OCCURRENCE AND DIVERSITY OF CICER MICROPHYLLUM BENTH. IN THE TRANS-HIMALAYAN COLD DESERT OF SPITI AND LAHAUL

Abstract

Wild species of genus Cicer are of considerable importance
as they possess useful genes for morpho-agronomic attributes,
quality traits, adaptation and also confer resistance to
biotic/abiotic stresses. C. microphyllum is the only wild species
of Cicer that occurs in the cold arid desert of Trans-Himalayan
region. Germplasm collections of this species were made in the
past and studies showed its usefulness and importance in the
chickpea breeding/improvement programme. Ample scope exists
for its utilization using biotechnologtj and molecular biology. A
case for establishing a genetic reserve in Lari hills, Spiti Valley
has been proposed to conserve biodiversity of this valuable species.