PGR Diversity and Economic Utilization of Orchids

Abstract

Orchids are one of the highly commercial crops in floriculture sector and are robustly exploited due to the high ornamental and economic value. ICAR-NRC for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim, India, majorly focused on collection, characterization, evaluation, conservation and utilization of genetic resources available in the country particularly in north-eastern region and developed a National repository of orchids. From 1996 to till date, several exploration programmes carried across the country and a total of 351 species under 94 genera was collected and conserved at this institute. Among the collections, 205 species were categorized as threatened species, followed by 90 species having breeding value, 87 species which are used in traditional medicine, 77 species having fragrance and 11 species were used in traditional dietary. Successful DNA bank of 260 species was constructed for future utilization in various research works. The collected orchid germplasm which includes native orchids was successfully utilized in breeding programme for development of novel varieties and hybrids. This paper aims that the status of collection and conservation, utilization of indigenous orchid germplasm resources at this institute reflecting ITPGRFA and CBD guidelines.