ISHS Acta Horticulturae 662: VII International Symposium on Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and Subtropics
TEMPERATE FRUITS GENETIC RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN INDIA - ISSUES AND STRATEGIES |
| Authors: | B.S. Dhillon, J.C. Rana |
| Keywords: | apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, cherry, soft fruits, genetic resources |
| Abstract:
Temperate fruit diversity in India extends from north (Jammu & Kashmir) to subtropical plains in the north, and also to Arunachal Pradesh in the east. Genetic diversity is rich in the north-western Himalayas and to relatively low extent in the north-eastern region. The important genera that constitute temperate fruits are Malus, Prunus, Pyrus, Juglans, Caryo, Corylus, Sorbus, Fragaria, Actinidia, Rubus, Ribes, Crataegus, Cydonia, Docynia, Hippophae, Diospyros and Cotoneaster. Germplasm management activities on temperate fruit in India are primarily carried out by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, however, conservation in the field genebanks is also done by various regional institutes. Besides field genebanks, germplasm of temperate fruits is also conserved at sub-freezing temperatures, cryobanks under liquid/vapour nitrogen and in vitro tissue culture in National Genebank. Non-orthodox seeds, vegetative propagation, high dependence on exotic cultivars, long gestation period and poor networking are some of the important issues in the management of germplasm. Strategies like identification the gaps, prioritization of species for collection and conservation, collaborative long term evaluation coupled with molecular techniques, strengthening of crop-wise field genebanks, pre-breeding, and protection of in situ habitats can be put forth. | |
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