WILD RELATIVES OF GENUS ALLIUM 1. IN HIMALAYAS

Abstract

The wild relatives of genus Allium have long been utilized as spices
and condiments while occuping place in hill agriculture as a semidomesticated
crop. During an exploratory survey of plant genetic resources
and related ethnobotanical study in the Himalayas, some of the
wild Allium species such as Allium ampeloprasum L., A. ascalonicum
L., A. auriculatum Kunth, A. cernuum Roth, A. carolinianum D c.,
A. chinense G. Don, A. consanguineum Kunth, A. humile Kunth,
A. przewalskianum Regel, A. rubellum M. Bieb., A. semonovii
Regel, A. tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng., A. prattii Wright, and A.
wallichiii Kunth were collected. Besides widely cultivated plants like
garlic, Indian leek, leek, nodding onion, onion and shallot etc., these
Allium species are partially cultivated by the natives in their kitchen
garden or backyards for green vegetables, spices and condiments. The
field information on distribution, habitats, taxonomical characteristics
and methods of utilization is highlighted to focus attention on these wild
economic, useful genetic resources for future commercial exploitation.