Plant Genetic Resources Management of Horticultural Crops in Eastern India

Abstract

The eastern part oflndia is endowed with rich gene pool of major horticultural crops. Plant genetic resources activities were carried out by Horticultural and Agro-Forestry Research Programme (HARP), Ranchi. Consequenty, a total of 2001 germplasm including fruits (569), vegetables (1125) and ornamental plants (207) have been augmented, characterised, evaluated and judiciously utilised in the breeding programmes to develop varieties of different crops. As a result, Swarna Roopa in litchi; Swarna Shree, Swarna Mani, Swarna Shyamali and Swarna Pratibha in brinjal; Swarna Poorna, Swarna Ageti and Swama Sheetal in cucumber, Swarna Rekha and SwarnaAlaukik in parwal; Swarna manjari and Swarna Uphar in ridge gourd; Swarna Lata in French bean (pole type); Swarna Priya in French bean (bush type) and Swarna Lalima (determinate) and Swarna Naveen (indeterminate) in tomato have been released by Central/Institute Yeriety Release Committee. A total of 18 lines in different vegetable crops including brinjal (6), tomato (5), sponge gourd (2), dolichos bean (3), garden pea (1) and vegetable cowpea (1) have been developed and are being tested under AICYIP at various locations spread over the country. In addition, elite lines in litchi (CHES-2) and jackfruit (CHES-I & CHES-2) have also been developed and are in the pipeline for release