Assessment of in-situ Variability in Kair (Capparis decidua) Germplasm for Utilization in Genetic Improvement through ex-situ Conservation

Abstract

Kair (Capparis decidua) is one of the multipurpose shrubs of hot arid ecosystem and found in diverse habitats unattended and unprotected. In recent past, due to changes in land use pattern, mechanization, expansion of irrigation facilities, urbanization etc. natural habitats of kair are under serious threat. For achieving sustainable development, based on use of available genetic wealth, promotion and conservation of adapted arid species like kair is of immense importance. Extensive survey of western Rajasthan was carried out to collect germplasm from different habitats during April-May 2011 and 45 accessions were collected from different sites. Marked diversity with respect to plant types, canopy, flowering and fruiting were observed in natural population. The seeds of collected germplasms were further sown in nursery for seedling study and field planting for ex-situ conservation. Among the accessions, germination ranged from 41.6-93.4% and survival ranged from 44.2 to 76.8% in nursery. After one year of field planting accessions, CZJK-8 followed by CZJK-9, CZJK-4, CZJK-15 and CZJK-21 showed better survival (>80%), however, accessions CZJK-14, CZJK-33, CZJK-34 and CZJK-35 showed poor survival (<25%). The available germplasm is being further evaluated for characterization and utilization in breeding programme for selection of elite plant types.