Genetic Resources of Genus Allium in India: Collection Status, Distribution and Diversity Mapping using GIS Tools

Abstract

The genetic resources of cultivated and wild Allium species collected from different states of the country have been discussed and analysed for distribution, diversity status and gaps. A total of 5,004 germplasm accessions have been collected during 1976-2020 by ICAR-NBPGR in collaboration with National Agricultural Research System (NARS) consisting 4,924 accessions of cultivated and 80 accessions of wild Allium species. Out of 5,004 accessions, 2,708 accessions have been conserved in National Genebank at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi. The cultivated alliums consist of 11 species, out of which nine species have been conserved (2,641 accessions). The wild Allium species comprise of 13 species out of which 11 species have been conserved (67 accessions). This study identified Western Himalaya as rich areas of diversity (H=1.491-2.0) for wild Allium species. Analysis indicated a significant gap for 21 wild taxa which are neither collected nor conserved in the genebank. Future thrust on explorations to be executed for collection of germplasm of these Allium species is discussed in this paper.