Plant genetic resources

.~
THEIR DIVERSITY
AND CONSERVATION
K.L. MEHRA
R.K. ARORA

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 esca-
lation of fossil fuels on the other, have both underlined the need for acce-
lerated 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 organiza-
tions. 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 pro-
gramme 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 situa-
tion 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 re-
appraisal 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 wel-
fare, 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 ofcomputer-based system of documentation and retrieval
of information on all aspects of genetic resources management. The pro-
gress 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 Inter-
national 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 theirexisting hold-
ings 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 availa-
bility 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, result-
ing 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 collect-
ing 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 resour-
ces of selected crop plants. This wing, which gradually expanded into a
Division of Plant Introduction in JARI in the sixties, became in 1976 a full-
fledged independent organization-the National Bureau of Plant Genetic
Resources. The Bureau undertakes and coordinates the work on (i) the col-
lection and maintenance; (ii) evaluation and documentation; (iii) conserva-
tion; 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 Inter-
national Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR), United Nations Envi-
ronmental 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 inter-
national 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, evalua-
tion 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 north-
western 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 agro-
ecological 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. sphaero-
coccum, and Zea mays.
Coix lacryma-jobi (soft-shelled fonns), Digitaria
cruciata var. esculenta, D. sanguinalis, Echino-
clzloa colonum, Eleusine coracana, Panicum
miliare, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Pennisetum
typhoides and Sorghum bicolor.
Cajanus cajan, Canavalia ensiformis, Cicer arieti-
num, 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 eolo-
cynthis, 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, Amorpho-
phallus campanulatus, Capsicum annuum,
Citrullus lanatus var. fistulosus, Coccinea cordi/o-
lia, Colocasia esculenta, Cucumis sativus, Cucur-
bita spp; Dioscorea spp; Lagenaria siceraria,
Luffa acutangula, L. aegyptiaca, L. hermaphro-
dita, Moringa olei/era, Raphanus sativus, Rumex
vesicarius, Solanum melongena and Trichos-
anthes 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, Can-
nabis sativa, Cephalostachyum capitatum, Cocos
nuci/era, Corchorus capsularis, Crotalaria juncea,
Dendrocalamus hamiltoni, Dendrocalamus longis-
pathus, Gossypium arboreum, Hibiscus cannabinus,
Me/ocanna bacci/era, Neohouzeaua dullosa,
Ochlandra travancorica, Saccharum spp., Sinoca-
lal1111S 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 Deola-
all 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 resemb-
led 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 mor-
phological 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 varia-
bility 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 sub-
tropical 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 possess-
ing 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 inflores-
cence. 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 varia-
tion 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 collect-
ed 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 adapta-
bility. 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, Zinka-
puri 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 germplasm 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, compact-
ness and seed size/colour. Bichpuri local, of western U. P., possesses light

12
yellow grain, rich in protein and Babapuri had bold seeds. Glutinous endo-
sperm 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 1and 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, develop-
ed 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 north-
eastern 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

13
reslstant to mosaic, blast and borer attack. These types are more syn-
chronous 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 creamish 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 suita-
ble 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

14
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 deter-
minate 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 adap-
tability 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), hairi-
ness 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 collec-
tions from Punjab, H.P. and Bihar. T-27 of U.P. is another resistant
material. Though black-seeded types (rough black, smooth black or shin-
ing) 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 varia-
tion 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 con-
siderably. 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 grain-
size/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 agriculturalsystems. 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

17
Maharashira; C-21, C-_ll, Thogari 2 and 3, T 136-1 and T_ S.24 from Karna-
taka; 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 Pusa Ageti. Similarly, non-branching,
single stem plant-type has been isolated among collections from M. P.
Gram (Cicer arietinum) : Indian collections are largely ofsemi-erectjsemi-
spreading 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-semi-
round; 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, Ujjain 2, Ujjain 21, Ujjain 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, PhaseDIus 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 mott-
led 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; pointedtypes, 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 (Lablab 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 inter-
mediate 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 varia-
tion 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 identi-
fied 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 indigen-
nous 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 attri-
butes.
(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 introduc-
tions 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 promi-
sing 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, Cherukuro-
sam, 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 sub-
sweetish fruits. C. indica occurs in the Tura range of the Garo hills, Megha-
laya, where a Citrus-gene sanctuary is being established.
In other species, prevalent genetic resources are of the introduced varie-
ties, 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/semi-
arid 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, Ken-
dhari Dakh, Muscat of Alexandria and Perlette; dry and temperate regions-
Thompson 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.

22
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 acclimatizedto 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

23
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. Im-
portant 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 ofMorus : 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 north-
western 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 varie-
ties 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 straw-
berry,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,

24
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 ofthe 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 non-
seasonal, particularly in sub-tropical areas in kitchen gardens ; varieties
mentioned above are tuned to fit in as pure crops and also in mixed cropp-
ing 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 Musk-
melon, 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 Luffa-
Pusa Chikni, Pusa 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 introduc-
tions 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/semi-
spreading types are comparatively late though better pod-bearers, and
possessing brownish seeds. Over 35 varieties, occurring among the indige-
nous 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, com-
paratively 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, whichprovidea wide range of variability and wider
adaptability to different environments. Taramira is drought tolerant. Selec-
tions are available which possess resistance to lodging, early maturity, bold
seeds and multivalved pods, etc. Indian collections mature in 80-150 days
and comparatively dwarfand 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/reti-
culate), colour (black, red, pinkish, brown, dull white-white, yellow) and
oil content (48-52%). About 25 improved varieties occur, suited to diffe-
rent 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 oil-
content 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 collec-
tions 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, Peredo-
vick, 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.

28
(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 per-
cent, 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-sensi-
tivity, 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.

29
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 Vara-
laxmi 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, parti-
cularly Sikkim, wherein superior types occur.
Of the several economic species of Piper, P. nigrum possesses much
variability in India, the vines varying in length ofcatkins, 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 ofBihar,
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, Dios-
corea 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 countyard 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, 1981). This useful
variability in wild types, occurring in different regions of the country, has
been, to some extent, collected and utilised in crop improvement program-
mes 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 peren-
nial 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 members of the Old WorId Maydeae-
a group to which maize belongs; viz., Chionachne, Polytoea, Trilobachne,
occur, and could be of utility in crop improvement in the maize group.

32
Several species of Saccharum and its related types, Erianthus, Scleros-
tachya and Narenga, occur in peninsular tracts, extending to the north-east
region. Some of the related types introgress with it. Survey and collec-
tion -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 yellow-
vein-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 culti-
vated 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) Arundi-
nella 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 cris-
tata, 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-horticul-
tural 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 Consul-
tative 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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