Status and Priorities for Exploration and Germplasm Collection in India

Vegetables: Status and Priorities for Exploration and Germplasm Collection in India

2019

ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Pusa Campus, New Delhi 110 012, India Citation: Pandey Anjula, NS Panwar, Rakesh Singh and SP Ahlawat (2019) Vegetables: Status and Priorities for Exploration and Germplasm Collection in India. ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Ge- netic Resources, New Delhi, India, 97p + i-xxvii

Layout and design: Sh. Shashi Kant Sharma

Cover page photo identity: front page- Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (lablab bean)

Published by:

The Director ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, India January 2019

The process of domestication of vegetable crops is thought to have started with about 1,500 wild species originally involved (Grubben 1977). Interest towards vegetable production increased rapidly in different parts of the world especially in the tropical regions mainly due to increasing consciousness towards human health, food value and food security. In general the consumption of fresh vegetable has increased substantially in the present time as compared to near past, thus making cultivation of vegetables more viable. The natural distribution pattern of cultivated vegetable species was largely influenced by the active transport across the regions and the continents along with human migration and trade. The minor vegetables (including wild types) and several other less known cultivated species are recognized only at local level and thus have potential for commercialization.

This publication provides information on the plant genetic resources (PGR) used as vegetables in the Indian context. This publication on scientific information on cultivated vegetables is attempted to list all major and minor species consumed as vegetables, either cultivated or available as volunteer crops in different regions of India. Strategy on collection of germplasm resources is also briefly covered. Tabulated information on vegetable crop origin, distribution, germplasm resource value, time of collecting etc. offers background materials and to those associated with vegetable crop sciences. Thus, the authors have tried to prepare a baseline information for planning and execution of exploration programmes, sorting out the priority areas/species for collection, multiplication, evaluation, utilization vis-à-vis effective management and adopting suitable conservation strategies in national perspective.

In 1981 the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) published its first manual on plant exploration and collection giving technical guidelines and procedures. Since then, in past thirty years of journey in PGR collecting, the bureau has gained expertise in plant exploration and collection especially using the modern tools like GPS. Dearth of information has been published in the form of research paper, chapters, manuals and guidelines for the benefit of wide users. The present publication is the first one in series focusing on a specific crop -group giving renewed attention to deep understanding of the vegetable germplasm collecting on this special group.

We are highly thankful to the Director, ICAR-NBPGR for his valuable guidance in compiling this information in the present form. Critical readings and suggestions by Drs ER Nayar, K Pradheep and Mukesh Rana are put on records to bring this publication to desirable shape. Thanks are due to Ms Urmila Singh for typing of manuscript and, Ms Rita Gupta, Sh. Shashi Kant Sharma and Sh. OP Dhariwal for providing technical input in various ways. We express our sincere thanks to reviewers who have offered their comments in improving this manuscript.

Authors Contents

Preface 1. Introduction 01-13 2. Collection of vegetables genetic resources: methodology and strategy 14-34 3. Collection of vegetable genetic resources 35-80 4. General considerations and overview 81-93 5. Selected bibliography 94-97

Annexures

List of botanical/ common names, family, type of pollination, mode of i-xvi propagation, centre of origin, main areas of cultivation and part used as vegetable

List of common names and botanical names xvii-xix

Taxa under vegetable group: collected and conserved (National Gene Bank) xx-xxvii

Introduction 1 Vegetables are an important part of the diet of millions of people around the world, more particularly in the tropics. Due to increasing global economic interdependence and trade in agricultural products it is desired to have precise estimation of the valuable diversity available in crops of a region. Vegetables have quick plant growth to produce maximum quantity of food for the area planted and fetch more income in short time as compared to other food commodities. They provide variety and flavours to the diet, making meals more palatable and appetizing. The food value of vegetables, especially leafy types and fruits is low because of large amount of water, low fat and calories but they are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre.

The term ‘Vegetables’ means an edible product of a herbaceous plant (a plant with a soft stem), and can be distinguished from the edible nuts and fruits produced by plants. The edible part of a vegetable, may be a root (potato, radish, carrot, turnip, sweet potato, cassava and beet root), stem (knol-khol, asparagus); stem tubers (potato, taro, yams), corm (taro), bulb (onion, garlic), bud (brussels sprouts), stalks (celery), leaf (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, parsley, chive), leaf stalk/ petiole (celery, rhubarb, Swiss chard), bracts/thickened receptacle (globe artichoke), flower stalk/ flower buds (broccoli, cauliflower), seeds (beans, pea), young fruits (brinjal, cucumber, sweet corn), mature fruits (tomato, chilli) and petals (pumpkin, bauhinia, moringa, silk cotton).

Like any other crop groups, introductions have played a major role in diversifying the vegetable crop basket. In the sixteenth century variety of vegetables like gourds, pumpkins, water chestnut and melons were commonly grown in India. Some of these are still grown in different regions of India (Ref. Abul Fazl, Ain-i-Akbari, pp 68-76). The most common one among them were the surans (elephant foot yam), the palwals (pointed gourd), the tura/ gourds (Luffa), the kachalus (yams/ taros), the chachindas (snake gourd), the kanduris (ivy gourd), sem (dolichos bean), petha (ash gourd), karilas (bitter gourd), kakuras (snake cucumber), singharas (water chestnut), carrots, etc.

Sixteenth century was the century of plant introduction. American and African plants began to spread in India along the Portuguese sea routes, from Portugal to Brazil, round the Cape of Good Hope to Goa, Malacca, the Moluccas, Canton and Macao. Chillies were among the top list of vegetable crops representing diversity ranging from pea to a pear sized fruit introduced into India by the Portuguese. Some important introductions during the seventeenth century included potato from Chile and Peru regions (by the Portuguese) into to high altitude ranges of India and amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) from Brazil (the Malabar region). Over the period of time diversity in Indian gene centre got further enriched in cultivated vegetables to over 30 crops mainly the tuberous types, leguminous vegetables, leafy types and cucurbits (Zeven and de Wet 1982).

About 400 species contribute to the global diversity in vegetable crops (Arora 2003). It is estimated that over 97 species of higher plants have been cultivated and used as vegetables in India (Pareek et al. 2000; Nayar et al. 2003). Nearly 60 vegetables are commercially grown by farmers and in home gardens for fresh consumption (Arora 1991; Kochhar 1998). More than seventy five per cent of this diversity is of exotic origin/ introduced. Good variability has been developed over times in exotic and indigenous cultivated vegetables. Primitive cultivars of some

native crops are still in cultivation under in situ/ on farm protection, in home gardens or grown in mix cropping. In addition, around 700 species (521 species used as leafy vegetables and 145 species as roots/tubers and 101 species as flower/ buds) out of over 1,200 species of higher plants are used as vegetable from wild plants growing in India (Arora and Pandey 1996) overlap with about 200 species of less-known types (Peter 2007-2008).

1.1 Diversity in vegetable crops

Over 20 different families of higher plants have contributed to vegetable crops in India. Among them family Cucurbitaceae (25 crops), Fabaceae (16), Brassicaceae (12 crop) and Solanaceae (6 crops) are the major contributors (Table 1.1; Annexure 1, 2)). The mustard family, Brassicaceae, includes many important vegetables. Single species Brassica oleracea includes the ‘cole crops’ such as cabbage, cauliflower, knol-khol, brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale. The family Solanaceae, in addition to potato (Solanum tuberosum), provides several other vegetables like tomato, brinjal, chilli/ hot pepper and sweet pepper. Cucurbitaceae is among the important families providing large number of vegetables such as gourds, melons, pumpkin/squash and cucumbers. Legume family, Fabaceae which includes pea, bean and cowpea provides highly nutritional vegetables rich in proteins, and amino acids neatly complementing to the cereals. Among major crops the cucurbits are important for the Indian region, including 38 endemic species (Chakravarty 1982). Tuberous/root vegetables, rank next to cereals as rich source of carbohydrate but are poor in proteins and fats. The minor vegetables, despite their tremendous potential for commercial use have remained localized for cultivation and consumption. Among spices, onion and garlic are important vegetables.

Table 1.1 Diversity in vegetable crops in India

S. no. Diversity Species (no.) 1 Botanical families Alliaceae (10), Amaranthaceae (5), Apiaceae (5), Araceae (9), Asteraceae (3), Basellaceae (1), Brassicaceae (12), Cannaceae (1), Chenopodiaceae (4), Convolvulaceae (2), Cucurbitaceae (25), Dioscoreaceae (5), Euphorbiaceae (2), Fabaceae (16), Lamiaceae (1), Liliaceae (1), Malvaceae (4), Marantaceae (1), Moringaceae (1), Nelumbonaceae (1), Phytolaccaceae (1), Polygonaceae (1), Portulacaceae (1) Solanaceae (10), Talinaceae (1) 2 Life form (annual/ Annual (98), perennial (17), both (18) perennial)^ 3 Mode of Seed (101), vegetative (30) propagation^ 4 Part used ^ Fruits (tender- 44), seeds (1), leaves/ tender shoots (33), swollen stem (1), flowers (flower heads/ buds/ flowers-7), underground parts (roots-9, bulbs-9, tubers-13, rhizome-4) 5 Centre of origin^ Indian subcontinent/ southeast Asia (34), Mediterranean/ Europe (29), America (21), Africa (20), West Asia/ central Asia (17) ^ Category overlapping

In routine vegetables are not stored for long periods like cereals, nuts and pulses. Some vegetables like tubers and starchy roots, pumpkins and gourds however, have good shelf life and can be stored for a longer period. Vegetables are mostly eaten soon after harvest. They may be consumed after cooking as staple and also for garnishing/flavouring. Carrot, onion and cole crops are generally consumed fresh and prized for their taste and flavour. Due to the problem of transportation, many of the root vegetables are little known beyond their area of cultivation; they are often marketed locally in remote areas and consumed at regional level. Post-harvest processing (tinned/preserved vegetables) has added value to many vegetables (beans, spinach, sweet corns and drumstick) and thus extending their use beyond areas of availability.

Majority of vegetable crops are propagated by seed. Some are propagated vegetatively through tubers, cuttings, suckers, corms, etc. In others where propagation is through both means, seeds are normally produced in lesser quantity and have poor viability except potato, onions, moringa, spine gourd, ivy gourd, and others. The seed propagated vegetables in general tend to be more mobile being exchanged from one place to another. Most of the vegetables are annual crops except some like radish, carrots, turnip, etc. which are grown as biennials. Perennial vegetables as Dioscorea, Colocasia, Alocasia, etc. are grown through vegetative methods and under cultivation taken up as annual crops.

Vegetable crops have been classified using four general criteria: botany, hardiness, cultural methods and plant part used. Classification used in this publication is mainly botanical group- wise (cucurbits, solanaceous, leguminous, cole crops), plant part used (leafy, bulbous, root/ rhizomatous) and others like okra (fruits cooked as vegetable) and perennial vegetables (Moringa) for better understanding by wide range of users.

The vegetable genetic resources (VGR) include improved and obsolete varieties, landraces, and breeding materials of vegetables and their wild/weedy relatives. The terms major and minor vegetables define production and use at commercial levels. Besides, other terms like underutilized, less-known, semi-domesticated, and potential vegetables are often used in the text interchangeably for vegetables having value at regional/local levels. Terms ‘cultivated’, ‘semi- wild’ and ‘wild’ species seem to be not well demarcated in the context of centre of origin.

1.2 Vegetable genetic resources: diversity distribution

1.2.1 Diversity in the world

Vegetable diversity is mainly distributed in different agro-biodiversity rich regions, representing the centers of origin and/or diversity. Among these, the regions possessing maximum diversity in major vegetables are the tropical America, tropical Asia and the Mediterranean region (Table 1.2 and Fig.1.1).

Table 1.2 World centres of diversity of major cultivated vegetables (modified from Zeven and Zukovasky 1982 and Hawkes 1983)

Gene centre Primary centers of origin/domestication; Secondary centers Chinese- Brinjal, ash gourd, Chinese cabbage, water spinach (kangkong), Japanese Japanese bunching onion, leafy mustard; Water melon, amaranth Indo-Chinese Ash gourd, ridged gourd, sponge gourd, bottle gourd, cucumber, cho-cho, sword bean, winged bean, taro, yam; Cucumber, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, cho-cho, shallot, yam bean, yard long bean, Chinese cabbage, amaranth, water spinach, leafy mustard Hindustani Brinjal, ash gourd, cucumber, ridged gourd, sponge gourd, bitter gourd, lablab bean, water spinach, okra, drumstick, rat's tail radish, cowpea, leafy mustard, taro, yams; Water melon, melon, bottle gourd, amaranths, roselle Central Asia Onion, garlic, mustard, spinach, carrot (Asiatic varieties), pea, radish, beet root, faba bean; Brinjal, water melon, melon, cauliflower Near East Onion, garlic, leek, mustard, beet, melon, faba bean, Cucumis; Okra, pea (endemic types; secondary centre) Mediterranean White cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, faba bean, broad bean, cabbage, lettuce, beet root; Chilli, garlic, okra African Brinjal, water melon, melon, bottle gourd, cowpea, okra, roselle, yams, cucumber; Onion, shallot, lima bean, mustard, amaranth European- Lettuce; Siberian Onion, common bean, white cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, carrot South Tomato, chilli , pumpkin/squash, lima bean, French bean, cowpea, okra, American roselle, sweet potato, potato, tannia, amaranth, chenopods, manioc; Common bean Central Tomato, hot pepper, pumpkin/squash, yam bean, French bean, amaranth, American and sweet potato; Mexican French bean, potato, chenopods North Jerusalem artichoke; America Tomato, brinjal, pepper, melon, water melon, pumpkin/squash, onion, lettuce, French bean, lima bean, okra

Fig 1.1 World centres of diversity distribution in vegetable crop species crop of distribution vegetable diversity in World 1.1 Fig centres

1.2.2 Diversity in the Indian (Hindustani) gene centre

The ‘Hindustani Centre’ is one of the centers of origin of different vegetable crops in India (Box 1.1; Appendix 1.1). It is a primary centre for crops possessing rich genetic diversity in native crops like brinjal (Solanum melongena), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), ridged and sponge gourd (Luffa spp.) and many root crops (Zeven and de Wet 1982; Box 1.1, 1.2). This center possesses rich diversity for crops like cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), chilli (Capsicum annuum) and water melon (Citrullus lanatus) for which it is the secondary centre. A large number of wild species have not only contributed towards food but also are rich genepool for important traits.

Box 1.1 Genetic resources of vegetable crops Indigenous  Brinjal, sponge gourd, ridged gourd, snake gourd, Indian round gourd, snap melon/ phut, cucumber, leafy vegetables (Malabar spinach, chenopods, amaranths, leafy brassicae), taro, yam, elephant foot yam, ginger Introduced  Tomato, peas, french bean, scarlet runner bean, lima bean, winged bean, faba bean, leafy brassica, cauliflower, cabbage, knol-kohl, turnip, radish, carrot, beta spinach, bell pepper, cho-cho, potato, meetha karela, onion, leek, shallot, garlic/Allium spp., asparagus, artichoke, parsley, coriander; center of diversity: okra, pumpkin, chilli, cowpea Unknown centre of origin  Bitter gourd (rich diversity)

The vegetable crops are widely distributed across the country showing regional variation due to varied climate and physiographic condition (Fig. 1.2). For example Solanum species in northeastern region, yams in Western Ghats and south-eastern states; chives, leeks and other wild Allium spp. in western Himalaya; cluster bean in western arid zone; lablab bean in Deccan plateau; cucurbits in Rajasthan, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh; leafy amaranths, chenopod and brassicae in western Himalaya and chilli, tuber crops (cassava, yams, colocasia/ alocasia, etc.) mainly in the peninsular region including the tribal dominating areas.

North-western and eastern Himalayan region is rich in diversity of leek, shallot, less-known alliums, asparagus, spinach, chenopods, amaranths, bean, colocasia, parsley, cho-cho and meetha karela (Cyclanthera pedata). North-eastern region including Assam is rich in underutilized solanaceous vegetables, leafy vegetables, less-known legume vegetables (winged bean, jack bean, sword bean) and cucurbits (cho-cho and meetha karela). The northern plains/Gangetic plains including tarai region is considered to exhibit variability in cucurbits and other aquatic leafy vegetables. The north western/Indus plain region is rich in diversity particularly in amaranth, chenopods, Cucumis, Momordica and Citrullus. The central region/plateau has more diversity in cucurbits like melon, bitter gourd, pointed gourd and ridged gourd. Western and eastern peninsular regions have considerable diversity in regionally important species like snake gourd, sponge gourd, ridged gourd and Moringa.

Fig 1.2. Different agro-climatic regions and distribution of vegetable crops of India

In general the tropical vegetable crops have wider cultivation range and are grown throughout the country. However the temperate vegetables have more specific requirements and are grown mainly in the Himalayan ranges and to some extent in higher ranges of the Western and Eastern Ghats. These are well adapted as rabi (cold season) crops in northern/northwestern plains and in the tarai foothills. Regional variations are reported in many crops due to wider adaptability and varied climatic condition. Important areas of diversity in cultivated vegetable crops are given in Table 1.3. For more details of crop(s) on botanical names, common/vernacular names, centre of origin/diversity, areas of cultivation and use, the readers can refer to the information provided in Appendix 1 and 2.

1.2.3.1 Examples of diversity in native and introduced vegetable crops

In India major vegetable growing states are Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana and Maharashtra. For different vegetables different areas have regional diversity. In chilli, C. annuum var. annuum is the most widespread and highly cultivated with much variation in fruit colour, shape size and bitterness. Varieties with high capsaicin content are used as spice whereas large fruited forms with meager capsaicin content are used as vegetable, salads or pickles. However, dark red types are used for vegetable colourant. Peruvian pepper (C. frutescens var. baccatum) was introduced to India from Brazil by Portuguese prior to 1585 and used as C. annuum. Different types of hot peppers (derivatives of C. annuum var. annuum) distinguished mainly on the basis of fruit type are known by various common names such as

cluster pepper (guchha mirch), wrinkled pepper, cherry pepper, paprika, baghi mirch, cone pepper, etc. and are grown in different but localized areas of India.

Table 1.3 Variability in vegetables from different agro-ecological/ geographical regions

S.No. Agro-ecological Geographical region Variability (major/ minor region crops) 1. Humid Western Jammu & Kashmir, Cucurbits, radish, carrot, turnip, Himalayan Region Himachal Pradesh and pea, cowpea, chilli, brinjal, okra, foothills of Uttarakhand spinach, fenugreek, amaranth, cho-cho, malabar spinach 2. Humid Bengal West Bengal and Assam Cucurbits, radish, cowpea, chilli, Assam Basin brinjal, okra, beta spinach, amaranth, cho-cho, malabar spinach 3. Humid Eastern Arunachal Pradesh, Cucurbits, radish, pea, cowpea, Himalayan Region Nagaland, Manipur, chilli , brinjal, okra, amaranth, and Bay Islands Mizoram, Tripura, cho-cho, beta spinach Meghalaya and Andaman & Nicobar Islands 4. Sub-humid Sutlej Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Cucurbits, radish, carrot, pea, Ganga Alluvial Bihar brinjal, okra, beta spinach, Plains fenugreek, onion, garlic 5. Arid Western Haryana, Rajasthan and Cucurbits, cauliflower, radish, Plains Gujarat carrot, pea, cowpea, chilli, brinjal, okra, beta spinach, fenugreek, onion, garlic 6. Humid Eastern and East Madhya Pradesh, Cucurbits, radish, carrot, South-Eastern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh cowpea, chilli , brinjal, okra, Uplands spinach, amaranth, garlic 7. Semi-Arid Lava Maharashtra and rest Cucurbits, cauliflower, radish, Plateau and Central Madhya Pradesh, cowpea, chilli, brinjal, okra, beta Highlands Humid Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, spinach, fenugreek, amaranth, to Semi Arid Kerala and Lakshadweep onion, ridged gourd, malabar Western Ghats Islands spinach 8. Islands regions Andaman & Nicobar Chilli, taro, yams, tannia Islands and Lakshadweep Islands

Tuberous crops are important in the context of Indian gene centre. In colocasia two types viz. eddoe [C. esculenta var. antiquorum (arvi, for vegetable use)], and dasheen (C. esculenta var. esculenta) are commonly available. Among the tuberous root vegetables, cassava (Manihot esculenta) was spread by the Portuguese from Brazil to countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and India. A very old but regionally important tuberous vegetable elephant foot yam (Amorphophalus paeoniifolius) is a commercial crop of eastern India. Less-known cultivated vegetables tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) and yam bean (Pachyrhizus 8

erosus) both of exotic origin from south and Central America respectively are cultivated on small scale in Bihar and parts of eastern India. A root crop radish (Raphanus sativus var. sativus) is of European and Asiatic origin. But related minor vegetable R. sativus var. caudatus (rat tailed radish/ mugri) of Indian origin is well recognized for tender pods is used as vegetable/ salad and is under cultivation in northwestern parts especially Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Beet root (Beta vulgaris and B. vulgaris var. cicla) originated from Mediterranean region was initially domesticated for root and gradually selected for edible leaves. Its rugose, wide and firm leaves have good keeping quality and thus important leafy vegetable especially in warmer hills of India and adjoining regions.

Cole crop, cabbage was introduced to India by the Portuguese. Cauliflower was introduced in India in 1822. Some new crops are kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) cultivated mainly in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Nilgiris; knol-khol (B. oleracea var. gongylodes) a minor vegetable grown in Kashmir, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Assam, and parts of South India with limited use and preferences. Cole crops, asparagus broccoli, Brassica oleracea var. italica; purple cauliflower, sprouting broccoli (treated under broccoli group as brussels sprouts) and others from Mediterranean region are under cultivation for young vegetative and flower head.

Among the common leafy vegetables popular in India, species of brassica, amaranths and chenopodium are eaten in different pats of the country. Though all species of Amaranthus have edible leaves; leaves of grain types are hard as compared to the ones exclusively used as leafy vegetables. A. hybridus, A. hybridus subsp. cruentus and A. lividus are mainly used as leafy types. Among brassicae, the oleferous types as Brassica juncea are also have edible leaves at tender stage; leafy B. oleracea var. rugosa is grown on limited area. Some others as celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) from Mediterranean region have limited preference for use and are under restricted cultivation.

Box 1.2 Important cultivated vegetable crops (botanical and common names) in India Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Allium cepa (onion), A. sativum (garlic), Amaranthus spp. (amaranthus), Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (elephant foot yam), Benincasa hispida (ash gourd), Brassica spp. (leafy brassicae), Capsicum spp. (chilli), Citrullus lanatus (water melon), Coccinia grandis (ivy gourd), Colocasia spp. and Alocasia spp. (taros), Cucumis melo (melon), C. sativus (cucumber), Cucurbita moschata (pumpkin), Dioscorea alata, D. deltoidea, D. esculenta (yams), Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd), Luffa acutangula (ridged gourd), L.aegyptiaca (sponge gourd), Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), Momordica charantia (bitter gourd), Phaseolus vulgaris (french bean), Pisum sativum (pea), Praecitrullus vulgaris (Benincasa fistulosa), Citrullus vulgaris var. fistulosus, (Indian round melon), Sechium edule (cho-cho), Solanum melongena (brinjal), S. tuberosum (potato), Trichosantes dioica (pointed gourd), T. anguina (snake gourd), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea)

Majority of the leguminous crops are primarily cultivated for the seeds; their tender pods/seeds are used as vegetable. Some of the legumes grown exclusively for vegetable pods are winged bean, sword bean, mucuna bean, hyacinth bean, yardlong bean, etc. They retain the status of less-known/potential vegetables. Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), sword bean, etc. are popular mainly in north eastern region and peninsular

region and grown on a limited scale. Dual vegetable/ grain types have been identified in cluster bean, cowpea, soybean, French bean, etc. However their cultivation is highly region/ area specific. Immature seeds of pea and chickpea are used as vegetable though later is a major pulse crop.

Some minor leafy vegetable crops mainly used for garnishing belong to family Apiaceae. Dill (Anethum graveolens), Indian dill (A. sowa), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and anise (Pimpinella anisum) are normally cultivated as potherbs, salad, flavouring soups, vegetable curries or for garnishing. Their cultivation is confined to marginal land and on small scale. They are sold in local market for consumption. Some less popular cultivated vegetables like tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea), cho-cho and meetha karela are minor introduced vegetables with not much diversity available in India. A relatively new vegetable in the Indian markets are cherry tomato and sweet corn (Zea mays var. rugosa) that have yet to pick up the status of largely grown vegetable crop.

1.3 Underutilized/underexploited and lesser known vegetables

Underutilized vegetables are regionally important. Due to their restricted areas of cultivation and use not much selection pressure has operated on them and thus they are likely to carry some useful traits like adaptability to adverse environmental conditions and tolerance/resistance to diseases. Many vegetables in this category are grown in tribal areas under traditional/subsistence agriculture and kitchen gardens/backyard cultigens. Some common examples are amaranths, chenopods, portulaca and Indian poke (Phytolacca acinosa). Some of them such as snap melon (was intensively cultivated in 19th century in northern India with good diversity available in north western plains of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan) are loosing popularity in recent time due to invent of newer introductions. Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) is considered one of the most preferred legume vegetables in tribal belts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Some of these less-known vegetables occur as semi-wild/protected/gathered from wild and show trends of domestication. East Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) grows in water bodies for rhizomatous stem is used for vegetable of northern India and considered to be one of the most viable sources of income to the local people. Protein rich pods of Parkia roxburghii are underutilized and consumed as staple legume vegetable in the north eastern region of the India.

Despite being recognised for their nutritional value, the possible reasons of low utilisation of this group of crop species lack of supply and non-viable indigenous market when compared to major vegetables. Many under-utilized vegetables are rich source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre and have lot of potential for commercialization. The genetic resources of some underutilized vegetables have been taken up as national research priority by Indian ICAR- Vegetable Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI) (Annual Report 2010-11; Appendix 1.2).

1.4 Wild vegetables

Apart from cultivated species, enormous diversity occurs in the form of semi-wild and wild types. These species have been selected routinely by local tribes to meet their vegetable requirements, and therefore play an important role in their life. Many of these species are fairly tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses and can grow on soils, which are not suitable for other

vegetables. Account in this category has been updated by Arora and Pandey (1996). Many of these species are highly nutritious and others have medicinal use (Ram and Srivastava 1999). 1.5 Wild relatives of vegetables

The wild relatives of vegetable crops belong to the categories legumes (31 spp.), vegetable (54 spp.) and spices and condiments (27 spp.) (Arora and Nayar 1984). Important wild relatives and related types of vegetable crops in different phytogeographical zones of India (Arora and Nayar 1984) are mainly distributed in the western and eastern Himalaya, northeastern region, Gangetic plains, Indus plains and in the western and eastern Peninsular regions (Box 1.3).

Box 1.3 Distribution of important wild relatives of vegetable crops in different phyto-geographical zones (Arora and Nayar 1984) Western Himalaya: Abelmoschus manihot (tetraphyllus forms), Cucumis hardwickii, C. trigonus, Luffa echinata, L. graveolens, Solanum indicum/ S. lasiocarpum, Trichosanthes multiloba, T. himalensis Eastern Himalaya: Abelmoschus manihot, Cucumis trigonus, Luffa graveolens, Neoluffa sikkimensis North-eastern region: Abelmoschus manihot (pungens forms), Alocasia macrorhiza, Amorphophallus bulbifer, Colocasia esculenta, Cucumis hystrix, C. trigonus, Dioscorea alata, Luffa graveolens, Moghania vestita, Momordica dioica, M. cochinchinensis, M. macrophylla, M. subangulata, Solanum indicum, Trichosanthes cucumerina, T. dioica, T. khasiana, T. ovata, T. truncata, Gangetic plains: Abelmoschus tuberculatus, A. manihot (tetraphyllus forms), Luffa echinata, Momordica cymbalaria, M. dioica, M. cochinchinesis, Solanum incanum, S. indicum Indus plains: Momordica balsamina, Citrullus colocynthis, Cucumis prophetarum Western peninsular region: Abelmoschus angulosus, A. moschatus, A. manihot (pungens forms), A. ficulneus, Amorphophallus campanulatus, Cucumis setosus, C. trigonus, Luffa graveolens, Momordica cochinchinensis, M. subangulata, Solanum indicum, Trichosanthes anamalaiensis, T. bracteata, T. cuspidata, T. perottitiana, T. villosa Eastern peninsular region: Amorphophallus campanulatus, Abelmoschus manihot, A. moschatus, Colocasia antiquorum, Cucumis hystrix, C. setosus, Luffa acutangula var. amara, L. graveolens, L. umbellata, Momordica cymbalaria, M. denticulata, M. dioica, M. cochinchinesis, M. subangulata, Solanum indicum, S. melongena (insanum types), Trichosanthes bracteata, T. cordata, T. lepiniana, T. himalensis

Botanically these are classified into five major families (Cucurbitaceae, Malvaceae, Fabaceae/ Leguminosae, Zingiberaceae and Polygonaceae) and eight minor families (Alliaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Araceae and Dioscoreaceae). These wild relatives are valuable resource as genetic stocks for crop improvement programme.

1.6. Domestication an ongoing process

Process of domestication of crop plants is continuous. About 1,500 wild species have been originally involved in the process of domestication of cultivated vegetable crops at global levels (Grubben 1977). The Indian subcontinent has contributed to about 20-25 species of domesticated vegetables. Many species in this region are still in the process of domestication. Some important 11

examples are creeping cucumber (Solena amplexicaulis) a cucurbit from Indian subcontinent (tropical Asian) under cultivation in the tribal pockets of Odisha (a delicacy vegetable), otherwise found wild in disturbed habitats (Peter et al. 2007-8). Same is true for many wild species of Momordica and Amaranthus. M. subangulata ssp. renigera, often confused with M. cochinchinesis and M. dioica is a semi-domesticated vegetables native of Assam-Mayanmar region. Fruit (are less bitter than bitter gourd) and leaves are used as vegetable. Curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii) originated in tarai tracts of Uttarakhand foothills where it occurs wild; however it is widely cultivated all over India as backyard tree where good aroma types are more confined to the southern region. An Asian species Colocasia gigantea occurs wild throughout India; it is cultivated in Hawaii for export of petioles/leaves to United States of America. It is primarily used for leaves but tubers are inedible.

1.7 Factors responsible for richness of diversity

Factors like agro-climate, farming practice, marketability, socio-economy of has greatly influenced the pattern of a region The pattern of distribution of a species, adaptation, resistance to the diseases and pests, are influenced by factors like agro-climate, local preferences, farming practices, etc. The intensity of cultivation of different vegetable crops in an area is influenced by consumers preference (taste, habit), climate suitable for cultivation, marketability and socio- economic factors. Leafy vegetables, Spinacea oleracea, Chenopodium album and others are more popular in northern plains, whereas Brassica oleracea var. rugosa (elephant ear brassica, pahadi sarson), Portulaca oleracea (purselane) are favourite among diets of the local communities in Himalayan region; in southern and coastal areas especially in the western plains of Bihar, Odisha and Bengal there are large number of other leafy types- amaranthus, Basella rubra, Ipomoea aquatica. Wider adaptability in many crops has extended their distribution to diverse habitats. Besides, differences in distribution pattern of cultivated species of Amaranthus are attributed to variable physiological adaptation (Joshi 1981).

Like any other crop, germplasm introductions have contributed much to enrich the diversity of vegetables. Direct or indirect plant introductions were made in the past for food, commercial or research purposes. Vegetables crops moved from one country to another through different modes. The crops originated in Africa had reached India around 3,000 years ago (Purseglove 1968). Crop introduction expanded the range cultivation of two vegetables, bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) to the Old as well as the New Worlds before 1492. After the discovery of the New World by Columbus, there was a rapid exchange of crops between the New and Old Worlds.

Introduced crops form a majorreperesentation of vegetable crop diversity in India. There is a lot of variability in traits of use developed in the region of introduction mainly based on adaptability, social and climatic factors. Species native to India are now widely cultivated elsewhere and have great commercial importance in other centers of plant diversity. The cauliflower, introduced by European colonists from temperate regions of western Europe, has been acclimatized to warm and humid conditions of north India, such that it has been transformed according to tropical and sub-tropical conditions. The temperate long-day onion with perennial habit has been adapted to as annual sub-tropical and near tropical short-day conditions of Maharashtra and Karnataka respectively. Likewise temperate garden pea is

cultivated in the warmer and humid conditions of India after diversification. In chilli, tomato and potato wide range of diverse forms have been developed as compared to the types that were introduced in historical times. 1.8 Need to collect and conserve vegetable germplasm

Development and adoption of improved varieties has led to replacement of innumerable landraces and local crops/ cultivars in general and vegetables in particular. Existing genetic variability in vegetable crops at their primary centre of origin/domestication and secondary centers of diversity are important and therefore, need to be collected, conserved and utilized for posterity. The collection activities by the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) during the earlier phases were mainly for multi-crop species in which germplasm of vegetables was predominant. Later during 1990 prioritized crops/crop-groups led to focus on groups like vegetables more so during 1996-2006 (National Agricultural Technology Project on Plant Biodiversity/ NATP- PB) and thereafter. Currently crops/crop-groups are given a top most priority for collection and conservation. Gap areas were identified for future collections based on assessment made of the past efforts by the ICAR-NBPGR. Some less- known, potential and wild relatives were also given priority due to specific traits, adaptability to climate change, nutritional and food security.

The present document has been written keeping in view the importance and priority for collection and conservation of vegetable crops in India. The document provides guidelines for the collectors and focuses widely on genetic resource aspects for researchers, teachers and other level users. The contents including collection efforts during three decades, strategies for vegetable collecting, overview and future perspective plans are covered in four different chapters. Appendix 1 in chapters gives detailed information on vegetable crops with respect to common and botanical name (s), origin, mode of propagation/ collection material, areas of cultivation in India and part used as vegetable. The photographs of important selected species, seeds/ propagules are included for ready identification while collecting seeds or vegetatively propagated material. In this book lower groups like mushroom, ferns, gymnosperms, etc. and other species having secondary use as vegetables have largely been omitted. Species under bamboos and many wild taxa under research thrust (Appendix 1.1) have largely been omitted in this document. Appendix 1.1 Allium spp. (A. schoenoprasum, A. tuberosum and others), Alocasia macrorrhiza (giant taro), Amaranthus spp., Asparagus officinalis, aroids and yams, Bambusa spp., Basella alba, Canavalia gladiata, C. ensiformis, Caralluma spp., Carum bulbocastinum, Centella asiatica, Coccinia grandis, Cucumis callosusm, C. melo var. momordica, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Emilia sonchifolia, Fagopyrum cymosum, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Ipomoea aquatic, Lactuca sativa, Malva spp., Momordica dioica, Momordica cochinchinensis, Monochoria vagnalis, Moringa oleifera, Murraya koenigia, Nelumbo nucifera, Neptunia prostrata, Oenanthe javanifa, Parkia roxburghii, Pilea spp., Polygonum spp., Portulaca oleracea, Prosopis ceneraria, Raphanus sativus var. caudatus, Rorippa indica, Solanum erianthum, S. muricatum, S. nigrum, S. torvum, S. verbasifolium, S. incanum, S. indicum, Sauropus androgynus, Sechium edule, Sesbania grandiflora, S. grandiflora, Spilanthes acmella, Trichosanthes cucumerina, Trichosanthes spp., Trigonella spp., Vigna spp. and Zizania latifolia.

Collection of Vegetables: 2 Methodology and Strategy

Genetic diversity is the basic need for breeding desirable genotypes. It can be assembled through germplasm exploration and collection mission executed to assure maximum range of genetic diversity collection in a cost-and time-efficient manner. A systematic approach is necessary to ensure the success of a collecting programme. It can be achieved by devising a collecting strategy prior to its execution. The strategy must take into account ecogeographic considerations including patterns of diversity, species priorities, the technical aspects, planning and logistics.

In vegetable genetic resource management programme collecting germplasm is followed by regeneration, characterization, evaluation and conservation for its potential and future utilization. Prior to execution of the collection programme knowledge of characteristics of various vegetable crops, landraces/primitive cultivars and crop wild relatives prevalent in an area of collecting is essential. In order to minimize the resources optimization, appropriate strategy to be followed for the sampling must be worked out. Depending on the priority of crop/area and richness of diversity number of visits and duration are to be decided. The sample size may depend upon the conservation guidelines. Vegetatively propagated crops are to be treated differently than the seed crops.

Majority of vegetable crops are annuals and propagated through seed but some are vegetatively propagated (potato, yams, taros, pointed gourd and cho-cho) and a few are biennials like umbelliferous crops (carrot, radish). The survey principles for collecting vegetable crop diversity will differ from other crop groups such as cereals, millets, legumes, etc. to some extent. In general as in other crop groups initially the intensive survey is undertaken from the source locality for a particular genotype having desirable gene. A coarse grid collection is made at a wide interval over the whole area through multi-crop explorations. In an area where desirable genotypes are prevalent with the variation, intensive survey using fine grid sampling would help in assembling the genepool. The above sampling strategy may be attempted depending upon the availability of time and resources (Hawkes 1976).

The execution plan for exploration and germplasm collection is undertaken under three phases:

A. 2.1 Pre-collecting phase

2.1.1 Spectrum of genetic resources of species/region

Before proceeding on exploration for collection of vegetable crops, the under mentioned points are most essential that the explorer should have good knowledge and understanding:

(i) Diversity distribution including the primitive/landraces/local types

(ii) Diversity distribution of wild relatives of vegetable crops (iii) Breeding system and population structure of crop (iv) Biotic and abiotic stress and identifying their morphological characteristics in crop (v) Precautions for collection and transportation of germplasm to base camp/ gene bank (vi) Knowledge on propagation/seed multiplication and maturity indices of fruit/ seed (vii) Purpose of collecting and quantity of seed required

Information can be gathered from earlier field surveys reports, passport data and published works especially in less-known wild vegetables in general and wild relatives in particular. Prior knowledge and information about crop duration, local names, regions of diversity and characteristic traits of the cultivars/landraces, maturity period before undertaking the exploration is imperative. The maturity period for the same crop may vary in different climatic conditions and across the altitude range. The characteristic traits of primitive types/landraces may be worked out on priority to avoiding duplicate sampling. Before undertaking germplasm collection and survey visits to an area, distribution of species must be critically examined in advance with the help of detailed regional information. The spectrum of vegetable genetic resources comprise of:

 Genotypes/landraces: developed through continuous selection and acclimatization under different climatic conditions.  Developed cultivars: representing various degree of improvement.  Old varieties/obsolete cultivars: developed within the country or developed elsewhere/introduced in distant past but not in much use/or have been eliminated and wiped out.  Improved and recommended varieties: introduced but developed within India.  Wild/ weedy relatives: wild species of indigenous species possessing genes resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses, and  Future crops: wild economic and lesser-known/ underutilized species having potential use.

2.1.2 Reasons for collecting and criteria for prioritization

Species and/or areas are prioritized based on aim of collecting. Specific reasons for collecting are used to set priorities when there is:  Threat of genetic erosion: germplasm in danger of disappearing or becoming extinct  Economic importance: crop is important for national, regional or global food security, and wide diversity of germplasm is required for use in crop improvement or direct utilization  Gap-filling required: diversity in existing ex-situ collections is insufficient/missing  Research use: patterns of diversity, study of the mating systems, taxonomic studies, evolutionary relationships among taxa, and other information

In collaborative collection missions priority species of collaborating institute is considered and merged with other species/taxa priorities to be taken up during the same period. However the institute priority and the national priority setup by the executing institute are considered at the top. For PGR collecting missions, focus will be more on the farmers' varieties and landraces, preferably those that have undergone some degree of selection.

A tentative plan for collecting (Technical Programme) is proposed on five yearly basis. The information is derived from previous vegetable germplasm collecting missions conducted, passport information on the existing collections and feedback from scientists having expertise in this group of crops.

Due to differences in the habits and life cycles of species under consideration, and limitations imposed by the technical programme, collecting strategy is adopted in broader perspective for major vegetable groups and not for a particular taxon. The nodal institution/ collector can limit or exclude collection of germplasm of any specific vegetable species:

 When regeneration of germplasm is not possible due to high sensitivity to climate (temperate/alpine species - Allium), non availability of in-vitro protocols and more specificity for regeneration (water plants).  When species under consideration are propagated exclusively by vegetative methods and will impose difficulties in transport and quarantine.  When it is not possible to regenerate, grow and characterize perennial tree species within the provided mandate.  In case of rare, endangered/threatened species where collecting for conserving diversity will lead to genetic erosion.  When there is non-availability of developed landraces or farmers' varieties in the target area for collecting. Species those are not indigenous to a region may have been cultivated but the seed materials are normally imported.

2.1.3 Securing permits and logistical considerations

The collecting team must be aware of the rules and regulations in the country/area regarding exportation and collecting of genetic materials. Germplasm collecting must be undertaken with the full knowledge, agreement and participation of the national authorities. The team should obtain the necessary collecting permits, export and import permits (where applicable), permission to undertake local travel, and letters of introduction to local government authorities and leaders of local communities. In addition, the team should also organize the logistical support for the expedition well in advance. Arrangement regarding vehicles, participation of support and local staff, contact phone numbers, emails and accommodations, etc. should be in place before the departure of collecting team on mission.

2.1.4 Composition of collecting team

The composition of collecting team is decided according to the purpose of collecting mission. A collecting team ideally consists of about three to four members, preferably with the multidisciplinary background and one of the members having familiarity of the region and local language is desirable. For collecting vegetable crops, the participation of a plant breeder or horticulturist would be useful. The efficiency of collecting can be further enhanced by the participation of a local representative who can act as a guide.

2.1.5 Planning the itinerary

An itinerary should be drawn up in consultation with the collecting team and taking into consideration the target areas and species for collecting. In planning the itinerary, a detailed map of the locality is necessary. Information on cropping patterns, season of planting, advisability of following certain travel route (in terms of safety, conditions of roads, availability of food, lodging facilities, etc.) is essential and must be obtained from local contacts.

2.1.6 Type of germplasm

Among the total spectrum of genetic resources, landraces are probably the most important genetic resources adapted to an array of natural and cultural environments making it very distinct (Harlan 1975). While collecting germplasm of landrace of any vegetables crop, local name(s), identity and key features are to be assured by repeated cross-checking from neighboring areas/regions to avoid the chances of duplicate collection gathered by variable names.

Collection of vegetativly propagated material differs from that of seeds material in number of ways. In particular, it is more restrictive for the timings of the mission. Otherwise, seed having good storability (except recalcitrant seeds), less bulky and easy to handle are preferred over the former. The genotype in a sample of vegetatively propagated species is exactly same as parent plant; whereas those in seed propagated one depends on the breeding behaviour and pollination system. In contrast, the seeds of out breeder will differ from parent. It is advisable to collect enough material of desirable germplasm (see Guidelines in Box 2.1).

To collect vegetative propagules in the form of roots and tubers (potato, cassava, yam, taro, sweet potato, etc.) and vegetative cuttings, suckers (pointed gourd, Malabar spinach) most appropriate timing of the visit is very important aspect of the planning. Vegetables such as onion, pointed gourd, cho-cho, ivy gourd and drumstick are propagated by seed as well as vegetative means. Some of these crops often produce very few seeds. To get true to type germplasm vegetative stem/cuttings are good means of propagation. Collection strategy for each may be different. The decision is dependent on: a) the purpose of collecting (seed for a new variety, vegetative sample for an established variety); b) facilities available for multiplication of vegetative material/ identified site; and c) breeding system of the species (where germplasm from seeds may turn up into male and female plants (pointed gourd) (Table 2.1).

Special strategies are to be adopted in case of vegetatively propagated perennial crops, unlike sexually propagated vegetable species. Collection visits are to be made at two times: (i) prior to fruit harvest for assessment and identification of germplasm, tagging of the tree, and (ii) during the propagation period to collect sticks, cuttings or other vegetative materials of selected accessions.

2.1.7 Time of collecting and frequency of visits

Exact time when the expedition is to be undertaken can be finalized by consulting extension workers and farmers of the area of visit who are familiar with the locality, the crop and the cropping pattern. Information on previous collecting expeditions in the area especially passport

information, and even literature can also be consulted to determine the appropriate timing for the collecting expedition.

The trip should be scheduled during peak seed maturity and/or harvesting period for the target species. If multi-species collecting mission is being undertaken, the schedule for collecting should coincide with the time of peak seed maturity and/or harvesting period of majority of the target species (highest priority species among the multi-crops). If resources permit, multiple- collecting visits is an effective strategy for capturing maximum diversity, in single or multiple species. This is especially true when there is:

 difference in the timing of planting, flowering, seed maturity and/or harvest due to differences in latitude, altitude, climate (including rainfall pattern), photoperiod, planting season and farming system.  difference in peak timing of seed maturity and harvest due to varietal genotypic variation.  year-to-year variation in wild and weedy populations.  seasonal variation due to planting of different sets of species, varieties of one species, etc.

B. 2.2 During collection phase

Random sampling is generally the most reliable and desirable method. Biased sampling of rare phenotypic variants in a population is to be avoided, except when such plants clearly merit separate and distinct recognition (i.e. a rare disease free sample in a heavily diseased field). Strict randomness of sampling requires that every plant at a site have an independent and equally likely chance of inclusion in the sample. The collected germplasm may be in the form of seeds, vegetative cuttings, propagules (tubers, bulbs, corms etc.) or in rare cases as pollen (Brown and Briggs 1991) (refer to standard collecting kit, on-site processing and documentation material listed in Appendix 2.1-2.3).

2.2.1 Intensity of collecting: diversity within species vs. diversity among species

During sampling, it is desirable to represent the entire distribution range of the species including margins where species are under stress and likely to possess the extremities of the traits. The quality of collected germplasm depends on the percentage that qualifies for conservation/use. In case if a unique or rare type of material is encountered that is suspected to be not at right maturity, the same may be collected and tried to rescue germplasm using appropriate methods of multiplication.

The future demand for germplasm, either in terms of specific traits within a species or diversity among species, is unpredictable and dynamic. It must be anticipated that the vegetable species not yet of high priority at present but may become useful crop in the future. It is proposed that as a general rule, maximum diversity within species should be collected (Box 2.1).

2.2.2. Seed maturity and time of collection

Data on seed maturity and right time of collection of germplasm especially of the vegetatively propagated material are scarcely available in literature pertaining to vegetable crops. To enhance

the efficiency of collection mission for vegetables this is essentially required. The aspects of seed/ fruit maturity indices for collection are to be worked with a person from physiology background prior to undertaking collections on vegetables to have maximum seed germplasm qualifying for the gene bank. Due to asynchronized seed maturity or seed shattering at maturity in species like Allium, brassicae, amaranths, Luffa (wild types), etc. care should be taken to collect seed before shattering. The information on maturity indices of plant while collecting seed/ vegetative propagule has been prepared on the basis of passport data information, experience of earlier explorers, the authors’ own experience, and other literature (Table 2.1 and 2.2). The pods of leafy brassicae, amaranths and chenopods are harvested when 70 per cent of the inflorescence is ripe (i.e. seed turns brown or black) and before the pods shatter. Fruits of many cucurbits as gourds, Luffa species are left to dry on the plants and can be harvested later. In tuberous and bulbous crops, field-dry maturity is indicated when bulb/ corm neck is

“Be grateful to the farmers/growers for the help given by them. It may happen that you are in a drought prone tract and crop failure has occurred. The farmer may get angry with you, and refuse to part with his material. Listen to him patiently, place your request humbly and make him realize the importance of your work and his importance in turn. Quite likely, you may bring him around and he agrees to allow you to sample his field/threshing yard, etc. In any case, even if he does not permit you to collect do not lose your patience - keep your temper always cool. When permitted, do not be over greedy to take more material than what has been agreed to and sample carefully - do not spoil/disturb his field/threshing yard, courtyard, etc. Before leaving, never forget to convey to him your gratitude” (Arora 1981).

completely dry/ papery. Melons and pumpkins are most difficult to harvest at right stage of seed maturity. Explorer has to use his expertise to make best judgement to harvest so that maximum germplasm is available for use. While referring this information the collector should keep into consideration varietal differences, phytogeographical areas, agronomic practices and temporal changes (season/ soil types/ irrigation/ stress).

Table 2.1 Maturity indices of vegetable crops [largely adopted from AVRDC- Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre (1990), the feedback through explorers and other published sources] Crop(s) Mode of propagation; maturity indices Amaranths, chenopods Seed; leaves and inflorescence turning brown, seeds start shattering a bit on touching Ash gourd Seed; fruit wall hard to pinch, turning grayish white; seed turning blackish brown and hard Asparagus Vegetative; plant starts yellowing followed by leaf fall Bitter gourd, spine gourd Seed; fruit softening followed by turning to pale red to pale brown Brassica (leafy types) Seed; pods turning brown, cracking of the pods initiated Brinjal Seed; fruit beyond edible stage, fruit colour dull brown and seed hard, tough walled Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Seed; head cracking followed by pod formation; seed

other cole crops turning dark brown Carrot, radish, turnip Seed; inflorescence turns brown and brittle; seed shatter on touching Cassava Stem cuttings# from 8-14 months old plants; seed Chekkurmanis Seed/stem cuttings; woody stem defoliated or drying of leaves Chilli and other peppers Seed; fruits red ripe, pericarp lose moisture (start wrinkling) Cho-cho Vegetative cuttings/ fruits; fruit from mature plant (sprouting preferred) Coriander and other Seed; umbel turning brittle, seed dark brown and shedding umbellifers Cowpea Seed; two third of pods turn brown; well-filled pods that snap readily Cucumber, long melons Seed; fruits with hard pericarp, pale yellow/golden, seeds with hard skin Curry leaf Seed; fruit must be ripe and fresh to plant (dried/ shriveled fruits are not viable); plant the whole fruit/remove the pulp Drumstick Seed/ cuttings; pod tuning brown, hard and brittle Fenugreek Seed; leaf/ pod browning followed by skin turning hard Garden pea, french bean, Seed; pod, turning dark brown, dry and brittle; seed fully dolichos bean, cluster bean, developed and hard other beans Garlic, leek and other Allium Cloves/ bulbs; leaf turning to complete brown; tops species beginning to dry out and topple down; bulbs: drying of leaf scales, drying and collapse of neck Indian round melon Seeds; fruit wall soft, brown, seeds black Malabar spinach Seed/stem cuttings#; seed turning hard and black, plant starts drying, leaves turning brown on stem Meetha karela Seed; pod turning pale green, central cavity filled with loose black seeds Okra Seed; pod hard, turning brown, brittle, seeds black Onion Seed#/bulbs, bulbils; maturity of head, seeds turning to brown/ black; tops beginning to dry out and topple down (approximately 10 to 20 per cent fallen); bulbs: drying of leaf scales, drying and collapse of neck. Pointed gourd Seed/ vegetative cuttings; fruit wall turning to pale orange, over mature if thumbnail cannot penetrate flesh readily; cutting from plant with hard stem of mature branch Potato Mature tubers/ seeds; aerial parts dried, yellowing; for seed fully mature fruits with hard seeds Pumpkin, bottle gourd, water Seed; fruits wall turning hard to pinch, brownish yellow melon, squashes (beyond edible stage); colour of lower part turning creamy yellow, dull hollow sound when thumped Ridged gourd and sponge Seed; fruit hard, fibrous wall, opening on the tip clear and gourd seeds black and dry (over mature if thumbnail cannot

penetrate flesh readily) Snake gourd Seed; fruit wall turning to pale red; (over mature if thumb nail cannot penetrate flesh readily) Snapmelon Seed; fruit wall degenerating, aroma of full ripening followed by seed maturity Spinach Seed; spines of the seeds can be broken easily Tomato Seed; fruit fully ripe (90 per cent skin red, soft); seeds slipping when fruit is cut. West Indian arrowroot Suckers/rhizomes#, occasionally by seeds; leaves turn yellow, stem fall over Yam and taro, giant taro and Tuber; leaf turning complete brown; just rightly mature other edible aroids with initiation of sprouts; large enough (over-mature if tough and fibrous) Yam bean Seeds#; sprouted root tubers of previous year #: more commonly used propagation method

In tuberous vegetable crops, like taros, propagule must be collected without any damage to avoid loss during collection, harvesting or transportation. Most Dioscorea species are dioecious and bear male and female flowers on separate plants. Flowering is erratic and seeds are seldom produced. Vegetative propagation is done through the aerial as well as underground bulbils. In yams, cuttings as propagule are not advised as they have slow tuber production. Stem cuttings root readily, especially in spring and early summer. Seed tubers in lesser yam (125-100g optimum) and pieces (200-250g) or whole tuber in white yam are used. Giant alocasia and the taros are propagated by rhizomes and be cut between the upright stems to yield new plants. D. deltoidea, a dioecious plant produces tubercles (small tubers formed leaf axils) that can be be used for propagation. For seed production male and female plants must be grown together.

Majority of bulbous vegetables viz. onion, leeks are propagated by both, seeds and vegetative propagules (bulbs, rhizomatous bases, bulbils). Allium species being sensitive to photoperiod do not flower under all conditions. While collecting from an area not suitable for flowering/seeding, vegetative propagules like bulbs, bulbils or rhizomatous stems can equally serve the purpose. Species like Allium sativum var. proliferum, tree onions care should be taken to cover and undeveloped bulbs with moss grass or any soft organic material (packing) mix with moist soil to cover broader leaves to prolong the life of bulb during transportation. Some alliums produce aerial in flower head or underground bulbils in the basal part; they can be stored in refrigerator or air stored in moist free open area and sown in November (about 13°C).

Table 2.2 Specifications for vegetative propagule of some selected vegetables

Crop (s) Details of vegetative propagule Aerial yam Aerial tubers (potato sized) borne in axil of leaf preferred over root tubers Asparagus Tuberous, mature roots (texture dry) of over one cm or more in diameter Cassava Stem cuttings# from 18-20 month old plant (seed germination only 50 per cent) Chekkurmanis Stem cuttings (woody stem 20-40cm) Chinese chives Rhizomatous underground rooted stem with apical bud Chinese onion; chives Bulbs with shining dry/ papery skin Chinese potato Tubers produced during storage period; sprouting tubers give better results Chinese yam; white guinea Big sized mature tubers (cut into pieces) or whole if small yam Cho-cho Vegetative cuttings (15-20cm, 0.5cm diameter); fruits (with sprouting preferred over non-sprouting) for good survival and rejuvenation Coleus Vine cuttings from 3-4 week old plant Drumstick Stem cuttings of 1.5 cm/ pencil sized diameter with mature brownish bark, preferably from old branches; seeds from fully mature pods (wild plants shatter seeds) Elephant foot yam Cormlets (mortality is high); tuber pieces of 125-100g pieces or whole tuber if small Garlic and leek Cloves/ bulbs# from mature plants with skin shiny and dry; aerial bulbils from mature plants with shiny, dry skin (often seen under adverse conditions) Giant alocasia Offsets (in spring/ rainy season)/ stem cuttings (root readily); seeds (from mature dried cob along the spadix) Greater yam Pieces (125-100g optimum) or whole if small tubers Ivy gourd Vegetative cuttings of 10-20cm long x 1-0.5cm diameter from mature stem branch Japanese bunching onion Bulbs with thick, dry, papery skin Malabar spinach Stem cutting from mature plant with 2-3 nodes, 30-40cm long x 2 cm diameter; fruit containing mature seed turn hard, dark black, and dried on plant (can be used as such) Onion and shallot Bulb completely dry, membrane shining, papery and easily detachable; ideally bulbs type is when the top leaves die down after flowering Pointed gourd Vegetative stem cuttings (with 8-10 nodes) from mature branch (size: 10-15cm long and 0.5cm diameter wide), brown bark and hard stem (preferably with roots) Potato Mature (skin/peel well set) and healthy tuber# with at least two to three well developed eyes; (seeds formed in temperate areas used generally for research purpose) Spine gourd Cuttings (2-3 month old plant) , root stock (2-3 year old plant) Sweet potato Fresh vine cuttings in water root in short time (3-6 days) and to be planted within 2 weeks

Tannia Tops/suckers#, corms/cormels Taro Cuttings, suckers/cormels (stem of about 30-45cm with 5-7cm) of corm Top onion Bulb with outer skin completely dry/ papery; mature aerial bulbils borne in flower head (shatter on touching) Tree tomato Stem cuttings from 1-2 year old tree, 45-75cm long x 10-25 mm thick West Indian arrowroot, Suckers or rhizomes with two or more nodes each from 10-12 month queensland arrow root old plant (when the leaves turn yellow and stems fall); occasionally propagated by seed Yam Small rhizomes formed in the previous plantation (100-150g), upto two kg in weight Yam bean Sprouted root tubers of previous year (but not practiced) # Major mode of propagation

The pointed gourd is usually propagated through vine cuttings and root suckers. Seeds are not used in planting because of poor germination and inability to determine the sex of plants before flowering. The probability of number of plant turning to either sex for crop established from seed may contain a high percent; non fruiting male plants do not have much conservation value. To propagate from root suckers, tuberous roots of pointed gourd are dug in the early spring, subdivided, and replanted. Both pre-rooted and fresh vine cuttings are used for propagation. Vine cuttings made in previous year and rooted during winter are planted in the spring when danger from frost is over. Vegetative cutting should have 8-10 nodes per cutting and should be partially or fully defoliated to check transpiration. The concept of female: male ratio of 9:1 is optimum for ensuring maximum fruit set should be kept in mind. Tree tomato is propagated by stem cuttings with leaves intact (especially during travel) to yield better survival.

Cho-cho is propagates vegetatively either from the old rootstock/ underground tubers or reproduces from mature fruits (viviparous germination). Semi-domesticated species Momordica subangulata ssp. renigera is propagated by seed as well as tubers. Seeds have difficult germination (segregation is 1:1 male female ratio. Some less-known tuberous species as West India arrowroot and Queensland arrowroot are propagated by suckers/ rhizomes and also from seed. Other wild vegetables such as Luffa tuberosa, Coccinia cordifolia, Momordica dioica and wild leafy types as amaranths and chenopods are propagated through seeds as well as perennial rootstocks/ perennial tubers. Protocols need to be developed for those crops where specifications for propagule to be collected are not available.

2.2.3 Sources of genetic diversity

A preliminary list of species diversity available in selected area can be made by observing the number and type of vegetable species/ varieties available in the market, farm, kitchen garden or seed shops. The vendors should be enquired for varietal identities of the vegetables being sold and their source of supply.

Sampling strategy used for collecting germplasm varies according to objective of collecting. For example if landraces and farmers' varieties are the target species the main objective would be to collect from farmers' fields, kitchen gardens, farm stores and seed shops. Cultivation of local

vegetable is confined to marginal/ kitchen garden for self-consumption and for local market. Markets are source of information on vegetable crops and varieties available and preferred in an area, exact location/ cultivation and time of availability. Village markets generally hold vide spectrum of VGR such as local vegetables grown on commercial scale, less known/ underutilized vegetables grown in home gardens, and also those harvested from wild and sold in market. Landraces of an area preferred by communities/ tribals are usually sold in the tribal haats or local bazaars. There are advantages and disadvantages of collecting germplasm from different sources and the collector has to decide the source based on requirement (Table 2.3).

Random or generalized sampling can be made in the farmer's field to obtain the optimal seed quantity; ideally from 30-50 plants whenever practicable (Brown and Marshall 1995). For example, in cucurbits taxa falling under the high priority list for collecting (Benincasa, Cucumis, Cucurbita, Lagenaria, Luffa, Momordica and Trichosanthes), the number of plants and mature fruits in a farmer's field is usually limited, and the seeds are usually obtained from one or a few fruits. For the other species in the priority list, e.g. leafy amaranthus, spinach, leafy brassicas and tomatoes, random sampling can be done if there are many plants in a population.

For unique genotypes, especially those with high potential value, biased sampling must be used. If enough quantity of high quality seeds is available from the stand in the farmer' fields, one should make the effort to collect the same.

Table 2.3 Advantages and disadvantages of collecting germplasm from different sources of germplasm collection

Source Type of germplasm Advantages/ disadvantages Farmers' Farmers' varieties, Horticultural characters, quality traits and biotic/abiotic fields landraces stresses easily visible in field; initial assessment of germplasm potential possible Kitchen Heirloom varieties Seeds available in limited quantity; old stored seed can gardens (handed down from be collected but may have poor germination generation to generation), old/ rare/ obsolete cultivars Farm Wide range of Seeds available in limited quantity; quality not assured stores germplasm available as there is possibility of varietal mixtures; can be used if time of visit is odd or in case of crop failure/crop not planted in the year of visit. Sometimes some unique material (obsolete cultivars) may be obtained. Seed Improved varieties/Fl Seed available in larger quantity; seed quality cannot shops hybrids), latest or be accurately gauged (based on storage conditions) popular farmers' cultivars /land races

2.2.4 Processing of germplasm

To ensure the quality of collected material, it must be processed properly during the collecting trip, upon arrival at the base and upon receipt at Headquarters. If the materials are collected in the form of fruits, these could be kept as they are, or they could be processed at the base. One must consider that keeping fruit samples is difficult due to large bulk and getting infected during transportation. Spoiled fruits must be processed to extract the seeds, or discarded altogether if they become infected. When seeds cannot be possibly extracted on site (e.g. when the fruits have to be after-ripened), place the fruits in net bags, label and process immediately upon return to base.

Seed extraction process is different in vegetables (a) producing pods/fruit, in which seed get- dried on the plant itself, and (b) producing seeds in pulpy fruits. Group (a) includes onion, leguminous vegetables, brassicae, okra, majority of leafy vegetables, Luffa and moringa. Dry pods can be collected, cleared by hand, labeled and put in cloth bag. Fruits of Solanaceae (brinjal, tomato, water melon, etc.) and Cucurbitaceae (cucumber, ash gourd, Momordica, ivy gourds, etc.) are fleshy and should be extracted from soft fleshy tissue.

In cucumber and other cucurbits, the fruits are cut into halves lengthwise and seeds with the attached core are scooped into a plastic container to ferment or put to sieve and are cleaned under water pressure and dried in the shade. Seeds are then washed, cleaned and dried in the same way as seeds of dry fruits. In eggplant, fruit is cut or macerated and the seed is separated from the pulp by washing. Wild Solanum have mucilaginous sticky pulp which is separated by routine washing under running water.

Collected germplasm (seed) should be routinely spread without opening cotton/muslin cloth bags and spread in the room (where the explorer stays) along with labels and other information. Damaged and unhealthy seeds must be removed, and drying must be undertaken to prevent deterioration of seed viability. For material such as potato, sweet potato, Colocasia, etc. which is propagated vegetatively packaging of the propagules/ tubers should be done with great care so as to avoid injury during transplantation (Table 2.2).

The colour changes associated with fruit and seed ripening do not always correlate with quantity and quality of germplasm that qualifies for storage. For fleshy-fruited species, the seeds are in fully imbibed state to maintain their viability. If it is possible, the seeds may be kept inside the fruits under well aerated conditions and kept at ambient temperatures during the collecting trip. Fruits that are dry-dehiscent or indehiscent, should be air-dried and seeds hand-cleaned in a thin layer (to ensure aeration) under shade for three days or more (larger seeds need longer period) to reduce the seed moisture content (Smith 1995). Drying or exposure under the sun is not recommended. The collected germplasm exposed to sun, as in a parked vehicle should be avoided. In wet weather, the physiologically mature fruits are air-dried immediately under the shade or under the sun wherever possible. Hanging of wet fruits/pods helps hasten drying and may prevent insect /pest infestation.

When collecting germplasm, the collector should document indigenous knowledge and associated information on:

 maintenance of diversity in fields: provide an indication of the quality of seeds from the farmers' stores.  procedure followed for selection: of plants, fruits/pods and seeds; isolation and selection method for fruits/seed/propagule.  storage practices: like drying of the seed, storing, control methods used for storage pests, etc.  characteristic (including unique) features: of crop species/varieties for quality traits (nutritional traits), resistance/tolerance to pests and diseases/stresses, uses, etc.  propagation methods: horticultural practices should be provided to help in seed increase.  reasons for continuity of cultivation: no replacement by other crop/ variety, type or others.

2.2.5. Processing of collecting data

While gathering germplasm the information is properly recorded in passport data book. Usually while noting, shorthand, shortcuts, abbreviations are recorded during the trip and completed latter when back to the base camp/ or immediately after the collecting team is back and prior to the splitting of the collected materials and duplicating the collecting data for sending to various recipients. The collected samples and information must be cross-checked randomly to ensure any discrepancy. Differences in the numbering and other identification entries between the samples and the collecting forms must be rectified. Some entries in the passport data sheet might remain the same except collector number during the entire trip (area, state of collection, date), and are to be filled in before the dispatch of material to avoid any kind of mistake that may perpetuate later.

The taxonomic designations, common names and local or vernacular names of the collected material should be checked for consistency and accuracy. In cases when the taxonomic classification of the collected material is uncertain, this must be so noted in the collecting form under 'Remarks'.

2.2.6. Recording of information

Passport data performa: Collector must ensure that collecting data sheet (Appendix 2.1) developed by the ICAR-NBPGR is used for recording passport information for collected germplasm. None of the essential information must be left unattended.

Field notes: The field notes are useful source of information supplementing to the contents of the passport data form, and may help in recording information which is otherwise remain unattended. The note on preliminary observations on identity of species, its gross resemblance to related types is important. Area location, names of relevant people, photograph details, etc. are additional data records.

Indigenous knowledge: Since the objective of gathering germplasm is for it subsequent utilization, note on indigenous knowledge associated with the germplasm would add value to it. In case of potential/ unique material information could be gathered using comprehensive questionnaire (Arora 1991).

2.2.7. Herbarium voucher specimens and photographs

Herbarium specimens are useful for the taxonomic identification of materials, especially those where identity or nomenclature is not accurately determined during the collecting phase, especially for the less-known/ wild species.

When preparing the specimen, both the vegetative and reproductive structures must be included wherever possible. Voucher herbarium specimens representing selected characteristics in particular vegetable from the entire range of distribution should be prepared. For example

A basic kit for the preparation of the specimens will include a field press, corrugated cardboard, absorbent paper (or newspaper) all cut to fit the press, digger or entrenching tool, knife, pruning shears, polythene bags, tags and paper packets. Herbarium record books/ field notebook, sharp pens/ pencils for noting observations are accompanied (Appendix 2.2) density of spines and non-spiny types of brinjal can be depicted in the voucher with stem and leaf, besides the fruit/ calyx. If possible the fruit (young stage) may be included to show the size variation. In Cucumis melo character differences are evident even at the initial stage of fruit development at the infra-specific level (separating snap melon and cucumber). Enough material must be collected to prepare at least three duplicates. The specimens must be processed using standard procedures (Jain and Rao 1977; Fuller and Barber 1981; Rao and Sharma 1990). In cucurbits the processing for herbarium specimen needs initial drying in the field to avoid limping/overlapping, and later part of the processing, mounting and labeling can be done on returning to the Headquarters. As a rule, voucher specimens should be gathered and prepared during collection of vegetable germplasm, especially when taxonomic identity is doubtful/ unknown to the collector, the wild species of vegetables, and variants of vegetables (local types) observed during a collecting mission. The identification of collected material can be re- ascertained if wet collection is supplemented to the germplasm.

Photographs are taken to document the collected material and to aid in verifying/ authenticating the identity of a species. For photographs an identification of scale and size (a ruler would be ideal) is must. Close-up of the leaves and branching habit, vegetative parts (in case of vegetativly propagated taxa- tubers, corn, suckers in whole and cross/longitudinal section), fruits/pods/seeds, flower and flowering habit, the pistil, anther, open and closed/ bud can be photographed. Full plant stand and wide angle population can serve as an aid in identification.

C 2.3 Post collecting phase

2.3.1 Post collection care of germplasm

The sole objective of exploration is to collect good quality seed/propagule for conservation and use. On-site processing of collected germplasm for seed extraction, and cleaning if not carried out during the collecting trip must be completed as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration of seed quality. Drying must be undertaken to bring down the moisture content of

the seeds to acceptable levels (8 per cent and below). The process of drying should be done in a drying room, drying cabinet or by using silica gel; seeds should never be dried under the sun or in ovens. To ensure the quality of the processed and dried material, the seeds must be kept in low temperature storage rooms.

2.3.2 Packing and dispatch of collected germplasm

Before packaging the germplasm for dispatch one has to ensure that the seeds are dried, cleaned and stored packed properly to avoid any mechanical damage during transport. During exploration, generally durable packaging paper bags, waterproof paper bags, cotton bags, corrugated carton boxes and blister packs are used to store the seed material. These can be used under low relative humidity condition or when storage period (during exploration) is short. Seed material especially the recalcitrant types (cho-cho), seed that loose viability very fast (moringa, brassica, onion and others), quick germination in a week’s time (Malabar spinach) are to be handled carefully.

In vegetatively propagated material, extra care should be taken to reduce the mortality rate during transportation. Stem cuttings wrapped in thick paper or wet moss grass is kept moist in dark place and transported within a weeks’ time of collection. In pointed gourd well labeled (male and female plants) stem cuttings (1.5cm diameter size preferably with roots) should be dispatched and planted immediately (with 2-3 days) in appropriate number (Table 2.2; Box 2.1). It is expected that all applicable quarantine requirements are met while dispatching collected materials within the country or outside the country, especially for exotic materials where import permits and phytosanitary certificates are mandatory.

2.3.3 Documentation

The usefulness of germplasm for utilization is enhanced to a large extent by the availability of quality data associated with it. Data gathered in the field during germplasm collecting are useful in making decisions on the usefulness of material for screening, field testing, and inclusion in a breeding program, or for direct utilization. Information recorded in data sheet/ data books, field notes, herbarium voucher specimens, indigenous knowledge, and photographs add significant value to the collected material.

Box 2.1 Guidelines for sending germplasm for long term storage to National Gene Bank 1. Seeds should be well developed, mature (physiologically) and free from any damage (physical or due to insects/pests); undersized, shriveled and immature seeds should not be included in the germplasm. 2. Seed should be dried soon after harvest (under shade); stored under ideal conditions (cooler place with less humidity) to avoid spoilage due to pathogens and pests. If possible, dry the seeds in an air-conditioned or dehumidified room. Minimum time should be taken for dispatch it to the genebank. 3. Sample should contain at least 4,000 seeds for self-pollinated crops to fully represent variability of the original samples and allow sufficient seeds for monitoring of viability during storage and subsequent regeneration. Sample size could be relaxed in case of wild relatives, unique accessions endangered/ rare types where seeds are available in

limited quantity (more collections are not advisable). 4. Seeds should be packed in good quality paper pouches and wrapped in polythene bags. Entire seed lot after packing should be kept either in tin (metallic) boxes or cardboard boxes to minimize damage during transit. While packing, place label inside and write the accession number outside the pouches for doubly ensuring the authenticity of the accession number. Packing in gunny bags should be avoided. 5. To prevent species/varietal mixing, harvest, process and pack different varieties with properly labele (accession numbers and date of storage) should be well written with moisture proof ink. 6. Only untreated seeds are accepted in the genebank. Seed lots must be accompanied by minimum passport data (e.g. name of the crop, location of collection, accession number etc. and evaluation data). Other specific attributes like stress tolerance, resistance to diseases and pests may be recorded against each accession. 7. Typed list of germplasm should be kept along with the material. Information of material of interest, unique material, rare/ endangered should be well labeled in the list as well as the packet containing the material. 8. Information in advance regarding supply of seed material for storage should be sent to National Gene Bank (ICAR-NBPGR) so that all arrangements can be made to process the material. 9. In vegetatively propagated material, well defined instruction on when/how to plant should proceed well before or accompanied with material to reduce mortality.

2.3.4 Collecting trip report

The collecting trip report serves as a written record that provides a link between information before, during and after the collecting trip. The observations and recommendations stated therein may guide the planners to execute more fine grid surveys if desirable in that area. They are the primary source of information on levels of agro-biodiversity, genetic erosion and shift in pattern of agriculture, also the socio-economic and cultural diversity linked to uses of collected germplasm. It can serve as a ready and useful reference for future planning and collecting missions to the same area (Box 2.2).

Box 2.2 Information to be included in a report 1. the title 2. the team(s) 3. an abstract or brief synopsis of the report 4. the objectives of collecting expedition, description of area where the collecting was conducted for target vegetable species and the priorities 5. materials used and methods followed: logistical and technical planning and execution of the expedition including itinerary, timing, sampling strategy, collecting methodology, etc 6. results and discussion (germplasm collected, areas surveyed, data gathered, observations) 7. sample and data distribution, recommendations 8. suggested plan for germplasm collecting in the area/ region/country, etc

2.4 Conclusion

The success of a collection mission is an outcome of careful and systematic planning, a sound logistical and technical preparation, and careful execution of efforts by the entire collecting team. The processing, transport and storage of the collected materials and documentation should be done conscientiously to ensure that the time, trouble and expenses spent on the collecting mission do not go to waste. The users must also be informed of the availability of the materials so that their potential usefulness can be determined and explored. Ethics of collecting germplasm, as embodied in the International Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer, must strictly be followed by the collector. Information generated during the exploration should be used in future planning and scheduling right timing of germplasm collecting, setting the itinerary, and devising the sampling strategy. Appendix 2.1

Vehicle accessories 1. Basic set of spare part, toolkit 5. Shovel and pick 2. Chain or nylon rope 6. Spare gasoline cans, large funnel and plastic 3. Heavy duty jack and tire levers tubing 4. Puncture repair kit with plentiful 7. Spare tires, pump and pressure gauge supply of patches Medical supplies 1. Antacid tablets anti-diarrheal 5. Aspirin, paracetamol or other pain killer tablets 6. Bandages, plasters, cotton wool 2. Antihistamine cream 7. Fungal infection remedies 3. Anti-malarial tablets for both 8. Insect-repellants prophylaxis and treatment (if 9. Sachets of oral rehydration solution advised by physician) 10. Scissors, knife 4. Antiseptic cream and tablets Miscellaneous 1. Battery operated flash lights and 3. Water containers (both large cans and spare batteries individual bottles 2. Drinking water Collecting and documentation kit 1. Altimeter 10. Masking tape 2. Binoculars 11. Net bags, different sizes and meshes (fine mesh 3. Camera and film for small-seeded species) 4. Collecting forms 12. Paper bags, coin envelope, different sizes, 5. Compass pruning shears 6. Field notebook 13. Plastic bags of different sizes 7. Global positioning system (optional 14. Silica gel and container but ideal; if available, compass and 15. Herbarium equipments (See box) altimeter not necessary) 16. Road and area map 8. Identification aids (flora, field 17. Ruler guides, magnifying glass), pens, 18. Shipping tags pencils, permanent marking pens 19. Stapler, staple wire 9. Knife 20. Measuring tape

Appendix 2.1 (contd.)

Basic equipment for herbarium collecting Consumables  Large (90cm x 60cm) heavy-gauge (500+) clear plastic bags (used to temporarily hold the plants until processed for herbarium specimen preparation)  Durable (waterproof) pocket-sized field notebook(s) for use with a pencil  Several pencils (HB to 2B) and a sharpener  Large and small, waterproof and non-alcohol-soluble marker pens  Newspapers and corrugated cardboard sheets (43cm x 28cm) (required for preparing specimens and conventional air drying)  Alcohol (preferably ethanol), 60-70 per cent (or higher that can be diluted to 70 per cent in the field)  Good-quality plastic parcel tape or other non-alcohol-soluble tape*  String (plastic, jute etc.) Recommended  Wide-mouthed plastic bottles, for collecting spirit material  70 per cent ethanol or other temporary preserving fluid, for collecting spirit material  Small bags for silica gel DNA samples and Silica gel  Small (10cm x 7.5cm), medium (20cm x 19cm) to large (35cm x 20cm) bags, for various use Non-consumables  Professional plant press(es) with heavy-duty straps  A sharp pocket knife and scissors  Hand lens (magnification x10)  Tape measure or ruler  Global positioning system (GPS), preferably including a barometric altimeter or mechanical altimeter Other items  Digital camera and batteries (for digital camera) or alternative power source  Small field binoculars  Pole clippers/pruners (essential if collecting trees or where tree climbers are unavailable)  Machete/parang (required if bark and “slash” information is needed)  Heavy-duty thorn-proof gloves (if dealing with spiny plants)  Sturdy boxes for herbarium specimen transportation (required if plants are dried in the field)

Appendix 2.2

NATIONAL BUREAU OF PLANT GENETIC RESOUCES NEW DELHI 110 012

PASSPORT DATA SHEET

Date…………………Collector’s No. …………….Accession No………………… Botanical Name……………………………….Common Name (English)……………………………….. Crop/Vernacular Name………………..Cultivar Name……………… Region Explored………………… Village/Block………………………….District………………………State…………………… N E Latitude…………….. Longitude………………………. Altitude……………………………….m S W Temperature…………………. Rainfall…………..

COLLECTION 1. Natural wild 2. Disturbed wild 3. Farmer’s field 4. Threshing SITE: yard 5. Fallow 6. Farm store 7. Market 8. Garden 9. Institute 10. Others BIOLOGICAL 1. Wild 2. Weed 3. Landrace 4.Primitive cultivar 5. Breeder’s line STATUS: FREQUENCY: 1. Abundant 2. Frequent 3. Occasional 4. Rare MATERIAL 1. Seeds 2. Fruits 3. Inflorescence 4. Roots 5. Tubers 6. Rhizomes 7. Suckers 8. Live plants 9. Herbarium 10…………………. BREEDING 1. Self-pollinated 2. Cross-pollinated 3. Vegetatively propagated SYSTEM: SAMPLE TYPE: 1. Population 2.Pure line 3. Individual plant SAMPLE 1. Bulk 2.Random 3. Selective (non-random) METHOD: HABITAT: 1. Cultivated 2. Disturbed 3. Partly disturbed 4. Rangeland 5. Others DISEASE 1. Susceptible 2. Mildly susceptible 3. Tolerant 4. Resistant SYMPTOMS: 5. Immune INSECT/PEST/NEMATODE INFECTION: 1. Mild 2. Moderate 3. High CULTURAL 1. Irrigated 2. Rainfed 3. Arid 4. Wet 5 .Others PRACTICES: SEASON: 1. Kharif 2. Rabi 3. Spring-summer 4. Perennial type Sowing Date………(approximate). Harvesting Date (approximate).. . ASSOCIATED 1. Sole 2. Mixed with………………………. CROP: SOIL COLOUR: 1. Black 2. Yellow 3. Red 4. Brown 5…………………… SOIL TEXURE: 1. Sandy 2. Sandy loam 3. Loam 4. Silt loam5. Clay 6. Silt TOPOGRAPHY: 1. Swamp 2. Food plain 3. level 4. Undulating 5. Hilly dissected 6.

Steeply dissected 7. Mountainous 8. Valley AGRONOMIC 1. Very poor 2. Poor 3. Average 4. Good 5. Very good SCOPE: ETHNOBOTANICAL USES PART(S): 1. Stem 2. Leaf 3. Root 4. Fruit 5. Flower 6. Whole plant6. Seed 8.Others KIND: 1. Food 2. Medicine 3. Fiber 4. Timber5. Fodder 6. Fuel 7. Insecticide/ Pesticide 8. Others HOW USED: INFORMANT(S): 1. Local Vaidya 2. Housewife 3. Old folk 4.Grazir/shepherd 5. Others PHOTOGRAPH: 1. Colour / Black and white / Transparency FARMR’S DONOR’S NAME: ……………………………………………………………. ETHNIC GROUP……………………………. ADDRESS: ………………………………………………………………………… ……….. ………………………………………………………………………… ………..

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS (unique): …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………….…………………………..… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………..…………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………..………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………..…………………………………………….

PLANT USES /ADDL.NOTES: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… …..………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………..………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..……………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………..…………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Appendix 2.3 National Herbarium of Cultivated Plants (NHCP) ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi 110 012

Herbarium Record

Botanical name :

Family :

Common/ English name :

Local (place, town, dist., state) :

Date of collection :

Collector’s name and IC number :

Herbarium collected along with germplasm Yes / No

Field collection/grown in experimental conditions :

Identified by : Self /others

Number of specimens :

Additional material (economic product) /product material :

Uses, if any, in locality of collection especially lesser-known : use/ ethno-botanical use Notes :

Herbarium specimen number :

Collection of Vegetable Genetic Resources 3

Like any other crop or crop-group variability in vegetables has developed through introduction, evolution, long history of cultivation, selection by systematic screening and crop hybridization to meet the current and future need. Of these, germplasm augmentation through crop introduction has enhanced the pace to a greatest extent.

Vegetable crops are grown throughout the country; several of them have wider adaptability to diverse cultural conditions. However, the temperate vegetables with more specific requirement are grown mainly in the Himalayan ranges and to some extent in the higher ranges of the Western and Eastern Ghats. The seat of diversification of many of the important vegetables especially the cucurbits and solanaceous vegetables (especially chilli) has been in peninsular India, for tomato, onions, garlic and okra in the north western and central parts, for beans in the northern hills and for under-utilized leguminous vegetables like sword bean and winged bean in the north-eastern parts.

Collection of germplasm through exploration activity is the primarily source of augmenting native genetic resources is by collection of germplasm from diversity rich areas of the country. The collection missions primarily aim at tapping germplasm variability of plant genetic resources of different agri-horticultural crops and their wild relatives from entire distributional areas. The germplasm is collected on the basis of priority for collection from targeted regions and (or) of species. Detailed guidelines for collection of germplasm of vegetable crops and their wild relatives are given in Chapter 2.

The ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) at New Delhi is the nodal organization in India with the national mandate to plan, conduct, promote and coordinate all activities concerning plant exploration and collection, germplasm import/exchange, plant quarantine, germplasm multiplication, evaluation and characterization, documentation and conservation of both indigenous and introduced genetic variability in cultivated plants and their wild relatives. Systematic plant germplasm exploration and collection activity started with the establishment of the Division of Botany, Imperial Agricultural Research Institute (now Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi) in 1946. These activities were further systematized with creation of ICAR-NBPGR in 1976. During 1976-1999 crop-specific and region specific/multi-crop exploration activities were undertaken involving regional stations and the base centres and valuable genetic resources of vegetable crops were assembled from diverse habitats (Fig. 3.1). Later, 1999 onwards the trends showed a paradigm shift into crop-specific and trait-specific germplasm collection from diversity rich areas. Decade (1987-97) witnessed various collaborative activities, both nationally and globally.

3.1 Efforts to collect vegetable genetic resources

Several international joint explorations were carried out during past three decades (over a dozen of explorations mainly undertaken 1977-1992) for collection of vegetable germplasm. These missions were executed with different foreign countries or international organizations under

MoUs. Under the ICAR-NBPGR/IPGRI (now Bioversity International) collaborative project explorations were undertaken to South East Asia (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh), and collections of okra (1,184 cultivated, 613 wild) and brinjal (2,531 cultivated and 337 wild Solanum) were made from western region and north western Deccan plateau, northern hill and plains and north eastern region. During collection missions rich diversity was gathered for brinjal (in collaboration with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal and from parts of northern India) and for cucumbers (in collaboration with USA from Rajasthan and adjoining parts).

Fig. 3.1 ICAR-NBPGR and its regional stations networking for collection of vegetable genetic resources

Collection of vegetable genetic resources

Since August 1976 to January 2019, a total of 64,056 germplasm accessions of various vegetable genetic resources (VGR) were collected from parts of India (Appendix 1). Important cultivated vegetable germplasm (58,250) and wild relatives/wild vegetable resources (5,806) were assembled from different phytogeographical regions.

1% Cucurbitaceous 8% Solanaceous 3% 8% Root and tuberous 34% 1% Bulbous 9% Brassica and cole 9% Leafy vegetables 27% Leguminous Okra

Fig 3.2 Germplasm accessions collected (per cent) in cultivated vegetable crop-groups

This included the major cultivated crop diversity collected in cucurbitaceous vegetables (16,750), solanaceous vegetables (14,646), root/tuberous vegetables (8,298), bulbous vegetables (4,769), brassica/cole crops (1,776), leafy vegetables (2,084), leguminous vegetables (5,435), okra (4,235) and tree crops (257) (Fig. 3.2; Table 3.1)

Table 3.1: Germplasm accessions collected in selected vegetable crop(s)/crop-group(s) in India (1976-2018)

Crop group/species Common Accessions (no.) Cucurbitaceous vegetables 16,750 Benincasa hispida Ash gourd 653 Citrullus lanatus Water melon 582 Coccinia grandis Ivy gourd 307 Cucumis melo var. melo Musk melon 3233 Cucumis melo ssp. melo var. flexuosus Long melon 86 Cucumis melo var. conomon Oriental pickling melon 36 Cucumis melo var. cantaloupensis Serpentine melon 21 Cucumis melo ssp. melo var. Snap melon 374 momordica* Cucumis sativus var. sativus Cucumber 1707 Cucurbita ficifolia Malabar gourd 2 Cucurbita maxima Giant pumpkin 284 Cucurbita moschata Winter squash 1619 Cucurbita pepo Summer squash 224 Cyclanthera pedata Meetha karela 204 Cyphomandra betacea Tree Tomato 30 Lagenaria siceraria Bottle gourd 1814 Luffa acutangula Ridged gourd 1558

Luffa aegyptiaca Sponge gourd 1277 Luffa hermaphrodita Satputia 49 Momordica balsamina Balsam apple 11 Momordica charantia* Bitter gourd 1326 Momordica cochinchinensis Sweet gourd 55 Momordica dioica* Spine gourd 441 Momordica subangulata ssp. renigera* Teasle gourd 18 Sechium edule Cho-cho 40 Trichosanthes cucumerina* Snake gourd 526 Trichosanthes dioica* Pointed gourd 158 Praecitrullus fistulosus Indian round melon 115 Solanaceous vegetables 14,646 Capsicum annuum var. annuum Chilli 6862 Capsicum annuum var. grossum Bell pepper 24 Capsicum frutescence var. frutescence Bird pepper 286 Capsicum chinense Bonnet pepper 24 Lycopersicon esculentum Tomato 1413 Solanum melongena Brinjal 6037 Root and tuberous vegetables 8,298 Alocasia macrorrhiza Giant alocasia 54 Amorphophallus paeoniifolius* Elephant foot yam 983 Beta vulgaris Beet root 87 Colocasia esculenta Taro 2014 Daucus carota Carrot 198 Dioscorea alata Greater yam 590 Dioscorea bulbifera* Aerial yam 136 Dioscorea esculenta Chinese yam 281 Ipomoea batatas Sweet potato 2438 Manihot esculenta Cassava 506 Raphanus sativus Radish 715 Solanum tuberosum Potato 296 Bulbous vegetables 4,769 Allium cepa var. cepa Onion 2845 Allium porrum/ A. ampeloprassum Leek 14 Allium sativum Garlic 1910 Brassica and cole crops 1,776 Brassica juncea var. rugosa Cabbage leaf mustard 149

Brassica oleracea var. acephala Kale 87 Brassica oleracea var. capitata Cabbage 82 Brassica oleracea var. italica Sprouting broccoli 6 Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Cauliflower 251 Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes Kohlrabi 7 Brassica rapa ssp. rapa Turnip 1194 Leafy vegetables 2,084 Amaranthus caudatus Pendant amaranth 214 Amaranthus dubius Spleen amaranth 80 Amaranthus cruentus# Smooth amaranth 117 Amaranthus tricolor Joseph's coat 518 Anethum graveolens Sowa 135 Apium graveolens Celery 170 Asparagus officinalis*# Asparagus 12 Basella alba Indian spinach 94 Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis Beta spinach 6 Chenopodium album* Lamb’s quarters 218 Spinacia oleracea Spinach 496 Murraya koenigi Curry leaf 24 Leguminous vegetables 5,435 Canavalia ensiformis* Jack bean 152 Canavalia gladiata* Sword bean 155 Lablab purpureus Lablab bean 3938 Mucuna pruriens Bengal velvet bean 157 Psophocarpus tetragonolobus Winged bean 297 Vicia faba Faba bean 736 Okra 4,235 Abelmoschus esculentus Okra 4235 Tree vegetables 257 Moringa oleifera* Drumstick 257 Total 58,250 *: also occur wild; # collected primarily for other use

3.2 Significant germplasm collections

The ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi undertook several explorations covering all phytogeographical regions of India. Significant diversity collected (included under cultivated and wild relatives/ wild economic species) under the

vegetable groups (with location maps and table of accessions represented from top five highest collection numbers) from different phytogeographical areas are discussed below:

3.3.1 Cucurbitaceous vegetables

Cucurbitaceae is the most important family with largest number of vegetable crops. The cucurbitaceous vegetables are of considerable economic value on global and regional levels. In India over two dozen species of cucurbits are important economic vegetables consumed in cooked (smooth gourd, sponge gourd, ridged gourd, pointed gourd, bitter gourd, squashes and pumpkins), raw in the form of salad (cucumber, gherkin, long melon), as fruit dessert (musk melon, water melon, snap melon) and also candied (ash gourd, pointed gourd, carrot). Besides these, some less-known crops having regional importance are cultivated on limited area in diverse pockets. Besides, different species are also used variously- mature and dry fruits of bottle gourd for making vessels and musical instruments, fibrous skeleton of sponge gourds as insulating material, and for scorching and packing and bitterr gourd for medicinal uses.

The northern plains are one of the richest pockets of diversity rich regions for cucurbitaceous vegetables. Among cucurbits, crops such as ridged gourd, ash gourd, round gourd, bitter gourd, pointed gourd and cucumber are sporadically cultivated in different growing seasons in parts of India. Rich diversity in cucurbits was collected from northern plains (extending to north western plains) mainly in Cucumis, Momordica and Citrullus spp., muskmelon and snap melon. The western and eastern peninsular regions were explored for cucumber, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and squashes. More landrace diversity was observed in snake gourd in the western and Luffa in the eastern India. Among introduced crops Cucurbita spp. (squashes) were sporadically collected from different parts. The diversity collected from the northwestern Himalaya included range of variability in cucumber and Cucurbita spp. In the northeastern region diversity occurred in cucumber, pointed gourd, bitter gourd, spine gourd and cho-cho. In general, the improved varieties/selections (product of hybridization) of cucumber, snap melon/phut, ridged gourd, smooth gourd, ash gourd, Indian round melon, pumpkin and squashes were recorded under cultivation.

The major crops/ crop-groups (including the crop genepool) among the cucurbitaceous crop are dealt below:

3.3.1.1 Ridged and smooth gourd: The collected germplasm represented three cultivated taxa from all over the cultivation range (Fig. 3.3). In cultivated Luffa, a total of 1,558 accessions in ridged gourd (Luffa acutangula), 1,277 in sponge gourd (L. aegyptiaca), and 49 in satputia (L. hermaphrodita) were collected. Major areas of collection of ridged gourd were Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh; sporadic collections were made from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. In sponge gourd, diversity was gathered from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and sporadic representations from Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Extended cultivation of hermaphrodite cultivar, ‘Satputia’, popular in the north eastern Uttar Pradesh was observed. Diversity was collected from Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and sporadic collections from Jharkhand. Single fruit type of satputia was collected from Udhamsingh Nagar, Uttarakhand. Wild species namely L. acutangula var. amara from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, L. echinata and L. graveolens from Gujarat, Himachal

Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were assembled. An under-utilized perennial tuber bearing wild edible vegetable species, L. tuberosa Roxb. (syn Momordica cymbalaria Hk. f.) was collected from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Luffa species SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Uttar Pradesh 346 2 Andhra Pradesh 199 3 Madhya Pradesh 177 4 Uttarakhand 140 5 Jharkhand 126

Fig. 3.3 Collection sites of Luffa species

Fig. 3.4 Fruit variability in Luffa a. sponge gourd (L. aegyptiaca), b. ridged gourd (L. acutangula), c. and d. Satputia (L. hermaphrodita)

Among significant diversity collected in different Luffa species were long fruited (over 30cm) and early type heavy bearing ridged gourd from south-eastern Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Allahabad); ball like fruits from Maharashtra, and small fruited (5.1-7.5cm) in sponge gourd; fruits bearing in clusters, profuse bearing, good taste in satputia from eastern Uttar Pradesh. Germplasm collected from Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh was developed into well known cultivars Pusa Chikni in sponge gourd and Pusa Nasdar in ridged gourd through selection. Some of the most significant variability in Luffa is given in Fig. 3.4 and diversity distribution in Fig. 3.3.

3.3.1.2 Snake gourd and pointed gourd: There are no improved varieties in this group. In areas of cultivation, landraces/ local types (desi types) were prevalent. Collected germplasm represented cultivated snake gourd (526) and pointed gourd (158). In snake gourd uniform diversity was distributed from river basins (diara land of Saryu River in district of Gonda, Basti, Faizabad, Gorakpur) and parts of Azamgarh and Jaunpur (north eastern Uttar Pradesh) and Bihar (upland areas of north-central Bihar; Bhagalpur, Sahibganj, Lakhisarai, Munger, Pusa, Samastipur, Muzzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra, Hazipur and Patna districts) along Ganga river. Variation was recorded for vine length, number of primary/secondary branches, internode length, nodes at which fruiting occurred and fruit size. Most of the landraces are named after locality or fruit characteristics. Some of the important landraces included trilokwa, dandali, santokhawa (drum shaped), nimia, jhilli, sampoolia, sada, hili (black), kalichak, kelwa (prolific yielder), blokia, mridangiya, desi, bambaiya, banni, kranti, titirawa, badki manarawa, majhali, golka, chhapawa, shankhwa, thumadiyawa, chichirawa, chichindawa patar, etc.

Trichosanthes species SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Kerala 67 2 West Bengal 51 3 Uttar Pradesh 50 4 Uttarakhand 37 5 Odisha 34

Fig. 3.5 Collection sites of Trichosanthes species

A landrace from Gopalganj district, Bihar was a prolific yielder with attractive elongated striped fruit, bulging shape in middle and small fruit cavity. Local cultivars with attractive fruits and prolific bearing were collected from Sultanpur and Basti district of Uttar Pradesh. Important

variability was represented in fruit traits viz. fruit skin (pale green, dark green, green, dark green with white splashes, dark green with very faint stripes) and shape (round/ small, tapering at ends). Cultivars with white-green and medium-small fruits were the most common types found under cultivation.

Fig. 3.6 Variability in fruits of Trichosanthes species ( Dr. K Pradheep, ICAR-NBPGR)

Pointed gourd is extensively cultivated River along Ganga and Tamsa in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh. Majority of the collections were assembled from Uttar Pradesh (eastern part), Orissa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (hilly tracts), West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. The commonly grown cultivars assamiya, bombayia, chitala, hillisada, and sampulia were collected from diara land of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Significant differences were observed among the cultivars/germplasm for characters such as internode length, stem diameter, leaf size, flower, fruit and seed size. Promising cultivars- Green Oval, Green Long Striped and White Oval were collected from West Bengal and Orissa. A popular cultivar kajali (long and tapering fruits) widely cultivated in Varanasi region, Uttar Pradesh with light creamish, moderate size of fruit (IC209934) was collected. Besides cultivated species, wild species Trichosanthes anguina, T. cucumerina, T. tricuspidata, T. lobata, T. nervifolia, T. cuspidata and others were also collected. Major areas of diversity collection (Fig. 3.5) and significant variability in crop genepool are shown above (Fig. 3.6).

3.4.1.3 Bitter gourd: In genus Momordica five species (7 taxa) were collected from diverse regions of availability. In cultivated bitter gourd (Momordica charantia var. charantia), a total of 1,326 accessions were collected, majority of them from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala representing general variability for fruit size, shape and taste. Major collection sites of cultivated and wild species of bitter gourd are shown in Fig. 3.7.

Local cultivars faizabadi, jhhamada, barsati, jaunpuri and deshi hra were collected from Chhotanagpur plateau region of Bihar. Fruits of jhhamada were very long (upto 60 cm) and less bitter as compared to others. A rare landrace rudrakshahajjli (JMP/10-41) with typical round- spindle shaped fruits was collected from Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka (Fig. 3.8c)

Momordica charantia S States Germplasm N Collected 1 Kerala 169 2 Uttar Pradesh 128 3 Andhra Pradesh 105 4 Tamil Nadu 105 5 Uttarakhand 88 Momordica cochinchinensis 1 Himachal Pradesh 6 2 West Bengal 4 3 Asom 3 4 Karnataka 3 5 Mizoram 2

Fig. 3.7 Collection sites of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and sweet gourd (M. cochinchinensis)

Fig. 3.8 a. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) plant habit of cultivated bitter gourd; b. & c. fruits of bitter gourd cultivated and a landrace rudrakshahali (inset) (© ICAR-NBPGR, Thrissur)

3.3.1.4 Spine gourd and other less-known Momordica species: Among the less-known cultivated species, germplasm accessions of spine gourd (M. dioica) (441) were collected from parts of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and pockets of north coastal Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam) and tribal regions of Maharashtra (Buldana, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Nashik, Dhule and Jalgaon). Tribes of north coastal Andhra Pradesh

called Bhagata, Gadaba, Jatapu, Kammari, Kondadora and Savara were reportedly cultivating the sweet gourd (locally called wild bankundri, Momordica cochinchinensis). In this species good variability (55 accessions) was collected for fruit size and shape and degree of spininess from different collection sites (Fig. 3.7). The latter species had creamish coloured large size flower as compared to spine gourd. Tender fruit and leaves are traditionally used as vegetable; it is a potential source of beta-carotene and lycopene present in seed aril of ripe fruits. Wild species of Momordica, the teasel gourd (M. subangulata ssp. renigera) was collected from eastern parts of Bengal, repatriates of Havelock Islands, A&N Islands, and M. sahaydrica endemic to Sholayar forest of Western Ghats(distributed from Agastyamala in southernmost end to Radhanagari and Mahabaleswar in Maharashtra, both towards northern part). The species showed good maintenance under field gene bank conditions, with prolific bearing and thus can be explored as a potential species for introduction in the Western Ghats region. Major areas of diversity collection of other Momordica species and fruit variation are given in Fig. 3.9 and 3.10.

Momordica Spp. SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Maharashtra 255 2 Andhra Pradesh 194 3 Uttar Pradesh 185 4 Kerala 182 5 Madhya Pradesh 121

Fig. 3.9 Collection sites of other Momordica spp.

Fig. 3.10a. Teasle gourd (Momordica subangulata subsp. renigera); b. leaf and fruit variability in Momordica species (© ICAR-NBPGR, Thrissur)

3.3.1.5 Cucumbers and melons: In this genus, five cultivated species of Cucumis were collected from diversity rich regions. In cultivated species diversity was collected in common cucumber (C. sativus; 1,707) mainly from Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. Among the distinct germplasm, hill cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. sikkimensis) (Fig. 3.12) and carotenoid rich common cucumber were collected from Mizoram. Collection sites of Cucumis species are given in Fig. 3.11.

Cucumis sativus var. sativus SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Uttarakhand 217 2 Uttar Pradesh 120 3 Arunachal Pradesh 106 4 Jharkhand 89 5 Mizoram 71 Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii 1 Uttarakhand 45 2 Rajasthan 42 3 Maharshtra 22 4 Himachal Pradesh 8 5 Andhra Pradesh 8

Fig. 3.11 Collection sites of Cucumis sativus var. sativus and C. sativus var. hardwickii

Fig. 3.12 a. Cucumber (C. sativus) plant habit; b. flower; c. fruit of C. sativus and hill cucumber C. sativus var. sikkimense (inset bottom) ( Dr. K Pradheep, ICAR-NBPGR)

Musk melon is mainly grown as a summer crop in river beds and diara land. In musk melon (Cucumis melo var. melo) germplasm (3,233) was collected from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. Local types/landraces included asli katana, baghpat batti, batti, beli ka kajla, bhadaili, chakuapel, deshi local, hara madhu, jamaitha local, jaunpuri, kachri, kotana, kajla ghazipurawa, khairahawa, lakhnaua, mathuria, naspati, rautapuri, etc. Amazing diversity in fruit (shape, size and colour and presence of markings on pericarp) was observed. Landrace diversity collected from districts of Rayalseema, Andhra Pradesh included allangir, batasapandu, papaya, sharbat anar, sharbat, tellakaya and zamin. Major areas of collection of cucumber, melon and other species are given in Fig. 3.13 and 3.14.

Snap melon (Cucumis melo ssp. melo var. momordica) (a species of Indian gene centre) is commonly known as ‘phut’ which means ‘to split’. They have fluffy flesh that is not sweet but has strong aroma. These melons are popular in Asia and consumed as vegetable as well as fruit. They differ from musk melons in having no netting of the rind and unribbed rind. A total of 374 accessions were collected mainly from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Germplasm varied in growth habit (bushy/intermediate/prostrate plant type), ovary pubescence (short/intermediate/long), fruit shape (oval, oblong, globular/oblate/elliptical/ovate/elongated), fruit ribs (generally absent; may be occasionally prominent), fruit skin colour (green/ whitish yellow/ yellow/orange/brown), secondary fruit skin colour (yellow/ orange/ green/ occasionally pink), fruit diameter, cavity diameter, rind thickness and fruit weight, flesh colour (white, light yellow, pink, orange), flesh texture (smooth/ grainy) and seed coat (generally white; occasionally brown) and taste (bitter, acidic, sweet and watery). In snap melon no splitting of pericarp at maturity is a desirable character (Fig. 15). Significant collections were made from Kamalpur, Dilawara, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) had a desired trait ‘no fruit crack’ at maturity. Germplasm collected from Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan were screened for resistance to downy mildew, cucumber mosaic virus, Zuccini yellow mosaic virus, papaya ring spot virus, Meloidogyne incognita and Aphis gossypii (Dhillon et al. 2007).

Cucumis melo var. melo SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Uttarakhand 217 2 Uttar Pradesh 120 3 Arunachal Pradesh 106 4 Jharkhand 89 5 Mizoram 71 Cucumis melo var. momordica 1 Uttarakhand 45 2 Rajasthan 42 3 Maharshtra 22 4 Himachal Pradesh 8 5 Andhra Pradesh 8

Fig. 3.13 Collection sites of musk melon (Cucumis melo var. melo) and snapmelon (C. melo var. momordica)

Cucumis spp. SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Rajasthan 83 2 Haryana 22 3 Karnataka 22 4 Punjab 22 5 Uttar Pradesh 22

Fig. 3.14 Collection sites of wild cucumbers (Cucumis speices)

Fig. 3.15 a. Fruit variability in Cucumis melo var. melo (© ICAR-NBPGR) and b .C. melo var. momordica

Some of the less-known cultivated Cucumis species such as oriental pickling melon (C. melo var. canomon -36; Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh), serpentine melon (C. melo var. cantaloupensis-21; Andhra Pradesh) and longmelon/ snake melon (C. melo var. flexuosus -1; Delhi) were also collected. Recently a local landrace of vegetable melon, C. melo (‘Arya’) (10 accessions; 12 samples) reported to be drought tolerant was collected mainly from Alwar district of Rajathan; it was reported under declined cultivation and only grown under restricted cultivation for salad and for vegetable.

Among the important wild relatives of cultivated cucumber, germplasm accessions of a wild progenitor, C. sativus var. hardwickii (255) were collected from foothills of Himalaya (Dehradun and adjoining areas of Uttarakhand), western Rajasthan (Mount Abu) and parts of Western Ghats. Germplasm of C. prophetarun (34) was assembled from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and

Haryana. Variability was recorded in growth habit, leaf size, shape, size and colour of fruits and seed characters. Wild species, C. trigonus (33) was collected largely from Dungarpur, Pali, Sirohi and Udaipur districts (including Aravalli range) in Rajasthan. Wild economic species locally called kachri (Cucumis callosus) is used as pickle, vegetable and in dried form (dried powder used as souring agent). A total of 944 accessions were collected from major parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat. Accessions from tribal village Ghata Bhadariya and Dungarpur district of Rajasthan had fruits with tasty pulp and unusually dark blackish green skin that turn orange at maturity.

3.3.1.6 Pumpkins and squashes: In this group diversity was recorded for fruit weight, taste, colour, shape, size, juiciness and aroma in flesh. Major diversity collected in different species of Cucurbita was in C. maxima (284) from Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh; C. moschata (1,619) from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh; and C. pepo (224) from Uttarakhand, Kerala and J&K. In Cucurbita pepo was collected from flood affected areas of Joshimath block, Uttarakhand. Local types in pumpkin agahania, chappankaddu, bada desi, banarasi, barahmasi, barsati, bhadai, gospuri, jethua and ramnagarwa, with traits like earliness, prolific bearing and good taste were collected from Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and parts of Allahabad districts of Uttar Pradesh. Local types agahania, bhadai, chappankaddu, and sathia were early types with prolific bearing (fruit weight upto 40 kg) from Bihar, mainly Chota Nagpur Plateau region. Local ghinduali in C. moschata from Himachal Pradesh had black skinned and very tasty flesh. In C. maxima a local cultivar mewa with darkest green skin of fruits, thick (about 5 cm), very tasty and deep orange coloured flesh with good aroma and diseases/ pests tolerance/ resistance was collected from Patalkot, Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh. Rich variability was collected for fruit weight, taste, colour, shape, size, etc. from Gandarbal, Pulwama, Shopain districts of Kashmir valley. C. ficifolia (2) a less common type of pumpkin was collected from East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya. Recently aromatic fruit types were collected in pumpkin from Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Collection sites and variability in pumpkins and squashes (Cucurbita spp.) are given in Fig. 3.16 and 3.17.

Cucurbita spp. SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Uttarakhand 214 2 Arunachal Pradesh 177 3 Uttar Pradesh 174 4 Jammu and Kashmir 117 5 Kerala 105

Fig. 3.16 Collection sites of pumpkins and squashes (Cucurbita spp.) 50

Fig. 3.17 Diversity in Cucurbita species a (C. argyrosperma, C. pepo and C. moschata, C. maxima) (© ICAR-NBPGR); b. & c. summer squash as sold in market

3.3.1.7 Bottle gourd: In bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is cultivated throughout the country and major vegetable; tribals also use the tender parts as vegetable. A total of 1,814 accessions were collected from different areas of cultivation (Fig. 3.18), exhibiting variation in fruit shape/size (small to long-half meter), round-club shaped, and fruit taste were under cultivation in areas of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttarakhand. Besides, variation was observed in other traits like rind thickness (thin to very thick), seed cavity (very small to large) and number of seeds/fruit (low to high).

Lagenaria siceraria SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Uttar Pradesh 219 2 Andhra Pradesh 145 3 Uttarakhand 122 4 Gujarat 91 5 Jammu and Kashmir 73

Fig. 3.18 Collection sites of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

Among the collected diversity the fruit of conical, round and vessel (tumari) shaped were more common as compared to the dumbbell shaped with short or long neck. Local types barahmasi, barsati, faizabadi, jethua, jhhamada, gol lauki and lambi lauki from Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and parts of Allahabad districts of Uttar Pradesh were collected for good taste and high yield. Among these jhhamada was early type and prolific yielder; barahmasi was a round

the year bearing type. Germplasm collected from Udhampur and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir had very distinct taste and shape. Among the distinct collections were small fruited types (20-30 cm) from Luchki hills, Rewa district, north eastern Madhya Pradesh and spindle shaped fruits (IC571819) from Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. Fruit variability in bottle gourd is given in Fig. 3.19.

Fig. 3.19 a & b Bottle gourd (Lageneria siceraria) plant habit; (c & d) and fruit variability (© ICAR-NBPGR Jodhpur and Hyderabad)

3.4.1.8 Water melon and round melon: Among four species of citrullus, two species are, C. lanatus and C. colocynthis are found in India. Domesticated water melon (C. lanatus) is widely cultivated along the river beds, soils in Gangetic plains. In Citrullus lanatus (582) accessions were represented mainly from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (Fig. 3.20). Variability occurred for fruit colour, shape (round, oblong and elongated), average weight, rind thickness, flesh colour, number of seeds per fruit and fruit taste from Banaskantha, Mehsana and Patan districts of north Gujarat. Variabilty in wild related taxa C. colocynthis (182) was collected from Rahasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. In Indian round melon [Praecitrullus fistulosus (115) [Benincasa fistulosa, Citrullus vulgaris var. fistulosus], 132 accessions were collected from Uttar Pradesh. Variability in fruit size, thickness and hairiness of fruit surface from Rajasthan and Haryana. Local cultivars with thin pericarp and tasty fruits were collected from Shimla and fruits weighing half kg from Punjab were some significant germplasm. The genetic diversity in this taxa is rather limited suggesting its partial or recent domestication. Molecular studies based on RAPD and ISSR markers revealed that genetic similarities between Praecitrullus fistulosus and Citrullus or Cucumis were less than three per cent with complete genetic barrier between species. This study also suggested the need for phylogenetic analysis on Praecitrullus in relation to other cucurbits (Levi et al. 2005).

Fig. 3.20 Collection sites of water melon (Citrullus lanatus) and Indian round melons (Praecitrullus fistulosus)

Citrullus lanatus SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Rajasthan 108 2 Uttar Pradesh 64 3 Gujarat 43 4 Mizoram 36 5 Delhi 13

3.3.1.9 Ivy gourd: A total of 307 accessions of ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) showing variability in all cultivated (improved and local) and wild (bitter) types were collected (Fig. 3.21). Variability was concentrated in north, south-east and western parts of Bastar including the remotest parts of Abujmarh (Abujhmar) and adjoining areas of Chhattisgarh; south Coastal and Rayalaseema district of Andhra Pradesh. Striking variability was observed in fruit shape, skin stripes, thickness and in taste of wild and cultivated types. The wild types were smaller fruit sized characterized by bitter taste, hard fruit wall with conspicuous markings. Wild types were collected from Rajnandgaon, Durg, Chhattisgarh, Abujhmarh hills of Bastar and Rajgir hills (also called Rajhara hills), Bihar and had globose, conical or angular fruits. Cultivated types had mostly non bitter, cylindrical fruits with tapering apical ends. Significant collections included landraces/primitive cultivars viz. bombayia, chap and dhupguri from Dandari hill, Begusarai and bankundri and banghee karela from hilly areas of Jharkhand and Bihar.

Coccinia grandis SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Odisha 19 2 Kerala 12 3 Uttar Pradesh 7 4 Gujarat 5 5 Tamil Nadu 4

Fig. 3.21 Collection sites of ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis)

3.3.1.10 Ash gourd: In ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) a total of 653 accessions were collected mainly from Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and north eastern hill region (NEH) (Fig. 3.22-3.23). This crop though cultivated on large scale but limited diversity is available in the areas of cultivation. Fruit variability was mainly for size, shape (round and oblong shaped) and skin colour (purple- green, light green) (Fig. 3.23). The germplasm collected from north eastern hill region had oblong fruits as more common types as compared to those cultivated in other areas.

Benincasa hispida SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Kerala 123 2 Uttar Pradesh 102 3 Karnataka 49 4 Assam 35 5 Mizoram 35

Fig. 3.22 Collection sites of ash gourd (Benincasa hispida)

Fig. 3.23 (a) Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) plant habit; (b) mature fruit with seeds

3.3.1.11 Cho-cho: In cho-cho (Sechium edule) a total 40 accessions were mainly collected from Meghalaya and Sikkim. In this crop variation was recorded for fruit shape and skin colour. Cultivars with green and creamish green fruits were popular in Bangalore. In north eastern region variation in size and shape of fruit, the skin with prominent spininess was recorded. In the latter region spininess of the fruit wall and taste (slightly bitter) was observed. Spiny and non-spiny types of fruit were observed under cultivation in these areas; less variability was recoded in fruit shape, size, colour and weight. In general smooth skinned types were more common than that of the spiny types. Cho-cho is an introduced vegetable crop mainly cultivated in sub-tropical and temperate regions of north eastern Himalaya; it is abundantly cultivated in Khasi hills above 1200-1300m altitude. However, in Garo hills the cultivation and propagation is confined to Sasatgiri area and variability was not much pronounced. Collection sites of cho-cho (Sechium edule) and variability are given in Fig. 3.24 and 3.25.

Sechium edule SN States Germplasm Collected

1 Meghalaya 14 2 Sikkim 5 3 Uttarakhand 2 4 Manipur 2 5 Tamil Nadu 2

Fig. 3.24 Collection sites of cho-cho (Sechium edule)

Fig. 3.25 (a) Cho-cho (Sechium edule) plant habit; fruit variability in fruit skin, (b) smooth, and (c) spiny fruit

3.3.1.12 Meetha karela: Meetha karela (Cyclanthera pedata) is a less known cultivated cucurbit growing as backyard cultigen in western and eastern Himalaya. A total of 204 accessions were collected mainly from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. This species is more popular as a vegetable in north-eastern India, Nepal and Bhutan as compared to the western Himalaya. In meetha kerela not much variability was collected from the areas of cultivation.

3.3.2 Solanaceous vegetables

Solanaceous vegetables are the second most important crops after cucurbits in the Indian region exhibiting rich diversity mainly in the northern plains and adjoining terai region. Among the Solanaceous vegetables, brinjal, potato, tomato and chilli are the most important crops with high commercial value. Due to extended cultivation of these vegetables during rainy and winter seasons, diversity is available all-round the year. Though this group is well represented all over the country but the regional distribution of diversity was prominent. Rich landrace diversity was collected in brinjal and other solanaceous crops from eastern peninsular tracts. The western and eastern peninsular regions were noted for diversity in annual and perennial types of chilli. However the northern plains and the northwestern Himalayan regions represented moderate diversity in local types of brinjal, chilli and tomato.

3.3.2.1 Brinjal: Solanum melongena (brinjal) was domesticated in Indo-Malayan region, therefore, rich diversity in brinjal and related species exists in the region. In brinjal variability was collected (6,037) from almost throughout the cultivation zone but maximum representation was from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa (Fig. 3.26). Sporadic collections were made from tribal pockets of Jharkhand, Karnataka and Kerala. Diverse germplasm was collected from Indo-gangetic and western plains, North western Deccan plateau, Eastern Ghats, northern hills and north eastern region and central India (tribal belt). Variability was collected in brinjal for

plant height, branching pattern, leaf shape, size and colour, stem colour, spiny and non-spiny calyx, fruit colour, shape (oblong-round, small-large size), etc. (Fig. 3.27).

Solanum melongena SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Maharashtra 504 2 Andhra Pradesh 481 3 Orissa 443 4 Tamil Nadu 281 5 Kerala 227

Fig. 3.26 Collection sites of brinjal (Solanum melongena)

Some of the important landraces of north-central India included bundelkhand deshi (drought tolerant), dudhiya baingan (cluster bearing, milky white, round to oval shaped fruit), ramnagar baingan (long fruit, suitable for cultivation in Ganga river belt), jethuwa baingan (suitable for summer season cultivation), kuchabachia baingan (small fruit, cluster bearing, suitable for long distance transportation), jafrabadi baingan (deep purple, round oval-long fruit with less seed) and balfahwa jathuwa bhanta (tall, profuse branching, cluster bearing, better shelf-life, suitable as summer crop). The local landraces viz. gajni, golenda, gulabi, kaccharia bhatta, kalindi, kateli, langi, navrang, baramasi hara, baramasi, bengali, bhohri, champion, chikni, chopra, and kateli were collected from Chhattisgarh and other areas. Landraces from north-western Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and adjoining areas were very large and fleshy fruited types. In Birauli area of Samastipur district, Bihar farmers grow three types of brinjal (green, dark green small, round- purple locally known as golgachhia). Sirsia village of Araria district, Bihar is locally known as ‘Baingan Gaon’ due to good variability in brinjal. Some cultivars were distinct for some desirable traits viz. very high yield potential (Dimia Chhatra village of Purnea district, Bihar), perennial types (river beds of Narmada, Madhya Pradesh), drought tolerant with long shelf life (Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh) and clustered bearing with long, purple fruits (Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh), variability in growth habit (erect to spreading), stem colour (green/violet/purple/green), spininess (non-spiny to spiny type), corolla colour (white to dark violet), fruit shape (round, oblong, elliptical to long), cluster in fruit (solitary, twin to many fruits in cluster), pedicel length (short, intermediate and long), seed colour (white, yellow, brown to black ), seed size (small, medium, big) and seed weight were recorded.

Fig. 3.27. a. Brinjal (Solanum melongena) plant habit, flower close-up and fruit (clockwise) and b. diversity in fruit shape, size and colour (© ICAR-NBPGR)

Fig. 3.28. a. Gilo (Solanum gilo) plant with immature fruits; b. variability in fruits

Primitive types of brinjal with the characters of S. melongena var. incanum were seen lower hills of Himalaya and plains of east low elevations in south. The Irula tribe of Anaikatti, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu grow a mixed population of several forms of primitive cultivars of brinjal (spiny, less-spiny types) and maintaining them for over 15-20 years. Germplasm collected from east Kerala was quite distinct from others in having spiny fruits especially in Odisha, north eastern region.

A less-known cultivated introduced vegetable, Solanum gilo (syn Solanum aethiopicum L.; 68) commonly called as gilo was collected from East,West Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Jantia Hills, West Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya, Lunglei, Lawangtlai districts of Mizoram and Kiphir district of Nagaland where it is preferred more than any other edible brinjal due to its taste (Fig. 3.28). For offseason use cut and sun dried fruits are preserved and used as vegetable. This species is non-spiny, hardy and resistant to various insect pests and diseases as compared to common brinjal. Among the important wild relatives, S. melongena var. incanum showed considerable variability in habit, spininess, spine colour, hairiness and vein colour. Other wild relatives/wild edible species of Solanum/brinjal - S. ferox, S. indicum, S. melongena var.

insanum, S. khasinum, S. pubescens, S. surattense, S.torvum, S. viarum and S. xanthocarpum were gathered mostly from the wild habitats.

3.3.2.2 Chilli: Among five cultivated species (Capsicum annuum, C. baccatum var. pendulum, C. frutescens, C. chinense and C. pubescens), the most widely grown species are hot pepper (C. annuum) and sweet pepper (C. annuum var. grossum). Chilli germplasm was assembled from the entire range of cultivation. Major collections were made in Capsicum annuum (6,862) and Capsicum frutescence var. frutescence (286); besides C. annuum var. grossum (24), were also sporadically collected from Manipur, Nagaland, Assam. Major areas chilli germplasm collection were Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and north easten states (Fig. 3.29). Significant variability was observed in plant height, degree of plant spread, leaf shape and size, flower size, fruit colour, bearing, size and shape, pungency, duration and yield. C. chinense (Bonnet pepper) (24) from Andaman & Nicobar, Kerala Manipur and Mizoram. Significant collections included highly pungent chilli, locally called ‘Bhoot Jhalokia’, a well known landrace from Nagaland, very tall plant (6-7.5m), perennial type with small orange coloured, very pungent type from Bakshi Khola, Almora, Uttarakhand and red, yellowish-orange, medium pungent fruited type from Bihar.

Capsicum species SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Andhra Pradesh 699 2 Uttarakhand 509 3 Rajasthan 505 4 Himachal Pradesh 471 5 Karnataka 383

Fig. 3.29 Collection sites of Capsicum species

Landraces/ local types in chilli have been also selected regionally based on specific use. On the basis of fruit shape, two main types locally called as samba (long fruited type) and gundu (conical/spherical/ovoid fruited type) were collected from Tamil Nadu. An intermediate type with short fruits known as kallupatti local is grown around Kallupatti, Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. Other important landraces of the region included bondu mirapa, byadige kaddi, doddu kaya, meka sannalu, sanna kaya, single patti, tomato mirchi, warangal kaya, warangal paprikas, etc. Leaf curl tolerant types were collected from Punjab and Rajasthan. Besides some of the local types viz. brinkheda, farrukhabadi, gujrati, jodhpur, mehraj, muktsari, panihawali were collected mainly from the eastern and southern region of Rajasthan.

The elite accessions of warangal paprika from Andhra Pradesh are known for very attractive colour, moderate pungency and suitability for pickle. Local type longvi with thin long fruits from northwest Madhya Pradesh and bismircha from Sambalpur district, Odisha are known for highly pungent long fruits in former and pungent medium sized fruit in latter. Landrace fafda is popular for highly pungent long fruit (upto 15 cm) in Maharashtra region. Cultivar pachcha mirapa with yellow fruits is used for pickle and is currently on the verge of extinction due to lack of demand and market. In contrast to this very popular improved varieties/ landraces anakapalli potti, pottikaya and bongu mirchi, deshawali, laavulu, and rasagulla are cultivated over large areas in East Godavari, West Godavari and Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh and are in good demand due to suitability for domestic use and preparation of pickle.

Due to increased cost of irrigation, problems of pests and disease, lack of assured market and demand the local landraces are on the verge of replacement by improved varieties and other profitable crops. The traditional area under warangal paprika cultivation is alarmingly decreasing due to fluctuation in market prices. Landrace fafda suspected to be on the verge of extinction was collected from Nandurbar district of Maharashtra.

3.3.2.3 Tomato: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is now the most important cultivated vegetable of the world. Variability has been developed over time for fruit (size, shape, colour) and uses (cooking quality, salad types). The areas under cultivation of desi type tomatoes are going down due to replacement by improved cultivars having fruits of large size, pulpy and firm flesh with good keeping and better transportation quality due to their demand in food processing industry.

Lycopersicon esculentum SN States Germplasm Collected

1 Karnataka 119 2 Uttar Pradesh 110 3 Tamil Nadu 96 4 Jharkhand 79 5 Jammu and Kashmir 76

Fig. 3.30 Collection sites of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Fig. 3.31 a. Fruiting in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum); b. cherry tomato (L. pimpinellifolium)

In tomato variability (1,413) from almost entire part of the country was collected (Fig. 3.30). The states covered of germplasm collection included Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Sikkim, Mizoram and Manipur. Prominent local types/ landraces represented by deshi, satha, gospuri had better keeping quality and were collected from parts of Allahabad district, Uttar Pradesh; local satha has bigger sized fruits. Large size, fleshy fruits with fairly good transportation quality collected from Rajouri Punch, Jammu and Kashmir were important developed cultivars. A local cultivar with small pyriform shaped fruit with longer-shelf life was collected from Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. Wild species of tomato possibly L. pimpinellifolium also observed to naturalise in some areas, were collected from Chindwara and Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh (Fig. 3.31).

3.3.2.4 Among other solanaceous vegetables perennial types (tree/shrubs), tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea) is a less-known cultivated and a minor introduced species with not much diversity in India. This solanaceous vegetable is a backyard cultigen in Hills of India (especially Nilgiris, Assam) and eastern Himalaya (limted cultivation) but it is a popular vegetable in north-eastern India, Nepal and Bhutan. A total of 30 accessions were collected from Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

3.3.3 Tuberous and root vegetables

Rich genetic diversity of tropical tuberous/root vegetabl crops namely yams, taros, cassava, sweet potato, aroids and other minor tubers occur in India mostly in north eastern region, south western hilly and coastal region, eastern coastal region, south peninsular region and north western region. In all, 16 root and tuber crops have been reported in India (Box-1, page 230, narosa hort crops). The variability in various root and tuberous vegetable crops particularly taro, yam, cassava, etc. is rapidly decreasing due to drastic change in food habits, cropping pattern and deforestation in areas of occurrence.

3.4.3.1 Tuberous vegetables: Diversity collected and variability represented in different tuberous types is depicted in Fig. 3.32-3.37.

Yams, taros and tannia: Significant diversity was gathered in distinct cultivated, and wild/weedy genotypes representing taros and yams from the south and north coastal region of peninsular India, Andhra Pradesh and North Eastern region. While in other crops distinct morpho types were collected in greater yam (Dioscorea spp.) representing mainly D. alata (590) from Kerala, Orissa, Jharkhand; D. bulbifera (136) from Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala; D. esculenta (281) and D. oppositifolia (81) from Kerala; and other species such as D. pentaphylla (62) from Kerala and Karnataka. D. bulbifera is one of the most important species common to homestead used as food tubers and bulbil, cooked with salt peeled and eaten fire roasted. Collections were made from Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh. Variability was collected in D. esculenta and D. oppositifolia (potato shaped dark brown tubers) from Uttarakhand and D. alata (with conical, medium sized, dark blackish brown tubers with offwhite- light pinkish flesh) from Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

Dioscorea spp SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Kerala 375 2 Chhattisgarh 156 3 Tamil Nadu 128 4 Andhra Pradesh 85 5 Karnataka 62

Fig. 3.32 Collection site of yams (Dioscorea spp.)

Fig. 3.33 Tuber variability in wild yams (Dioscorea spp.) a. Dioscorea tomentosa, b. D. belophylla, c. D. wallichii, d. D.kalkapershadii,e. D. intermedia, f. D. hispida, g. D. floribunda h. D. pubera, i. D. spicata, j. D. oppostifolia, k. D. hamiltonii, l. D. bulbifera m. D. pentaphylla  CTCRI the then NATP partner

In elephant yam, Amorphophallus paeonifolius (983) variability was collected mainly from Kerala, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh. Two distinct cultivars variable in corm characters were collected from Western Ghats; and in other tuber types collections were made in Alocasia indica (14) from Assam, Meghalaya, A. macrorrhiza (54) from Jharkhand and Kerala. Colocasia esculenta (2,014) was collected from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Assam. A local cultivar stiakhinkanda with high yield and good keeping quality was collected from northeastern part of Madhya Pradesh.

Fig. 3.34 Collection sites of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeonifolius) and giant alocasia (Alocasia indica)

Fig. 3.35 Plant habit of air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) and tubers (inset)

Colocasia esculenta SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Uttarakhand 209 2 Himachal Pradesh 92 3 Orrisa 89 4 Kerala 65 5 West Bengal 54

Fig. 3.36 Collection sites of taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Fig. 3.37 Fingers and corms of taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Important landraces collected under various tuber crops included: greater yam- cheda dumpa, pendalamu; Chinese yam- adavi tega, arika pendalamu, konda teega, kunda dumpa, nagali dumpa, nagalimatam dumpa, saapu tega, siragadi, dumpa, tega, wyma dumpa; taro- chema, chinna chema, peer chema; elephant foot yam- dula gandha, durada kanda, gandha, kanda, teepi kanda; tannia- arati chema, chema, chema dumpa, durada saara, pala chema, pedda chema, rangam saara, saara dumpa, saara kanda, sanku chema, teepi sara; sweet potato- chilakada dumpa, kandamula dumpa, tiyya dumpa; cassava- karra pendalamu, pendalam dumpa; queensland arrowroot- tamara dumpa. Majority of the collections of above yams were made from the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh.

Less-known cultivated tuberous root Flemingia vestita was collected (29) from parts of Meghala. This is the crop cultivated in Meghalaya and consumed for edible tubers eaten raw with perilla chutney. Wild tuberous species, Dioscorea bulbifera and D. pentaphylla were collected from forests of tribal dominated areas in Odisha. They are being domesticated in their homesteads for self-consumption and trading in Cuttack. Some less-known cultivated root vegetables (Xanthosoma sagittifolium -211) were represented from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

Potato: In potato good variability was collected for tuber size, skin colour, number of eyes, flesh colour and maturity period from western and eastern region of Himalayan belt (296). Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh was explored for collection and among the cultivars dhankari, lal aaloo, sathoo, uptodate, numbari and pahadi aaloo were popular traditional varieties grown by the farmers. The most popular improved cultivars Kufri jyoti and Kufri chandramukhi were collected from lower and higher altitudes of Himachal Pradesh. Sporadic collections of local types were also made from Assam, Meghalaya and Uttarakhand.

3.3.3.2 Root vegetables: In root crops, particularly in cassava and sweet potato, local landraces/traditional cultivars are totally replaced by improved cultivars and new introductions.

In sweet potato collections from different growing regions of the country showing variability in size, skin and flesh colour (white, brown; white, pink) and degree of sweetness in tubers were made. Major areas of collection of diversity and variability represented in root crops are given in Fig. 3.38-3.41.

Ipomoea batatas SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Bihar 429 2 Kerala 261 3 Orissa 65 4 Tamil Nadu 39 5 Chhattisgarh 26

Fig. 3.38 Collection site of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Among the root vegetables major accessions were collected in Beta vulgaris (87) from Jammu, Himachal Pradesh; Raphanus sativus (715) from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir; Daucus carota (198) from Jammu, Maharashtra and Punjab; Ipomoea batatas (2438) from Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Asom, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha and Tamil Nadu; Manihot esculenta (506) from Kerala, Chhattisgarh; a less-known cultivated crop Pachyrrhizus erosus (27) from Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand. Queensland arrowroot (Canna edulis) is a potential minor tuberous vegetable cultivated by Nuka dora and Kodhu ethnic communities in Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh.

Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a root cum leafy vegetable suitable for tropical as well as temperate climate. A total of 715 accessions were collected mainly of locally adapted diversity including small-medium sized root and large rooted type widely adapted to temperate areas, shape (elongated-fusiform, tailed/turnip shaped), colour-pure white-reddish colour) and long podded types (rat tailed radish). Rat-tail radish (Raphanus sativus var. caudatus) a cultivar developed in India is an annual herbaceous type very similar to the common radish (Raphanus sativus) except for a characteristic fleshy root. It is grown for its long slender unripe pods which are eaten raw as salad or cooked as vegetable (Wealth of India 1989). Germplasm of rat-tail radish (7) was collected mainly from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

In carrot (Daucus carota) (198) meagre variability has been collected; only the typical orange and light orange coloured types were common. Cultivated black rooted type is a less-known

cultivar popular in north India. It is mainly used for beverage (called kanji) prepared after fermentation of roots. Only collections were made from J&K, HP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Poor representation in the collected germplasm demands priority collection of the less common type (Fig.3.41).

Beta vulgaris SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Jammu and Kashmir 9 2 Uttarakhand 8 3 Assam 7 4 Himachal Pradesh 5 5 West Bengal 4

Fig. 3.39 Collection sites of beet root (Beta vulgaris)

Raphanus sativus SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Uttarakhand 105 2 Himachal Pradesh 48 3 Jammu and Kashmir 41 4 Uttar Pradesh 41 5 Arunachal Pradesh 25

Fig. 3.40 Collection sites of radish (Raphanus sativus) and mugri (Raphanus sativus var. caudatus)

Daucus carota SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Maharshtra 22 2 Jammu and Kashmir 18 3 Punjab 15 4 Rajasthan 11 5 Himachal Pradesh 9

Fig. 3.41Collection sites of carrot (Daucus carota)

3.3.4 Bulbous vegetables

Predominant crops in bulbous vegetables belong to the genus Allium including A. sativum and A. cepa, leek, shallot, and other introduced types. Sub-tropical diversity was collected in first two crops across the country especially from peninsular region; sporadic collections in other allied species were also made. Collection sites of cultivated and wild Allium species are given in Fig. 3.42 - 3.48.

Fig. 3.42 Collection sites of Allium spp.

Allium spp. SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Maharashtra 985 2 Gujarat 357 3 Andhra Pradesh 353 4 Uttarakhand 287 5 Uttar Pradesh 218

Fig. 3.43 a. Onion (Allium cepa) freshly harvested bulbs; b. A. cepa var. aggregatum for fresh leafy vegetable; c. field view, flower head in closeup (inset)

Allium sativum SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Maharashtra 196 2 Uttarakhand 196 3 Gujarat 179 4 Andhra Pradesh 167 5 Rajasthan 108

Fig. 3.44 Collection sites of garlic (Allium sativum)

Fig. 3.45 Garlic (Allium sativum) field view; mature bulbs and cloves (inset)

Fig. 3.46 Leek (Allium ampeloprassum) field view; mature single clove bulbs and underground bulbils as sold in market

Cultivated onion, A. cepa (2,845) was collected throughout the country across the distribution zone. Major collections were assembled from Maharashra, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Besides, sporadic collections were made from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

In A. sativum (1,910) collected variability was mainly represented from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Variation in cloves number, bulb shape and size, membrane colour, number of cloves per bulb and pungency was observed. An accession of garlic with bold bulb, large sized cloves and reddish white scales (10-12 cloves/bulbs) was collected from Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh and Indo-Myanmar border (called Burma type). Allium cepa var. aggregatum is a minor cultivated bulbous crop popular in southern peninsular region especially Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It is used in cooked or pickled form. The variability collected from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and north-eastern region (mainly from Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh). The variability collected was from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu represented variation in bulb shape, size, and colour of outer membrane, pungency and

taste/ flavour. Another minor bulbous vegetable, A. chinensis is a very popular leafy vegetable sold in the markets of all states of north eastern hill region.

Fig. 3.47 a Allium cepa var. aggregatum mature bulb; plants under pot culture; inflorescence

Fig. 3.48 Bulbs of Chinese onion (Allium chinense) fresh harvest sold in markets, dried bulbs stored for later use, indigenous drying of the harvested bulbs

Among the less-known cultivated onions A. fistulosum (8), A. ampelprassum/ porrum (14), were represented by few accessions. A. rubellum and A. stracheyi two rare/ endangered species of Allium, locally known as jamboo (jimboo) were collected from higher hills of northern Himalaya in Uttarakhand region.

Wild/ semi-domesticated Allium species (322) were collected from higher altitudes of Himalaya (Fig. 3.48). Germplasm of other wild Allium species mainly in A. carolinianum, A. consanguineum, A. griffithianum, A. hookeri, A. humile, A. fasciculatum, A. przewalskianum, A. oreoprasum and A. tuberosum were collected from north eastern hill region as well as higher altitudes of Leh-Ladakh region of Himalaya. The germplasm is being maintained in the field gene bank at ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station Bhowali, Uttarakhand.

3.3.5 Brassica and Cole crops

The cole crops cultivated in India are introductions from the Mediterranean region. Except tropical cauliflower all crops under cole group prefer cool climate and thus grown as winter vegetables. After production of hybrids in these crops especially cabbage and cauliflower, their

cultivation has extended across wide range of habitat and availability of crop round the year. Important cole crops in India viz. cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, knol- kohl and kale are economically important vegetables. Out of these the cabbage and cauliflowers are old introductions and exhibit tremendous variability in India. In cabbage variability has been developed for plains. Knol-kohl is not grown on a large scale anywhere in the world. It is under cultivation in a few areas of north, south and central India and has not gained popularity due to limited acceptance for taste. Among the newly introduced crops, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale are also under limited cultivation and use. Cultivation of sprouting broccoli is now increasing due to its popularity for its nutritional value and taste. However Brussels sprouts is not yet a ‘common mans’ vegetable; it is relished only in metropolitan cities of India. The collected diversity in major crops represented by Brassica oleracea var. capitata (82), B. oleracea var. botrytis (251), B. oleracea var. gongylodes (7), B. rapa var. rapa (1194) is depicted in Fig. 3.49.

Core crops SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Uttar Pradesh 103 2 Bihar 94 3 Jammu and Kashmir 92 4 Rajasthan 27 5 Himachal Pradesh 25

Fig. 3.49 Collection site of cole crops

3.3.6 Leafy vegetables

Leafy vegetables included those species where the tender leaves and aerial stem parts are edible in the form of pot herb, soup, salad, etc. Local preference and taste have primarily led to regional selection in cultivated leafy types. The northeastern regions as well as the western Himalaya are rich in leafy amaranth and leafy brassicae. In this group much variability was gathered in leafy amaranths, chenopods and spinach from the western Himalaya. Among the regionally important types, germplasm was collected in Basella rubra from peninsular region, Malva verticillata from north eastern region and Brassica juncea var. rugosa from parts of western Himalaya. Sporadic diversity was collected in asparagus, chenopods, beta spinach and other regionally important taxa from their areas of cultivation. In leafy vegetables, used for garnishing and soups is limited variability is available and represented by Apium graveolens, Petroselinum crispum, Lactuca sativa, Coriandrum sativum, Murraya koenigii (primarily used as spice/condiments). Among species having secondary uses as vegetable (Trigonella coniculata and T. foenum-graecum and Brassica juncea - oilseed types) have not been discussed in this publication.

The leafy amaranths are said to be native of India having centres of diversity in south America, south east Asia and Africa. All species of Amaranthus have edible value, but only a few are primarily used as leafy vegetables. Among the leafy types, A. tricolor is the main species under cultivation; A. blitum is popular in south India. Variability in leafy Amaranthus included A. tricolor (518) collected from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu; A gangeticus (60) from Andhra Pradesh, Asom, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh; and A. viridis (96) from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh and Tripura. Cold tolerant types - A. viridis, A. tricolor and A. hybridus were collected from Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. In Chenopodium cultivated types were collected from jhum area of Mon district of Nagaland. Wide variability was observed in branching (spreading and erect types), leaf colour (green and purple), inflorescence, seed colour (black, purple, white) and size (small, medium, large), palatability of the leaf and colour of the stems (green, pale green, purple and red) among different species- A. hybridus, A. tricolor and A. caudatus collected from Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack and undivided Dhenkanal districts of Odisha. In these areas leafy amaranths were more popular among the farmers as compared to grain types as the latter had poor marketability.

Among the popular leafy vegetable spinach (Spinacia oleracea) has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in iron and antioxidants, especially as fresh and also when consumed in steamed/ boiled form. Distinct cultivars (495) with narrow leaves, strong and bitter taste but poor keeping quality, and others with broader leafy types with good keeping quality were collected from Uttarakhand, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. The regionally important leafy vegetable species were collected from different areas- Basela rubra (14) from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, and Chenopodium album (218) from Himachal Pradesh; Brassica juncea var. rugosa (149) from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. In Malabar spinach (Basela rubra) bushy and climbing types from Srikakulam and purple stem with oval shaped leaves, green and pink stemmed types from Dantewada, Chhattisgarh were some significant accessions. Some distinct collections of less-known leafy vegetables were of musakanni sag (Ipomoea maximata) consumed by the Soura and Langiya tribes of Gajapati district of Odisha and common purselane (Portulaca oleracea) having robust habit, large-leaved and succulent types cultivated in Chindgad region of Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Besides, sporadic collections of roselle (768; Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra, Telengana and NEH region), sorrel (100), Apium graveolens (170) (northern Indian plains), Asparagus officinalis (12; Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir), Petroselinum crispum (5; Western Himalaya) and Lactuca sativa (34; Jammu, Himachal Pradesh) and others (5) were made. Variation was observed in roselle with red and green leafy types. Lettuce is a major salad crop grown in kitchen gardens in India and elsewhere to meet the limited demands of consumers. Limited variability was collected in Trigonella foenum-graecum (541) from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Coriandrum sativum (1,347) from Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. These species are mainly used as seed spices.

3.3.7 Leguminous vegetables

Leguminous vegetables are rich in protein and consumed for their tender pods. The diversity was represented by large number of taxa used as sole vegetables (pea, sem/ dolichos bean, cowpea, yard long bean, faba bean) although some of these are important grain legume. Dolichos bean is thought to have originated from India and the wild forms are available. Two types viz. Lablab purpureus ssp. purpureus (garden type, soft edible pods, less fibrous) for vegetable purpose and L. purpureus spp. lignosus (Fig. 3.50), the field bean, having thick fibrous pods and characteristic aroma for seeds as pulse are grown. Among collected germplasm of leguminous vegetables, french bean, guar bean and mucuna bean were collected as dual/ multipurpose types and therefore discussed in brief.

In dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus) a total of 3,938 accessions represented the collections from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and north eastern region (NER) though it is cultivated through out the country. The sporadic collections were made in other less-known vegetable crops as Canavalia, C. ensiformis (102; Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh), C. gladiata (135; Maharashtra, Manipur), Vicia faba (736; Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand) and Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (297; Kerala, Mizoram, Manipur). In dolichos bean white, red, purple or black seeded types with 4-20 cm long pods were collected across the diversity rich region. L. purpureus var. typicus was collected from Andhra Pradesh. Rich variability mainly for seed (for use as pulse) characters occurring in french bean/ common bean throughout the Himalayan region has been collected. In this crop some unique collections with broader pod widely preferred as dual type (vegetable as well as pulse crop) was collected from Uttarakhand. In velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) 157 accessions from Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha were collected.

In guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) of total collections (3,833 from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana) vegetable types and dual types were collected from northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Gujarat. Germplasm showed variability in plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, pods per cluster, pod length, seeds per pod and small to bold seeds of whitish, greyish, brownish, purplish to black colour. Some of the varieties of vegetable guar released from ICAR-NBPGR (Pusa Mausami, Pusa Sadabahar, Pusa Navbahar, IC11388, PLG850,P-28-1-1, Saradbhar (IC11704) ( Dabas et al. 2000).

Lablab purpureus SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Andhra Pradesh 289 2 Bihar 210 3 Tamil Nadu 203 4 Maharashtra 198 5 Gujarat 89

Fig. 3.50 Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus) a. field view, b inflorescence and c. pods

Canavalia species SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Andhra Pradesh 40 2 Manipur 16 3 Tamil Nadu 16 4 Maharashtra 15 5 Jharkhand 11

Fig. 3.51 Collection sites of Canavalia species

In jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) (152) and sword bean (C. gladiata) (155) germplasm accessions were collected for plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves/plant, leaf area, early flowering, fertility index and 100-seed weight (Fig 3.51). Differences in the contents of crude protein and lipid in the seeds of different accessions were observed after evaluation.

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Kerala 49 2 Mizoram 43 3 Tamil Nadu 21 4 Manipur 20 5 Maharashtra 10

Fig. 3.52 Collection sites of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) is principally a tropical under-utilized crop of high nutritional value. The collected diversity represented landraces and ecotypes under limited

cultivation. The breeding work has to get proper momentum to develop cultivars for wider taste and user’s requirement (Fig 3.52).

Vicia faba SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Bihar 307 2 Uttar Pradesh 37 3 Himachal Pradesh 33 4 Jharkhand 26 5 Uttarakhand 26

Fig. 3.53 Collection sites of faba bean (Vicia faba)

The faba bean (Vicia faba) is one of the oldest crops grown by man and is used as a source of protein in human diet, as fodder and forage crop for animals and for soil management. In India this crop is grown on very limited scale; there are no improved varieties available under cultivation. Improved cultivars are from exotic sources. The areas under cultivation have shown a steady decline in many countries over the last century due to taste and anti-nutritional factors. Broad-seeded varieties under cultivation in the Mediterranean region could increase its popularity in India. Germplasm accessions (736) were collected mainly from Bihar, Jharkhand and Western Himalaya varying in size of pod, taste and tenderness of seed (Fig. 3.53). Breeding of varieties with tannin-free seeds, more recently, with low vicine-convicine content, offers new perspectives in animal nutrition.

3.3.8 Okra

There are ten species of Abelmoschus occur in India, of which only A. esculentus is cultivated; some of them occur in protected/ semi-wild/ wild habitat conditions. In okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) a total (4,235) germplasm accessions were collected from almost all areas under cultivation (Fig. 3.54). Variability was recorded for plant height, fruit length, pigmentation, hairiness mainly from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. An introduced species A. caillei (9) under cultivation was collected from Kerala. Among the indigenous diversity okra collected from southern India had predominantly thick, short and multi-edged fruits. The germplasm from north-western plains, especially from Rajasthan and adjoining areas, were predominantly hairy and multi-edged fruit type with tolerance to insect-pests and diseases. Germplasm collected from the eastern and north-eastern region was predominantly five-edged fruits type, including primitive landraces having small hard, fibrous fruits with tolerance/resistance to insect-pests and diseases.

Fig. 3.54 a. Collection sites of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus); b. Collection sites of wild okra

Abelmoschus esculentus Wild okra SN States Germplasm SN States Germplasm Collected Collected 1 Madhya Pradesh 208 1 Kerala 31 2 Kerala 185 2 Maharashtra 31 3 Gujarat 178 3 Karnataka 15 4 Karnataka 150 4 Uttarakhand 15 5 Rajasthan 142 5 Rajasthan 9

Variability in cultivated okra was observed for plant height, branching pattern, stem and fruit colour, number of edges on fruits fruit size, colour (green-greenish, yellow-pinkish, yellow), hairiness (smooth-hairy), number of edges/fruit (5-9), plant height and pigmentation (green-light green-yellow green-purple). Okra germplasm with long, light green, cylindrical fruits with no prominent ridges was collected from Maharashtra. Wide variability for multiple traits was recorded in accession collected from northern and central India, mainly from tribal-dominated belts. Sporadic collections were made of tall genotypes from eastern Himalaya and dwarf from Una district of Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya.

Besides germplasm of wild Abelmoschus species (1051 accessions) was collected from across the areas of distribution (Fig 3.54b). The important species were represented by A. ficulneus, A. manihot from Maharashtra, A. moschatus from Kerala and Gujarat, A. pungens from Uttarakhand. Sporadic diversity in A. manihot ssp. tetraphyllus and A. ficulneus was collected from Konkan region of Maharashtra. The most important species considered closest to cultivated okra, A. tuberculatus was collected from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Germplasm collected having restricted distribution included A. angulosus (southern region and higher hills of Western Ghats); A. crinitus (Orissa, West Bengal and Eastern Ghats), and A. moschatus (northern plains). A. crinitus is reported to be consumed as food and also beverages (liquor additive) by tribal of Similipal, Odisha. From foothill region of Uttarakhand A. manihot

var. tetraphyllus was reported under cultivation for use as clearant in jaggrey industry; also reported for edible fruits in the north eastern region.

3.3.9 Tree vegetables

Tree vegetables are those species that are harvested from wild or remain semi-domesticated and briefly discussed under lesser-known wild economic category elsewhere in this publication. In moringa (Moringa oleifera) extensive improvement work is going on in India and cultivars have been developed (Pandey et al. 2010). Over 257 accessions mainly of cultivated M. oleifera were collected from different phyto-geographical regions of the country. Sporadic collections were assembled from parts of tribal tracts of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab (Fig. 3.55). Variability was well represented in plant height (dwarf and medium stature), fruit (fruit bearing, cluster bearing, size, colour and shape) and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress (drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance/ tolerance). Fruit size varied from extra-long to very small and colour from green, green with purple tinge to purple. Fruit shape was cylindrical-spindle shaped. Wild Moringa (M. concanensis and M. oleifera) were collected from Western Ghats, Maharashtra and foothills of Himalaya respectively. Wild types of M. oleifera and M. concanensis (40) were collected from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand which showed variation in pod and seed characters and seed oil.

Moringa oleifera SN States Germplasm Collected 1 Andhra Pradesh 23 2 Jharkhand 19 3 Kerala 17 4 Karnataka 9 5 Tamil Nadu 7

Fig. 3.55 Collection sites of drumstick (Moringa oleifera)

3.3.10 Minor vegetables (including semi-domesticated and wild types)

Besides the major cultivated vegetables, many minor vegetable crops were largely assembled from tribal areas of India, under traditional/subsistence agriculture and from kitchen gardens or homestead. Some of these have been discussed above with the crop genepool of major vegetable crops like solanums, dioscoreas, amaranths, and chenopods that are in the process of domestication and others that are in semi-wild/protected state and / or gathered locally. Germplasm is available with tribal people who gathered them from wild habitat or protected them in the backyards. Wild/ semi-domesticated included tree types- Manipur beab (Parkia 77

roxburghii) and khejri (Prosopis cineraria) which have regional importance. The latter species is native to arid region of India, consumed for pods used as vegetable (known as Sangri) in Rajastha and conserved at CAZRI, Jodhpur. Some of the wild/semi-domesticated leafy vegetables viz. Aerva lanata, Cassia tora, Celosia argentea, Hymenodictyon excelsum, Rumex acetosa, Protulacca oleracea etc. were collected from Khamman district of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining tribal belt of Chhattisgarh.

Some of the under-utilized vegetables- wild leafy vegetables (Gynura cusimbua- onnu sold in local markets of Dimapur; Herpetospermum operculatum for leaf and Homalomena aromatica for petiole from Nagaland; Solena amplexicaulis/ neti-donda from north central Andhra Prdesh) were among the important vegetable genetic resources with high commercial value.

Wild/semi-domesticated leafy vegetables are extensively used by the tribals of north eastern region and have been short-listed (336) for for collection (ICAR-NBPGR, Expl div). Information on tribal vegetables such as bohar bhaji (Hymenodictyon excelsum) consumed for succulent leaves (a trees usually grown around tribal homes in Chhattisgarh used for preparing delicious vegetable) was gathered during plant exploration. Semi-protected populations of Cassia tora (often collected from the wild) was reported under cultivation by tribals of Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh and Bastar and Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh. Meetha patta (Plukenetia corniculata) was noted under cultivation at field as well as homestead level for use as a leafy vegetable by the Naga tribes in Dimapur and Mokokchung districts of Nagaland. Most of these vegetables are high in nutritive values and have greater scope for commercialization. Therefore there is need to collect diverse germplasm, identifying potential types and evaluate for their biochemical constituents. Under this category there is endless number of species yet to be documented for edible use particularly in tribal and remote areas.

3.6 Wild relatives/ wild edible vegetables

In this group of vegetable genetic resources, a total of 5,806 accessions have been collected.

Table: 3.2 Major wild/weedy relatives collected in different vegetable crops (1999-2018)

Crop group Significant species diversity## Cucurbits Coccinia cordifolia; Cucumis hystrix, C. melo var. agrestis, C. sativus var. hardwickii, C. callosus, C. setosus, C. trigonus; Luffa graveolens, L. tuberosa, L. acutangula var. amara, L. echinata; Momordica balsamina, M. dioca, M. sahyadrica , M. subangulata ssp. renigera, M. charantia var. muricata; Trichosanthes bracteata, T. cucumerina, T. dioica; Citrullus colocynthis Solanums Solanum anguivi, S. giganteum, S. hispidum, S. incanum, S. khasianum, S. laciniatum, S. nigrum, S. pubescens, S. surattense, S. torvum, S. trilobatum , S. verbascifolium, S. viarum, S. wrightii Tubers Alocasia indica, A. macrorrhiza, A. montana; Amorphophallus bulbifer, A. campanulatus, A. dubius, A. elatus, A. glaucophyllus, A. hohenackeri, A. nicolsonianus, A. sylvaticus, C. esculenta var. antiquorum, C. esculenta var. aquatilis, C. esculenta var. sylvestris, C. esculenta, C. fallax , Dioscorea

belophylla, D. deltoidea, D. floribunda, D. glabra, D. hamiltonii, D. hispida, D. kumaonensis, D. oppositifolia, D. pentaphylla, D. pubera, D. rubella, D. sagittata, Dioscorea sp., D. spicata, D. tomentosa, D. vexans , D. wightii; Moghania vestita; Xanthosoma nigrum, X. violaceum Bulbous Allium albidum, A. ampeloprasum, A. atropurpureum, A. auriculatum, A. carolinianum, A. cernuum, A. griffithianum, A. hookeri, A. humile, A. perzewalskianum, A. roylei, A. schoenoprasum, A. semonovi, A. stracheyi, A. wallichii Legumes Canavalia ensiformis, Mucuna monosperma, M. nigricans, M. pruriens Leafy types Amaranthus blitum, A. caudatus, A. dubius, A. graecizans, A. hybridus, Brassica tornefortii, Chenopodium album, Fagopyrum cymosum, Malva rotundifolia Okra Abelmoschus angulosus, A. crinitus, A. ficulneus, A. moschatus ssp. manihot, A. moschatus ssp. moschatus, A. tetraphyllus var. pungens, A. tetraphyllus var. tetraphyllus, A. tuberculatus Tree Moringa concanensis, M. oleifera (wild form) species Source: Pandey et al. (2005); updation from Plant Germplasm Reporter (upto 2016); Annual Reports (1976-2017) ##: overlapping with cultivated type (ref. table 3.1; Annexure 1)

Majority of these species have been dealt earlier along with crop genepool. Important taxon diversity collected in this category in each crop-group is as follows (Table 3.2).

3.7 PGR efforts

Collection of genetic resources is a pre-requisite for genetic evaluation, utilization and conservation of vegetable genetic resources. This compilation and analysis has helped inassessment of the current status of diversity assembled and to find out gaps for species (especially the CWR) collection and for areas for future explorations and germplasm collection. A list of crop/ species (CWR) of vegetables and their germplasm (accessions) assembled has been summarized in Annexure - III. Diversity collected by the explorers was identified and characterized/evaluated for promising traits for use in crop improvement and conserved in the National Gene Bank. However, efforts need to be continued to collect Indian germplasm to strengthen Plant Genetic Resources programmes in global context.

Several factors like changing food habit, genetic erosion through replacement with improved cultivars , habitat destruction, developmental activities, migration of rural population to urban areas, climate change etc. are leading to loss of PGR. Private seed companies (Indian/ international) are mostly concentrating on their bussiness in vegetable seed/crops because of low volume and high value. Single variety of a crop predominates in the market system providing too much of the monitory benefit to growers and this has been lost in a big way die to linkage of the regions with roads in tribal/remote areas. Hence there is need to explore and collect the traditional landraces or primitive cultivars from these areas.

Appendix 3.1

Vegetable crop diversity (crop-group with specific examples) collected from different phytogeographical regions

The Northwestern and Eastern Himalayan region: Temperate bulbous crops in Allium species-onion, garlic, leek, shallot, and other introduced types; spinach and leafy Brassica, Chenopods, Amaranthus, Beta vulgaris; cucurbits- squash, pumpkins, cucumber (including hill type), chilli, bell pepper, pea, faba bean, french bean, cowpea, moringa, radish, artichoke, potato, colocasia, tomato and parsley; underutilized vegetables- cho-cho, meetha karela, tree tomato; others- Flemingia vestita/Moghania vestita. The Northeastern region: Leafy vegetables-amaranth, brassicae, Malva verticillata and others; French bean, chilli, tomato, brinjal, okra, taros, yams; underutilized legumes- winged bean, sword bean, lima bean; cucumber, pointed gourd, cho-cho, bitter gourd, spine gourd and meetha karela; underutilized tuberous vegetable- Moghania vestita The Northern Plains including terai region: Cucumis spp., cucumber, phunt, ridged gourd, smooth gourd; Cucurbita spp./squashes, ash gourd, Indian round gourd, brinjal, tomato, chilli and okra; leafy vegetables- brassicae, carrot, onion, garlic and taro/aroids The North western Plains: Cucumis, Momordica and Citrullus spp.; brinjal, amaranth, Chenopodium, okra, chilli and garlic; Vicia sativa, V. faba The Central region including Plateau region: Pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.), squashes, cucumber, ash gourd, Indian round gourd, bitter gourd, pointed gourd, ridged gourd, okra, brinjal, chilli, tomato; root, bulbous crops; and leafy vegetables The Western and Eastern Peninsular region: Brinjal (eastern region); okra and chilli (annual/perennial types); cucumber, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and squashes; snake gourd (landrace), cho-cho and Luffa spp., leafy types amaranth, brassicae, chenopods, spinach, Beta vulgaris, and climbing spinach; french bean; root and bulbous crops; underutilized vegetables- sword bean, mucuna bean, Dolichos uniflorus; Eastern peninsular tract- Dolichos purpureus (lignosus types)

General Considerations and Overview 4

The spread of high yielding varieties leading to cultivar replacement is one of the major causes of genetic erosion. Crop diversification in areas under vegetable cultivation has alarmingly harmed the native diversity especially of the primitive landraces/local types. Large-scale cultivation of improved cultivars, particularly of widely grown crops, has resulted in genetic vulnerability in landraces tolerant to biotic or abiotic stress. Okra, cultivar Pusa Sawani released in 1959-60, swept off majority of native varieties/ local landraces out of cultivation in India. There was fast genetic erosion of valuable variability of heat tolerant cauliflower that was selected/ developed in India after introduction of the temperate types. This may happen in other vegetable crops like bottle gourd, cucumber, water melon, garden pea, etc. Other causes of genetic erosion include land clearing, over-exploitation of valuable species, environmental degradation, overgrazing and changing agricultural systems.

4.1 Genetic erosion in vegetable crops

Some of the leading causes of genetic erosion in vegetable crops in India are discussed here:

1. Loss of genetic diversity: due to replacement of varieties landraces/ primitive cultivars with high yielding varieties; replacement with newer crops, pressures on farmers to take up cash crops or monoculture. 2. Loss of habitat and cultivation land: loss of vegetable growing areas due to natural calamities (cyclones, flood, and drought) or man made changes (constructions of buildings, dams, expansion of cities, etc.). 3. Economic causes: promotion of crops with high commerce value (potato, soybean, new cole crops- lettuce, broccoli) thus decreasing areas under vegetable cultivation under traditional/ native vegetables. 4. Low land holdings: shrinking areas under vegetable cultivation. 5. Low input conditions: due to poor rainfall/irrigation facility. 6. Labour intensive and high cost of cultivation: vegetable cultivation is labour intensive and high input enterprise. Availabilty of labour has drastically reduced after scemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) is causing high cost of sustenance and increased cost of production. 7. Climate change: rising temperature is shifting the winter/summer vegetables towards high altitude in hills, increased frequencies of extreme weather events and repeated loss of crops (onion, garlic), and increased threat due to disease and pests.

Primitive cultivars/ locally adapted types are available in difficult/ inaccessible areas, tribal dominating areas, particularly in eastern and north-eastern region. They are more prone to genetic erosion than those of the wild relatives of vegetables and are likely to be replaced faster. Primitive types/ landraces of many native crops such as brinjal, pointed gourd, Indian round melon, bitter gourd, ridge and smooth gourd, snake gourd, cucumbers and leafy amaranths and leafy brassicae that have long history of cultivation in India, need to be identified for areas and useful traits. Wild relatives of these crops are important for their inherent resistance to one or

more biotic and abiotic stresses. A vast diversity present in wild okra and their intermediate forms resulting from natural hybridization (easy to utilize) need to be identified, collected and conserved on priority.

4.2 Prioritization of vegetable crops

The national priority for collection and conservation of targeted vegetable crops/ crop-group(s) are set as per guidelines for germplasm collection based on: (i) loss of genetic diversity, (ii) economic importance, (iii) nutritional value, and (iv) level of research. In priority list Allium spp. have been rated highest for general economic importance, level of research and level of genetic erosion, despite having low nutritional value. Similarly solanaceous vegetables- tomato, chilli and brinjal rank moderate for collection as these species were among the top priority for collection in the past three decades, research thrust and level of genetic erosion; now only need based collections are put on the priority list. Landraces, primitive types need to be collected in brinjal, okra and cauliflower. Vegetable crops like amaranth, leafy brassica, bitter gourd and their related species although higher in nutritional value and economic importance but have been placed at lower national priority vegetables at the level of genetic erosion and research.

In general genetic diversity in cucumber and other Cucumis species, pointed gourd, yam, taro, sweet potato, chilli, musk melon, lablab bean is considered for collection and conservation as compared to less popular or regionally important vegetable crops like drumstick, velvet bean, winged bean, cho-cho, tree tomato and newly introduced cole crops. Wild relatives fall under the top national priority due to meager representation in the NGB, high research priority as well as threat of genetic erosion. The priority areas discussed below are much significance in gap filling in the National Gene Bank and carrying out research on biosystematics of these taxa (under subheads 4.2.1; 4.2.2).

4.2.1 Priority areas for vegetable crops

Collection of germplasm of vegetable crop with priority areas of occurrence of diversity in landraces and primitive cultivars are given in table below (Table 4.1).

Table 4.1 Priority areas for collection of cultivated vegetable crops

Crop Area to be explored^ Ash gourd Bihar (Chainpur, Bhabhua Sasoula, Madhubani, Motihari, Purvi Champaran); Assam (Dolahar, Rampur, Barpeta Jagiroad, Bokhaigaon, Navgaun); Uttar Pradesh (Adalpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Chakia, Chaundauli, Uttar Pradesh Bagaha, Mirjapur, Azamgarh); Orissa (Cuttak, , Pipli, Duria, Kendrapada);West Bengal (Midnapur, 24-North Pargana) Bitter gourd* Terai region (Uttarakhand), Bihar (Gaya, Jamui, Banka), tribal tracts of Maharashtra and North-Eastern region (landraces/(local types) Bottle gourd Orisha, Chhattisgarh (mainly tribal tracts) Brinjal (mainly Tripura (hilly tracts of Dhalai, Gomati and South Tripura districts primitive forms) and bordering Bangladesh); Odisha (Pottangi region of Koraput, Nandapur,

other solanaceous Semiliguda); northern districts of West Bengal (local types/ landrace); vegetables Andaman and Nicobar Island (across) Capsicum Landraces Madhya Pradesh (Sarani, Damua, Parasia, Delakhari, Kararkheda, Kardhar , Patalkot and villages in Satpura), yellow local type (Andhra Pradesh- East Godavari and Visakhapatnam Maharashtra: Ahmednagar, Dhule, Aurangabad) Cassava Local type (Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu; Assam, Tripura Cho-cho Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu) and Maharashtra (hilly tracts); spiny and non- spiny types (tribal tract of Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim); Darjeeling (northern West Bengal) Cucumber* Himalaya (local types/ landraces), Maharashtra (southern part) Other cultivated Chhattisgarh (Bijapur and Sukma districts of Chhattisgarh and East of cucurbits Godavari river in Khammam, Telangana for local types); Maharashtra (Ahmednagar, Dhule, Aurangabad) (Luffa, Trichosanthes, ivy gourd, bottle gourd, pumpkin), Madhya Pradesh (Renukut, Singrauli, Rewa, Sidhi, Tala, Jaisinghnagar/Janakpur, Partap-pur cucurbits); Rajasthan (Barmer, Jalore); Gujarat (Himmatnagar and bordering area of Banaskantha); Orisha and Chattisgarh (Lagenaria) Meetha karela Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh Elephant foot yam Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh (wild types) Hill cucumber Uttarakhand (Pithoragarh, Naintal) and adjoining Bhutan and Nepal; North Eastern Hill region (Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya) Indian round gourd* Western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab (landraces) Ivy gourd Eastern and southern Uttar Pradesh, eastern Bihar, Chhattisgarh (tribal tract), West Bengal, North-eastern hill region

Cultivated Bihar (Saupal, Araria and Kishanganj districts) vegetavbles (local diversity) Beans (mainly Mizoram (Phura, Khopal, Chapi, Lungpuk, Balisora, Chamdur, cowpea, yardlong Vathuampui, Devasora and Parva in South districts bordering bean, lima bean, jack Bangladesh and Myanmar) bean, sword bean) Kakrol Bihar (Sasaram), Orissa (tribal tracts), Chhatarpur, Satna (Madhya Pradesh), Asansole (West Bengal), Dibrugarh (Assam), Garo hills Lablab bean Vidarbha region(Maharashtra, western and eastern Ghats) Leafy types Gangetic plains (leafy amaranth and brassicae), North Eastern Hill region (underutilised alliums, basella, amaranth- Nagaland, Manipur for cabbage leaf mustard), Uttarakhand (Pithoragarh and adjoining areas for landraces of spinach)*; tribal tracts(Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Western Ghats) Melons* and other Indo-Gangetic plains (landraces); Uttar Pradesh (Barabanki, Unnao, Cucumis spp. Lucknow, Baghpat district), Rajasthan (north-central), Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh; other Cucumis spp. (across all agro-climatic zones);

Wanga melon (Punjab, adj. Rajasthan); vegetable melons (Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Haryana); snake meon (Uttar Pradesh- Upper Gangetic area, Rajsathan, Haryana, Punjab); Mizoram (Phura, Khopal, Chapi, Lungpuk, Balisora, Chamdur, Vathuampui, Devasora and Parva in South districts bordering Bangladesh & Myanmar); Karnataka (Bellary, Raichur, Koppal) Okra* Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal (local types); north eastern region (Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim for landraces/ primitive types) Onion and allies Allium cepa var. proliferum (Jammu and Kashmir); A. cepa var. aggregatum (hill type from Nagaland, Pithoragarh) Pointed gourd* Gorakhpur (Eastern Uttar Pradesh), Muger, Behrampur, Bhagalpur, Chapra, Baruraj, Motipur, Muzaffarpur (Bihar and adjoining Bengal plains for landraces), Assam plains and Tripura valley (semi- domesticated types) Pumpkins North Eastern Hill region, Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Rat tailed radish Punjab (long fruited types), Haryana, Rajasthan (local small poded types) Ridged and smooth Indo-Gangetic plains (landraces), terai region, north-eastern plains gourd* (hermaphrodite forms), Tripura, Nagaland (aromatic leaf edible) Snake gourd* Southern peninsular tract, Kerala; Eastern and western peninsular region; north-eastern region (landraces) Spine gourd Chhatarpur, Satna, Sagar (Madhya Pradesh), Salem, Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu), Behrampur, Munger, Asansol (Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal), Odisha (Balangir and tribal tracts) Sweet gourd/ M. Tribal pockets of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Maharashtra; Assam cochinchinensis (tribals) Taro Nilgiri and Anamalai hills (Tamil Nadu), Chhattisgarh (tribal tracts); Nagaland, Meghalaya (NEH region), Bihar (local type), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (distinct cultivars) Gherkins Tamil Nadu (drier tracts) Winged bean Belgaum, Hubli (Karnataka); Bihar and Odisha (tribal pockets); Silcher, Kohima (NEH), Tamil Nadu Yams* Bihar, Odisha (tribal tracts); North Eastern hill region Andaman and Nicobar Islands Source: areas: Mehra and Arora (1982) and updated mainly from exploration data; ^: areas to be considered in principal along with adjoining regions; (*): landraces/ primitive types Some low diversity crops: cho-cho, cole crops, tree tomato, sweet potato and many others largely not covered here.

4.2.2 Priority areas of wild relatives of vegetables

The following species and areas of priority have been identified for major wild relatives of vegetable crops based on information available in literature (Arora and Nayar 1984; Pradheep et al. 2014; Singh AK 2018) and feedback from PC/PD/ vegetable breeders (Table 4.2).

Table 4.2 Priority areas for collection of wild relatives of vegetable crops

Crop relative Area (s) Abelmoschus tuberculatus and North-western plains (Saharanpur and adjoining areas in other wild Abelmoschus Uttar Pradesh) Wild species of Abelmoschus (particularly A. Tuberculatus); Uttar Pradesh (Meerut, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor); Chattishagrh (Sukma, Konta); Odisha (Malkangiri); Telangana (Medak and Nizamabad) Abelmoschus angulosus var. Kerala (Palakkad, Silent Valley National Park) purpureus, Allium roylei, A. stracheyi, and hhgh altitude areas of Kashmir adjoining areas to Bhutan other wild Allium and Nepal (Jammu and Kashmir), Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim (NEH), Uttarakhand (high alt. Pithoragarh, Niti valleys, Chamoli) Allium sikkimense Ladakh, Sikkim (inner ranges), Ladakh Allium hookeri Khasi hills; Gangtok, Meghalaya (NEH) Allium wallichii Chamoli, Jamnotri, Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand); north Sikkim Allium przewalskianum Lahaul, Khardongla, Zanskar (Western Himalaya) Chenopodium foliosum Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) Cucumis hystrix Tura range (Meghalaya), Mishmi Hills (Lohit) (Arunachal Pradesh) Cucumis trigonus Dibrugarh, Dispur (Assam); Shimoga, Chandradurg, Shimogi (Karnataka); Palanpur, Abu Hills (Gujarat- Rajasthan)

Dioscorea alata Pithoragarh, Chamoli (Uttarakhand), Dibrugarh, Jorhat (Assam), Kohima (Nagaland) Moringa (wild) Wild types (foothills of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu/ Pathankot); M. concanensis (endemic to southern peninsula including Maharashtra) Amorphophallus (wild) Dispur, Jorhat, Gohati (Assam) Luffa graveolens Madurai, Anantpur, Kurnol (Andhra Pradesh), Pachmadi (Madhya Pradesh) Luffa echinata Fatahgarh, Shahjahanpur (Uttar Pradesh); Behrampur (West Bengal), Chhatarpur, Koraput (Odisha), Kakinada, Visakhapatanam (Andhra Pradesh) Momordica cochinchinensis Bhagalpur, Munger (Eastern Bihar), Sholapur, Osmanabad (Maharashtra), Bidar (Karnataka) Momordica subangulata ssp. Gohati, Dispur (Assam) and adjoining West Bengal; Aizawl renigera (Mizoram); Tiruchirapalli, Salem, Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu); Chitradurg, Bellary (Karnataka) Momordica spp. Madhya Pradesh: Bundelkand region (Datia, Tikamgarh & Chhatarpur); Uttar Pradesh (Jhansi and Lalitpur)

Momordica tuberosa/ L. Bellary, Raichur, Koppal (Karnataka), Salem (Tamil Nadu), tuberosa Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh); Karnataka (Bagalkot, Belgaum)

Solanum incanum Pune, Satara, Sangli (Maharashtra); Nagore, Bikaner, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan); Gunture, Kuddapa (Andhra Pradesh), Dispur (Assam) and adjoining parts of Meghalaya Solanum melongena var. Koraput, Chhatarpur, Samabalpur; Simlipal reserve forest insanum (Odisha) Solanum torvum Ahmednagar, Satara, Nasik (Maharashtra); Vadodra, Surat (Gujarat); Sambalpur, Surat, Phoolbani (Odisha) Solanum spp. Madhya Pradesh (Bundelkand region-Datia, Tikamgarh & Chhatarpur); Uttar Pradesh (Jhansi and Lalitpur) Trichosanthes lobata Western Ghats Trichosanthes cucumerina Palanpur, Maheshana (Gujarat), Chittoregarh, Udaipur, Pali (Rajasthan), Ambikapur (Chattisgarh), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Nallamalai hills (Kurnool district, Tamil Nadu) Trichosanthes tricuspidata Southern India; Sri Lanka Wild leafy vegetables Mizoram (Phura, Khopal, Chapi, Lungpuk, Balisora, Chamdur, Vathuampui, Devasora and Parva in South districts bordering Bangladesh & Myanmar) Momordica dioca, Momordica Karnataka (Bellary, Raichur, Koppal) charantia var. muricata, M. sahyadrica), Wild cucurbits (Cucumis- C. Kerala (Palakkad, Silent Valley National Park) silentvalleyi, Trichosanthes nervifolia, Momordica sahyadrica, other niche specific crop wild relatives)

Source: Arora and Nayar (1984); regional floras; Plant Exploration Database (upto 2016)

4.2.3 Priority for trait specific collections

Exploration and collection of trait specific germplasm (TSG) besides capturing genepool diversity has always been a priority due to their high significance in breeding and crop improvement. Germplasm of quality traits can be found in throughout areas of cultivation; traits for tolerance or resistance to biotic and abiotic stress can be looked into the nistch areas.

Collection of germplasm of vegetable crop with desirable traits is based on breeders’ requests and use in breeding programmes. They are of much significance in research breeding and crop improvement rather than for gap filling (Table 4.2). Areas of prevalence of traits are difficult to identify during exploration as their expression is not always predominant while collecting at crop maturity and therefore secondary traits are to be studied for concluding the traits. For example a vegetable containing trait for heat/drought/salinity tolerance or disease tolerance/ resistance are presumed to be under cultivation in areas prone to frequent exposure to

calamities/diseases. Such areas are considered to be the hot-spots are the best natural screeners for biotic resistance. Similarly very hairy leaved cultivars are tolerant/insect resistant.

Data of previous collection missions, feedback from farmers, information on onset of disease, recurrence of flood/ drought, etc. occurred in the past are helpful in collecting trait specific material. However, trait specificity can be ascertained only after validation of character(s) through field characterization. Nutritional quality traits can be assessed through biochemical assays and cultivation fields Smooth-fruited type of okra develop hard hairs when cultivated in hilly areas (warmer parts of temperate region), and sometimes non-pigmented ones develop partial pigmentation under changed environment. A material collected from an area with promising trait if found stable for the trait on evaluation, the identified area needs to be further surveyed under fine grid sampling for desirable genotypes (to capture all allelic variation in population/ large population sampling). Similarly areas of concentration of diversity (where cultivated and wild types are simultaneously growing, crossable to produce introgressed forms) are likely to carry useful genes. Distribution areas, isolated setelite areas representing extreme limits of occurrence may contain some useful and rare alleles that might have escaped during the process of domestication.

In general medium plant height, high number of fruiting nodes, low position of first fruiting node, short internodes and early maturity, low fibre content, tolerance to biotic (disease and pests) and abiotic stresses (water logging, drought and high/low temperatures, salinity/alkalinity traits etc.) are generally required in majority of the vegetables. Information on other quality traits as high proteins, oils and vitamins can be relied upon secondary data sources such evaluation/ characterization data, and published literature.

4. 3 Assessment of level of priority

Assessment of the level of priority (H high, M medium and L low) in vegetable crops is finalised keeping in view the collection and conservation gaps and research thrust in India. Prioritization of vegetables has been done based on the following criterion:

1. Level of genetic erosion 2. Areas not explored for collection of germplasm of major/ minor vegetables 3. Areas explored but germplasm holdings do not represent full spectrum of diversity across regions 4. Germplasm represented in the genebank holdings but material not enough for supply from medium term storage 5. Areas explored, but germplasm not yet collected for specific traits (on demand by the breeders, R&D basis)

There is an urgent need to fill the gaps in germplasm collection and conservation through explorations in India and abroad. The areas of diversity, thus, identified should be explored through collaborative efforts with different institutions. Prioritization of a crop based on level of genetic erosion (if declared so) or where areas under crop cultivation is drastically reduced in short period (vulnerable to erosion and replacement by newly introduced type) remains at the

top; areas with rich diversity in priority landraces and wild relatives growing simultaneously and no extensive farming is practiced are given medium priority (Table 4.3).

Table 4.3 Priority(+) for collection of selected vegetable crops based on criterion fixed by the nodal organization

Crop name Genetic erosion Conservation Research Amaranth (leafy) M L L Ash gourd* H M M Bitter gourd* H H M Bottle gourd M M M Brassica (leafy types) H M L Brinjal* H M M Carrot L L L Chenopodium L L L Chilli M M M Climbing spinach L L L Cluster bean L L M Coriander L L L Cowpea M M M Cucumber* H M M Elephant foot yam H H L Fenugreek M M L French bean L L L Giant taro M M L Lablab bean M M M Muskmelon* H M M New cole crops L L L Okra* H M M Onion and garlic M H H Pea* H M M Pointed gourd* H H M Potato L L M Pumpkin M M M Radish (root, pod) L M L Ridged and sponge gourd* H H H Round melon* H H M Snake gourd H H M Snap melon H M M Spinach* H H L Taro, yam, cassava* H M M Tomato M M M Velvet bean L L L Water melon* H M M (+): level: H: high; M: medium; L: low; *: landraces/ primitive types

4.4 Thrust areas for germplasm collection

Indian gene center exhibits tremendous diversity in vegetable crops especially in landraces, primitive cultivars/ types, and their wild relatives. In vegetable crops, there are outstanding examples of direct use of introduced germplasm like tomato and chilli, particularly the sweet pepper. Whereas others have been explored and used from cultivated and wild native diversity. Keeping in view the importance of vegetables and their wild relatives especially in the VGR perspective, the following thrust areas have been identified:

 Identifying gaps in germplasm collection and unexplored area of vegetable and wild relatives to avoid further duplication of efforts in collection  Collecting from priority areas like difficult terrains, under-explored/ inaccessible/ tribal/ diversity-rich pockets  Collecting from diversity rich areas (ethnically and culturally) for landraces, primitive cultivars; wild relatives, endangered, endemic and potential species/less-known vegetables of nutraceutical importance, with concerned crop-based institutes  Emergency (rescue) collecting in disturbed habitats/ insurgency areas through special missions  Collecting trait-specific germplasm mainly for biotic and quality parameters; for taxonomic and biosystematic studies in indigenous taxa  Documentation of information on diversity distribution, traits of significance, phenology, reproductive biology and developing national database  Developing morphological markers (linked traits) for field identification for specific traits.  Establishing linkages and working through network mode in management of vegetable genetic resources.

There is need to collect vegetable germplasm from diverse sources having resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, desirable yield and quality characters. During germplasm collection, the traits preferred in the foreign markets should be given due attention. Large genetic variability present in vegetable crops needs to be utilized with greater vigour for the development of high yielding varieties. The traits for which earlier introductions (Appendix 4.1) were made may be screened in the indigenous and adapted germplasm.

4.5 Conclusions

There has been national and international concern for systematic collection, conservation, characterization and documentation of the potential wealth of region on priority basis. During the CBD regimes, when introduction of trait specific germplasm is becoming more and more difficult, there is an urgent need to identify, collect, evaluate, document, conserve and use native germplasm/ diversity. Keeping in view the diversity richness in countries such as Africa, Latin America, and South East Asia, which are designated primary centres of origin and diversity of many vegetable crops now grown in India) explorations needs to be undertaken.

Majority of publications on vegetable crops in India focus on the priority of breeders need, focusing on different varieties/ types available, cultivation practices, maturity of the commercial produce (that is, fruits, rhizome, bulb for harvest) for markets. Since the exploration activity for 89

collection of VGR is aimed at germplasm collection, data on right stage of maturity and size of propagule (seed/ fruit/ vegetative part to be collected) is essentially required. In this publication efforts have been made to include relevant information from different sources as well as feedback from growers to facilitate the collector. Collection strategy for material propagated by seeds as well as vegetatively (through cuttings, corms, etc.) has also been discussed in detail.

Keeping in view the data available in last three decades and experience of authors in germplasm collection in general and vegetables in particular, the relevant information has been put together for collectors and researchers. Photographs of vegetable crops of some selected taxa will add to knowledge base. Genetic resources of underutilized, wild economic vegetables, less-known vegetables, about which there is less familiarity among common users, have been briefly covered.

There is need for:

- Strong collaboration with breeders of crop based institutes/SAUs for evaluation, and utilisation of trait-specific germplasm - Pre-breeding programmes in vegetables to broaden the genetic base and transfer specific traits in improved cultivars - Developing nisch areas for R&D facilities, evalution/ seed multiplication/conservation through in-situ and evolutionary studies - Involvement of private sector, NGO, progressive farmers and local institutions in cultivating, utilising and preserving localised diversity - Creating awareness of value, belongingness, custodianship among communities/ farmers about its importance and future generations in changing climate.

Appendix 4.1

Some promising primary and secondary introductions in some vegetable crops

Primary Introductions Cowpea EC5000 (Rhodesia) High yield, photo insensitive, bushy type with attractive light green medium pods Pusa Barsati Light green pods selection from introduction from (Philippines) Philippines EC1077 155 (PI High pod yield 194293, exUSA) Pea Harbhajan (EC33866, Dwarf, early, dual purpose variety, maturing in 110 days ex Portugal) in northern India Rice GRRS- 6 (exUSA) PI 194781promising selection prolific pod bearer, with bean average grain yield of 14 q/ha, seeds medium bold, dark green GRRS - 50 (exUSA) PI 24782 high grain yield (18 q/ha of seeds), seed deep red Tomato Sioux (exUSA) Early variety, suitable for cultivation both in winter and summer Labonita (exUSA) Dwarf, dual type (for table use and paste), fruits with thick skin (good transportation, storability), medium in size Dwarf Money Maker Dwarf, suitable for paste type, high yielding, fruits deep (EC108759, exIsrael) red Molakai (exAustralia) Prolific fruit bearer, good table variety, fruit large in size Fire Ball (exCanada) Early maturing type, found promising in high altitude areas of India French Contender (exUSA) Dwarf, early variety with green round pods bean Kentucky Wonder Viny habit, round podded, stringless, seeds light brown (USA) EC108101 (exUSA) Bushy, vegetable type, round pods Meetha EC36910 (Germany) High yielding introduction, Fruit-green, almost smooth, karela along with a narrow basal part Cauliflo Early Snow Ball Early variety, with white head wer Snow Ball (EC12013, Medium duration variety exHolland) Cabbage Golden Acre Early variety, with compact round white head (exDenmark) Drum Head Late variety, with flat compact head (exDenmark) Express (exDenmark) Medium variety, very popular in Himachal Pradesh Water Ashahi Yamato Fruit medium in size/5-8 kg each, flesh deep pink, mid- melon (exJapan) season type Sugar Baby (ex USA) Fruits round, fine textured, attractive dull-green skin;

flesh uniform deep red, very sweet, 10-12% TSS-total soluble solids, with average fruit weight 3-5 kg Secondary Introductions Cowpea Aseem (Pusa Phalguni Semi-viny, white seeded, tolerant to Macrophomina wilt x EC21622, and nematodes, pods yellowish green, cylindrical, Philippines) fleshy, vegetable type Rituraj (Pusa Dofasali x Bushy, highly photo insensitive, with high green pod EC26410, Mexico) yield, brown seeded, very early in maturity, pod- yellowish green, dual purpose type Pusa Dofasali (Pusa Photo insensitive, grown during spring-summer as well Phalguni x EC21622, as during rainy season Philippines) Okra G2 (Pusa Sawani x High yielding, and tolerant to yellow vein mosaic virus Ghana Red); Parbhani (YVMV); high yielding resistant to YVMV Kranti (Pusa Sawani x Ghana Collection) Cauliflo Pusa Snow Ball -1 Identified for high yield potential in Indo-Gangetic wer (EC12012 x EC12013) plains; heads compact, medium, snow white Cabbage Sel. 8 (EC24856 x Resistant to black rot EC10109) Squash Pusa Alankar (EC27060 Early high yielding variety, with uniform dark green x Sel No IPL 8) fruits Tomato Pusa Ruby (Sioux x Early, high yielding with improved fruit characters, improved Meeruti) fruits flattish round, small to medium, uniform red, early maturity (60-65 days), suitable for autumn, winter and spring summer seasons, good for juice and ketchup Pusa Early Dwarf (Red Plant typical dwarf (50-55 cm in height), with compact Cloud x improved fruiting, fruits slightly flattish, medium large, uniform Meeruti) red, maturity in 55-60 days after transplanting, suitable for rainy season/winter Punjab Kesari Bushy, with average plant height (60 cm), no fruit (EC65055 x Pubjab cracking, early maturity, suitable for northern plains Tropic) (Developed at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana) Punjab Chhuhara Plants dwarf, bushy with luxuriant foliage, fruits- (EC55055 x Punjab medium sized, pear shaped, firm, fleshy, uniformly red Tropic) at maturity (Developed at PAU, Ludhiana) Sweet 72 (Pusa Red Plants determinate type, fruits flatish round, uniform Plum x Sioux) maturity, heavy yielder (Developed at Gwalior) Patriot (EC17983) Resistant to Fusarium wilt and root knot nematode (RKN) Karboreta Resistant to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cracking, rich in ß-carotene (3-4mg/100g) and ascorbic acid (20- 30mg/100g)

CL1131-0-013-0-6, Resistant to TMV and high temperature; resistant to CL1131-0-0-43-8-1, TMV (race-1) CL5915-154, CL143-0- 13-1, DH1-D; EC173859 EC 243066 to 243069, Tolerant to high temperature, leaf spot and RKN EC 253374 to 253398 EC321425, EC321426, Slow ripening EC321898, EC316299- 316301 Brinjal Pusa Kranti (Pusa A mid season variety, fruits dark purple with shining Purple Long x green calyx and less seeded, fruits uniform, thick, Hyderpur x Wynad oblong, suitable for growing in both the spring and Giant) autumn seasons (developed at IARI, New Delhi), Pusa Anmol (F1 hybrid) Fruits - purple, long, suitable for autumn, winter and (Pusa purple long x summer (developed at IARI, New Delhi) Hyderpur) Turnip Pusa Kanchan (Local Oriental type with yellowish flesh, roundish fruits, early, Red Round x Golden high yielding, leaves with high ascorbic acid content Ball) Pusa Swarnima Carrot Pusa Yamdagini Fast growing, high yielding, orange coloured, coloured (EC9981 x Nantes) core, rich in carotene (developed at IARI, Katrain (Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh) Pusa Kesar (Local red x Fruits deep red, roots tapering Nantes Half long) Sweet Pusa Sunehri (Porto Roots light brown, sweet potato Blanco x Wanrap) x Australian cannanes (USA) Musk Pusa Sharbati (Kutana x Fruits round medium in size, orange flesh, green stripes, melon Resistant No. 6) narrow seed cavity (developed at IARI, New Delhi) Squash Pusa Alankar (EC27050 Early type, high yielding, uniform dull green fruits with x Selection No. IPL 8) light coloured stripes Water Akra Manik (Local High yielding, very sweet fruit melon Selection x Crimson Sweet)

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Annexure 1 Botanical/ common names, family, type of pollination, mode of propagation, centre of origin, main areas of cultivation and part used as vegetable S. Botanical name Common+/ Pollin Life form; Origin (primary Main areas of Part used no. (family) vernacular ation* mode of and secondary) cultivation/ names propagation distribution

1. Abelmoschus Okra, CP Annual; seed Tropical and -. UP, Bihar, Tender fruits esculentus (L.) Lady's finger, subtropical Africa; Odisha, WB Moench. Bhindi India (secondary (Malvaceae) centre) 2. Allium ×proliferum Top onion CP Annual/ Probably East Asia Peninsular India; Bulb, leaves (Moench) Schrad. ex Tree onion, perennial; Himalaya Willd., A. cepa var. Arab pyaj bulb, bulbils proliferum (Moench) Alef., Allium cepa (L.) var. viviparum (Metzg.) Alef. (Alliaceae) 3. Allium Levant garlic, Annual/ S. Europe, Asia HP, Kashmir, Leaves, ampeloprassum L. Perennial sweet perennial; Minor, Caucasus to NEH bulbs, (Alliaceae) leek bulb, bulbils Iran bulbils 4. Allium cepa L. var. Shallot, CP Annual; Asia AP, TN, Kerala Bulb, leaves aggregatum G. Don Aggregate onion, seed, bulb (Alliaceae) Potato onion Chotta pyaj 5. Allium cepa L. var. cepa Onion, Pyaj, CP Annual, Pakistan-Iran (north MS, Kar., Guj., Bulb, leaves (Alliaceae) Multiplier onion bulb, seed temperate/ mountain Odisha, AP, UP, areas) TN, Raj., Bihar 6. Allium chinense G.Don Chinese onion, CP Annual; Temperate Asia Eastern Himalaya Bulb, leaves (Alliaceae) Rakkyo bulb/seed 7. Allium fistulosum L. Japanese CP Annual/ Asia Western Bulb, leaves (Alliaceae) bunching onion, perennial; Himalaya; NEH Welsh onion bulb region

8. Allium porrum L., A. Leek, CP Biennial; Mediterranean region North western Bulb, leaves ampeloprasum var. Winter Leek, Vilaiti bulb, seed, and north eastern porrum L. lehsun bulbils Himalaya; foot (Alliaceae) hills 9. Allium sativum L. Garlic, CP Annual; Central Asia; MP, Guj., Bulb, leaves (Alliaceae) Lehsun bulb/clove Mediterranean region Odisha, UP, (secondary centre) Punj., Haryana, MS 10. Allium Chives, CP Annual; bulb Temperate Asia Hilly regions of Bulb, leaves schoenoprasum L. Piazi north India (Alliaceae) 11. Allium tuberosum Chinese chives, Perennial; Temperate Asia Himalaya Leaves Rottler ex Spreng. Chinese leek, rhizomatous (Alliaceae) Oriental garlic stem, seed 12. Alocasia macrorrhiza Giant alocasia, CP Perennial; Indian subcontinent India (cult Fleshy aerial Schott, A. indica Giant taro, corm/ tubers Assam, WB) stem, tubers (Roxb.) Schott Taro, Man kachu (Araceae) 13. Amaranthus blitum Chaulai, Marsa CP Annual; Probably India Throughout Tender L. subsp. oleraceus seed (except higher leaves/ shoot (L.) Costae, A. hills) lividus L. var. oleracea (L.) Thel. (Amaranthaceae) 14. Amaranthus cruentus Smooth CP Annual; Eastern North Tropical parts Tender L.*; A. hybridus L. ssp. amaranth seed America (TN, Kerala) leaves/ shoot cruentus (L.) Thellung (Amaranthaceae)

15. Amaranthus dubius Spleen amaranth CP Annual; seed South America Tropical parts Tender Mart. ex Thell. leaves/ (Amaranthaceae) shoots 16. Amaranthus tricolor Joseph's coat, CP Annual; Tropical Asia Peninsular, Tender

L. Chinese amaranth, seed eastern region leaves, shoot (Amaranthaceae) Lal chaulai 17. Amorphophallus Elephant foot yam, CP Perennials; Tropical Asia; Africa AP, Guj., MS, Tuber paeoniifolius, A. Sooran, Vegetative WB, north- campanulatus (Roxb.) Jimikand eastern states, Blume Kerala, Bihar and (Araceae) UP; eastern India (commercial level) 18. Apium graveolens var. Celery, CP Annual; seed Mediterranean region India. Punjab, Tender dulce, A. graveolens L. Leaf Celery, UP, HP, TN, Kar. shoots/ (Apiaceae) Ajmud, and Kerala leaves Karas, (limited areas) Safari 19. Asparagus officinalis Asparagus, CP Annual; Temperate Europe, Northern India Tender L. Halyun Garden asparagus seed, Asia shoots/ (Liliaceae) perennial leaves 20. Basella alba L., Malabar SP Annual or Asia (India) North east and Tender B. rubra L. spinach, Indian biennial ; south India; leaves (Basellaceae) spinach, seed, throughout Climbing spinach cuttings , Poi, Lal poi 21. Benincasa hispida Ash gourd, CP Annual; seed Tropical Asia (Java North India (UP, Young (Thunb.) Cong. Wax gourd, and Japan) Delhi); southern tender fruit; (Cucurbitaceae) Petha states (AP, TN, leaves, buds MS, Kerala) 22. Beta vulgaris ssp. Beetroot, CP Annual/ Europe; Annual Throughout India Roots, leaves vulgaris L. Sugar beet, biennial; (Asia) (Chenopodiaceae) Chard, seed Garden beet, Chukandar 23. Beta vulgaris L., B. Beta spinach, CP Annual; seed Europe; temperate UP, WB, MS, Tender vulgaris L. var. cicla L. Beeta palak, Asia Guj. leaves (Chenopodiaceae) Chukunder

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24. Brassica oleracea (L.) Cabbage leaf CP Annual; seed East India, Caucasus Uttaranchal, HP, Leaves Czem. var. rugosa mustard, and China adj. Himalaya; (Roxb.) N. Tsen &S.N. Head mustard, NEH region Lee (Brassicaceae) Pahari sarson, Lai 25. Brassica oleracea L. Cabbage, CP Annual; seed Mediterranean region WB, Orissa. Vegetative convar. capitata (L.) White cabbage, Bihar, Kar., MS, heads var. capitata L., B. Green cabbage, Guj., Punjab oleracea var. capitata Band gobhi L. (Brassicaceae) 26. Brassica oleracea L. Cauliflower, CP Annual; seed Mediterranean region WB, Bihar, Flower var. botrytis Prain Phool gobhi Odisha, Assam, heads (Brassicaceae) Jharkhand; Bihar, UP, WB, Assam, Haryana and MS (non traditional areas) 27. Brassica oleracea L. Kale CP Annual; seed Mediterranean region Kashmir, HP, UP, Young var. acephala DC. Punjab, Haryana flower head (Brassicaceae) and Nilgiris 28. Brassica oleracea L. Knol Khol, CP Annual; seed Mediterranean region Kashmir, WB, Swollen var. gongylodes L., B. Kohlrabi, UP, Uttaranchal, stem oleracea var. Gaanth gobhi HP, MP, Punjab, caulorapa DC; MS, Assam and B. caularapa Pasq. parts of South (Brassicaceae) India 29. Brassica oleracea L. Sprouting CP Annual; Mediterranean region HP,UP J&K, Young var. italica Plenck; B. broccoli, seed, Nilgiris-high flower head oleracea L. convar. Asparagus cuttings altitude and botrytis (L.) Alef. var. broccoli, purple northern plains italica Plenck cauliflower (selected areas) (Brassicaceae) 30. Brassica oleracea var. Brussels sprouts CP Annual; seed Europe HP; NEH region Vegetative gemmifera buds; same

(Brassicaceae) as cabbage 31. Brassica rapa L. subsp. Chinese CP Annual; seed Mediterranean region Plains of north Young chinensis (L.) Hanelt cabbage, Pak- India flower heads (Brassicaceae) choi, China gobhi 32. Brassica rapa L. subsp. Chinese CP Annual; seed Mediterranean region Hilly regions Young pekinensis (Lour) cabbage flower head Hanelt, B. pekinensis (Lour.) (Brassicaceae) 33. Brassica rapa L. subsp. Turnip, Shalghum, CP Biennial/ N. Europe/ Temperate- Young roots, rapa; B. rapa L.; B. Shalzam annual; seed Mediterranean region tropical regions; leaves campestris var. rapa (European types ); Bihar, Haryana, (Brassicaceae) Afghanistan-central HP, Punjab, TN Asia (secondary centre) 34. Canavalia ensiformis Jack bean, SP/ Annual; seed South Asian/African NE region Tender pods (L.) DC. Horse bean CP (Assam, Imphal, (Fabaceae) Tripura) 35. Canavalia gladiata Sword bean SP/ Annual; seed West Indies NE region; Tamil Tender pods (Jacq.) DC. CP Nadu (Fabaceae) 36. Canna edulis Ker- Queensland SP Perennial Tropical Asia Tamil Nadu Rhizomes Gawl. (Cannaceae) arrowroot 37. Capsicum annuum var. Bell pepper, SP Annual; seed Mexico, central Temperate-sub Young fruits, grossum (L.) Sendtn. Green bell, America, northern- temperate regions salad, pickle (Solanaceae) Shimla mirch south America 38. Capsicum annuum Chilli SP&C Annual; seed Mexico; Guatemala AP, Kar., MS, Young / var. annuum L. Bell pepper, South America; Asia Orissa, immature (Solanaceae) Sweet pepper, (secondary) Jharkhand, MP, fruit Mirch WB, Rajasthan, TN (hilly tracts); throughout

39. Capsicum baccatum Peruvian SP Annual; seed South America Experimental Powdery L., C. frutescence var. pepper, brown’s areas mildew, baccatum (L.) Irish pepper anthracnose (Solanaceae) fruit resistance 40. Capsicum chinense Squash pepper, SP Annual; seed South America, North eastern hill Fruits for Jacq. bonet pepper, Brazil region; Kerala soups, (Solanaceae) Naga chilli (backyard pickle, cultigen) colourent/ flavours 41. Capsicum frutescence Bird pepper, SP Annual; seed South America Kerala, Kar., MS, Young fruits L. var. frutescence hot pepper AP (Vizianagar (Solanaceae) dist.), NEH region 42. Celosia argentea L. Quail grass CP Annual, seed Tropical Africa Warmer regions; Tender (Amaranthaceae) south India leaves 43. Chenopodium album Lamb’s quarters, CP Annual; seed North Temperate Throughout Tender L. Bathua, regions (Americas) shoots/ (Chenopodiaceae) Chakkravarthi Leaves greens, Wild spinach 44. Citrullus lanatus Water melon, CP Annual; seed Trop. Africa All over along the Mature fruit (Thunb.) Matsum. & Tarbuz (Kalahari Desert) river bed Nakai; C. vulagaris Schrad (Cucurbitaceae) 45. Coccinia grandis L. Ivy gourd*, CP Perennial, Tropical Africa; Chhattisgarh, Young Voigt; C. indica Wight Coccinia, Little annual; seed/ tropical Asia (India) WB, Bihar, tender fruit & Arn.) gourd, Scarlet cuttings/ Karnataka; (Cucurbitaceae) gourd, tuberous throughout Kundru roots 46. Colocasia esculenta Taro, Dasheen, CP Perennial; South East Asia Nagaland, Tuber (L.) Schott Arabi, Ghuiyan Vegetative including India and Meghalaya, AP (Araceae) Malaysia

47. Colocasia gigantea Giant taro CP Indo-Malayan region India Tender (Blume) Hk.f. (throughout) petiole, (Araceae) leaves in markets 48. Coriandrum sativum L. Coriander, CP Annual; seed Central Asia, the Raj., Guj., MP, Leaves for (Apiaceae) Dhaniya Near East UP,TN, AP; soups, elsewhere for garnish/ local use culinary purposes 49. Cucumis anguria var. Gherkins, CP Annual; seed West Africa TN (dry tracts) Young anguria L. West Indian tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) gherkin, Khira 50. Cucumis melo L. Musk melon CP Annual; seed Tropical Africa; Throughout Mature fruit (Cucurbitaceae) Kharbuza India (secondary centre) 51. Cucumis melo L. ssp. Long melon, CP Annual; seed India Most parts of Young melo var. flexuosus Serpentine India esp. Indo- tender fruit (L.) Naudin; C. melo melon, gangetic plains L. var. utilissimus Snake cucumber, Duthie & J.B. Fuller Kakri (Cucurbitaceae) 52. Cucumis melo L. Snap melon CP Annual; seed Africa Raj., Punjab, Young subsp. melo var. Phut Haryana, UP tender fruit momordica (Roxb.) cooked or Duthie & J. B. Fuller pickled, the (Cucurbitaceae) low sugared mature fruits eaten raw 53. Cucumis melo var. Oriental CP Annual; seed India Peninsular region Young conomon (Thunb.) pickling melon, (Kerala) tender fruit Makino Kani vellari (Cucurbitaceae) 54. Cucumis sativus L. Cucumber, CP Annual; seed India (probably the Himalaya (south- Young

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var. sativus Gherkin Himalayas); Europe, east), MS, central tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) Near East, China and south India (secondary) (lower/ higher alt.) 55. Cucumis sativus L. Hill cucumber, CP Annual; seed India Uttarakhand; Young var. sikkimensis Hoo Nepali kheera, adjoining Bhutan tender fruit k. f. Pahari kheera Nepal (Cucurbitaceae) 56. Cucurbita ficifolia Malabar CP Annual/ Central Mexico Young Bouche gourd, Fig leaf perennial; tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) gourd seed 57. Cucurbita maxima Winter squash, CP Annual; seed South America; Young/ semi Dutch. ssp. maxima Giant pumpkin south east Asia mature fruit (Cucurbitaceae) (secondary) 58. Cucurbita moschata Winter squash, CP Annual; seed Mexico and Peru Assam, WB, TN, Young/matur (Duchesne ex Lam.) Pumpkin, Sitaphal Kar, MP, UP, e fruit Duchesne ex Poiret, Kasiphal Odisha, Bihar syn. Cucurbita pepo (throughout) L. var. moschata Duchesne (Cucurbitaceae) 59. Cucurbita pepo L. Summer squash, CP Annual; seed North America Punjab, Delhi, Young/ semi (Cucurbitaceae) Vegetable UP mature fruit marrow Chappan kadu, Safed kaddu, Kumra 60. Cyamopsis Cluster bean, SP/ Annual; seed Probably India Raj. Tender pods tetragonoloba (L.) Calcutta-lucerne CP Taub. (Fabaceae) Guar, Gwarphali

61. Cyanara scolymus L. Globe artichoke CP Perennial ; Mediterranean region Cultivated in Globular, (Asteraceae) artichoke Annual; seed India immature

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flower heads/ buds 62. Cyclanthera pedata Meetha karela, CP Annual; seed Peru/ Ecuador Himalayan region Young (L.) Schrad. Wild cucumber tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) 63. Cyphomandra betacea Tree tomato, SP Perennial; South Bolivia and Hills of India Mature fruits (Cav.) Sendtner Tamerillo seeds/ stem NW Argentina (Nilgiris, Assam) (Solanaceae) Under util cuttings (limited cultivation) 64. Daucus carota L. Carrot, Gaajar CP Annual/ Europe UP, Assam, Kar., Tender roots ssp. sativus (Hoffm.) biennial; AP, Haryana; Arcang. (Apiaceae) seed Throughout 65. Daucus carota ssp. Black carrot, CP Annual; Afghanistan Western part of Roots, sativus (Hoffm.) purple carrot biennial; India beverage Schübl. & G. Martens seed var. atrorubens Alef. (Apiaceae) 66. Dioscorea alata L. Greater yam, CP Perennial; South east Asia MP, UP, Odisha, Tubers (Dioscoreaceae) Yams, Water Vegetative WB, TN, Ker., yam, Ratalu NEH region 67. Dioscorea bulbifera Aerial yam, CP Perennial Tropical Asia Throughout India Tubers L. Air potato Vegetative (Dioscoreaceae) 68. Dioscorea deltoidea Kniss, Kins CP Perennial West Asia Punjab, NEH Tubers Wall.ex Griseb. Vegetative region (Dioscoreaceae) 69. Dioscorea esculenta Chinese yam, CP Perennial Tropical Asia MP, UP, Orissa, (Dioscoreaceae) Lesser yam, Vegetative WB, TN, Kerala Asiatic yam, and NEH region Suthani , Kangar 70. Dioscorea rotundata White guinea CP Perennial; West Africa MP, UP, Orissa, Tubers Poir. yam vegetative WB, TN, Ker.,

(Dioscoreaceae) cuttings NEH region 71. Helianthus tuberosus Jerusalem CP Central and South Assam, Bengal, Tubers L. artichoke America UP, MS, Guj., AP (Asteraceae) 72. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Roselle, Jamaica CP Annual; seed Indo-Malayan region Punjab, UP, AP, Leaves; (Malvaceae) sorrel, Lal ambari MP, MS, eastern calyx as India vegetable colourent 73. Ipomoea aguatica Water spinach, CP Biennial/ Tropical Asia (India) Most water Succulent Forssk. Kangkong, Nali perennial; bodies throughout stems, leaves (Convolvulaceae) saag, Kalami sag seed/ stem India cuttings 74. Ipomoea batatas (L.) Sweet potato, CP Perennial; South America Assam, Bihar, Tubers Lam. var. batatas Shakarkand, annual; stem Kar., Orissa, MP, (Convolvulaceae) Mitha alu cuttings MS, Odisha, UP 75. Lablab purpureus Lablab bean, SP/ Annual; seed Tropical Asia UP, MP, MS, AP, Tender pods (L.) Sweet ssp. Hyacinth bean, CP (probably India) TN, Haryana, purpureus; Dolichos Sem WB lablab L. (Fabaceae) 76. Lactuca sativa L. Lettuce; Salad SP Annual; seed Mediterranean Limited Tender (Asteraceae) lettuce region cultivation shoots/ (kitchen gardens) leaves 77. Lagenaria siceraria Bottle gourd, CP Annual; seed Tropical Africa UP, Punjab, Guj., Young (Molina) Standl. Lauki, Lauaa, Meghalaya, tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) Dudhi, Ghiya Rajasthan; throughout 78. Luffa acutangula Ridged gourd CP Annual; seed Probably AP, TN, Kar, Young Roxb. Ribbed, angled India Guj., Assam, tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) luffa, Ghia tori WB, Konkan (MS) 79. Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. Sponge gourd, CP Annual; seed Tropical Asia AP, TN, Kar., Young syn. Luffa cylindrica Smooth gourd, (India)/ Guj., Assam, WB tender fruit

Roem.; L. pentendra Kali tori, Torai Africa/ and Konkan (MS) Roxb. Australia (Cucurbitaceae) 80. Luffa hermaphrodita Satputiya CP Annual; seed India Easten UP, Bihar, Young fruit N.B.Singh & U.C. WB (also Bhattach. considered (Cucurbitaceae) under L. autangula) 81. Lycopersicon Tomato, SP Annual; seed Andes (south UP, Kar., MS, Mature fruit esculentum Mill Tamatar America) Haryana, Punjab, (Solanaceae) Bihar, Odisha 82. Malva verticillata L. Castillian CP Annual; seed Asia temperate region Koch Behar Leaves, soft (Malvaceae) mallow, Lapha (WB), Assam, aerial parts Nilgiris (TN) 83. Manihot esculenta Cassava, CP Perennial; North-eastern Brazil Southern Tubers Crantz Tapioca, tubers and India peninsular region (Euphorbiaceae) Manioc, (Ker., TN, AP) Sabu, Maravuli 84. Maranta arundinacea West Indian SP/CP Perennial South America UP, Bihar, Edible L. arrow root, Odisha, WB, rhizome (Marantaceae) Arrowroot Assam, Ker. 85. Momordica balsamina Balsam apple, CP Annual; seed Tropical regions of MS, Punjab, Raj., Young L. Jangli karela Asia, Africa and UP tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) South America 86. Momordica charantia Bitter gourd, CP Annual; seed Tropical Asia (Indo- MS, Kerala, Kar, Young L. Karela Burma) TN; throughout tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) 87. Momordica Sweet gourd*, CP Annual; seed East and Southeast Bihar, Jharkhand, Young cochinchinensis Gol kakora, Asia (India) Odisha, WB, tender fruit (Lour.) Spreng. Kheksa Assam (tribal (Cucurbitaceae) tracts), NEH states, Andamans

88. Momordica dioica Spine gourd, CP Perennial, China; probably WB, Bihar, Young Roxb. ex Willd. Kakrol, Kartoli annual; Indian subcontinent Odisha (tribal tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) Kankora Cutting/seed tracts), MS 89. Moringa oleifera Drumstick, SP Annual; Probably South India Widely Tender pods, Lamk Moringa, seed/cuttings distributed in leaves (Moringaceae) Sahjan. ; perennial India 90. Mucuna pruriens (L.) Bengal velvet SP Annual; seed India Bihar, Bengal, Tender pods DC. var. utilis (Wall. ex bean, Velvet bean, Orissa Wight) Baker ex Burck ko (Fabaceae) 91. Murraya koenigi Curry leaf, CP Perennial; India (terai tracts of WB, Assam, Leaves/ Spreng Meetha neem, Kari seed Uttarakhand) Deccan plateau, shoots (Meliaceae) patta Western Ghats, TN, Ker., Kar. 92. Pachyrrhizus erosus Yam bean, SP Annual; seeds Mexico and Central WB, Bihar, Tuber (L.) Urb. Potato bean, America Odisha, eastern (Fabaceae) Mishrikand UP, Assam 93. Petroselinum crispum Parsley, CP Annual; seed European (probably HP, Punjab, Tender (Mill.) Nyman ex Achu mooda West Mediterranean Haryana, UP; shoots/ A.W.Hill var. crispum ) south India (high leaves (Apiaceae) altitude) 94. Phaseolus coccineus Scarlet runner CP Annual; seed Mexico and Central Higher hills of Tender pods L. (Fabaceae) bean America Himalaya 95. Phaseolus lunatus L. Lima bean, SP/ Annual; seed Andes and MS, TN Adjoining (Fabaceae) Butter bean CP Mesoamerica parts Double bean , Sugar bean 96. Phaseolus vulgaris L. French Bean, SP Annual; seed Mexico and Central HP, J&K, north- Tender pods (Fabaceae) Snap bean, America; Peruvian – eastern states, Kidney bean, Ecuadorian-Bolivia UP, MS, Kar., AP Frash bean, (secondary centres) Vilaiti sem, Boda xii

97. Pisum sativum L. Pea, Garden pea, SP Annual; seed Central Asia, the UP, MP, HP, Pods/seeds (Fabaceae) matar Near East, Abyssinia Punj., Haryana, and the Raj., MS, Bihar Mediterranean region and Kar., TN, AP 98. Portulaca oleracea Common Annual, South and West Asia Throughout; Leaves/ L. purslane, perennial; (India) weed under whole plant (Portulacaceae) Purselane, seed, stem cultivation Kulfa saag cutting

99. Praecitrulus fistulosus Indian round Annual; seed India North and north- Young (Stocks) Pangalo, melons, Tinda western parts tender fruit Benincasa fistulosa (Stocks) H. Schaef. & S. S. Renner, Citrullus vulgaris var. fistulosus (Stock) Chakra. (Cucurbitaceae) 100. Psophocarpus Winged bean, SP/ Annual/ Probably Madagascar Manipur, Tripura Tender pods tetragonolobus (L.) Goa bean, Manila CP perennial; region and Mizoram, and leaves; DC. (Fabaceae) ban, Asparagus seed TN, Kerala, Kar, flower, pea, Chathur lobia Goa, Odisha, tuberous Bihar, MS, WB roots

101. Raphanus sativus L. var. Mogri; mugri, CP Biennial; Asia (India) Punjab, Haryana, Tender pods mougri H. W. J. Helm, R. Serpentine radish seed Uttar Pradesh (mugri) sativus var. caudatus (L. f.) H. Vilm. (Brassicaceae) 102. Raphanus sativus L. var. Radish, Mooli CP Annual; seed Europe (root) WB, Bihar, UP, Roots, leaves sativus (Brassicaceae) Punjab, Assam, Haryana, Gujarat, HP, Kar., TN

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103. Rumex acetosa L., Sorrel, Spinach CP Annual; seed Asia (India) All over Leaves R. stenophyllus Ledeb. dock (Polygonaceae) 104. Sauropus androgynus Chekkurmanis, CP Perennial; Asia (Indo-Burma) Sikkim, Khasi, Tender (L.) Merril. Sweet leaf bush seed, stem Abor and Arka leaves, (Euphorbiaceae) cuttings hill, Western flowers, Ghats (Kerala), fruits (salad, Kerala (wild) vegetable) 105. Sechium edule Cho-cho, CP Perennial (3- Southern Mexico and TN (Nilgiris), Young (Jacq.) Sw. Chayote 4 yrs); stem Central America Kar., MS and tender fruit, (Cucurbitaceae) cuttings/ western and starchy seed eastern Hills edible roots 106. Sesbania grandiflora Agathi, SP Annual/ South East Asia Punj., Assam, Tender (L.) Pers. (Fabaceae) West Indian pea, perennial. TN, Ker. leaves, Swamp pea seeds flower, tender pod 107. Solanum gilo Raddi; Scarlet egg SP/ Annual; seed West tropical Africa North eastern Fruits (fresh, S. aethiopicum L. plant, gilo CP states (Nagaland, dried/dried (Solanaceae) Arunachal for off Pradesh) season use) 108. Solanum melongena Brinjal, SP/ Annual; seed Probably Southeast Odisha, WB., Mature fruits L. Eggplant, CP Asia (Indo- Burma) Bihar; almost all (Solanaceae) Baingan states

109. Solanum tuberosum Potato, Irish CP Annual; seed/ Trop. South America Throughout Tubers L. potato, Aaloo tubers (Peru/ Chile) (Solanaceae) 110. Solena amplexicaulis Creeping CP Annual Tropical Asia (India) Kerala, MS, hilly Young (Lam.) cucumber, tracts of Odisha, tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) Melothria Jharkhand, Chhotanagpur, AP, Kar., NEH 111. Solenostemon Coleus, CP Perennial; Probably tropical Ker., TN, Kar. Tubers

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rotundifolius (Poir.) Chinese potato, vine cutting Africa/ India JK Morton, Coleus Country potato parviflorus Benth. (Lamiaceae) 112. Spinacia oleracea L Spinach, CP Annual; seed Central Asia, prob. Plains and hills Tender (Chenopodiaceae) Palak Persia (Iran) leaves 113. Talinum triangulare Ceylon spinach, CP Perennial, Brazil Chhattisgarh, AP, Leaves, (Jacq.) Willd. Water leaf plant seed, stem TN, adj. regions tender shoots (Talinaceae) cuttings 114. Trichosanthes Snake gourd CP Annual; seed India Guj., MS, other Young/ anguina L. Chichinda, southern states tender fruit T.cucumerina Padwal, (Cucurbitaceae) Pdalangai 115. Trichosanthes dioica Pointed gourd CP Perennial, Indo-Malayan region WB, MP, Punjab, Young Roxb. Parwal, Patal annual; seed/ (Bengal-Assam) UP (eastern), tender fruit (Cucurbitaceae) vine cutting, Odisha, Assam, root suckers) Guj. AP,TN (hilly tracts) 116. Trigonella corniculata Sickle-fruit SP Annual; seed Asia Kashmir, Raj., Leaves (L.) L. fenugreek, MP (Fabaceae) Kasuri methi 117. Trigonella foenum- Fenugreek, SP Annual; seed South-eastern Europe Raj., UP, MP, Tender graecum L. Methi and West Asia Guj.; throughout leaves (Fabaceae) 118. Vicia faba L. Faba bean, SP/CP Annual; seed Near East (South UP, Punj., Tender pods, (Fabaceae) Horse bean West Asia- Haryana, seeds Mediterranean) Kashmir, Raj., Kar., MP, Bihar, Jhar. 119. Vigna unguiculata Yardlong bean, SP Annual; seed Tropical Asia Deccan Plateau Tender pods (L.) Walp. ssp. Asparagus bean and West Coast sesquipedalis (L.) region Verdc.

(Fabaceae) 120. Vigna unguiculata Cowpea, SP Annual; seed West Africa; India Throughout India Tender pods (L.) Walp. ssp. Southern pea, (secondary centre) unguiculata Black eyed pea, (Fabaceae) Yard long bean, Lobia 121. Xanthosoma Tannia, CP Perennials; S. America; west India MS, Guj., Ker. Tuber sagittifolium (L.) Schott Xanthosoma, New cultivated as (Araceae) cocoyam annual; Suckers, corms, cormels 122. Xanthosoma violaceum Blue taro, CP Perennials; Caribbean islands; N NEH, adjoining Petiole, Schott (Araceae) Tiquisque cultivated as West and S America region (Nepal) tender tubers annual + (common name used in text); * (also wild); ** (Self pollinated – SP; Cross pollinated- CP);

AP - Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat - Guj., Himachal Pradesh- HP, Jhar.: Jharkhand; Karnataka –Kar., Ker.: Kerala; Madhya Pradesh – MP., Maharashtra – MS, Punj.: Punjab; Tamil Nadu - TN, North- eastern hill region- NEH region, Uttar Pradesh- UP, WB-West Bengal

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Annexure 2 List of common and botanical names used in the text

S. no Common name Botanical name 1. Aerial yam Dioscorea bulbifera 2. Agathi Sesbania grandiflora 3. Amaranth Amaranthus gangeticus 4. Ash gourd Benincasa hispida 5. Asparagus Asparagus officinalis 6. Balsam apple Momordica balsamina 7. Beetroot Beta vulgaris 8. Bell pepper Capsicum annuum 9. Bengal velvet bean Mucuna pruriens var. utilis 10. Beta spinach Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris 11. Bitter gourd Momordica charantia 12. Black carrot Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens 13. Blue taro Xanthosoma violaceum 14. Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria 15. Brinjal Solanum melongena 16. Brussels sprouts Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera 17. Cabbage Brassica oleracea. convar. capitata var. capitata 18. Cabbage leaf mustard Brassica oleracea var. rugosa 19. Carrot Daucus carota ssp. sativus 20. Cassava Manihot esculenta 21. Cauliflower Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 22. Celery Apium graveolens var. dulce Ceylon spinach Talinum triangulare 23. Chekkurmanis Sauropus androgynus 24. Chilli Capsicum annuum var. annuum 25. Chinese cabbage Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis 26. Chinese chives Allium tuberosum 27. Chinese onion Allium chinense 28. Chinese potato Solenostemon rotundifolius 29. Chinese yam Dioscorea esculenta 30. Chives Allium schoenoprasum 31. Cho-cho Sechium edule 32. Cluster bean Cyamopsis tetragonoloba 33. Common purslane Portulaca oleracea 34. Coriander Coriandrum sativum 35. Cowpea Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata 36. Creeping cucumber Solena amplexicaulis 37. Cucumber gherkin Cucumis sativus var. sativus 38. Curry leaf Murraya koenigi 39. Drumstick Moringa oleifera

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40. Elephant foot yam Amorphophallus paeoniifolius 41. Faba bean Vicia faba 42. Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum 43. French bean Phaseolus vulgaris 44. Garlic Allium sativum 45. Gherkins Cucumis anguria var. anguria. 46. Giant alocasia Alocasia macrorrhiza 47. Giant taro Colocasia gigantea 48. Globe artichoke Cyarara scolymus 49. Greater yam Dioscorea alata 50. Hill cucumber Cucumis sativus var. sikkimensis 51. Indian round melons Praecitrulus fistulosus/ Benincasa fistulosa 52. Ivy gourd Coccinia grandis 53. Jack bean Canavalia ensiformis 54. Roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa 55. Japanese bunching onion Allium fistulosum 56. Kale Brassica oleracea var. acephala 57. Kniss Dioscorea deltoidea 58. Knol-khol Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes 59. Lablab bean Lablab purpureus ssp. purpureus 60. Lal chaulai Amaranthus tricolor 61. Lamb’s quarters Chenopodium album 62. Leek Allium porrum 63. Lettuce Lactuca sativa 64. Levant garlic Allium ampeloprassum 65. Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus 66. Livid Amaranth Amaranthus blitum subsp. oleraceu 67. Long melon Cucumis melo ssp. melo var. flexuosus 68. Malabar gourd Cucurbita ficifolia 69. Malabar spinach Basella alba 70. Meetha karela Cyclanthera pedata 71. Mogri Raphanus sativus var. mougri 72. Musk melon Cucumis melo 73. Okra Abelmoschus esculentus 74. Onion Allium cepa var. cepa 75. Oriental pickling Cucumis melo var. conomon melon 76. Pak-choi Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis 77. Parsley Petroselinum crispum 78. Pea Pisum sativum 79. Peruvian pepper Capsicum baccatum 80. Plang saag Beta vulgaris var. orientalis 81. Pointed gourd Trichosanthes dioica 82. Potato Solanum tuberosum

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83. Quail grass Celosia argentea 84. Queensland arrowroot Canna edulis 85. Radish Raphanus sativus var. sativus 86. Ridged gourd Luffa acutangula 87. Salad lettuce Lactuca sativa 88. Satputiya Luffa hermaphrodita 89. Scarlet egg plant Solanum gilo 90. Scarlet runner bean Phaseolus coccineus 91. Shallot Allium cepa var. ascalonicum 92. Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum 93. Sickle-fruit fenugreek Trigonella corniculata 94. Smooth amaranth Amaranthus hybridus 95. Snake gourd Trichosanthes anguina 96. Snapmelon Cucumis melo subsp. melo var. momordica 97. Sorrel Rumex acetosa 98. Spinach Spinacia oleracea 99. Spine gourd Momordica dioica 100. Sponge gourd Luffa aegyptica 101. Sprouting broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica 102. Squash pepper Capsicum chinense 103. Summer squash Cucurbita pepo 104. Sweet gourd Momordica cochinchinensis 105. Sweet potato Ipomoea batatas 106. Sword bean Canavalia gladiata 107. Tannia Xanthosoma sagittifolium 108. Taro Colocasia esculenta 109. Tomato Lycopersicon esculentum 110. Top onion Allium× proliferum 111. Tree tomato Cyphomandra betacea 112. Turnip Brassica rapa 113. Water melon Citrullus lanatus 114. Water spinach Ipomoea aguatica 115. West Indian arrow root Maranta arundinacea 116. White guinea yam Dioscorea rotundata 117. Winged bean Psophocarpus tetragonolobus 118. Winter squash Cucurbita maxima 119. Winter squash Cucurbita moschata 120. Yam bean Pachyrrhizus erosus 121. Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis

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Annexure 3

Taxa under vegetable groups collected and conserved (National Gene Bank)

BotanicalName Coll. Con. Abelmoschus angulosus var. angulosus 71 19 Abelmoschus caillei 24 8 Abelmoschus crinitus 58 11 Abelmoschus esculentus 3273 1254 Abelmoschus ficulneus 170 76 Abelmoschus manihot subsp. manihot 46 34 Abelmoschus manihot subsp. pungens 93 52 Abelmoschus manihot subsp. tetraphyllus 345 183 Abelmoschus moschatus 123 47 Abelmoschus moschatus var. tuberosus 9 5 Abelmoschus sp. 224 100 Allium ampeloprasum 10 Allium atrosanguineum 2 Allium auriculatum 13 Allium carolinianum 12 Allium cepa var. cepa 2283 409 Allium cepa var. aggregatum 36 4 Allium chinense 4 1 Allium consanguineum 1 Allium fistulosum 8 3 Allium griffithianum 11 3 Allium hookeri 17 Allium humile 4 Allium macranthum 14 Allium przewalskianum 3 1 Allium roylei 1 Allium sativum 1231 35 Allium schoenoprasum 10 Allium semenovii 1 Allium sp. 128 7 Allium stracheyi 2 1 Allium tuberosum 20 2 Allium wallichii 6 Alocasia macrorrhiza 37

Alocasia indica 14 Alocasia sp. 53 Amaranthus blitum 23 17 Amaranthus caudatus 202 132 Amaranthus cruentus 83 59 Amaranthus dubius 77 52 Amaranthus graecizans 29 26 Amaranthus hybridus 62 45 Amaranthus hypochondriacus 1281 1135 Amaranthus lividus var. polygonoides = blightum subsp. 6 6 emarginatum Amaranthus polygonoides 3 3 Amaranthus powellii 2 2 Amaranthus retroflexus 4 Amaranthus sp. 2430 1173 Amaranthus spinosus 83 23 Amaranthus tricolor 391 179 Amaranthus viridis 96 29 Amaranthus blitum subsp. oleraceus 23 23 Amorphophallus bulbifera 6 Amorphophallus commutatus 7 Amorphophallus glaucophyllus 2 Amorphophallus hohenackeri 13 Amorphophallus nicolsonianus 1 Amorphophallus paeoniifolius 74 5 Amorphophallus sp. 131 1 Amorphophallus sylvaticus 3 Anethum graveolens 99 38 Anethum sowa 62 50 Apium graveolens 170 Asparagus adscendens 44 3 Asparagus densiflorus 1 Asparagus officinalis 13 2 Asparagus plumosus =setaceous 1 Asparagus racemosus 210 26 Asparagus sp. 39 3 Basella alba 58 7 Benincasa hispida 550 135 Beta vulgaris 53 8

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Beta vulgaris var. cicla 3 1 Brassica caulorapa 3 2 Brassica chinensis 2 Brassica juncea var. rugosa 113 84 Brassica oleracea var. acephala 28 18 Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 65 7 Brassica oleracea var. capitata 21 7 Brassica oleracea var. caulorapa 11 4 Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes 7 2 Brassica pekinensis 1 Brassica rapa 108 28 Brassica rapa var. chinensis 4 4 Canavalia africana 2 2 Canavalia cathartica 31 15 Canavalia ensiformis 102 36 Canavalia gladiata= ensiformis var. gladiata 135 26 Canavalia lineata 1 1 Canavalia obtusifolia = rosea 2 1 Canavalia sp. 39 16 Canna indica 58 3 Canna sp. 12 Capsicum annuum var. annuum 5211 2007 Capsicum annuum var. grossum 9 1 Capsicum baccatum 24 3 Capsicum chinense 11 2 Capsicum frutescens var. frutescens 314 118 Capsicum sp. 918 91 Chenopodium album 145 49 Chenopodium ambrosioides = Dysphania ambrosioides 3 Chenopodium botrys= Dysphania botrys 11 9 Chenopodium foliosum 1 Chenopodium hybridum 8 4 Chenopodium murale 3 3 Chenopodium quinoa 1 1 Chenopodium sp. 60 32 Citrullus colocynthis 178 133 Citrullus lanatus 336 65 Citrullus sp. 10 3

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Citrullus X Citrullus melo 1 1 Coccinia cordifolia= Mukia madraspatana 34 2 Coccinia grandis 247 27 Coccinia sp. 20 3 Colocasia affinis 2 Colocasia antiquorum 3 Colocasia esculenta 1440 17 Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 25 Colocasia esculenta var. aquatilis 3 Colocasia esculenta var. sylvestris 1 Colocasia sp. 247 2 Cucumis callosus 418 122 Cucumis hystrix 9 2 Cucumis indicus 1 Cucumis leiosperma 2 1 Cucumis maderaspatanus 3 2 Cucumis melo subsp. melo 1804 457 Cucumis melo var. agrestis 80 40 Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis 21 Cucumis melo var. conomon 33 11 Cucumis melo var. flaxosus 1 Cucumis melo var. momordica 321 152 Cucumis melo var. utilissimus 66 36 Cucumis melo var. vulgaris 32 19 Cucumis pepo 12 Cucumis prophetarum 37 18 Cucumis sagittatus 3 Cucumis sativus var. sativus 1406 192 Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii 225 103 Cucumis sativus var. sikkimensis 1 Cucumis setosus 5 4 Cucumis silentvalleyi 3 Cucumis sp. 146 32 Cucumis trigonus 39 19 Cucumis x Cucumis moschata 7 1 Cucurbita ficifolia 3 Cucurbita maxima 299 45 Cucurbita moschata 1554 116

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Cucurbita pepo 204 29 Cucurbita sp. 192 14 Cyclanthera pedata 111 45 Cyphomandra betacea 33 4 Daucus carota 123 21 Daucus carota var. sativa 37 12 Dioscorea alata 302 5 Dioscorea bulbifera 99 4 Dioscorea deltoidea 17 1 Dioscorea esculenta 76 2 Dioscorea glabra 5 Dioscorea hamiltonii 14 Dioscorea hispida 20 Dioscorea intermedia 11 1 Dioscorea kumaonensis 1 Dioscorea oppositifolia 78 4 Dioscorea pentaphylla 60 3 Dioscorea pubera 10 1 Dioscorea sp. 330 10 Dioscorea spicata 14 1 Dioscorea tomentosa 22 1 Dioscorea trifida 1 Dioscorea vexans 9 Dioscorea wallichii 42 Ipomoea aquatica 4 Ipomoea batatas 259 14 Lablab purpureus 2489 687 Lablab purpureus var. lignosus 97 6 Lablab purpureus var. typicus 76 2 Lablab sp. 6 Lagenaria siceraria 1535 464 Luffa acutangula var. acutangula 1478 157 Luffa acutangula var. amara 27 7 Luffa acutangula var. hermaphrodita 68 6 Luffa aegyptiaca 1158 313 Luffa echinata 13 8 Luffa graveolens 2 2 Luffa sp. 14 3

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Lycopersicon cheesmanii 1 Lycopersicon esculentum 841 104 Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium 100 38 Lycopersicon sp. 5 Manihot esculenta 232 15 Manihot sp. 3 Momordica balsamina 46 42 Momordica charantia var. charantia 930 138 Momordica charantia var. muricata 505 137 Momordica cochinchinensis 51 4 Momordica cymbalaria= Luffa tuberosa 24 1 Momordica denudata 6 Momordica dioica 526 45 Momordica sahyadrica 7 Momordica sp. 56 8 Momordica subangulata 1 1 Momordica subangulata subsp. renigera 98 4 Moringa concanensis 9 1 Moringa oleifera 288 28 Mucuna atropurpurea 1 Mucuna pruriens 183 109 Mucuna pruriens var. utilis 70 29 Mucuna prurita 115 74 Murraya koenigii 22 1 Murraya paniculata 3 2 Pachyrhizus erosus 27 2 Petroselinum crispum 5 Praecitrullus fistulosus 132 69 Psophocarpus tetragonolobus 244 47 Raphanus sativus var. mougri 8 2 Raphanus sativus var. sativus 607 180 Sechium edule 31 Spinacia oleracea 470 123 Solanum aculeatissimum 53 24 Solanum aethiopicum = S. gilo 70 16 Solanum albicans 2 2 Solanum americanum = S. nigrum 46 25 Solanum anguivi 249 28

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Solanum asperolanatum 1 1 Solanum aviculare 1 Solanum capsicoides 14 8 Solanum donianum 9 3 Solanum dulcamara 1 Solanum ferox 1 Solanum giganteum 2 2 Solanum gilo 64 15 Solanum habrochaites 3 1 Solanum jasminoides =S. laxum 1 Solanum laciniatum 4 3 Solanum lasiocarpum 1 1 Solanum macrocarpon 5 3 Solanum mammosum 2 Solanum melongena 4191 1904 Solanum melongena var. incanum 252 190 Solanum muricatum 2 Solanum pseudocapsicum 8 3 Solanum pubescens= S. luteoalbum 14 8 Solanum seaforthianum 5 2 Solanum sisymbriifolium 6 1 Solanum sp. 282 86 Solanum spirale 3 1 Solanum torvum 44 15 Solanum trilobatum 15 9 Solanum tuberosum 93 1 Solanum viarum 38 25 Solanum violaceum 3 2 Solanum virginianum 111 69 Solanum albidum 1 Trichosanthes tricuspidata=T. bracteata 124 47 Trichosanthes anguina 295 64 Trichosanthes cordata 3 25 Trichosanthes cucumerina 206 100 Trichosanthes dioica 142 1 Trichosanthes himalensis 1 Trichosanthes lepiniana 17 1 Trichosanthes nervifolia 6 1

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Trichosanthes sp. 46 13 Trichosanthes truncata 1 Trichosanthes wallichiana 20 Vicia faba 417 119 Xanthosoma sagittifolia 77 Total 64,056* 15489

* excluding unidentified species

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