Management of Horticultural Genetic Resources in India: Recent Advances

Horticultural crops comprise diverse economic species ranging from the fruits/nuts, vegetables, spices and condiments, ornamental plants, aromatic and medicinal plants. Besides the tangible materials, horticultural genetic resources (HGR) also encompass the indigenous knowledge accumulated over ages among gardeners, and which surround the use of such biological resources. Global climate change is causing challenges in productivity with the rise in global temperature and reduced amount of precipitation. It is crucial to develop strategies for effective conservation and judicious use of HGR to improve nutritional security and food safety for human health. This paper describes the present status of HGR in India, its scientific management aspects, including their diversity, conservation and sustainable use. It also addresses crucial concerns regarding conservation in India vis-à-vis recent advances in management of the HGR.