Role of Plant Introductions in Varietal Development of Pulses in India

Abstract

Plant Introduction is the oldest and simplest method
of breeding as well as an effective mean to overcome
the narrow genetic diversity observed in certain parts
of the world. Over a period of time several promising
introductions in pulses were made in India from different
countries. A total of 11 exotics of chickpea, 2 of
pigeonpea, 10 of mungbean, two of lentil, three of
Rajmash and three of fieldpea have contributed in
the development of 51 cultivars of different pulse crops
released in India. Chickpea variety , Pragati, was the
outcome of the direct introduction of Cyprus local.