuber, timber and ecosystem service provider. The crop wild relatives collected during the study include that of sunnhemp, melon, yam, jute, pigeon pea, sugarcane, etc. A set of germplasm accessions was sent to national research institutes for regeneration. Out of the total collection, 64 accessions were assigned with national identity (Indigenous Collection or IC numbers: IC 0572014 to IC 0572077), and conserved in long term storage at National Gene Bank or in the field gene bank of ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi. The important germplasm assembled from the islands include highly pungent betel leaf and a large fruited noni. Plants of Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars, bitter less Cucumis melo L. var. agrestis Naudin saline tolerant Canavalia cathartica Thouars, Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. and Corchorus trilocularis L. were the unique wild relatives collected. The current report is the first of its kind on the exploration and collection of plant genetic resources (other than coconut) from Lakshadweep Islands. Wild melon accessions collected are currently employed in distant hybridization programs. During the survey, ethnobotanic information of 23 plants for medicinal and other uses was also documented. Novel uses of the native plant species in the islands indicate their potential for exploitation in other coastal ecosystems. This report aims to highlight the potential plant resources of the region for direct human use and in future breeding programs.

On the taxonomic status, occurrence and distribution of Cucumis hystrix Chakrav. and Cucumis muriculatus Chakrav. (Cucurbitaceae) in India

Field observations and herbarium studies distinguish C. muriculatus from C. hystrix for many distinct morphological characters. The present record of C. muriculatus in India is based on the collections from Mizoram, previously described as Cucumis hystrix var. mizoramensis Sutar et S.R. Yadav, and is synonymized under it here. Full description, taxonomic key and comparative morphology of C. muriculatus and C. hystrix are given along with notes on their ecology, adaptability under cultivation and economic potential. Collections of these two rare crop wild relatives of cucumber from Indian Gene Centre assume great significance for cucumber improvement.