.~

THEIR DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

K.L. MEHRA R.K. ARORA

~ t/Sf--2 -

PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES OF INDIA

Their Diversity and Conservation

NBPGR Sci. Mongr. No.4

K. L. Mehra Director

R. K. Arora Sr. Scientist & Head.

Plant Exploration & Collection Division

leAR

NATIONAL BUREAU OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES

NEW DELHI 110012

First Printed 1982

All Rights Reserved

@) 1982, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources

Copies available from:

Director

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources New Delhi-IIO 012

Published by the Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi and printed at Kapoor Art Press, A38/3,

Mayapuri Industrial Area, New Delhi-I 10 064

INVOCATION

twr CfWi ~ ~ I

~~t~11 ~~~~:I lIT lJf:l, ~ CWJ:"

[~Wrf.:!~]

This universe is the creation of the supreme power meant for

the benefit of all His creations.

Individual species must, therefore, learn to enjoy its benefits by forming a part of the system in

close relation with other species.

Let not anyone species encroach upon the other's rights.

[lshopanishads]

DEDICATION

To the Late Dr. H. B. Singh,

whose contributions in plant genetic resources have been a source of inspiration in pre-

paring this monograph.

FOREWORD

The findings of space exploration on the one hand and the price esca­lation of fossil fuels on the other, have both underlined the need for acce­lerated efforts in protecting the renewable base of agriculture. We now know that mankind will have to depend only upon Mother Earth for its food requirements. Agriculture, being primarily a solar energy harvesting enterprise, is the most important source of renewable wealth in the world. For the continued growth of agriculture, however, we have to protect the basic life support systems consisting of soil, water, flora, fauna and the atmosphere. All these basic life support systems are threatened with varying degrees of damage due to demographic pressures as well as careless technology.

The tropics and subtropics constitute veritable mines of valuable genes in a wide range of economic plants. These regions also possess many plant species which are yet to be utilized properly by man. Also new demands such as the need for quick yielding fuel trees and for hydrocarbon rich plants make it necessary that we preserve as much of the native flora as possible so that new plants can be found to meet new needs. Many scientists have underlined the urgency of arresting genetic erosion through the conservation of threatened genetic resources of plants. A first step in all activities concerned with the conservation, evaluation and utilization of genetic resources of plants is the organization of surveys and collection of such materials. The results of such surveys have to be documented carefully in order to provide reliable information to all engaged in the collection, evaluation, documentation and conservation of plant genetic materials.

The late Dr. H. B. Singh rendered a monumental service to Indian agriculture both through his pioneering efforts in plant collection and introduction, and in the documentation of all available information from time to time. I am happy that Drs. K. L. Mehra and R. K. Arora have maintained this tradition and have prepared the present monograph on the Plant Genetic Resources of India.

This monograph contains very valuable information not only on the occurrence of variability in different crop plants 'in India but also on its

collection and maintenance in different research institutes and organiza­tions. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Drs. Mehra and Arora for this labour of love. It is appropriate that the monograph has been dedicated to the late Dr. H. B. Singh. This monograph will not only be u~rul as a source of information but will also help to stimulate young scholars in undertaking work in the field of genetic resources conservation.

April, 1982 M. S. SWAMINATHAN

Director General International Rice Research Institute

Manila, Philippines

PERSPECTIVE

This report on the plant genetic resources of India is an up-date of one produced in 1973. It lists current holdings, priorities for further collecting and amply summarizes the work carried out in recent years under the directorship of Dr. K. L. Mehra. It is a pleasure to note the long history of genetic resources work in India.

The plant genetic resources work of India grew out of a long-standing programme of plant introduction. Now, as never before, the collections include large numbers of indigenous samples which will be of so much more use in breeding.

The report clearly demons~rates that two major aspects of the national programme will be critical to the continued success of the work : firstly storage, so that the material will be preserved in the best conditions; and secondly documentation, so that information about samples is readily available. When these have been implemented, the Indian national pro­gramme will take its rightful place as a major effort fn the world network of crop germplasm centres.

March, 1982 J. T. WILLIAMS

International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, Rome, Italy

PREFACE

In 1973, a report on "Survey of Crop Genetic Resources in their Centres of Diversity", was published by FAO/IBP, wherein the Indian situa­tion was presented by the late Dr. H. B. Singh, an eminent plant explorer, to whom this monograph is dedicated. In recent years, due to the gradual replacement of traditional varieties and land races of crop plants by high yielding varieties/hybrids, action programme was intensified on collection, preservation and evaluation of such plant genetic resources. Therefore, to plan future national strategies on genetic resources management, a re­appraisal of the past activities and the present status of crop plant diversity was considered inevitable. Coinciding with the decade of UN Conference on Human Environment, the Department of Environment, Government of India, decided to bring out a status report for this period on all activities undertaken during the Seventies related to environment and human wel­fare, including those on plant genetic resources. Thus, when we were approached to prepare a chapter on "Plant Genetic Resources" for this report, we gladly accepted this responsibility. It also coincided with the holding of the "Third South Asian Training Course on Plant Exploration and Collection Techniques", in this Bureau, in which providing such an information to the trainees was considered beneficial.

This write-up gives an insight into the nature and extent of genetic diversity in cereals, millets, grain legumes, plantation crops, fruit and vegetable crops, oilseeds and fibre crops. The forage crops, spices/ condiments and medicinal types and useful wild plants, are also briefly mentioned. Information is presented on the extent of germplasm exchanged during the last decade and on the germplasm collections made through crop-specific and mUltiple-crop exploration missions undertaken in India and abroad. The existing germplasm holdings with the Bureau, at its headquarters and the Regional Stations, and those with different ICAR institutes/Coordinated Projects, are tabulated for several crops ahd the progress on their documentation is summarized.

The future plan of action envisages; (i) collection of genetic resources of specific crops in priority areas; (ii) the establishment of a long term genetic resources repository; (iii) creation and management of a net work

of biosphere reserves for in situ preservation of genetic diversity; and (iv) the development of computer-based system of documentation and retrieval of information on all aspects of genetic resources management. The pro­gress made in these aspects and the ways and means to implement them are also summarized. ,

We are extremely grateful to Dr. O. P. Gautam, Director General, I.C.A.R , and Dr M. V. Rao, Deputy Director General (CS), I.C.A.R.; Dr. S. Z. Qasim, Secretary, Department of Environment; and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, Member, Planning Commission, Govt.· of India (presently Director General, International Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines), for their advice and encouragements, and to the Inter­national Board for Plant Genetic Resources, Rome, Italy, for financing this publication. The suggestions and help received from Dr. J. T. Williams, Executive Secretary, and Dr. N. Murthy Anishetty, Asst. Executive Secretary, I.B.P.G.R., are thankfully acknowledged.

To Dr. M. S. Swaminathan and to Dr. J. T. Williams, we owe a special debt of gratitude for writing foreword and perspective for this monograph. Finally, we are thankful to the Directors/Project Coordinators of different ICAR Institutes/ Projects, for providing information on their existing hold­ings of different crops and to our colleagues in the Bureau, for their help from time to time.

K. L. MEHRA

R. K. ARORA

INVOCATION

DEDICATION

FOREWORD

PERSPECTIVE

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL REGIONS OF INDIA

THE INDIAN GENE CENTRE

ApPRAISAL OF GENETIC DIVERSITY

Crop plants

Wild plants of agri-horticuitural importance

BUILD-UP OF GENETIC RESOURCES

Exploration and collection during seventies

Germplasm exchange during seventies

Future exploration and collection activities

GENETIC RESOURCES CONSERVATION

In-situ conservation

Ex-situ conservation

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

REFERENCES

ApPENDIX

PAGE

iii

v

vii

ix

xi

2

2

6

33

42

52

54

56

INTRODUCTION

Plant Genetic Resources represent the sum total of diversity accumulated through years of evolution under domestication and natural selection. This assemblage of genetic diversity of economic plants and their wild relatives presents an enormous wealth of genetic variation for use in the current plant improvement programmes and for catering to the unknown needs of the future. Principally, the genetic resources of crop plants come from (a) the wild species and primitive forms in primary centres of diversity, (b) plant introductions/migrations/transdomestications in the secondary centres of diversity and (c) the materials bred through meticulous plant breeding programmes. Thus, this topic is concerned with economic plant diversity, of current or potential use, involving the wild, primitive and the cultivated types.

Impact of green revolution, agricultural extension or intensification of land use programmes under better technology, farming inputs vis-a-vis availa­bility of high yielding varieties to suit varied land/farming and low input systems/eco-climates; has decreased the area under native cultivars. The traditional genetic resources are gradually getting obsolete as cultigens, result­ing in the erosion of indigenous plant wealth. Wide spread international and national exchange of plant germplasm for meeting the current needs of the plant breeders and the subsequent increase of area under the high yielding varieties programmes have further threatened the survival of the local types. This problem is of national and global concern. Thus, systematic efforts should be made to conserve the available plant genetic diversity.

Awareness about the plant genetic wealth of India was generated in the earlier half of the twentieth century with the setting up of the Botanical Survey of India, the Central and State Departments of Agriculture and the well organized network of Forestry. Parallel to these activities was the work carried out on the Indian Flora and the Economic Plants of India (Hooker, 1872-97; Watt, 1889-1893), the latter culminating into voluminous information on the genetic diversity of economic plants occurring in India.

With the setting up of the State Agricultural Departments and the Cent~al Agricultural Research Institutes, Crop Improvement Programmes were initiated. Sporadic surveys were undertaken for the collection of indigenous established cultivars, viz., of wheat (Howard and Howard, 1910), jute (Burkill and Finlow, 1907), tea (Bezbaruah, 1968), sugarcane (Thuljaram Rao and Krishnamurthy, 1968), legume crops (Shaw et al., 1931, 1933), rice and several others. To accelerate the pace of this activity, a nucleus plant collect­ing and exploration wing was estalished in the mid-1940's at the Indian

2

Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, as a national effort towards the survey, collection, study, use and preservation of the existing genetic resour­ces of selected crop plants. This wing, which gradually expanded into a Division of Plant Introduction in JARI in the sixties, became in 1976 a full­fledged independent organization-the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources. The Bureau undertakes and coordinates the work on (i) the col­lection and maintenance; (ii) evaluation and documentation; (iii) conserva­tion; and (iv) exchange and quarantine activities on plant genetic resources. In addition, such activities are looked after by the Botanical Survey of India, Howrah, primarily for the wild plants, and the Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, for plants of forestry importance.

Such activites at the national level, take into consideration the policy decisions and co-operative efforts of international agencies like the Inter­national Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR), United Nations Envi­ronmental Programme (UNEP) and the Man and Biosphere programme (MAB). Since the last decade especially after the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment, much work has been activated under these inter­national programmes, through the co-ordinated role of the Department of Science and TechnologyfNational Committee on Environmental Planning and Co-ordination (NCEPC), Department of Environment and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Two earlier country reports (Mehra and Arora, 1978b and 1981) dealt with certain aspects of plant genetic resources activities and this report deals with an appraisal of the past activities, evalua­tion of the plant genetic diversity, and actions underway or proposed in the man-agemellt and conservation of plant genetic wealth in India.

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL REGIONS OF INDIA

India is located between 8° N-38°N and 68°-97SE and exhibits extreme variation in altitude, from sea level to heights above vegetational limits in the Himalaya (ca 3500 m). It is also characterized by a variety of cJimates, from the monsoon tropical in the south, to the temperate and alpine in the north­western Himalaya and to the extremely arid in the north-western plains. It is floristically extremely rich with more than 60 % of its botanical wealth (over 15,000 species of higher plants) being endemic. This makes the Indian region botanically unique and interesting.

Based on the physiographic, climatic and cultural features, eight agro­ecological regions are recognised in India (Table I, Murthy and Pandey, 1978).

THE INDIAN GENE CENTRE

The Hindustani centre of diversity (Zeven and Zhukovsky, 1975) has its own specific genetic wealth of plant species. Important genetic diversity in-

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eludes bamboos, fruit trees (Mangifera indica, Musa spp., Citrus spp.), cucurbits (Cucumis, Luffa and others), grain legumes (Vigna mungo, V. radiata, V. unguiculata), Oryza sativa, Piper spp. Elettaria cardamomum, Curcuma spp., Zingiber officinaie, Saccharum spp., and Corchorus capsularis, etc.

Species of this centre have influenced the agricultural development of ancient Egyptian, Assyrian, Sumerian, the Hittite Civilization (Tigris( Euphrates/Nile river basins) through their early spread to these regions of the Old World. Also during the early Christian era, several Indian cultivars were taken to South-East Asian countries by the Buddhists. Much early exchange of plant material had also existed with Africa, while many crops, viz. Citrus, cotton, jute, rice, sugarcane, were distributed, especially to the Mediterranean region by the Arabs in the 8th-10th centuries A.D. Similarly, several New World domesticates were introduced into India and reciprocally Indian cultigens were subsequently introduced into the New World.

The major plant genetic resources of which rich genetic diversity occurs in India, are given below. For several of these, India is also a primary or secondary centre of diversity.

Cereals

Millets

Legumes

Oilseeds

Fruits

Oryza satira, Triticum aestivum and ssp. sphaero­coccum, and Zea mays.

Coix lacryma-jobi (soft-shelled fonns), Digitaria cruciata var. esculenta, D. sanguinalis, Echino­clzloa colonum, Eleusine coracana, Panicum miliare, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Pennisetum typhoides and Sorghum bicolor.

Cajanus cajan, Canavalia ensiformis, Cicer arieti­num, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Dolichos unif/orus, Lablab niger, Mucuna capitala, M. utilis, Vigna aeonitifolia, V. mungo, V. radiata, V. umbel/ala and V. unguiculata.

Brassica campestris var. sarson and var. toria, B. juncea, Carthamus tinctorius, Citrullus eolo­cynthis, Eruea vesicaria, Guizotia abyssinica, Linum usitatissimum and Sesamum indicum.

Artocarpus heterophyllus, Citrus indica, C. iatipes, Feronia limonia, Garcinia indica, Manilkara hexandra, Mangifera indica, Musa spp. (AB, AAB group), M. balbisiana, Syzygium cumini, Zizyphus mauritiana.

6

Vegetables

Medicinal and aromatic plants

Spices

Miscellaneous

Alocasia cuculata, A. macrorrhiza, Amorpho­phallus campanulatus, Capsicum annuum, Citrullus lanatus var. fistulosus, Coccinea cordi/o­lia, Colocasia esculenta, Cucumis sativus, Cucur­bita spp; Dioscorea spp; Lagenaria siceraria, Luffa acutangula, L. aegyptiaca, L. hermaphro­dita, Moringa olei/era, Raphanus sativus, Rumex vesicarius, Solanum melongena and Trichos­anthes cucumerina.

Anethum sowa, Carum copticum, Croton tiglillm, Cymbopogon j!exuosus, C. martini, Datura metel, Hydnocarpus laurifolius, Rauvolfia serpentina, Strychnos nuxvomica, Saussaurea lappa, Vetiveria zizanoides. Amomum aromaticum, A. xanthioides, Curcuma amada, C. angustijolia, C. domestica, C. zedoaria, Elettaria cardamomum, Piper longum, Zingiber officinale. Bambusa arundinacea, B. strictus, B. tulda, Can­nabis sativa, Cephalostachyum capitatum, Cocos nuci/era, Corchorus capsularis, Crotalaria juncea, Dendrocalamus hamiltoni, Dendrocalamus longis­pathus, Gossypium arboreum, Hibiscus cannabinus, Me/ocanna bacci/era, Neohouzeaua dullosa, Ochlandra travancorica, Saccharum spp., Sinoca­lal1111S giganteus.

ApPRAISAL OF GENETIC DIVERSITY

Crop plants The current variability in genetic resources of various crops has been

much augmented during the last decade through collections made within and outside the country and through plant introductions from abroad. A crop-wise review of genetic diversity based on earlier accounts and Bureau's work is briefly given below (Arora and Mehra, 1978, 1980, 1981; Anon, 1980; Mehra and Arora, 1978a; Singh, 1973). Traditional and improved varieties of field crops have been recently reviewed (Ram, 1980, Appendix I). Therefore, only predominant traditional and selected improved varieties are discussed here.

(a) Cereals and millets

Rice (Oryza sativa)

Collections (over 20,000) of rice from different regions of India possess much variability in several morpho-physiological characteristics. Of over

7

5500 varieties, about 700 are of improved cultivars selected from local stocks. Such noteworthy types include Kolamba, Zinya, Bhadas and Kada of Maharashtra; Kitchili, Nellore Samba, Molagolukulu and the upland rices Budama and Gilama of Tamil Nadu; Bobbli Bhutta, Sorumundabali and Chudi of Orissa: Patnai, Nagra, Kale, Bhatmuri, Dadnkani and Kalma of West Bengal; Sathi (short growing with sheathed ear), Sarva and Deola­all early varieties of U. P.; Bhondu, Budhiabuho, Luchai (stiff-strawed) of M. P.; fine rice varieties Basmati, Mushkan and Hansraj and coarse type Jhona and medium quality Palman of Punjab; Baber, Lonazen, Budiji and Mushka Budiji of Kashmir and several others from other States. However, with the spread of new dwarf types from IRRI and those lately/recently released within the country (e.g., Pusa2-21, IR8, IR 20, Jaya, Ratna), the native improved types are fast losing their importance.

Among areas possessing variability in Indian rices, the important ones surveyed so far are the north-eastern tract, the western hilly region of Orissa and the north-eastern Deccan Plateau. These areas have provided valuable genes for disease resistance, adaptability, variable plant habit and grain type. In the north· eastern region. different ethnic groups often grow their own locally adapted rice varieties on physiographically diverse terrains. Rices grown under shifting cultivation provide drought resistant forms. Much ecological variation occurs in the tall indica types, largely predominant in this tract. A few short statured (70-105 cm) forms with dark green/ semi-erect leaves with good plant type have also been observed. A few collections from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur (higher hills) also resemb­led the japonica forms. Glabrous types also occur, with sporadic cultivation of glutinous forms in the Garo hills (Meghalaya), parts of Manipur and Mizoram, and in other hilly areas. This material showed wide range of mor­phological variation viz., in clustering of spikelets, ear length (up to 32.5 cm), medium sized grain, kernel colour-light to deep red (in some dorsal side deep purple and ventral side red), stiff straw and several grains per panicle. Garo hill types particularly, were found to have drought resistance, and a few collections also possessed resistance to blast, gall midge and stem borer. Genes for photo-insensitivity, glabrousness, drought-resistance and stiff straw also occurred in collections from Naga hills, Tuensang area, Sikkim and Manipur. The Mizoram material provided types resistant to brown plant hopper. Sikkim collections comprised several fine-grained types.

The mountainous tract, in the western part of Orissa, possessed rich variability in local rices, viz., early type, Satika, from Haldi and late t,pe, Kathi, from Koraput and Gujamuan from Hydalpur, having the maturity range of 64-140 days. Grain size varied from 5.5 mm (Nababi dhan and Asinchitta) to 11.5 mm and above (Hatipajira, Yerrabanka). Much varia­bility occurred in glume/husk, kernel colour. The kernel was mostly white

8

or dirty white, but types possessing red, brown or intermediate colour forms also occurred. Types with high protein values were also collected. This area was rich in wild forms of rices and introgression of wild genes from O. perennis into cultivated O. sativa had also taken place; spontanea

\ types also occurred.

Likewise, the hilly areas of north-eastern peninsular tract, extending to parts of Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh (Deccan Plateau) possessed ethnic diversity and variability in local forms of rice. Much variability was also collected from the Malabar region. Some collections of native types made from the Himalayan tract (from Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and from Uttarkhand Himalayas) exhibited tolerance to cold.

Maize (Zea mays)

Much variability has been collected (Bhag Singh, 1977). The Indian material is especially noteworthy for its adaptation to tropical and sub­tropical conditions. The release and spread of hybrids (Ganga 1, Ganga 101, Ranjit, Deccan, Ganga-5, Ganga Safed 2, Hi-Starch, Ganga 4, Himalayan 123, Ganga 3, VL 54) and composites (Vijay, Amber, Sona, Kisan, Jawahar, Vikram) in areas, where lbcal cultivars were previously grown, has provided additional variability since several farmers use their produce for raising next year's crop. During the decade, several collections were added from the north eastern region, the western Himalayan region and the peninsular tract. Among the promising collections, early ripening flint groups, represented by stocks like Sathi (60 days) of Punjab, Tinpakhia of Central and Eastern D.P. and Kathari of Gujarat, are important. Similarly, Malan White, a semi-dent type from Kumbahlgarh (1000 m) near Udaipur in Rajasthan, with 120 days maturity and growing ca 120 cm tall, and with cobs possess­ing straight rows of white grains, is noteworthy. Variety, Udaipur Selected, was developed from this material. The Jaunpuri material is a cream/yellow, small grained flint type with tapering ears. Morpho-agronomically similar types are the Kalai (Aligarh) and K. T. 41 (Kanpur) types. The lullundhuri types of Punjab, with deep orange flint grains, are comparable to Cuban flints, possessing short ears. Jullundhuri local (punjab) and Bassi Selected (Rajasthan) also belonged to this group.

In the hills, much variability occurs. In the northern hills, Solan types are characterized by yellow to orange, shining, bold flint grains produced on 10-12 kernel rows. The north-eastern hill material exhibits variability in flint, dent and pop types. The pop-types, resembling the Argentinian pop corn, are characterized by tillering habit (3-5 tillers) and prolific cob production (5-8 small cobs/stalk). The Sikkim primitive material is of this type, with male and female flowers on the same inflores­cence. SP 2 is a shorter plant with smaller cobs and considerably smaller

9

grains. Cylindrical ear types with eight kernel rows also occur in this tract. In Mizoram, in particular, waxy types are also grown. A few collections of sweet corn have also been made from Manipur. In the Gangetic plains, the material from Teesta valley are more promising, largely being of flint maize. Sporadic collections made from the eastern peninsular region revealed the occurrence of rich diversity in the Bundelkhand material. Equally rich varia­tion has also been collected from the northern hills. Cold adaptable maize types have been collected from northern Sikkim, parts of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh and the Uttarkhand Himalayas, all being tall flint types. Maximum variation in cob size, kernel rows, grain colour (white, creamish yellow, brown, red, black and intermediate types) and cob number/plant, was observed in collections from the north-eastern region. These materials possessed additional desirable attributes, like ear number, upright leaves, medium stature and resistance to corn borer, stalk rot and other diseases.

Wheat (Triticum species)

More native variability has been 'collected in Triticum aestivum and T. durum than in T. dicoccum and T. sphaerococcum. The Indian germplasm is mostly of tall forms, with much variation in tillering capacity, straw, earhead length, glume/grain colour, grain size, degree of awning etc. The indigenous stocks are known by various names; T. aestivum-Sharbati, Lal Kanak and Lal Kassarwala of Punjab; Gundum Safed of Delhi; White and Red Pissi of Muzzafarnagar; White, Saman, Azamgarh Dandi, Buxan White, Chandausi of the Gangetic plains; T. durum-Kathia, Jalalia, Khandwa, Malwi, Wadanak, Gangajali; T. dicoccum-Samba Popattia. The rapid replacement of local types by selections and varieties developed through hybridization has taken place, particularly with the spread of the Mexican material (Appendix 1).

The locallypes possess one or more desirable attributes, viz., disease resistance (especially to the rusts and loose-smut), grain quality, adaptability' to different fertility and moisture stress levels, etc. Some of these, like, Kharchia (T. aestivum/Rajasthan) are also known for their salt tolerance.

Through extensive systematic collections made since 1977, over 1200 accessions were added from northern hills, Sikkim, M. P., Gujarat, Rajasthan and Karnataka. Hill collections exhibit variability in various characters and adaptability to different latitudinal and altitudinal limits. T;he hill collections of T. aestivllm, when grown in Delhi, were susceptible to brown and black rusts but some of them showed field resistance to yellow rust. These collections were tall, mostly small awned/awnless, few fully awned, with slender spikes and with both red and white, soft grains.

The thrust in the last two decades has been on the development and spread of short statured types possessing various 'desirable attributes. Of

10

the varieties (T. aestivum) released Sonalika and Kalyansona, are the widely adapted types.

\

Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

The collection of the native variability in barley has been a more recent activity. During the 1976·80 period, 210 indigenous germplasm were collect­ed of which 245 c911ections were from the hills (Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti, D.P. hills and Sikkim). A few collections made between 2700-3500 m altitude are highly cold adaptable.

The [ndian collections exhibited much morpho-agronomic variation, particularly for the grain yield, followed by the ear number. As compared to other regions, more variation was observed among Himachal Pradesh collections for plant height, spike emergence, spike maturity, ear-number, grain weight per spike and IOO-grain weight. Collections from Sikkim possessed rich variation in spike length and grain number/spike, while those from the hills of the Uttar Pradesh were highly variable in awn length.

Ladakh and Sikkim collections were of early types, with spikes emerging in about 88 days. Some of them were semi-dwarf (52 cm. tall). D.P. material was of high grain yielder types. Gujarat collections exhibited high grain yield, high ear number and good grain weight, and were also early maturing, with spikes emerging in 82 days. Some of these collections were also tolerant to saline conditions.

Among the important varieties are C 164, Kailash, K 24, K 20, Amber (K 71), BR 32 and NP 113, the former two being resistant to yellow rust and K 24 being resistant to the leaf stripe. As compared to these, recently developed Ratna, Jyoti and RS 6 are better, combining high yield and adapta­bility. Dolme and Himani are adaptable to the northern Himalayan zone.

Sorghum

The variability in Sorghum occurs both in fodder and grain types, the local germplasm being of tall forms. The most important grain Sorghum 'Durra' is represented in Indian collections by S. durra, S. cernUllm and S. subglabrescens, S. durra being most important, with about nine varieties to which most of our local types belong. These possess erect panicles, with white or yellow grains. Some of the durra types are: Buddajonna, Zinka­puri Jonna, Pacha Jonna (with semi-compact panicle), Periamanjal Cholam, Vellai Cholam, Nethai Iota, etc. of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Variability in cernllum types occurs in uplands of Deccan in Central India, and possesses drought tolerant qualities. These have goose-necked panicles and white or red grains. The globosum variety of S. cernuum possesses bold and pearly white grains, e.g., Chitta Jonna. Tella Jonna (rainfed types).

11

Genetic resources possessing resistance to different diseases and pests have been identified among the Indian sorghum collections (Murty, 1963-1967).

Equally rich variability occurs in S. subglabrescens, tall types baving thin stalks, compact to very compact panicles, and with white, yellow or red grains. The diversity is largely distributed in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. It includes fodder types like Artsi Cholam or Uppu Cholam. Var. rigidum includes the Sun Cholam with red bold grain, while var. compactum is confined in Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh. It is yellow-grained, viz., local types Chitramanjal Cholam and Manja Mukkattai. Other purely Indian types include var. crungiforme and var. oviforme, grown in Tamil Nadu"Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The white, pearly grain type Vellai Cholam is typical of this group. Maharashtra material of local cultivars has been quite promising and formed the base for future selections viz., Sampgaon (source of Striga resistance), Perio, Desi, Sholapuri, Chapti, Nialo, Satpani (seven leaf, early) and Vani. Cultivars resistant to Striga and drought are available in local types from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Many improved varieties were developed during the early period, some of which are still grown viz., co-series in Tamil Nadu, NamoyaI of A. P., Saonir, P. S. selections, Ramkel, Aispuri, Maldandis and Sagadi (compact headed types) selections of Maharashtra; the Bilichigan, Fulgar white, Fulgar yellow, Kanki Nandyal, Hagori, Yemigar - all from Karnataka; Budhperio, Sundhia and Chasatio of Gujarat; selections of M. P., and R. S: selections of Rajasthan.

Plant improvement programme in the recent past has resulted in the spread of improved/hybrid varieties developed over the years for different agro-climatic regions (eight hybrids CSH loCHS 8, and seven HYV, viz., CVS-l to CVS-7 have been released by the All India Sorghum Improvement Project), and these represent genotypes with traits like good plant type, earliness, seed colour-white to pearly, with high lycine content (2.35-2.67 %), and resistance to diseases such as rust and leaf spot and pests such as stem borers and shoot fly. Since the local selection pressure has been on grain types, reasonable variability also occurs in types with good cooking quality, ;:"opping and baking types, types with sugary endosperm used for roasting or parching and bread making, and scented types. A wide variation, thus, exists in Indian genetic resources of sorghum, providing rich genetic base for grain quality. I

Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides)

The Indian germ plasm is mostly photo-insensitive and exhibits variation in resistance to different diseases, plant height, tillering, branching habit, extent of leafiness, days to mature, ear number, length, bristleness, compact­ness and seed size/colour. Bichpuri local, of western U. P., possesses light

12

yellow grain, rich in protein and Babapuri had bold seeds. Glutinous endo­sperm types are also met with. The collections are susceptible to rust, leaf spot, smut and merasmea. Resistance to ergot is available in some stocks. , Among insect pests, stocks have been located showing resistance to Merasmea midge and white grub (Murty, 1977).

Improved types developed in the recent past possess high yield and shorter maturity attributes. Several varieties and inbred lines have been evolved in the process of developing synthetic/hybrid bajra. The important among them are: Co 1, Co 2, Co 3, Co 4, Co 5, K 1 and K 3 in Tamil Nadu; AKP 1 and 2 in A. P.; Bajra 207, Babapuri and other selections in Gujarat and Maharashtra; RSK and RSJ in Rajasthan; T-5S, S 350, S 530 and other selections in Punjab and U. P.; and PUsa Moti produced by IARI. Five hybrids have been developed by using a male-sterile line, Tift 23A, develop­ed in the U. S. A. Among them, HB 3 is more adaptable to rainfed, and HB 4 to adequate moisture conditions. 23A X J 934 is more tolerant to mildew than HB 4. Indigenous sources of male sterility have also been identified (Gupta and Minocha, 1980). Interspecific hybrids using bajra with P. purpureum (napier hybrids) or P. pedicel/alum and P. orientale have also been developed, for use as fodder plants (Patil and Singh, 1980).

Other millets

Much variability exists locally in finger millet (Eleusine coracana), Italian millet (Setaria italica), Proso or Chenna millet (Panicum miliaceum), Kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum) , sawan (Echinochloa colonum) and little millet (Panicum miliare). More localized variability also prevails in the north­eastern region for Coix lacryma-jobi and Digitaria cruciata var. esculenta.

In finger millet, ragi (Eleusine coracana), the tall types exhibit variation in tillering, leafiness, size/number of fingers/head, being open, half-open or closed. In the Indian material, mostly naked grain types occur. Hill material differs from those of the plains, being generally of the late maturing types. Grain colour varies, being white, brown, purplish/reddish but much variation is not visible in the grain size. In the Indian material, high ear number and length occurs in the Tamil Nadu and M. P. collections. Bihar and Karnataka materials have several fingers/ear. Early types occur in U. P. and medium-late types occur in the hills. Collections from eastern and southern peninsular tract show resistance to blast caused by Piricularia eleusine. Widely adaptable types occur in India viz., Co series in Tamil Nadu; APK series in A. P.; Kaveri, Poonra, Hansa (with 12 per cent protein in seeds), Annapurna, and Hagari-l in Karnataka and B-1 (early), E. 31 (midlate) and A-16 (late) in Maharashtra. Recently released types are Sarada, PR-202, EC 4840 (summer growing) and [E 28, the last being early and

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reslstant to mosaic, blast and borer attack. These types are more syn­chronous in their tillering than others.

The Italian millet (Setaria Ualica) is a short duration crop, maturing in about three months. It is drought hardy, and is also well adapted to higher elevation, ca 1800 m. Tall forms generally occur, with some variation in leafiness, tillering capacity, but more significantly in ear length, compactness, bristleness, awn length and grain colour (black, brown, creamish). Grain colour is more often cream ish yellow. Most of the improved, adapted material is known from South, viz., Co-series, Navane 1 (Tamil Nadu); H-I, H-2 (Karnataka) and G-l, N-I, H-I (A.P.). Among the recently released types are Arjuna, ISe 700,701, MS 1884/2 (early type, in 70 days).

The Proso millet (Panicum miliacellm) is largely a hill crop, quick maturing and highly drought resistant. Tall forms, with much variation in grain yield and the tillering capacity, occur with loose to semi-compact panicles. Not much variation occurs in grain size/colour which is generally creamish. PV 14 and PV 36 and the recently released Co-I (early type) are some of the improved types from Tamil Nadu.

The little millet (Panicllm miliare) largely occupies the drier peninsular tract and is drought hardy. Its grains are shorter and panicles more slender as compared to those of the proso millet. In this species also, tall types with good tillering occur in local germplasm. However, not much variation is evident in grain colour (creamish)/size. As compared to proso millet, it is a short duration crop, some local types maturing in 90 days. Early types PM-2 and PM-296 occur in the Tamil Nadu, possessing better yield and maturing in about 3 months.

In barnyard millet (Echinochloa, Sawan) , the local germplasm is of drought hardy, tall types, with variation in inflorescence nature, bristleness, grain boldness, etc. Promising types include variety K-I, maturing in 120 days and possessing high yield even in soils of low fertility and being suita­ble for mixed cropping.

As compared to this, Kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum), a coarse grain millet, is extremely drought resistant and is mostly grown in poor soils in the peninsular region. Tall, rough forms occur with a very narrow range of variability in days to flower and grain yield. Locally important types are Haraka 1 (Karnataka) and PS 1 (Tamil Nadu). Among the improved types are Niwas 1 from M. P. and IPS-158, PLR-I, Cool and Co-2 from Tamil Nadu.

The soft-shelled forms of Job's Tear (Coix lachryma-jobi) exhibit much variability in the north-eastern tract. Tall types occur, varying in leafiness, tiller number, panicle length/compactness, grain type, etc. Much variation occurs in shell thickness/colour (blackish, creamish, striated/smooth) and

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the kernel size. All variability is of late maturing (4i months) types. A slight variation also occurs in the sweetnees of the kernel. As compared to Coix, slight variability occurs in Digitaria cruciata var. esculenta (locally called Raishan by Khasis), a miIIet endemic to ShiIIong plateau (1500 m). Its'Plants are tall, cold tolerant, possessing long fingers and edible grains. Profuse tillering and leafiness also make it a good local fodder plant, apart from its use for grain purpose.

(b) Grain legumes Vigna species

India is a seat of diversity in several grain legumes, viz., Vigna radiata (mung bean or green gram), V. mungo (urid or black gram), V. aconitifolia (moth bean) and V. umbellata (rice bean). Much diversity also occurs in V. unguiculata (cowpea). Much information on the Indian material of Vigna species has been provided by Singh et af. (1974), and on rice bean, recently by Arora et af. (1980).

Green gram (Vigna radiata) : Indian collections have mostly the deter­minate growth habit. Semi-bushy to bushy types also occur, exhibiting much variation in leaf size, inflorescence nature and pod type. Variation also occurs in days to mature. Early types are used in multiple cropping systems. Medium duration types (80 days) are comparatively high grain yielders. Photo-insensitive types also occur. Considerable variation (green, yellow, brown, black and mottled) prevails in grain colour, the common colour being green. A high proportion of types possessing one or more specific traits occur in different areas, viz., long pod types in Maharashtra and M.P., many (over 14) seeds per pod in collection from Rajasthan, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir and Kutch. Much variation also occurs in seed size, with bold-seeded types being mainly from Maharashtra and M.P.

Most of the material is susceptible to yellow mosaic virus. Among local collections, Co-I from Tamil Nadu and 24-2 from Punjab are resistant types. Materials resistant to leaf spot, caused by Cereospora ementa, occur in Rajasthan and Gujarat, while Maharashtra and M.P. collections have resistance to bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas phaseoli). Improved types are T-I, T-2, T-44, T-5I, D-45-6, D-2-15, No. 24-2, No. 49, N 305, Hyb. 45, Krishna 11, Kopergaon, Jalgaon 17, B. 1, RS 4, RS 5, Pusa Baisakhi, Co-I, Sindkheta and NP 23. In contrast to these varieties, local types are more semi-bushy/viny, non-synchronous in fruiting, but possess good adap­tability to different environments. Many of them possess dark grain. Much variation also prevails in cooking quality.

Black gram (Vigna mungo) : Indian collections are semispreading types. Improved cultivars are mostly bushy and dwarf, like T-9. Much variability in days to mature occurs in plains and hills, the local types usually falling in medium-late maturity group. Extreme variation in leaf shape and size

15

occurs, but three morphological types could be recognised. Collections vary in plant habit, pods per umbel, pod size/colour (greyish, black, buff), hairi­ness and grain size/colour. Good plant types occur in collections from Maharashtra and peninsular tract, while collections from the hill region have generally bold grains. The collections are mostly susceptible to yellow mosaic virus, but resistant germplasm has been identified among the collec­tions from Punjab, H.P. and Bihar. T-27 of U.P. is another resistant material. Though black-seeded types (rough black, smooth black or shin­ing) are more prominent, green seeded forms occur in the hill region in the north-east and in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Indigenous germplasm possesses good protein content (23-33 %), particularly the collections from Punjab and Bihar. The material also showed wide variation in phytin phosphorus content (26.8-29.3 %). Among the improved cultivars developed from the local materials, some noteworthy ones are: BG 369. ADT-I, Mash 48, Sl-l, Sg-2, Khargone No.3, Type 9, Type 27, Type 65, Type 77, Sindkheda 1-1, Gwalior 18, No. 55, NP 6, BR 61 and BR 68. These combine useful traits of plant type, maturity, etc., to suit different agro-climates and cropping patterns. As compared to mung bean, the black gram collections are more widely adaptable.

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia): Indian collections possess much varia­tion in growth habit (spreading types predominate), leaf lobation, pod (straw, smoky, brownish) and seed colour (creamish yellow, brown/mottled black). The material is susceptible to yellow vein mosaic virus. Not much variability occurs in pod size, but some variation is available in grain size. ~ore promising material is from Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Rice bean (Vigna umbellata) : The rice bean genetic resources were largely collected from eastern peninsular and north-eastern regions. Enormous variability occurs in this less known pulse crop. Morphologically, the material confirms to broad leaved Rombiya types with hairy plant parts (stem, leaves, peduncles, pedicels and pods). Chiefly viny types occur, but some semi-bushy types have also been collected from Sikkim, Manipur and Megbalaya. Collections possess considerable variation in pod length (8-12 cm) and grain size' and colour. Uniformly coloured and speckled grain types occur. Black, creamish, green, dark greenish, red and intermediate seed colour types occur. Creamish and green-mottled grain types were more common. Long podded types with good bearing and many seFds/ pod occur in Manipur and Megbalaya materials. Medium bold grain types were common. The material invariably was of late maturing forms, with a few early types from Assam. The collections by and large, possess tolerance to yellow mosaic, Cercospora and bacterial leaf spot. Protein content is also fairly high, being upto 24.1 %. The collections exhibit variation in cooking quality (taste) of the beans. This legume has great potential

16

because of its high yield and tolerance to plant diseases. No improved types, however, exist and the local types are adaptable to cultivation in the kitchen gardens. Only few types (mostly semi· bushy) are raised in the fields, as a' pure crop. In NBPGR, six promising, high yielding types GRRU I 6, have been developed.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata): Native genetic resources possess much wider adaptability for growing in the plains, hills and even in the stress environment. Good variation is exhibited in growth habit, photo-periodic and photo-thermic sensitivity, seed size, pod shape, size and colour. Seed colour varies from white, cream, pink, brown, buff or different shades of red among the grain types; and often greyish mottled or black grains occur among fodder types. Eye patterns and seed coat colour patterns vary con­siderably. Selection for grain/pod has led to the prevalence of distinct germplasm. Pod size variation includes pods 10-40 cm in length.

The varieties particularly in northern/north-western plains are selected to suit to prevailing cropping patterns and possess dwarf/erect plant type, with good filling of grain/pod, good bearing, early maturity etc. (Pusa Phaguni, Pusa Barsati and others). The local types are mostly viny (support types), with loose filling, medium bold grains and, medium/poor yield, and are late maturing. Varying selection pressures have resulted in enriching the variability of the grain, vegetable and fodder types. Bold grain types occur, though largely small/medium bold grain types prevail. Among the grain types, some of the promising ones are JARJ Nos 2 and 7; C 321; UPT 1; MPK 11 and K 14.

Red gram or pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) : Native variability includes perennial forms, late maturing types. Much morphological variation with purplish flower and yellow flower types occurs. The tall, local types differ much in time of maturity, colour, size and shape of pods and seeds. Much variation occurs in the central peninsular tract in pod size and grain­size/colour (creamish, whitish, brown, dark, red and intermediate and mottled types). Perennial types have pods with 4-5 seeds, and irregular bearing; annual bushy types are early with synchronous maturity and medium/small pods. In general, pod length varies from 5-10 cm; and pods vary much in their colour and pubescence on the outer surface, possessing green or dark colour or blotched with maroon.

As a result of crop improvement programme!>, in the recent past, many varieties have been evolved suited to different agro-climatic regions and fitting into different cropping patterns and agricultural systems. These include RG 72, RG 97, RG 37, RG 434, RG 476, RG 56 from Andhra Pradesh; Vijapur 49 from Gujarat; No. 148 from Hyderabad; Cross 86 and Gwalior 3 from M. P.; s. A. I. from Tamil Nadu;C 11, No. 148, T. 84 and K 132from

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Maharashira; C-21, C-_ll, Thogari 2 and 3, T 136-1 and T_ S.24 from Karna­taka; T 17, T ISS, T. 1, T21 and T 7 from U. P.; and B 7 from West Bengal. The material from M. P., Maharashtra and Karnataka includes wilt resistant types. The variability offers maturity range of 160-240 days but with medium high yield. The central peninsular tract and the northern plains now exhibit good variability among the early types. Selections (K-132) for good cooking quality also occur. Determinate plant-type introduced from Brazil has been used in developing Pus a Ageti. Similarly, non-branching, single stem plant-type has been isolated among collections from M. P.

Gram (Cicer arietinum) : Indian collections are largely ofsemi-erectjsemi­spreading types with good branching. These are medium tall or low, and possess wide adaptability. Much variability occurs in pod size, grain size/ colour, bearing, etc. The seeds vary in shape; nature of beak, round-semi­round; surface-semi-smooth/semi-wrinkled. The seed coat is brown, light brown, fawn, yellow, orange, black, white, green, and seed surface is smooth, puckered, granular or tuberculate. Much native variability occurs in central peninsular and western India, including parts of Maharashtra, and, in the north, in U. P. The local types, though hardy, mature late.

Improved types have been developed in the recent past for high yield, better grain quality, quick growth, early maturity and resistance to wilt, blight and rust, and to the field and storage pests, better foliage associated types for cattle feed, and suitability to poor soils, viz., selections from Arnej and Dehad in Gujarat; Chafa, Gulab and several others, Niphad types from Maharashtra; several types bred at Jabalpur and Gwalior in M. P., viz., Gwalior 2, U jjain 2, U jjain 21, U jjain 24; Co-I, Tamil Nadu; Karnataka, 18-12, Kadale 2, Kadale 3; bold grain types Badachana, green grain type Hara chana or Pachecha, Punjab; S-26, C 24, C 235, C 104; Rajasthan RS 10; U. P. Type I to 3, Type 87, K-4, K-5; Selections 75 and 98 from W. Bengal, and for the north, north-western India by IARI; NP 17, NP 25, NP 28, NP 58 and others. Indian selections also possess, good amount of variation in the protein and ascorbic acid content. Further, these also vary much in their grain quality for parching, flour, etc.

Phaseolus group (French bean, PhaseD Ius vulgaris and related types); The Indian collections are largely of the pole types, semi-pole or runnerMpe and the dwarf-bushy types. The crop being a centuries-old introduction, much variability has been built up, particularly in grain and vegetable types. The types are now well adapted to local conditions. Widely adaptable materials, including collections from high altitude zone (2800 m), have been collected from the western and eastern Himalayas. Much variation occurs among vegetable types in pod character (flat, compressed round, with string and stringless forms) and among the grain types in grain colour. Among

18

white/buff, yellow, red, dark purple and various intermediates and the mott­led forms, red or mottled red, white and bright brick coloured, mottled type, medium bold-bold grain types, are preferred for grain purposes. Much v~iation in cooking quality and taste etc., is evident in the Indian germplasm. The introduced, selected, well adapted types possess resistance to diseases like anthracnose and powdery mildew. Much of the bean germplasm has been collected from the western and eastern Himalayas and from the Western ghats hHly tract.

Sporadic germplasm, in these areas, occurs in Lima bean (Phaseolus ltinatus) and Phaseolus multiflorus. The latter with very large, white, black, red-mottled seeds is highly cold adaptable and is sparingly grown in Sikkim (2800 m) and in the western Himalayas.

Peas (Pisum sativum) : Local variability occurs both in garden pea and in field peas, the germplasm of the latter being highly cold adaptable and drought tolerant.

Much germplasm has been introduced in the recent past, and in garden peas several varieties ocqIr, viz., Bonneville, Lincoln, Yates Early Crop, Harrisons Glory, Rimpus Alaska, Early Superb, Zelka, Lincoln Blue, SylVia, Manndorfer and the recently released variety, Harbhajan. These combine characters of better plant type, earliness, good bearing, tolerance to powdery mildew and other desirable attributes. Much variation occurs in pod shape - blunt, rounded, semi-blunt; pointed types, straight or curved; and size; grain filling, shell thickness, etc. Pod colour variation from pale to dark green occurs. Seed variation pertains to shape, being either round/smooth, wrinkled or dimpled (indent form). Both green and yellow cotyledon types prevail, the latter being used in preparing flour (besan).

Indian varieties (introductions) have been developed from European/ American and other introduced materials. A few varieties whose exact origin is not known also occur; e.g., the early, round, green-seeded, 'Hara Bauna' from Punjab; white, round-seeded 'Lucknow Poniya' cultivated around Lucknow and Meerut: medium tall, wrinkle-seeded Kaip of Delhi and western U. P. In central region, small podded Khapar-Kheda is popular. In the Himalayan zone, Kanawari occurs with variability of smooth and white seeded forms. In Eastern Himalayas, this is known as local Darjeeling. Another Himalayan variety from the east is Dentam, much grown in north Bengal-Sikkim region. Among other introduced/selected materials are the variety T-19 from U. P. and BR 12 from Bihar-a white seeded variety. Asanji, a selection from the green round seeded stock, is called Hoshiarpuri. It is an early type like the Early Badger, with wrinkled seeds. Late types with wrinkle seeds are Bonneville, T-19, Green Fast, Khapar Kheda and NP 29; white and yellow seeded T 163, BR 118, BR 2, Victoria and Manndorfer;

19

Blue seeded Rimpus; Grey seeded BR 178; Green dimple-seeded Zelka, and edible podded Sylvia.

In field peas, considerably less variability occurs. In the white-seeded group, tall, bold seeded T 163 from U. P.; BR 2 and 188, and a purple flowered BR 178 for the hills, are known. Dual purpose types have also been developed, e.g., 23 and 43 from Maharashtra.

Lentil (Lens culinaris) : Limited variability occurs in degree of branching, growth habit (semi-bushy and bushy types), grain size (bold/small) and grain colour (smooth/mottled brown to blackish brown). More local types have been collected from the hills of northern/north-western Himalayas than those from the Gangetic plains. The germplasm from the hilly region possesses genes for cold tolerance.

Khesari (Lathyrus sativus) : Indian germplasm largely has a spreading growth habit, and is well adapted to drought. Some variation occurs in seed size/colour (with reddish or purplish mottling, to comparatively light mottled more whitish type grain surface). Wide variation occurs in days to mature and grain yield. Variety P 24 has low content of neurotoxin.

Broad bean (Viciafaba) : Its cultivation is mostly confined to the hills in the Himalayas; it is sporadically also grown in the Nilgiris and north-eastern hills. The variability occurs mainly in pod size and grain size. Seeds are small to medium or extremely bold. The collections are well adapted to cold. Tender, smooth green pods are generally preferred. .

Horse gram (Dolichos biflorus): The Indian collections are largely of semi-prostrate/partly erect types, having long runners. More variability OCcurs in grain colour (white, creamish, buff, brown, red, black, mottled and several intermediates) and size (bold and small grains). Improved cultivars possess better yield and early maturity, viz., Co 1, derived from a local type from Ramanathpuram district. The germplasm is well adapted to drought.

Hyacinth bean (Lab lab niger): Local types are mostly perennial. Much variation occurs in pod size/colour and grain size/colour. Pods possess various shapes (straight to curved with and without (minute) much striations/ constrictions), differing in tenderness and surface colour (green, deep/dark green, crimson or mixed or blotched). Improved types possess tender pods with loose seeds. In the more bushy grain types, the pods are better filled. Grain colour varies from creamish, black, red and brown. Several inter­mediate and mottled grain types and medium bold grain types occur. Both grain and green pod types vary in taste and cooking quality.

(c) Plantation crops

Limited variability occurs in native tea (Camellia sinensis) germplasm, and in recent years, high yielding clonal material has become popular. The

20

native types from the higher hills are adaptable to cold. The available varia­tion includes the narrow leaved sinensis and the broad leaved assamica varieties. Good variability occurs in coffee cultivars adaptable to humid zone at medium elevations. In recent years, six varieties and selections of Coffea arabica viz., Old Chiks, Coorgs, Kents, S 288, S 795 and S 1934, have gained prominence alongwith other CCRI selections in the coffee growing areas. Old Chiks (from Chikmagalur), the earliest strain; is known for its high liquoring quality. Coorgs, from Nalaknad area of Coorg, and Kents, from Mudigere zone, are other old varieties, the latter suited to higher elevations. Cultivars resistant to different races ofleaf rust occur. Attributes like bean quality, yield, liquoring quality, habitat suitability and resistance to diseases and pests, have been suitably incorporated in Indian/old germplasm. Apart from C. arabica, limited variability also occurs in comparatively late maturing C. robusta.

In coconut (Cocos nucifera), Indian collections from South and the Laccadive islands exhibit much variation in height, bearing and nut quality. Tall and dwarf types occur. In recent years, several hybrids have been identi­fied having early bearing habit, better yield potential and tolerance to the root (wilt) disease. A few indigenous and exotic collections, e. g., Kappadam, Laccadive ordinary, Laccadive micro, San Ramon and Fiji, are also high yielding.

As compared to coconut, comparatively less variability occurs in arecanut (Areca catechu). The local types are less productive. Among the indigen­no us types, Mohitnagar and among the introductions, Mangala (a semi-tall, early-bearing variety) are more productive. Several other selections from the exotic (oriental) material, viz. VTL types, also possess economic attri­butes.

(d) Fr~it crops

Much diversity occurs in India in banana, mango, Citrus species and Jack fruit and in the introduced types like grape, guava, papaya, pineapple, sapota, litchi, pomegranate, avacado and in a few more.

In banana (Musa paradisiaca), good variation occurs in the table and culinary types. Varieties suitable for different soil/climatic conditions occur in both types, differing in fruit shape, size and quality; both early and late types with differences in bearing occur. Recently, the 'Robusta' variety is gaining popularity in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Virupakshi (Hill banana) variety occurs in Palni hills (1600 m). Among the recent introduc­tions into South India is Gros Michel.

Much indigenous variability occurs in Mango (Mangifera indica). The varietal number is very large, with much difference in taste, flavour and

21

consistency of pulp. Different regions have different varieties, including early and late types. Some of the early types are: Zafran, Gopal Bhog, Alphonso in Maharashtra; Memsagar, Krishna Bhog, Aman Dasheri, Gulab khas in U.P; and Maldah in Bihar and West Bengal. Some other promi­sing mid-late varieties include Langra, Dasheri, Fajari, Chausa, Jaimuria, Aman Abbasi, Khasul-khas, Sinduri, Sukal, Zardalu, Murshidabadi, Fazli Maldah, Pairi, Cowsji Patel, Jamadar, Swarnarekha, Benishan, Cherukuro­sam, Panchadarkalasa, Desavathiyamamidi, Sannakulu, Nagulopalli, Irsala, Neelam, Alampur Benishan, Totapuri or Bangalora, Mandappa, Olour, Kalepad, Peter, Fernandin, Mankurad, Moussorate; and dwarf type, Mallika. Varieties like Jehangir and Himayuddin also possess good quality fruits.

Citrus: The diversity in Citrus belongs to C. paradisi, C. limon, C. aurantifolia, C. reticulata and C. sinensis. Much variability occurs in the limes, both sweet and sour, particularly in fruit size, quality and juiciness. Primitive types occur in the rough lemon. In mandarin oranges, several types occur, suited to different agro-c1imatic regions. Nagpur, Xhasi, Coorg, Desi Emperor and the Sikkim Orange, are some of the important varieties. Much variation occurs in yield and quality of the produce, both in loose and tight skinned types. In recent years, Karna Khatta, Rangpur Lime, Kodakithuli and Troyer citrange have been commonly used as successful rootstocks for the mandarin oranges. Primitive forms, like C. indica occur in the north-east region, where several local types possess very small sub­sweetish fruits. C. indica occurs in the Tura range of the Garo hills, Megha­laya, where a Citrus-gene sanctuary is being established.

In other species, prevalent genetic resources are of the introduced varie­ties, viz., Marsh Seedless. Pink Fleshed Foster and Yellow Fleshed Duncan in C.'paradisi; and Blood Red, Pineapple, Hamlin, Jaffa, Valencia Late in north India; Mosambi in Western India, and Sathgudi and Batavian orange in South India in C. sinensis. The latter is also more adaptable to arid/semi­arid climate and to low rainfall situations.

In grape (Vitis vinifera) , several varieties have been introduced from time to time. Over fifteen such kinds are grown, being adaptable to various regions, viz., Northern plains-Black Prince, Bedana, Fosters Seedling, Ken­dhari Dakh, Muscat of Alexandria and Perlette; dry and temperate regions­Thompson Seedless, Sultana and Kishmish White; Southern India-:-Bangalore Blue, Pachadraksha, Anab-e-Shahi, Gulabi, Black Champa, Thompson Seedless; Western India-Cheema Sahebi, Anab-e-Shahi and Thompson Seedless. The vines among different varieties vary enormously in their bearing, bunch size and shape, berry colour, size, shape and quality, and adaptability to different agro-c1imatic conditions and management conditions.

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In guava (Psidium guajava), both white and pink-fleshed varieties occur, varying in skin colour. Popular white-fleshed varieties are Lucknow-49, Altahabad Safeda and Seedless.

More introductions occur in Papaya (Carica papaya), popular varieties being Washington Honey Dew, Singapore and Ceylon. Much variation occurs in tree and fruit characteristics, the proportion of plants with male, female and hermaphrodite flowers varying with the 'Variety. In pineapple (Ananas comosus) likewise, variability includes early Queen, late type Kew and types with intermediate maturity like Mauritius. Kew possesses large fruits, suitable for canning.

In Cheku or Sapota (Achras sapota), many introduced varieties occur, viz., Cricket Ball, Dwaropudi in Tamil Nadu; Bangalora, Vavila Valasa, Jonna Valasa, Kirtabarati and Pot in Andhra Pradesh; and Kalipatti and Chatri in Western India. Some of these like Pot are dwarf. Both oval and round fruited types occur.

In pomegranate (Punica granarum) , both deciduous and evergreen types occur, with several varieties differing in rind colour and fruit quality. The variability is very meagre, being more confined to Western India.

In avacado (Persea americana), some recent introductions from Sri Lanka got acclimatized to the Nilgiris, viz., Pollock, Paradeniya Purple Hybrid and Feurte.

In Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), many introductions occur particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Much indigenous and introduced variablility occurs in lackfruit (Artocarpus Izeterophyllus). Singapore variety has attributes like good fruit yield, size, quality and early bearing. Local types are poor in yield and much variable in fruit quality, and in seeds per fruit.

Much introduced variability occurs in Litchi (Litchi chinensis) and over ten varieties are known for different regions, viz., China Purbi, Deshi, Bedana and Dehra Rose in Bihar; Rose-scented, Early Large Red, Kalkatia, Gulabi, Late Seedless in U. P; and China and Mazaffarpur in West Bengal. These vary in fruit size, sweetness, aril/seed ratio, bearing, etc.

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is grown along the Nilgiri slopes and in the Malabar and Tirunelveli, but no variability occurs and only meagre germplasm has been introduced.

Among fruits of the drier tracts, date-palm (Phoenix dactyli/era) and jujube (Zizyphus mauritiana) are better known as compared to Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), and minor types like Salvadora. In datepalm, an early introduction in this country, several improved varieties are now known, among which Hillawi and Khadrawi are better yielder and in the former the fruit is sweeter and more attractive. In jujube/ber (Zizyphus mauritiana). a

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drought hardy type, several varieties occur varying in the size and shape of fruit, fruit quality and in shape and size of stone and surface markings. Prominent variability pertains to types Banarsi Karaka, :t-.Iarma Thornless, Pewandi, Jogia, Aliganj in U. P; Banarsi, Nagpuri, Thornless in Bihar; Kotho, Meherun in Maharashtra; and Umran and Gola in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Local types are hardy, with shy bearing and produce small fruits.

Much indigenous variability also occurs in aonla (Emblica officinalis) and jamun (Syzygium cumini), with differences in fruit size and quality. Protected trees are better bearers, while the naturally occurring stands generally have small fruits and are shy bearing with erratic fruiting. Im­portant cultivars in aonla are Banarsi aonla with large fruits, Chakiya and Pink-tinged being other good varieties.

Equally adapted to semi-arid/sub-humid climate are fruits like custard apple (Annona squamosa) and related types. Others, like :fig (Ficus carica), thrive better in a comparatively hot, humid climate. However, as compared to these, more diversity occurs in various species of Morus : M. alba, M. nigra and others; the former is adaptable to plains, the latter, to the hills. Another minor fruit is Karonda (Carissa congesta), suited to semi-arid to humid climate, and in this good variabiJjty occurs in fruit size and quality in north­western tract, in Mount Abu and in Khandala Ghats.

Temperate types exhibit equally rich diversity particularly in pome and stone fruits-apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot and others. Several varie­ties occur in apple, viz., popular types like Amri, Golden, Red Delicious; in Nilgiris, Rome Beauty and Irish Peach. In apricot, about 5 varieties, in cherry, peach and pear each 10 varieties, in plum, 15 varieties, and in straw­berry,S varieties are known.

Among other types, limited variability occurs in Mimusops elengi, M. hexandra, Myrica esculenta, Prunus jenkinsii, Rhodomyrtus communis, Garcinia indica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Feronia limonia, Aegle marmelos and a few more.

(e) Vegetables

Much indigenous variability occurs in eggplant, cucurbits and okra, and among the introduced types, in tomato, Brassica types and in bulbous ctops, like onion and garlic. Indigenous genetic wealth also occurs in tuber crops, like taros and yams, including the elephant foot yam, and in introduced types like cassava and sweet potato.

In eggplant, rich variation in Indian collections prevails in long and round fruited types, varying in fruit length/size, ,maturity, colour of skin,

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seediness, maturity, etc. Widely grown types include Pusa Purple (long and round), Pusa Purple Cluster and Pusa Kranti ; in U. P., Benaras Giant and Black Beauty; in Bihar, Muktashi ; in Punjab, apart from Pusa types, Black Be~uty, P 8 and P 34; in South, Wynad Giant and Gudiyatham; and in Maharashtra Surti Gota; and Manjri Gota constitute important varieties. Some of the small, oval/long types possess white skin and several of the round types possess greenish skin. Some, like the Putangi brinjal, are very small (with much seeds), roundish and thorny. Many of the local types are non­seasonal, particularly in sub-tropical areas in kitchen gardens ; varieties mentioned above are tuned to fit in as pure crops and also in mixed cropp­ing patterns.

Extremely rich diversity occurs in cucurbits-cucumber (Cucumis sativus), musk-melon (C. melo), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), Luffa spp ; snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina) , pointed gourd (ParwalfTrichosanthes dioica), round gourd (Citrullus vulgaris var. jistulosus) and comparatively less in ash gourd (Benincasa hispida). In Cucurbita species, more variability occurs in C. moschata than in C. pepo and C. maxima.

Locally improved cultigens occur in most of the cucurbits dealt with above. In cucumber, Khira Prome and Balam Khira are important, apart from introductions like Japanese Long Green and Straight Eight. In Musk­melon, Pusa Sharbati, Lucknow Safeda, Madhu, Durgapur and Arka types ; in water-melon, Sugar Baby and several others, including seedless Pusa Bedana ; in bottle-gourd, Pusa vars.-round and long types; in bitter gourd, Pusa Domousmi, Kalianpur baramasi and Coimbatore white long; in Luffa­Pusa Chikni, Pus a Nasdhar, Satputia ; in Cucurbita spp., Early Yellow Prolific and Butternut and others (c. pepo), Arka Suryamukhi (C. maxima), Arka tinda (Citrul!us vulgaris var. jistulosus). Much variation prevails in these, in fruit size/quality, etc. Non seasonal types also occur, particularly in bitter gourd. Locally, several forms in Cucumis melD var. momordica (Phunt) occur, exhibiting variation in fruit size, shape, rind colour, striation, flesh colour, taste, etc. Much variability also occurs in fruit shape/size, colour of starch and taste, etc. in Sechium edule.

In okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), local types exhibit much variation in fruit size, and are invariably tall and branching. Pusa Sawani, Pusa Makhmali and Perkin's Long Green (in hills) are widely grown improved varieties. In local forms, pigmented fruit types also occur. Recently, high fruit yielding selections tolerant to yellow-vein-mosaic virus have been developed, especially, S-2 and others, by this Bureau (NBPGR), possessing long and tender fruits, better bearing, medium height and maturity. Overall, Indian variability includes mostly the ridged types than the smooth fruited

25

forms. In tomato, much variability occurs and the old types, Meerut Local and others constitute obsolete stocks, Pusa Ruby and other new introduc­tions being highly popular. Varieties, like Kalyanpur Angurlata and Ponderose in U. P. and Keckruth, Punjab Tropical and SI 12 are the prevalent types, incorporating useful traits of earliness, better bearing and good quality fruits.

In chillies, locally adapted variability occurs throughout the country, particularly in the south, peninsular region and in the north-east and the Himalayan regions. Rich variation exists in plant type, fruit size/shape (long, short, pointed, smooth/warted, roundish) and pungency. Both annual and perennial types occur. Better yielding types, with good fruit, have been developed, viz., California Wonder, Yola Wonder, NP 46A, and G-I, 2, 3 from Andhra Pradesh. Both green and dry chillies occur.

In the Brassica types-cauliflower, cabbage, knol-khol and others, the existing material comprises of introductions made from time to time and in all of these, early and late maturing varieties suited to different regions occur. The situation is similar for root crops, like, radish and turnip, and in carrot and beet root. Limited variability occurs.

In the bulbous crops, onion and garlic, many introductions are grown. In onion, Pusa Red, Ratnar, Early Grano, Bellary Red and Poona Red, and among white types, Nasik white and Patna white are important. In garlic, much variation occurs in bulb size, and clove size, skin colour-white, dull white to whitish. In both, pungency varies. In garlic, local selections from Gujrat-Junagadh, are with much larger cloves. Among others, Allium species-A. porrum, A. ascalonicum and A. sc!lOenoprasum occur sporadically, as backyard cultigens, having rather limited variability.

Leafy types: Among the leafy types, local variability occurs mostly in Beta vulgaris, Spinacia oleracea. Trigonella foenum-graecum, leafy Brassicae, amaranth and to a meagre extent in Portulaca oleracea and Basella rubra. Improved types also occur in many of these, yielding better and tasty produce. In amaranths and Basella, pigmented types also occur.

Tuber crops: Much indigenous variability in tuber size, yield and quality occurs in Colocasia (taros), Dioscorea (yams) and Amorphophallus (Elephant-foot yam). The local types largely occur with variation in skin colour, cooking quality, taste, etc. In taros, the young shoots and leaves (vary much) are eaten as green; green and red petioJar types and Ij~ht to dark green leafy types mostly occur. In tuber quality, acridity-free types occur in all these species. However, more improved types/introductions occur in tapioca and sweet potato, with much better quality of tubers, yield and cooking quality, taste, etc. In sweet potato, white and red skinned types occur and in tapioca, skin colour variation and flesh colour variation

26

is also prevalent. In Elephant-foot yam, both hard and soft types occur with light to dark-brown skin colour and flesh colour, low acridity and good taste. Much variation is available in tuber size, and local varieties with small shapely tubers (compressed type) occur in peninsular region.

(f) Oilseed crops

Considerable variability occurs in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), with spreading, semi-spreading or upright types, branching pattern, maturity range, pod bearing, nut/shell size, grain size and oil percentage/content, etc. Bunch types are erect, early, with light rose testa, while the spreading/semi­spreading types are comparatively late though better pod-bearers, and possessing brownish seeds. Over 35 varieties, occurring among the indige­nous and introduced germplasm are suited to different agro-ecological conditions and cropping patterns, viz., bunch types from Junagadh; TMV types from Tamil Nadu; Kopergaon and Karad types from Maharashtra; Gangapuri from M. P.; Punjab 1, a selection from Samrala local; and other spreading/semi-spreading types from other regions of India. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu materials possess drought tolerant attributes.

In Brassicaceae (Brassica species), wide diversity occurs in India, com­paratively more in B. juncea and in B. campestris var. sarson and less in the dichotoma forms, in toria forms and in taramira (Eruca sativa). Indian germplasm possesses attributes like good plant type, branching, earliness, good bearing and better oil percentage, etc. More variation occurs in seed colour than in seed size and in shape and colour of the foliage. Well over 25 improved varieties occur, which provide a wide range of variability and wider adaptability to different environments. Taramira is drought tolerant. Selec­tions are available which possess resistance to lodging, early maturity, bold seeds and multivalved pods, etc. Indian collections mature in 80-150 days and comparatively dwarf and early genotypes are suited to multiple cropping patterns. Highly leafy cultivars occur in the Himalayas and are fairly cold adaptable. Widely grown types are Pusa Kalyani and Varuna.

The local collections in sesame (Sesamum indicum) are mostly tall types, usually much branched, late and shy in bearing. Much variability over the years has been developed tuned to different growth seasons and ranging in days to mature, capsules per node and number of branches (single stemmed to much branched). Much variation occurs in seed-surface (slllooth/reti­culate), colour (black, red, pinkish, brown, dull white-white, yellow) and oil content (48-52%). About 25 improved varieties occur, suited to diffe­rent agro-climates. Photo-insensitive types (N. 32, Gowri, Vinayak and TMV 3) also occur.

In the central peninsular tract and northern hills, limited variability occurs in linseed (Linum usitatissimum). The shallow-rooted types adaptable to

27

the alluvial soils are characterised by high tillering. The Indian collections exhibit variation in maturity, growth habit, bearing, capsule size and seed size/colour. About IS improved types are known, maturing between 155-180 days. Rainfed types also occur. Several of these are resistant to rust and wilt.

In castor (Ricinus communis), while the cultivated types are erect, dwarf, and herbaceous; the local types are mostly perennial and tall with erratic non-seasonal blooming. Local types differ in branching habit, stem colour, inflorescence compactness, proportion of staminate flowers on the spikes, nature of capsules (smooth or spiny), days to maturity (early or late) and seed size/quality. The testa exhibits variation in colour and mottling. Over twenty improved types occur, varying much in plant type, yield and oil­content etc. In recent years, selection has been for the dwarf types, widely grown in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Oil content upto 55 % is reported. Dwarf types include Aruna, Bhagya, Sowbhagya, GLH-3, B-1 and 1.1. Bihar, U. P. and Haryana types belong to the tall group.

In safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), much variability prevails among Indian collections. Height varies from 30-150 cm, most of the indigenous collec­tions being late maturing and tall, bearing many branches, broad or slightly curved inflorescences, densely bristled and with different number of florets. Both spiny and non-spiny types occur, varying in leafiness, leaf size/shape. About ten improved varieties are grown which differ in seed yield, oil content (upto 32.5%) and days to maturity (110-Majira to 140-Nag. 7).

More variability in niger (Guizotia abyssinica) occurs in central and eastern peninsular tract. Tall types mostly occur, varying in stem colour, leaf size, branching habit, days to maturity, capitulum size, number of florets, etc., with minor variation in achene size/shape but more in yield and oil percent~ age/quality, etc. Over six improved types occur, including early maturing types and those with oil content upto 43%. Some materials (GA. 2 and 10) selected in Orissa possess bold seeds, compared to medium seed types No. 16 and 24 of Karnataka which possess 40-43 % oil content. Types, like Ootacamund, are more adaptable to cold. Cold adaptable germplasm also sporadically occurs in eastern hills, especially in Sikkim. Drought tolerant germplasm occurs in central peninsular region. I

Among other oil yielding crops, sunflower (Helianthus annulls) has gained popularity in recent years. Russian introductions viz., Vniimk-8931, Peredo­vick, Armavirskij, Armaverts and Sunrise largely prevail under cultivation. As compared to these tall, late types, Cernianka, a short duration (75 days) variety, is grown in mUltiple cropping programmes. The introductions vary in head size, seed size and oil content.

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(g) Fibre crops

Prevalent diversity belongs to both Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis. MQre indigenous variability occurs in the latter. The available types differ in plant height, stem thickness, pigmentation, growth period, branching pattern, leafiness, pod size, seed colour, and fibre quality. C. capsularis varieties cover 60 per cent of the jute area, whereas the oUtodus types cover 40 per­cent, mostly in southern West Bengal. These varieti~s are suited to low lying and other habitats and to different mixed-cropping patterns. Several JRQ types have been selected in recent years for their adaptability, fibre quality and yield, and resistance to diseases and pests. Types, like Solani, Chaitali tossa, JRQ 620 have coppery red/red stem; while Sabuj sona, Shyamali, Baisakhi tossa, Basudev, are green stemmed. Chaitali tossa is a non-lodging type, with non-shattering pods. JRC 1108 produces high fibre yield and is fairly resistant to stem-rot and root-rot. Similarly, Navin (JRQ 524) yields high, does not lodge and has fine fibre and a stem that rets quickly.

In Mesta (Hibiscus sabdarifJa var. altissima and H. cannabinus), limited variability occurs. Mostly tall, branching types occur in the former, as compared to the latter. Variation occurs in the maturity period. Better adaptability and early types occur more in H. cannabinus. Much variation also occurs in pigmentation, bristleness on stem, leaf-lobations/dissection, fruits, etc. Several improved varieties suited to different agro-climates and cropping patterns occur in both - HS and HC varieties - HS 4288 with bristles, HS 7710 without skin bristles and AMV 1 suited to more sub-humid tracts. HS types are of late maturity, whereas He 583 and He 867 are ready for fibre production in about five months. He varieties also produce better fibre under storage conditions. He 867 possesses better resistance to the spiral borer, as compared to other varieties.

Meagre variability also occurs in Ramie (Boehmeria nivea). Shrubby, branched types differ in fibre quality. In recent years, improved varieties (R 1449, R 1452, R 1411) particularly suited to northern India have been developed.

Another fibre crop, for which much indigenous variability occurs, is sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea). Tall forms occur, differing in photo-sensi­tivity, branching, leaf size and stem thickness. Early types, like T 6, are photo-insensitive. In all, about ten varieties are known, possessing attributes of high yield, good quality fibre, early maturity and adaptability to light soils and low rainfall. D IX and K 12 are resistant to wilt. Nalanda Sanai possesses good yield and fibre quality, and resistance to shoot borer. West Bengal-ST 55 yields more than K 12 Kanpur type, a widely grow~ type, but its further selection, K 12 yellow is high yielding, moderately resistant to wilt and produces lustrous fibre of good quality.

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Flax: Varieties exclusive for use of fibre have been developed. Genetic resources are of introduced types. New selections, F 895 and F 896, have well acclimatized in Himachal Pradesh. These are tall (1.5 m), particularly those grown in H. P.

Cotton: Rich diversity occurs in Gossypium hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. arboreum and G. herbaceum. More native variability occurs in the arboreum types. In recent years, much improvement has been carried out, replacing progressively the improved strains evolved earlier. Over 60 varieties, of the New World and Asiatic species are grown. Some of the newer materials of the New World species include medium staple types-Jai; superior, medium staple types - J 207, SS 265, JK 97, J K 79 and SAT 1; fine staple types - H 297, PS 10, SS 167, Reba B-50, CP 22/8, CP 1998 F, CP 15/2 and 25/1, PS 16, IAN, 579, Suvin, EL 0162, ELS 250 and CBS 157. The Asiatic group includes, coarse staple types-Lohit; lower medium staple type AKH 4 and Iyoti; Superior, medium type - S 3087 and 355.E.6. In recent years, varieties have been developed under the All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project and the Central Cotton Reseach Institute. These varieties are especially suited to different agro-climatic zones, soil conditions and to rainfed tracts, viz., Khandwa 1 and 2 for the rainfed Nimar tract of M.P; K-8 (Tamil Nadu) , Mahalaxmi (northern A. P.) and H. 4 (Gujarat). Sujay 3943 for Southern Gujarat, RS 89 (Rajasthan) and GS-23, for low rainfed areas of Karnataka. MCU-5, Hybrid 4 and Vara­laxmi hybrid cotton are also long staple types. SUjata is the'high spinning Egyptian type released in India.

The prevalent genetic resources include types tuned to soil, climate and seasons and early high yielding varieties with good fibre quality occur. In north-eastern region, much native variability exists in G. arboreum, exhibiting variation in plant height, branching, maturity, boll no./plant, size and fibre quantity/quality. Materials, that are hardy and drought tolerant and resistant to several diseases and pests, also occur in India.

(h) Condiments and spices

Rich native diverisity occurs in spices and condiments. In cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum-two types, var. major and var. minor occur; in the latter Malabar, Mysore and Ceylon types are better known. Vazhukka 'is a cross between the Malabar and Mysore types. The genetic resources djifer in shape and size of the fruit and its quality, bearing habit, etc. Early types also occur. In contrast, bigger cardamom does not have much variability and this meagre variation is more localized to north-eastern region, parti­cularly Sikkim, wherein superior types occur.

Of the several economic species of Piper, P. nigrum possesses much variability in India, the vines varying in length of catkins, fruit size, quality,

30

bearing habit and fruit colour. The important types are known under several local names-Balankotta, KaHu valli, Cheriakodi, Uthirankotta, Cheria K{lmiakadan, Vania Kaniakadan, Perumkodi, Chola, Morata, Arasinamorata, Doddiga, Tattisara--in Kerala and Karnataka. Panniyar-l is a new hybrid variety, possessing high yield and early maturity, and is also widely adaptable.

Indian ginger (Zingiber 0 fficinale) exihibits much diversity in forms grown in different tracts, though introductions since distant past yield more and are equally well adaptable viz., Rio-de-janeiro and China. Types vary in rhizome yield and its quality. Both green and dry ginger types occur. Several local improved cultivars (Thingpuri, Nadia, Narasapattam, Wynad, Manantoddy, Karkal, Vengara, Ernad Mangeri and Burdwan) are known. Another important rhizomatous spice is turmeric (Curcuma domestica), in which the available variation pertains to size and colour of the rhizome and in curcumin content. Several locally improved types (Patna variety of Bihar, Lokhandi of Maharashtra with bright coloured, hard rhizome and light coloured, soft rhizomes; ;lnd Duggirala and Tekurpeta of Andhra Pradesh with long/short, smooth, hard fingers occur. Equally important in this tract are varieties Kasturi Pasupa, Armoor and Chaya Pasupa.

(i) Medicinal and aromatic plants

India is endowed with rich diversity in medicinal plant resources. The Indian Pharmacopoeia recognizes eighty-five drug plants of such kinds, of which over 20 are commercially important. Many of them viz., Cinchona, Isabgol, Opium poppy, Belladona, Mints, Ipecac, Foxglove, Liquorice, Celery, Rose geranium, Jasmines and Eucalyptus, etc., were introduced. Indigenous variability exists in Cassia angustifolia (Senna), Rauvolfia serpentina, Dios­corea spp, Cymbopogon spp., (Lemon grass, Citronella grass, Palmarosa oil grass), Patchouli, Vetiver, Davana (Artemisia pallens), Henna and sweet flag, etc. (Gupta,] 980; pp. 1188-1224 in Handbook of Agriculture, revised ed. 1980,ICAR).

(j) Forage crops

Much diversity occurs in fodder types in sorghum, maize, pearl-millet and oats, and in all of them several specific varieties occur suited to different regions, and for different seasons. Early and late types also occur, varying in fodder quality, yield, etc. Several local/locally improved types, like, M.P. Chari, Haryana Cheri, Dudhia, in sorghum; Bassi, Jaunpuri in maize; and several more in other fodder crops occur. Among legumes also, such leafy types occur in cowpea, cluster bean, field bean, berseem, lucerne, senji, methi. Similarly, in grass species, like, Pennisetum pedicel/alum, Panicurn antidotale, Sorghum sudanense, hybrid napier, Cenchrus spp., Dichanthium

31

annulatum, paragrass and in Brassica spp., turnip, stylos, Stizolobium spp., limited variability occurs in different parts of India.

Among others, much variability occurs in India, in Saccharum. Genetic stocks vary in cane size, length, colour and sweetness of the cane. The field life of the varieties is short in northern states, where the pests and diseases problems are serious. The improved genetic stocks occur in early, medium and late types suited to different agro-climatic regions. Over 60 varieties fall in the early group, and about 100 in the medium-late group. Most of these are the types bred at Coimbatore (Co types), with some varieties from Bihar (B. P. types).

In tobacco (Nicotiana spp.), the Indian variability of both local and improved varieties developed in the recent past occurs in Nicotiana tabacum and N. rustica, the former being more prominent, the latter/sporadic in northern and north-eastern parts. Local types are tall and varying much in branching/leafiness, etc. Several varieties occur as count yard cultigens. The improved types suited to different areas have been developed. The flu-cured, bidi, natu, lanka, cigar folder, cheroot, chewing, hookah and chewing N. tabacum, hookah and chewing N. rustica, wrapper and burley are the main tobacco types and in ~ach of these several varieties occur. In all, over 50 such distinct varieties are available. Among other crops, some native variability occurs in Soybean with brown, black or creamish grain.

Wild plants of agri-horticultural importance

It is estimated that about 250 Indian species fall in this category of which about 60 are rare/endemic types (Arora and Nayar, 1 981). This useful variability in wild types, occurring in different regions of the country, has been, to some extent, collected and utilised in crop improvement program­mes or otherwise in bio-systematic studies.

In rice (Oryza), wild perennial form, O. perennis, occurs in Orissa. Much gene exchange exists between wild perennial weeds, annual and cultivated annual rice, resulting in forms described as fatua, or spontanea or O. rujipogon and O. nivara--the only known source of resistance to grassy stunt virus. The wild type has procumbent habit, open lax panicle, slight reddish kernel, shattering tendency and falua type has attributes like disease resistance. this is considered as the progenitor of O. sativa. In the Khasi hills, the peren­nial type O. officinalis, with sub-umbellate, profusely branching panicles occurs. Other wild types include O. coarctata and O. granulata.

The wild forms of Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) occur, predominantly in north-eastern region, and much variability has been collected. Further, in the peninsular tract, several other mem bers of the Old W orId Maydeae­a group to which maize belongs; viz., Chionachne, Poly toea, Trilobachne, occur, and could be of utility in crop improvement in the maize group.

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Several species of Saccharum and its related types, Erianthus, Scleros­tachya and Narenga, occur in peninsular tracts, extending to the north-east region. Some of the related types introgress with it. Survey and collec­tion -of Saccharum genetic resources by the Sugarcane Research Institute in West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and other areas, has revealed that the north Indian sugarcane is derived from S. spontaneum, which hybridizes with S. officinarum. Natural hybrids have been located. This wild type provides sources of resIstance to the red rot and other diseases. '

Among legumes, much variability occurs in wild forms of green gram, black gram and moth bean. Some types locally called van-moong (wild, Vigna radiata-sublobata type) could provide sources of resistance to yellow­vein-mosaic virus. Many forms of this occur, as forest undergrowth resembling moongjurid, and are being studied in the Bureau, based on the collections made from the Western Ghats and the sub-Himalayan tracts (the wild forms of Vigna radiata and V. mungo (sublobata types and sylvestris types, respectively). Variation also occurs in Western Ghats in the wild forms of pigeon pea-arhar and the bushy species of Atylosia (A. sericea, and A. lineata) which have been reported to be resistant to wilt. This area also has viny, twining forms of small grained, wild, horsegram (Kulthi/Dolichos biflorus). Similarly, the wild sem, Lablab niger occurs in the Eastern Ghats. Among others, Cicer microphyllum, a species related to the culti­vated gram, has been collected from the cold arid, Western Himalayan region.

A wild sesame, Sesamum prostratum from coastal tract of Andhra Pradesh, has proved resistant to phyllody and caterpillar pest.

Though wild forms of jute (Corchorus capsularis), having branching habit and smaller fruits, occur in the north-east, variability of other types, like Urena, has also been assembled; as also of the wild species of Hibiscus, in the Jute Agricultural Research Institute, Barrackpore.

Among vegetable types, wild okra of north-western/northern In'dia-a tall type with tuberculate fruits, Abelmoschus tuberculatus has provided resistance for yellow-vein-mosaic virus in the breeding of Pusa Sawani, a widely grown cultigen. The wild forms of brinjaI, Solanum incanum and S. melongena var. insanum are also useful, likewise for disease resistance. Other wild germplasm includes species of Momordica, Trichosanthes (wild gourds) and Cucumis (Wild cucumber).

Several species of wild ginger and turmeric (Curcuma, Zingiber, Hedychium) ; and in root crops likewise species of wild yams (Dioscorea) and taros (Alocasia, Colocasia) occur, particularly in the humid tropical habitats.

33

In the forests of the western and eastern regions, many wild types in Piper and Vilis occur and several of these have been collected for their utility. Immense variation in wild species of Musa, Mangifera and Citrus (wild banana, mango and orange) occurs in the north-east region. In the Himalayas, wild forms in crab apple, apple, pear, cherries and others occur and several of these constitute hardy root stocks, i. e., species of Pyrus, Malus, Prunus, Rubus, Sorbus, Docynia, Cotoneaster, Ribes and others.

India is very rich in its natural wealth of wild forage legumes and grasses. About 2,000 such species occur, of which two-thirds are grasses. Selective collection of these has been made. The diversity in grasses is located in five distinct grass covers, located in different zones of the country (Arora et aT. 1975). The herbage legume variability is concentrated in three/four phytogeographical zones, including arid, humid and cold temperate habitats (Arora and Chandel, 1972).

The prominent diversity in wild useful grasses includes (a) Apluda mutica, Arundinella mesophylla, Bothriochloa pertusa, Dichanthium annulatum, Iseilema laxum and Sehima nervosum for humid-sub-humid peninsular tract, with Imperata cylindrica, Panicum spp. and Phragmites karka in tarai range lowland habitats; (b) Aristida spp _; Cenchrus ciliaris, C. setigerus, Desmostachya bipinnata, Dichanthium annulatum, Lasiurus sindicus and Sporobolus marginatus in arid/semi-arid north-western plains; (c) Arundi­nella bengalensis, A. nepalensis, Bothriochloa pertusa, Imperata cylindrica, Ischaemum spp ; and Themeda anathera in sub-tropical, sub-temperate tracts of north/north-east; and (d) Agropyron canaliculatum, Agrostis canina, A. munroana, Bromus spp ; Dactylis glomerata, Festuca spp ; Koeleria cris­tata, Phleum spp ; and Trisetum spp ; for cold temperate tracts of western and eastern Himalayas. Likewise, wild useful herbage legumes are: (a) Alysicarpus vaginalis and other species, Atylosia scarabaeoides, Crotalaria spp; Desmodium gyrans, D. triflorum and other species, Pueraria spp ; Rhynchosia minima, Teramnus labialis, Zornia diphylla, and species of Dolichos, Glycine, Mucuna, Sesbania, Smithia and Vigna in tropical-sub-tropical habitats ; and of Cicer, Lotus, Lathyrus, Lespedeza, Medicago, Melilotus, Parochetus, Trifolium, Trigonella (Cicer microphy/lum, Lespedeza sericea, Medicago falcata, Parochetus communiS, Trigonella emodi, T. graCilis) in cold tracts.

BUILD-UP OF GENETIC RESOURCES

Exploration and collection during seventies

In view of the occurrence of different eco-climatic regions, differences in the pattern of distribution of native variability of various agri-horticultural crops and the prevalent ethnic variation in different tribal belts, the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, had delineated regions,

34

crops and the areas or tribal blocks to be covered for genetic resources collection (Table 2, Mehra and Arora, 1978b).

During the decade 1971-80, the NBPGR organized over 60 explorations, both within the country and abroad, to build up genetic resources. Of these, over 50 explorations, both region and crop specific, were undertaken within the country and 29,709 germplasm collections representi.ng the prevalent crop germplasm diversity, were made (Table 3).

More crop specific missions were, however, undertaken during 1975-80 (Table 4) for wheat (Triticum durum and T. aestivum), ginger (Zillgiber officinale), jute (Corchoflls spp.), onion (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum) , opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), minor millets (Eleusine coracana, Panicum miliare, P. miliaceum, Echinochloa colonum, Paspalum scrobiculatum and Setaria italica), cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and for the medicinal and aromatic plants (Rauvoljia serpentina, celery, Apium graveolens, and Cymbopogon spp.), and in all, 5846 collections were made. Since the inception (mid-forties) of this organization, over 53,400 collections have been made in various crops from different regions of the country (Arora and Koppar, 1981).

The NBPGR also organized exploration missions aboard and collected over 3000 samples of genetic variability (Table 5) in several crop plants, viz., (a) rice, maize, millets, French bean and Brassicae from Nepal; (b) green gram and winged bean from Indonesia; (c) nuts, melons, chillies and other plants (wild almonds) from Central Asian Republics of USSR; and (d) rice, grain legumes, vegetables, etc., from Ma1i and Nigeria in West Africa. The Bureau's staff also assisted the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, Rome, Italy, in plant germplasm collection programmes in Malawi and Zambia in 1980 (Arora, 1980) and 1981 (Mehra, 1981).

Germplasm exchange during seventies

During the last decade germplasm collections of various agri-horticul­tural crops and their closely related wild species were introduced through correspondence into India, through the NBPGR's role as a coordinating, central agency (Table 6) on one hand and several countries and international agencies on the other hand. This exchange of germplasm has increased manifold due 10 India's participation in the international trials on several crops being conducted by several International Institutes under the Consul­tative Group on International Agricultural Research.

A quarterly publication-Plant Introduction Reporter-is brought out by NBPGR, giving details of the material imported from different countries and the indent~rs who received the material. Strict quarantine regulations are imposed by the Government and carried out by the Plant Quarantine Service at NBPGR.

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40

TableS. Explorations undertaken by the Bureau outside India

Year Area explored Collector(s) Diversity collected Collections \ {no.)

1962 Nepal H. B. Singh Barley, maize, French 871 P. P. Khanna bean, rice bean,

cucurbits

1977 Indonesia R. K. Arora Winged bean, 52 (Java) green gram

1978 Indonesia K. L. Mehra Winged bean, 32 (Java) velvet been

1978 USSR R. K. Arora Almond, filburt, 152 (Central walnut, cucurbits, Asian capsicums, and Republics) tomato

1979- Mali, M. Kazim Rice mainly 330 80 W. Africa

1979- Nigeria, T. A. Thomas Rice, grain legumes, 2900 80 W. Africa millets, vegetable

Table 6. Exchange of germplasm from 1971-1980

Samples 1971-75 1976-77 1978 1979 1980

Total Imports 27,526 10,809 117,279 130,129 43,946 Exports 5,845 18,337 8,697 7,541 4,021

Future explorations and collections

In the national perspective, keeping the country's overall objectives in view, crop improvement programmes of various Agricultural Research Institutes, Universities, etc., the National priorities among crops have been defined. The exploration missions take into account these priorities and plan for the collection of germplasm, in cooperation with the crop specific institutes in a particular target area. Table 7 lists the national priorities among crops; no. 1 indicates high priorities and no. 3 low. Future explora­tions, whether region specific or crop specific, shall keep these crop priorities in view, when collecting the genetic diversity. A co-ordinated eifort, both by the Bureau and the crop research institutes, shall hasten the pace of collection of native diversity from areas hitherto unexplored.

Table 8 gives the crop-wise list of geographic areas/pockets rich in plant genetic wealth which need to be covered in future collection programmes. This is to be superimposed on the regions and crop diversity areas given in Table 2, for planning future collection missions. Apart from genetic diver-

41

Sity In crops natIve to the Hmdustam region, crops for which diversIty has been bUIlt up lOadvertently or through planned mtroducnon and Improve­ment, I e., m crops of the Far East, European, Afncan and Amencan ongm, are also given

Table 1 Nahonal prioritIes among crops

Crops

Cereals

Rice Maize Wheat Barley Oth~rs

(Buckwhea tl Amaranth)

AlIIlers

SorghUm Pearl millet FlDger millet Others (lesser millets)

Gram legumes

Pigeonpea Vigna group (green gram. black gram, cowpea) Chickpea Len II I Others (wmged bean, rIce bean, soybean, moth bean)

Ol/seeds

Coconut BrasBlea spp Sesame Samower Groundau!

FIbre crops

Cotton Jute Others (Kenar, Mesla)

Vegetables

Okra, egg plant/non­tubenferous Solanums, beans, cucurblts

I

+

+

+ + +

+ +

+

+ + +

+

+

PriOrItIes

2 3

+

+ , ~---- +

+

+ +

+

+ +

+

•

42

Table 7 (Contd.)

Priorities Crops

2 3

Tuber crops

Yams & aroids + Pachyrrhizus + Sweet potato +

Fruits

Banana Citrus Mango Jack fruit. Papaya, guava, litchi and Others

(Syzygium, Phyllantnus, hiorus, ~izyphus)

Sugar-yielding plants

Sugarcane

Beverages

Tea Coffee

Spices, masticatories

Pepper Ginger Turmeric Arecanut

hi edicinaij Aromatic

Dioscorea, Rauvoijia, Cymbopogon spp ; Senna, Opium poppy, Vinca

Priorities 1 high; 2 medium; 3 low

+ +

+

+

+

GENETIC RESOURCES CONSERVATION

In-situ conservation

+ +

+

+ +

+

+

+

The General Conference of UNESCO launched a broad based ecological programme on "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB), to (i) conserve for present and future use, the diversity and integrity of biotic communities of plants and animals within natural ecosystems, and to safe-guard the genetic diversity of species on which their continuing evolution depends; (ii) provide areas for ecological and environmental research including, parti­cularly, baseline studies, both within and adjacent to these reserves, and (iii) to provide facilities for education and training.

Table 8. Proposed areas for exploration and collection of crop plants and their wild relatives

43

Cereals and pseudo-cereals :

Rice

Maize

Wheat

Barley

North-eastern region in Arunachal Pradesh, Garo and Khasi hills of Meghalaya; Mizoram, Manipur and Naga­land; north Bengal and Sikkim; and the mountain tracts of upper Assam including Mikir hills and Cachar (More attention required in these areas).

Tribal dominated tracts of eastern and central India, including Jeypore tract of Orissa, Koraput, Keonjhar; Kalahandi, Santal Parganas and Chotanagpur hills of Bihar; Bastar, Rewa, Bilaspur, Sarguja, Raigarh, Raipur and adjoining tract in M. P; and hill agency areas of east Godavari and adjoining region in Andhra Pradesh.

Chikmagalur, Shimoga and adjoining tracts in Karnataka extending to mountains of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the Western Ghats.

West Himalayan region including H. P .• J & K., and U. P. hills in Uttarkhand and Kumaon Himalayas.

North-eastern region: collections needed from Cachar and Mikir hills; Arunachal Pradesh and north Bengal.

Tribal areas of peninsular region in A. P., Orissa, Bihar and north M. P.

Mountainous belt of Nilgiris, Pulney and hills of Karnataka adjoining Chikmagalur.

Western Himalayas, Chamba and adjoining areas in H. P., Kumaon and Uttarkhand in U. P. hills.

Particularly in northern India, in hilly tracts in Western Himalayas; H. P. in Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Pangi valley, extending to Ladakh in Kashmir; also Baramula, Usmaro, Gurez valley in J. & K.

Eastern region in north Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

Peninsular north· western, central plains; drier tracts of Maharashtra, Karnataka and A. P.

Peninsular tract, Western and northern M. P.. and western India in Rajasthan, eastern Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka. \

I In Western and Eastern Himalayas in areas indicated above for wheat (naked and hooded types), in north Bihar and other areas of peninsular India and wheat belt (husked types).

(Contd).

44

\

Secale

Buckwheat

Amaranth

Millet

Sorghum

Pearl millet

Lesser millets Foxtail millet Setaria italica

Finger millet Eleusine coracana

Kodo millet Paspalum scrobiculatum

Sa wan Echinochloa colonum

Cheena or Proso-millet Panicllm mifiaceum

In dry cold areas of Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti, Pangi valley and Kinnaur in particular, sporadic distribution occurs in higher elevation, above 2100 m.

Hilly tract of north-eastern region, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Slkkim.

In the Western Himalayas in Pangi valley, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, adjoining region in H. P; U. P. hills in Garhwal and Kumaon, and loshimath, in Malari and in Kashmir valley including Ladakh.

North-eastern region in north Bengal, Sikkim and in particular Arunachal Pradesh.

Western Himalayas in H. P., U. P. hills and in Kashmir.

North-western and central plains, eastern Maharashtra.

Tribal tracts of M. P. in Bastar, and adjoining region in A. P. Cuddapah, east Godavari, Srikakulum and Vishakapatnam and Khammam; Santal Parganas and Chotanagpur in Bihar, Chandrapur and adjoining tract in Maharashtra; and Gunjam, Kalahandi and adjoining hilly tract in Orissa. Western part of Tamil Nadu in Coimbatore and Salem and also hills of Karnataka. The foot hill region of the Himalaya.

:t-.orth eastern hills, bordering Burma. Particularly tribal belt of Gujarat and Western Rajas­than, also in adjacent M. P., and Karnataka. Western and north-eastern region including the Hima­layan tract and sub-tropical Assam, hilly region and adjoining areas in particular.

Tribal belt of peninsular India, particularly in M. P., A. P., Orissa and adjoining Bihar.

In Western Ghats, eastern Maharashtra and southwards, more in drier tract. Tribal belt of peninsular India, particularly in north of M. P. and Tamil Nadu, A. P. and Orissa; and also lower hills in central and eastern Himalayas.

Central peninsular belt in M. P., Bihar and Orissa in particular.

The above areas (for Kodo) and the hills of north-west and eastern region.

Hills of H. P., U. P., particularly higher elevation, also W. India in parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra and in Bengal, extending to Arunachal Pradesh.

Panicum miliare

Coix C.lacryma­jobi, soft­shelled forms

Digitaria cruciata var. esclllenta

Grain and other legumes

Green gram Vigna radiata

Black gram Vigna mungo

Rice bean Vigna umhellata

Moth beall Vigna aconitifolia

45

Tribal belt of A. P., Orissa, Bihar, M. P. and Maha­rashtra, particularly in Orissa, Kalahandi, Keonjhar and Phulbani; adjacent parts of M. P. and Bihar; and in W. Bengal.

North-eastern hills in Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland; particularly in Garo and Khasi hills of Meghalaya.

Khasi hills of Meghalaya (endemic cultigen).

Tribal agency areas of east Godavari and adjoining tract in A. p .. also in Warangal and Khammam; and Orissa, Phulbani, Kalahandi and other tribal tracts extending M. P. southwards, east/westwards. In northern plains of U. P., in Pilibhit and adjoining tract; and in north Bihar, Bengal and Assam Plains.

Northern India, in comparatively drier areas of Bissar (Haryana) and Ferozepur (Punjab).

Western India, tribal tracts in DhuIia, Parbhani, Auranbabad in Maharashtra; Panchmahal and Kaira tract in Gujarat; also Dharwar and neighbouring tract in Karnataka.

Hill tracts of H. P., Kangra valley and other areas; U. P. hills in Nainital, Rampur and adjoining tracts; in north Bengal and upper Assam

Tribal belt of peninsular India as indicated above for green gram; agency areas of east Godavari and adjoin­ing tract; Guntur and Krishna in A. P; Raipur, Drug and Bilaspur in M. P.; and Santal Parganas, Ranchi, Bhagalpur, Singhbhum and Purnea.

In western India, Kutch, Surat and Panchmahal in . Gujarat; and Eastern Maharashtra mainly.

In northern plains, in U. P. particularly Sitapur, Bara­banki, Hardoi and Bareilly; Ambala in Haryana, and Ferozepur in Punjab.

North-eastern region including Assam plains; adjoining hill regions; north Bengal and Sikkim; and particularly Garo and Khasi hills of Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizo-ram tracts. I

Tribal belts of Orissa and Bihar; and the agency areas of east Godavari in A. P., particularly Kalahandi and Phulbani in Orissa and Santal Parganas in Bihar. Kutch, Kaira and other area in Gujarat; west Rajasthan; and eastern Maharashtra (mainly North-west drier plains).

46

, Pilipasara

(Vigna trilobata)

Red gram (Ca/anus co jail)

Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum)

Lentil (Lens cujillaris)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Tribal agency areas of A. P., east Godavari; Krishna and adjoining tract of Tamil Nadu.

Tribal belt of peninsular India, particularly in Kalahandi, Phulbani, Keonjher and other tracts of Orissa; and adjoining U. P., and Bihar (largely central peninsular tract and eastern adjoining reaion).

Hill region of north-east in Mizoram and other areas.

Bundelkhand area in U. P., Banda, Jhansij Raipur, Chattarpur, and Bilaspur in M. P., and other areas of eastern U. P. West Himalayan region of H. P., and U. P. hills in particular; and parts of M. P., central peninsular tract.

Eastern Himalayas in north Bengal and adjoining areas -sporadic_

Hill regions of north and eastern India, including north­eastern hilly tnbal tract.

Tribal tracts of A. P., Orissa, Bihar and M. P.

Partly in Western Ghats, and Maharashtra southward and particularly Karnataka hills, Chikmagalur and other areas.

India became a member of MAB programme in 1970 and, in 1972, constituted a 13 member Indian National MAB Committee for scientifically evaluating suitable areas and identifying Biosphere Reserves and for planning, financing and implementing MAB field projects. In order to recommend suitable areas for selection as Biosphere Reserves and to propose legislative and administrative measures, a Core Advisory Committee was appointed by the Indian National MAB Committee in June, 1978. This Committee laid down the criteria for the selection of such reserves and tentatively identified the following 12 potential areas;

l. Mysore Plateau-Wynad-Nilgiri (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu)

2. Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu)

3. SimpJipal and Jeypore HilI Forests (Orissa)

4. North Islands of Andamans and Jarawa Tribal Reserves (Andaman Nicobar Islands)

5. Sunder bans (West Bengal)

6. Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

7. Valley of Flowers and Kedarnath (Uttar Pradesh)

8. The Nanda Devi Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh)

9. Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim)

10. Lalichopri (Arunachal Pradesh)

II. Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh)

12. Tura Ridge (Meghalaya).

47

Based on careful considerations, it was decided to initially select three biologically rich areas, viz., (i) the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, (ii) the Namdapha Biosphere Reserve, and (iii) the Tura Ridge (as gene sanctuary for Citrus and other fruit plants). The project documents for these reserves have been prepared and approved by the MAB Committee. The prepara­tion of documents for four other proposed Biosphere Reserves is under way, these being (i) Valley of flowers Kedarnath-Pindari; (ii) Gulf of Mannar, (iii) the Nanda Devi Sanctuary; and (iv) the North Islands of Andamans and Jarawa Tribal Reserve.

A draft legislation, with the collaboration of International Union for Conservation of Nature's Commission for Environmental Policy, Law and Administration, is under preparation by the Department of Environment of the Government of India and is expected to be ready soon.

As compared to Biosphere Reserves, gene sancruaries are'specific pockets of genetic diversity of crop plants and their closely related wild species, which can be conserved in situ. One such gene sanctuary is being demar­cated in the Garo Hills (Tura ridge) of North-eastern region for Citrus indica (Bbag Singh, 1981). It is also envisaged to preserve here Musa, M angifera, Citrus and other economic plants, occurring naturally as wild/ cultivated populations or as semi-protected popUlations. The genetic diversity of economic plants and their wild relatives shall, thus, be pro­tected and shall continue to undergo evolutionary changes in the normal way and one could always go to these areas to explore and collect the natural genetic diversity for use in the future plant improvement programmes aimed at the development of plant types specifically needed in the future.

Ex-situ conservation

At present, NBPGR maintains well over 25,000 collections of various agricultural types at its beadquarters (at Delhi) and at its Regional Stations situated in different agro-climatic regions of the country (Table 9). Various crop specific institutes/Stations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, viz., for cotton, rice, plantation crops, tuber crops, tobacco, jute, mango, potato, sugarcane; and other crop-based research institutes like the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi and several of the co-ordi­nated projects also maintain germ plasm of different agri-horticultural types. Table ]0 gives some of the prominent institutes and the collections held by

48

Table 9. Germplasm collections maintained by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources

Inadquarters

New Delhi 28°35'N and 70012'E alt. 228 m sub-humid/sub-tropical

Regional Stations I

Jodhpur-26° 18'N and 73°B ; alt. 224 m­Semi-arid sub· tropical

Akola-21°N and 77°20'E alt. 350 m- sub· humid·sub·tropical

Trichur-l0050'N and 76°20'E, alt. 50/100 m Hot·humid tropical

Simla-3l0N and 77°E alt. 1900 m cold temperate

Shillong-25°30'N and 91°50'E, alt. 1900 m cold, humid sub· tropical/ sub· temperate

Wheat-To aestivum & T. daTum (1221). barley (196), Avena/oats (986), moth bean (1100), lentil (292), mung bean (1475), urid bean (1()76), rice bean (451), broad bean (144), cluster bean (3445), Do[ichos/sem (1125), horsegram (380), fenugreek (198), peas (1400), adzuki bean (30), sword bean (108), Mucuna (25), yam bean (40), bambara groundnut (49), cowpea (1895), wild Vigna (78), Brassicae/ B. compestris-toria, sarson (445), brown (188), yellow sarson (404); B. juncea (1169), taramira (100), others (18); sunflower (360), Amaranth (824), Chillies (130), brinjal (84), Solanum spp. (16), okra (565), Abelmoschus spp. (52), roselle (70), kenaf (119), lupins (18), tomato (950), bulbous types-onion (1508), garlic (559) and others (181); medicinal types-opium poppy (130), Cymbopogon (62), Vinca (20), Senna (25), Rouvol/ia (100), Vetiver (32) celery (100), and others (5)-liquorice, Ocimum; Mentha; Winged bean (106).

Cluster bean (1365), moth bean (884), cowpea (195), sem (61), bambara groundnut (11), mung bean (11), urid bean (4), others (49).

Soybean (2337). horse gram (506), French bean (41)1 cluster bean (16), sem (509), cowpea (141), winged bean (30), pigeon pea (537), groundnut (238), yam bean (32), bambara groundnut (6), other legumes (67) ; sesame (1467), niger (117), safflower (892), okra (22), Panicumf Setaria! Paspalum! Echino· chloa millets (407), Onion (291), garlic (92), amaranth (479), grasses (60), others (8).

Rice (582), Sorghum (51), Pearl millet (22), finger millet (52), horse gram (465), pigeonpea (240), cowpea (343), other beans (132), ground nut (357). sesame (332), tuber crops (657), okra (184), Cucumis (29), other cucurbits and vegetable types (535), 'winged bean (125), turmeric and other Curcuma spp. (367), chillies (219), pepper (46), others (58).

Barley (81), maize (77), French bean (1669), broad bean (109), Lima bean (69), rice bean & adzuki bean (63), lentil (336), urid bean (289), mung bean (133), soy bean (117), horse gram (85), cowpea (51), peas (93), minor millets (Paniclml) and others, (784), Pseudocereals (amaranth & others-1352), capsicums (337), vegetables, cucurbits etc. (80), Brassicae (253), forage legumes and grasses (374), Opium poppy (270), nut, stone and pome fruits (459), others, including ornamentals (291).

Collection/maintenance started recently; total collec· tions, maize, rice, legumes-60.

49

Table 10. Germplasm collections with various Agricultural Research Institutes

Institute Germplasm maintained

1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

2. Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Karnataka

3. Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

4. Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, U.P.

5. Indian Grassland & Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, U.P.

6. Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Orissa

7. Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajamundry, A.P.

8. Minor millet germplasm unit (ICAR), Univ. Agric. Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka

9. ICAR Hill complex for N.E. Region, Shillong, Meghalaya

10. ICAR Research Complex, Goa

Wheat (500), barley (1200), rice (2000). cotton (400), Brassica juncea (1200). pigeonpea (1500). chickpea (2000), green gram (1000), peas (700), lentil (900).

Grape (400). mango (40), banana (25), guava (12), papaya (16), pineapple (14), tomato (750), onion (407), Capsicum (472), peas (536), Do/ichos (178), cowpea (640), winged bean (l18), French bean (1700), okra (1520), radish (100), brinjal (680), bittergourd (56), watermelon (1106), muskmelon (916), Round-melon (30), roses (425), Bougain­villea (90), tuberose (3).

Saccharum officinarum (773), S. robustum, S. edule and hybrids (59), S. barberi and S. sinense (73), S. spontaneum (469), Erianthus, Narenga, Scleros­tachya (172), man made hybrids (2085).

Sugarcane (250), sugarbeet (70), sweet sorghum (30), sweet maize (3).

Cluster bean (370), moth bean (275), rice bean (44), Medicago (260), Horse gram (50), Dolichos (30), fenugreek (300), cowpea (600), Trifolium spp. (400), Plwseolus (46), lndigofera (28), Stylosanthes (5), Desmodium (15), Melilotus (94), Vicia (12), Brassica spp. (290), safflower (158), sorghum (400), oats (250), pearl millet (1027), barley (60).

Rice (15000)

Tobacco (802), FCY (243), non Fey (524), air cured White Burley (35).

Finger millet (2989), fox tail/Italian millet (l581), little millet (302), common millet (569), Kodo millet (676), Barnyard millet (732).

Rice (282), finger millet (34).

Rice (40), vegetables (10).

(Contd.)

so

, Institute

11. Jute Agricultural Research Institute, Barrackpore, W. Bengal

12. V.P.K.A.S., Almora, U.P.

13. Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, Maharashtra

Regional Station, Coimbatore, Tamil NadlJ

Regional Station, Ludhiana, Punjab

Regional Station, Hissar, Haryana

Regional Station Sirsa, Haryana

Regional Station, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan

Regional Station, Akola, Maharashtra

Regional Station, Rahur!, Mabarashtra Regional Station, Parbhani, Maharashtra Regional Station, Indore, M.P.

Regional Station, Surat, Gujarat

Regional Station, Kovilpatti, A.P.

Regional Station, Guntuf, AP. Regional Station, Dharwar, Karnataka

14. Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivendrum, Kerala

Table 10. (Conrd)

Germplasm maintained

Jute-Corchorus capsu/aris (501), C. oli1orius (427), wild Corchorus spp. (4).

·Wheat (1460), triticale (80), maize (350), barley (700), lentil (423), peas (176), rice (1724), finger millet (2758), barnyard millet (958), Italian millet (570), amaranth (117), black gram (91), green gram (120), French bean (71), horse gram (93), soybean (290), bengal gram (200).

Gossypium hirsutum (3500), G. barbadense (128 at Coimbatore), G. arborellm (800), G. herbaceum (250).

G. hirsutum (2156), G. barbadense (120), G. arboreum (150).

G. hisutum (2525), G. arboreum (1380),

G. hirsuturn (643), G. arboreum (427).

G. hirsutum (299), G. barbadense (7), G. arboreum (63).

G. hirsutum (22).

G. hirsutum (479), G. arboreum (242).

G. Izirsutum (684).

G. arboreum (1200).

G. Izirsutum (89), G. barbadense (20).

G. hirsutum (256), G. barbadense (120), G. arboreum (120), G. herbaceum (160).

G. hirsutum (478), G. arboreum (342).

G. hirsutum (207), G. barbadense (23), G. arboreum (184).

G. hirsutum (259), G. barbadense (61), G. herbaceum (57).

Cassava (1279), Sweet potato (528), Dioscorea (679), C%casia (215), Xanthosoma (70), A/ocasia (4), Amorphophallus (37).

Institute

15. National Research Centre for Groundnut, Junagadh, Gujarat

51

Table 10 (Contd.)

Germplasm maintained

Groundnut (6299), Arachis spp. (11).

16. Wheat Project Directorate Wheat (16000), additional 539 accessions (164 Indian Agricultural Research spring wheats and 375 winter types), 6500 (detailed Institute, New Delhi evaluation completed).

17. All India Coordinated Millet Improvement Project, Pune, Maharashtra

18. Project Coordinator Rape seed and Mustard, Haryana Agril. Univ. Hissar, Haryana.

19. Project Coordinator (Saffiower), Solapur, Maharashtra

20. Project Coordinator (Sesame and Niger), JNKVV, Jabalpur, M.P.

11. Project Coordinator (Fruits)-Cell 2,

Central Mango Research Station, Lucknow, U.P.

22. Project Coordinator (Arid Zone Fruits) Cell III, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, Haryana

Pearl millet (12431), finger millet (2681), Kodo millet (2272), foxtail millet (5058), little millet (535), proso millet (1361), baruyard millet (1371).

Mustard (5412), brown sarson (519), Yellow sarson (321), tori a (857), taramira (197), other Brassica species (205).

Saffiower (2400).

Sesame-at Vriddhachalam (1107), Sumerpur (1065), Jalgaon (302), Karirnnagar (116), Bangalore (300), Jabalpur (203), Amreli(339), Kanpur (225) ; Niger at Igatpuri (400), Rastakuntubai (225), Jabalpur (147), Semiliguda (124), Kanke (166).

Mango-at Basli (196), Sabour (217), Rewa (65), Sangareddy (380), and VengurJa (159).

Grape at Bangalore, (1000 and 20 species), Coimbatore (229), Hyderabad (40 table types, 9 wine types, 5 root stocks), Poona (107, Vitis species 21, 35 spp. of related wild relatives, 62 hybrid seedlings, 300 rooted cuttings treated with mutagens), Ludbiana (308).

Guava-at Basti (52), Chaubattia-apple (250 and 50 clonal rootstocks), pear (50), peach (37), plum (27), apricot (22), almond (6), walnut (33); Shalimar-almond (261), walnut (108).

Ber-at Hissar (79), Date palm-Abohar (35).

(Contd).

52

Institute

~3. Project Coordinator Spices and Cashewnut, Plantation Crop Research Institute, Kasargod, Kerala

Germplasm maintained

Cashew (791). Cardamom (54), Pepper (81) culti­vated and 471 wild types, ginger (213), turmeric (567), coriander (1192), cumin (! 10), fennel (48), fenugreek (252), germ plasm at the regional stations­cashew (mannuthy 104; Babatla-179, Vengurla-124, Vriddhachalam-177, Vittal-163, Bhubane­shwar-47); cardamom (Mudigere-26 types and 8 related wild species, Pampadumpa(a-18 types and 16 wild, related species); pepper (Panniyur-494 cultivated and wild types, Calicut-252 culti­vated and wild types), ginger (Kasargod-25, Pottangi-25, Solan-119); turmeric ~Solan-4CO); Coriander (Coimbatore-285, Guntur-401, Jobner -132, Pilwai-152) ; Cumin (Pilwai-22I, Jobner-171) ; fenugreek (Guntur- 29, Jobner-43, Coim­batore 48, Pilwai-54) ; fennel (Jobner-92).

them. Germplasm collections are also held by several State institutes/agri­cultural universities located in different states of India.

These collections are periodically rejuvenated to keep their viability intact. The future programme envisages the building up of the national facility for long term storage (-18°C) at NBPGR, New Delhi, with a capacity of over 2,00,000 collections (each, one litre can space), and provision of medium term storage (4°C) at several crop based institutes. Procurement of a port­able module for long- and medium-term seed storage is being processed by the Bureau. For the long term seed storage, this is going to be one of the leading facilities in South Asian region, in national and international perspective.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

To bring uniformity in the recording of evaluation data, sets of descrip­tors have been finalized for several crops and are being used particularly for several major crops. As far as possible the descriptor lists, prepared by the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources through its several crop specific working groups, are used in the Indian programmes. Data handling is being carried out with the collaboration of Indian Institute of Agricultural Research Statistics, New Delhi. Information storage and retrieval system has been developed using guar evaluation data, as a model (Dabas et al., 1981). Catalogues on opium poppy, Trigone/la, pea, moth bean, guar (Cluster bean), cowpea, and amaranth have been published and those on several other crops are under preparation. A workshop on Documentation of genetic resources bas been organized in 1980, to discuss the present status of genetic rosources documentatiop. and to recommend

53

future course of action for developing a sound documentation system (Mehra and Sethi, 1980).

To promote plant genetic resources activities, the NBPGR held a one­month summer school; 23 trainees from several Indian institutions partici­pated in the programme dealing with the collection, maintenance and con­servation of Plant Genetic Resources. The NBPGR also organized two training courses on Plant Exploration and Collection Techniques during 1979 and 1980, each of one month duration, on behalf of the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, FAO, Rome, Italy (Mehra et at., 1981). In these courses, 23 trainees participated from India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Indonesia. Another similar course was organized in 1982 to which 21 trainees from the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Cuba participated.

Plant resources are one of the important natural assets of a nation. Agriculture has been practised in India for over 5000 years, using both indigenous and introduced economic plants. These genetic resources have evolved through both natural and human selection pressures. With the discovery of the New World, several economic plants of the New World, were introduced and became acclimatised in India. These exhibit rich diversity in agro-ecological regions of India. With a humble programme on the introduc­tion of exotic genetic resources and that on the exploration and collection of indigenous economic plant wealth initiated in the forties, a centralized genetic resources system, with the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, assuming the coordinating role, has been gradually built up. The Bureau has established (shall establish in the VI Plan) nine regional stations, to undertake work on all aspects (exploration and collection, evaluation and documentation, and conservation) of genetic resources management. As more facilities are build up, sophisticated techniques involving tissue culture would be introduced and such meristem cultures maintained/preserved. Problems connected with conservation of seeds with low viability and recal­citrant types would also demand emphasis.

A network of genetic resources activities is being developed in colla­boration with several Central and State Agricultural Research Insti,tutes, Crop-coordinated Projects/Directorates, agricultural universities and lother organizations engaged in agricultural research. The work is also coordi­nated with several national agencies viz., the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Environment and Department of Science and Technology. The work is also associated with the world network on the conservation of genetic resourCes through several international agencies, viz., IBPGR, MAB,

54

UNESCO, IUCN, CGIAR, etc. It is hoped to build a strong national an'tl. international system for the conservation and use of plant genetic resources for the benefit of mankind now and for ever.

REFERENCES

1. Anonymous. 1980. Handbook of agriculture. ICAR., New Delhi (revised Ed.).

2. Arora, R. K. 1980. Crop collecting in Malawi and Zambia-I980. Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter 44 : 26-32

3. Arora, R. K. and Chandel, K. P. S. 1972. Botanical source areas of wild herbage legumes in India. Trop. Grasslands 6 : 213-221.

4. Arora, R. K., Chandel, K. P. S., Joshi, B. S. and Pant, K. C. 1980. Rice bean-a tribal pulse of eastern India. Econ. Bot. 34 : 260-263.

5. Arora, R. K. and Koppar, M. N. 1981. Activities on exploration and collec­tion (1960-1980) at NBPGR, New Delhi, India (cyclostyled report).

6. Arora, R. K. and Mehra, K. L. 1978. Exploration in north-east India (cereals and pulses). Plant Genetic R,esources Newsletter, 34: 4-8.

7. Arora, R. K. and Mehra, K. L. 1980. Genetic resources of wild and cultivat­ed tuber and root crops in India; their diversity and collection. SA BRA 0 12 ; 15·20.

8. Arora, R. K. and Mehra, K. L. 1981. Plant genetic resources of arid and semi-arid lands of India. Ann. Arid Zone 20 : 145-154.

9. Arora, R. K., Mehra, K. L. and Hardas, M. W. 1975. The Indian gene centre; prospects for exploration and collection of herbage grasses. Forage Res. 1 : 11-22.

10. Arora, R. K. and Nayar, E. R. 1981. Distribution of wild relatives and related rare species of economic plants in India. Seminar on threatened plants of India, Dehra Dun.

11. Bezbaruah, U. P. 1968. Genetic improvement in tea in north-east India, its problems and possibilities Indian J. Genet. 28A : 126-134.

12. Burkill, L H. and Finlow, R. S. 1907. Races of Jute. Agri. Ledger 14 : 41-137.

13. Dabas, B. S., Thomas, T. A. and Mehra, K. L. 1981. Catalogue on Cyamop­sis tetragolloloba (L.) Taub. (guar) germ plasm. NBPGR Pub)" New Delhi, India.

14. Gupta, R. 1980. Medicinal and aromatic plants, in Handbook of Agriculture, pp. 1188-1224, leAR, New Delhi, (revised Ed.).

15. GUpta, V. P. and Minocha, J. L. 1980. Trends in genetical research on Penlllsetums. Punjab Agri. Univ. Ludhiana.

16. Hooker, J. D. 1872-97. The Flora of British India (7 vols.), London.

17. Howard, A. and Howard, G. L. C. 1910. Wheat in India. Its production, varieties and improvement. Thacker Spinn. & Co., Calcutta.

18. Mehra, K. L. 1981. Report on crop germplasm collecting mission to Zambia in April-June, 1981. IBPGR, Rome, Italy.

19. Mehra, K. L and Arora, R. K. 1978a. Plant genetic resources of the Himalayan region. National Seminar on Resources, Development and Ellvironmellt ill the Himalayan region. New Delhi, NCEPCfDept. Science & Technology Pub). 121-132.

55

20. Mehra, K. L. and Arora, R. K. 1978b. Plant genetic resources activities in India. First IBPGR workshop on South Asian Plant Genetic Resources. Country report. AGPE/IBPGR/PR 3/11, 23-42.

21. Mehra, K. L. and Arora, R. K. 1981. Plant genetic resources activities in India. country report 1978-81. Second IBPGR workshop on Plant Genetic Resources of South Asian countries, Nepal.

22. Mehra, K. L. and Sethi, K. L. (Eds.) 1980. Proceedings of first Workshop on documentation of plant genetic resources (25-27, Nov. 1980), NBPGR Sci. Monogr., I, New Delhi.

23. Mehra, K. L., Arora, R. K. and Wad hi, S. R. (Eds.) 1981. Plant Explora­tion and Collection, NBPGR, Sci. Monogr., 3 : New Delhi.

24. Murty, B. R. 1963-67. Cataloguing and classifying genetic stocks of Sorghum (PL 480 report), IARI, New Delhi.

25. Murty, B. R. 1977. Breeding procedures in pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides), leAR, New Delhi.

26. Murthy, S. R. and Pandey, S. 1978. Dileneation of agro·ecological regions of India. 11th congress, International Society of Soil Science Edminton, Canada, 19-27th June, 1978 (cyclostyled document).

27. Patil, B. D. and Singh, A. 1980. Genetic and cytogenetic improvement of Pennisetum and its allied species for grassland and pasture production, in Trends in Genetical research on Pennisetums, pp. 111-122 (Eds. V. P. Gupta and J. L. Minocha), Punjab Agric. Univ., Ludhiana.

28. Ram, M. 1980. High yielding varieties of crops. Oxford .IBH Publ. Co., New Delhi.

29. Shaw, F. J. F. and Khan, A. R. 1931. Studies in Indian pulses. Some varieties of Indian gram (Cicer arietinum L.). Mem. Dept. Agri. India Bot .. 19 : 27-47.

30. Shaw, F. J. F., Khan. A. R. and Singh, H. 1933. Studies in Indian pulses. The type of Cajanus indlcus Spr. Indian J. Agri. Sci. 3 : 1·36.

31. Singh, B. 1977. Races of maize in India, ICAR, New Delhi.

32. Singh, B. 198]. Establishment oj first gene sanctuary in India for Citrus in Garo hills. Concept Pub). Co., New Delhi.

33. Singh, H. 1973. Far East Asia, India, in Survey of crop genetic resources in their centres of diversity (First report, Ed. O. H. Frankel). FAOjIBP, Rome, Italy.

34. Singh, R., Joshi, B. S., Chandel, K. P. S, Pant, K. C. and Saxena, R. K. 1974. Genetic diversity in some Asiatic Phaseolus species and its conservation, in Breeding Researches in Asia and Oceania (SABRAO Proc. Eds. Ramanujam, S. and Iyer, R. D.). Indian J. Genet, 34A : 52-57.

35. Thuljaram Rao, J. and Krishnamurthy, T. N. 1968. Accelerating genetic improvement in sugarcane. Indian J. Genet. 28A : 88·96. I

36. Watt, G. 1889-93. A dictionary of economic products of India, (6 Vols.). London.

37. Zeven, A. C. and Zhukovsky, P. M. 1975. Dictionary of cultivated plants and their centres of diversify, Wageningen.

APPENDIX I

Some important varieties of cereals, millets and pulses*

CEREALS

Rice

(i) High Yielding varieties: for general cultivation and suited to different states.

(a) Bala, Cauvery-early, upland rainfed types ; (b) Krishna, Ratna, Padma, Jamuna and Sabarmati, Pusa 2-21 ; Kanchi (early, irrigated types) (c) Sona, Jayanti, IR-20, Vijaya, Jaya, IR-8, Vani, Pankaj, Jagannath (mid­duration irrigated types) ; (d) Hamsa, TelIa-Hamsa, Mahsuri, Kakatiya, Gautam, Vashista, CR-1014, Jayant (A.P.) (e) Archana, Deepa, Sita, Panidhan 1 and Panidhan 2, CR-44-45, C 8585 and C 8481 (Bihar) (f) GAU-R-I, GAU-R-IO, GAU-R-IOO (Gujarat) ; (g) Suma and Kusuma, Madhur (MR-136), MR-118, Vikram (Karnataka) ; (h) Annapurna, Triveni, Rohini, Aswani, Jyothi, Bharati, Sabari (Kerala) ; (i) Karjat-184, Ratnagiri-24 (Maharashtra) : (j) Anupama, Kranti, Pragati, Garima, JR-15-55 and JR-16, Jagrati (M. P.) : (k) Hema, Rajeshwari, Kumar, OR-IO-16, OR-34-16, Kalinga-l, Sakti (Orissa) ; (1) Hybrid mutant-95, Palman-579, (m) Karuna, Karikalan, Panni (Mahsuri), Bhavani, Co-36, ASO-14, Co-30 ; Vagheri (Tamil Nadu) ; (n) Saket-4, Sarju-49, Sarju-50, IR-24 ; (0) High yielding varieties under trial RP-I93-I, RP-5-32, IET-1l36, NP-30-40-2, RPW 6-17, RPW 6-12, RPW 6-13, CR-93-4-2, improved Sabarmati, lET 1966, RP 4-14, IET-2S08, Pusa-2-21, RP-79-23, RP-79-13.

(ii) Predominant traditional varieties:

(a) Andhra Pradesh: GEB-24, Bam-3, AKP-4, Pgt 1, Sathika, Sol-13, Mtu-1 (Akullu), Mtu-lO, Mtu-9, Mtu-3, Mtu-7, Mellasanallu, M-16, Sol-19, TKM-6, Mtu-I5, Co-29, BCP-I, BCP-2, BCP-4, BCP-6, HR-65, HR-I9, CH-45, RDR-7, HR-12.

(b) Assam: N-22 (Dhumai), S-22 (Prasad Bhog), CH-63, Boro I, Boro II, Boro III, Boro IV, Bau (for flooded conditions).

(c) Bihar: N-136, SB-16, NC-1626, Cross 116, BR-34, BR-8, NP 31 (Bokol), Cross-B 2, Gorra Bhura.

·Taken from Ram, 1980.

57

Appendix I (ccntd.)

Cd) Gujarat : Pankhari-203, Kamod-118, Zinya-31, Kolamba-42, SukhveI-29, Kada-174-12, EST-39, Nowagam-26, EK-70, Jairasal-280-irrigated, and early Kalpi-70, Kada-176-12.

(e) Himachal Pradesh : Ramjowain, Phu! Pattas, Lal Nakanda, Dundar, Desi Basmati.

(f) J & K: CH-988, CH-972, Budgi, Niver.

(g) Kerala: PTB-2, PTB-9, PTB-lO, PTB-22, PTB-23, PTB-26, PTB·31, PTB-4, PTB-12, PTB-20, Co-25, Mo-I, Mo-2, Mo-3.

(h) Madhya Pradesh: N-22, Laloo, Safed-dhan-30, R-2, Nungi, Cross-116. Cross-B 2, R 3, Sultigurmatia, Saffri-17, Pundhri, Luchai-16, Cross-Bl, R-15, Chinoor, Laloo-14, R-lO, Cattri, NP 130, Kalimooch-64.

(i) Maharashtra; Ambemohar-151, Ambemohar-I02, D-622, Chiman-501-39, Panwal-61, Bandas-79, Kolamba-49, Zinya-63, Kolamba-540, Early Kolpi-70, Bhadas-1305, Zinya-14, Zinha-149, white Luchia 112, EB-71, HB 19, Padharisol.

U) Manipur : Chang1ei, Phongak, Dumai, Moringphou, Phourel, Kakchangphou, Phouretmbi.

(k) Meghalaya: S-22, S-36.

(I) Karnataka: S-701, S-1092, S-749, J-192, CH-2, S-307, S-317, S-705, Bangara, Theaga, S-191, Dodda Byra, Gidd Byra, KB-356, MR-319, BKB, C-435, CH-45, PTB-lO, MGT-2, PTB-9, SM-19, MTU-3, Mathalga, T 14-1, M 14-1, M-81, PTB 20, MGK-5, MGK-7, Co-29, Waner-I, D 6-2-2, A-200, A 67, M 161, SR 36B, Y 4, GEB 24, HR 19, SR26-B.

(m) Nagaland: Yuraba, Touzmo, Lakokolak, White Nguva, Red Naguvano.

(n) Orissa: Ptb-10, Mtu-15, T-812, BAM-II, B-76, T-141, T-9, CR­llO4, Adt-27, N 136, T 442, SR 26B, T 141, CR 1014, T 90, T 1242, D 13, D 14.

(0) Punjab & Haryana: Jhona 349, Jhona 351, Basmati 370, Basmati 217, Palman 246.

(p) RaJasthan: N-22, Sathi 34-86, Sutar, Pathria, Sangra, local Basmati, Kamod, Kalajeera, Kalamba, Kali Kamod, Basmati 370, NP 130.

58

Appendix I (Contd.)

(q) Tamil Nadu: Adt-27, Adt-3, Adt-20, TKM-6, Co-19, Co 25, ASD-5, GEB 24, Adt-8, BCP-7, Co-31, BAM-3, ASD-II, Co-32, PTB 15.

(r) Tripura: Dharial, Katakatara, Dhumai, Kamanisali, Sonamukhi, Latisali, Gheegaj, Nizersali, Thakurbhog. .

(s) Uttar Pradesh: Naina, VL-8, Kaoshing-22, T 1-1, T-3, Hansraj, Tilakchandan, N-22, Bagari, Sarya, T-lOO, T-9, T-23, N-12, N-I0B, Ramjiwan, Lalmati.

(t) West Bengal : Dular, NC 1626, Charnok, NC 918, Latisail, Patnai-23, Raghusal, NC 528, CB-I, CB-II, Dular, Dharisal, FR-43B, Bad Kalamkati, Bharamanik, NC 6781, NC 1281, Nagra, Kalma, SR 26B, Nora Bokra.

(u) Andaman and Nicobar Islands: T-144, AC 517.

(iii) Water-logged adapted types : IET-2337, IET-2339, Kalinga-l, Kalinga-2, CR-10-5071, Jhona-351, CR-1014, Panidhan-2, Panidhan-1, Mahsuri, Pankaj, Jagannath.

(iv) Resistant high yielding varieties: Gallmidge-RP 613, CR 93-4-2, CR 93-MR-1550 (Sathika), Kakatiya, Surekha ; Leaf hopper-RP 4-14, lET 2508, Vijaya, Jaya ; Plant hopper-RP 4-14, Black Jaya, IR-8, RP 31-49-2; Bacterial leaf bligbt-RP 4-14, Jaya, RP 31-49-2, RP 5-32; Rice tungro virus-RP 4-14, Vijaya, IET 2508.

Maize:

Hybrids and composites: Ganga Hybrid-I, Ganga Hybrid 101, Deccan, Ranjit, VL-54, Ganga Safed-2, Hi-Starch, Ganga-3, Himalayan 123 (Him. 123), Ganga-4, Ganga-5 ; Composites-Amber, Vijay, Sona, Kisan, Vikram, Jawahar ; Protina, Shakti, Rattan, Opaque-2.

Wheat:

(i) Adapted to high fertility conditions: Kalyansona, Safed Lerma, Chhoti Lerma, Heera (HD 1941), Lal Babadur, PV 18, WG 357, WG 377, UP 301, NI 747-19, UP 215, Malavika (HD 4502), Janak (HD 1982), Raj 911 (durum), Pratap (H 1981), Arjun (HD 2009); late SOlVn: Sonalika (HD eM) 1553), Sharbati Sonora, Shera (HD 1925), MACS-9, Narbada-4 (durum), A 9-30-1 (durum), Meghdoot (durum), HI-7-483 (durum), Mukta (HI 385), NI 5439, NP 824, NP 826, C 306, C 273, Hy. 65, C 281, K 65, K 68, NP 884, NP 852, A 206, NP 404, Bijaga Yellow, Malvi Ekdania

59

Appendix I (eontd.)

(durum), D 134, Kharachia 65, RS 31-1, Durgapura 65 ; For higher eleva­tion : Girija (HS 1097-17), Shailaja (Hs 1138-6-4) ;

(ii) Adapted to 101V fertility (a) Irrigated conditions: NP 818, NP 846, C 306, Ridley, VL 401, K 68, K 65, NP 809, NP 852, C 306, C 27, HD 1981, RS 31-1, Hy. 633, NP 839, Janak, NP 852, NP 884, NI 747-19, NP 5439, NI 5643, Hy. 65, NP 710, NP 718 and Triticum dicoccum NP 200, NP 201 ;

(iii) Rainfed types: C 306, Ridley, C 253, C 281, C 286, VL 401, VL 404, NP 809, K 68, K 65, NP 852, NP 884, HD 1981, NP 880, NP 890, Narbada-4, NP 832, NI 5439, NI 5643, By. 65, Bijaga Yellow, NI 747-19, also Girija and Ka1yansona (rainfed types)., also durums ; N 59, N 146, MACS 9, NJ 5749, Malvi, Amrut, Ekdenia-69, A-624 & several others listed in (i) above.

Barley:

(i) For plains: Ratna, RS 6, Jyoti, RDB-l, DL 70, RD-31, RD 57, Clipper, Vijaya, K 24, Azad (K-125) ;

(ii) For Hills: Kailash, Himani, Dolma, new strains for adaptive trials-RD 31, DL 3, BG 25, BG 108 and RD 118, Azad (K 125), RD 57, RSB2.

MILLETS

Sorghum

Recommended hybrids: CSH-l (MSCK-60A X LS-84), CSH-2 (MSCK-60A x IS-3691), CSH-3 (2219A X LS 3691), CSH-4 (l036A X Swarna), CSH-5 (2077A X CS-3541).

Varieties: CVS-l (Swarna), CVS-2 (Variety-302), CVS-3 (370), CVS-4 (CS 3541), CVS-5 (148/168), CVS-6 (Variety 704), CVS-7 (R-16).

Pearl millet

Recommended varieties: Hybrid Bajra 1, Hybrid Bajra-2 (23A X J 88), Hybrid B'ajra 3, Hybrid Bajra-4 (23A x K 560), Hybrid Bajra 5 (23A X

K 559), PHB-lO (1975), PHB 14 (1975), BJ 104 (514A x 5104), BK-560-230 (S141A X K 560-230), BJ 104; BK 560-230, KM-1 (BJ 154), K 142 (BK 560-230), Tamil Nadu vars. ; CJ 104 (5054A X J 104), J 1399 (126D2A X

J 1399)-Gujarat.

60

Appendix I (Contd.)

, PULSES

Pigeonpea : T-21, Prabhat, T-7, T-17, Ageti (S-5), Mukta (R 60), Sharda (8-8), RG 72, ST-l (C-II), Tur-l5-lS, No. 148, PT 301, Khargore-2, Gwalior-3, Co-I, 3-A-l, B .517.

Green gram: T-l, T-2, T-44, T-Sl, Sheela, Pusa Baisakhi, Jawapan-4S, Gujarat-l, Gujarat-2, B-J, Kanke multipurpose, H. 70-16, Kopargaon, Khargone ; Krishna-II, G 65, Co-I, P8-7.

Black gram: T-9, T-27, T-6S, T-77, Pusa-l, PDM-7l-1, PDM-7l-2, Mash-1-1, Mash-48, No. 55, Khargone-3, ADT-I, B-76, Sind­Kheda 1-1.

Cowpea : T-2, C-20, C-152, Co-I, SeI-2, CS-68, Pusa Phaguni:Pusa Dophasli, T-5969.

Gram : T-l, T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, Radhey, C-235, G-130, Pb. 7, S-26, G-24, C-104, BP 65, BR 71, ST-4, BR 78, RS 10, NP 28, L 144, RS 11, B 75, B 98, B 108, JG 62-104, Gwalior-2, Ujjain-2I, Chaifa, N-59.

Pea : T-63, T-56, T-6I, B-22, BR-12.

Lentil : T-8, T-36, L 9-12, Bombay-I 8, B-77, Pusa-l, Pusa-4, Pusa-6.

Lathyms : Pusa-24.