Collection, characterization, conservation and utilization of Cordia sinensis Lam.: An underexploited multipurpose fruit species of hot arid regions

Abstract

Cordia sinensis, locally known as ‘Goondi’ in India, is an underexploited multipurpose fruit species found in hot arid regions that is well adapted to drought, salt and hot conditions. The present study was undertaken to collect fruit samples from different locations in the Kachchh region of Gujarat, India, and to determine their field establishment for characterization, conservation and utilization. The maximum distribution of the species was observed in Bhuj (45%) and Mandvi (25%). Field boundaries (35%) and scrub forests (30%) had greater frequencies, whereas backyards had rarer fre quencies (10%). The species most commonly occurred on levelled topography (60%) with a soil pH in the range of 8–8.5 (63%). Morphological data of three-year-old plants in the field gene bank showed a maximum coefficient of variation in the number of leaves per plant (66.6), followed by the number of branches per plant (45.62) and collar diameter (27.69). Wide variations were re corded in plant height (121.67–212 cm), spread (118–223 cm2 ) and the number of branches per plant (6–24.33). Specific accessions were identified for fodder (CBCG-12, CBCG-13 and CBCG 16), early flowering and fruiting (CBCG-12, CBCG-13 and CBCG-14), easier propagation by seeds (CBCG-12 and CBCG-13) and salt tolerance (CBCG-15 and CBCG-16). Preliminary findings and in formation provided about this species’ utilization and other aspects might be useful for future re search on its domestication, sole plantation and conservation aspects, improving the exploitation of this species by present and future generations