Use of Plant Genetic Resources in Crop Improvement under the Indian Himalayan Perspective

Abstract

The Indian Himalayas, a treasure of biological diversity, harbor a wealth of plant genetic resources (PGR). This mountainous region’s varied climate and terrain have fostered a unique ecosystem teeming with plant life, from ancient, locally adapted crop varieties to wild species. These invaluable genetic resources are essential for enhancing crop resilience and productivity, making their sustainable use pivotal for the future of Himalayan agriculture. These resources, encompassing cereals, pseudo-cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables, offer boundless potential for enhancing agricultural productivity, resilience and sustainability. For instance, cereals like rice, maize, barley, and millets exhibit unique diversity adapted to local conditions, while pseudo cereals such as buckwheat and amaranth thrive in high altitudes, providing essential nutrients. Pulses, including beans, peas and lentils, show remarkable variability contributing significantly to the Himalayan diets. However, fruits and vegetables are equally diverse, with the region producing a wide range of temperate and subtropical fruits, as well as indigenous vegetables adapted to specific ecological niches. The utilization of PGRs involves traditional breeding techniques and advanced biotechnological approaches to develop high-yielding and resilient cultivars. Further, the region faces challenges like biodiversity loss due to the replacement of conventional cultivars and landraces with high-yielding varieties and the impact of biotic and abiotic stresses. Conservation and systematic utilization of PGRs are essential to prevent genetic degradation and address global issues such as climate change and food insecurity. Organized efforts in exploring, collecting and preserving PGRs are imperative for maintaining genetic diversity and securing the agricultural heritage of the Himalayan region for future generations. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the status and utilization of PGR in crop improvement and future perspective within the Himalayan region.