Analysis study on potential underutilized fruit genetic resources of foothill tracks of Eastern Himalayas, India

Abstract

Several wild indigenous fruit crops which are rare in other part of the world grow favourably and naturally in the foothills track of Eastern Himalayas due to suitable geo-climatic conditions. These wild fruits are Padus napaulensis (Ser. ex DC.) Schneider, Elaeagnus latifolia L., Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., Pyrus pashia Hamilton ex D. Don, Calamus meghalayensis (Becc.) A.J. Hend., Gynocardia odorata R. Br., Prunus undulata Buch.-Ham., Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne., Rhus chinensis Mill. and Viburnum foetidum Wallich. These naturally occurring fruit plants which are harvested and marketed locally, not only nutritionally and medicinally rich but also thrive well under adverse climatic conditions and can be the source of several desirable gene(s) or traits particularly for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In spite of their potential, these fruit plants are unattended both at scientific and farmers level. There is a need to attain sustainable growth, food and nutritional security for the most susceptible tribal population in the near future. Therefore, during the course of survey, collection and evaluation of eleven naturally occurring potential wild edible fruit plants have been discussed including their habitat, distribution, morphological description, quality parameters, utilization potential, constraints and possible strategies like how to increase their population size, productivity, conservation and utilization.