Asim Bandopadhyayaa & Bikash Das*
aIndian Institute of Ecology and Environment, Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technological Sciences,
A 15, Paryavaran Complex, South of Saket, Maidangarhi Marg, New Delhi 110030
bICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Research Centre, Plandu, Ranchi 834010, Jharkhand
Received 24th December, 2009; Revised 11th February, 2010
Abstract : In order to assess available genetic diversity of different fruit crops in the Chotanagpur plateau region, a survey was conducted in 11 horticultural diversity rich districts in Jharkhand, Purulia and Midnapur district of West Bengal and Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. During the survey, information on people’s perceptions and priorities on genetic resources of horticultural crops in their vicinity were collected through field visit, personal interaction and collection of data on predesigned questionnaire. A total of 47 numbers of fruit species belonging to 40 genera could be identified in the surveyed villages. With respect to availability status, the fruits like Bael, Custard apple, Lakoocha, Papaya, Longan, Kend, Aonla, Fig, Mahua, Mango, Guava, Kusum, Jamun and ber could be found in almost all the localities surveyed. With respect to extent of consumption, fruits like Guava, Bael, Banana, Custard Apple, Ber, Jackfruit, Pear, Litchi, Jharber, Mango, Chironji, Papaya, Tamarind, Citrus, Pomegranate, Aonla, Date Palm and Jamun were responded to be amongst the frequently consumed fruits. Fruits like like Bael, Ber, Custard apple, Kadam, Jackfruit, Harra, Mango, Jhar ber, Chironji, Kend, Jungle jalebi, Fig, Imli, Aonla, Paniala, Bahera, Phalsa, Kusum, Bhelwa and Jamun were responded to be having high variability in the Chotanagpur plateau region. As perceived by the respondents, the fruits like Guava, Singara, Jackfruit, Harra, Chironji, Papaya, Kusum and Jamun can be considered to have high genetic erosion whereas fruits like Bael, Cashew, Custard apple, jackfruit, Chironji, Papaya, Citrus, Coconut, Aonla, Litchi, Mango, Banana, Peach, Guava, Pomegranate, Pear, Jamun, Tamarind and Water Chestnut have high potential for commercial cultivation.
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