Genetic improvement in neem-a potential multipurpose tree: A review

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is an important woody angiosperm belonging to the order Rutales, family Meliaceae. Neem is a botanical relative of mahogany and is native to India and Burma.The studies on genetic improvement of Neem are not well documented so for the effective use of Neem resources, effective exploration and improvement required. The current paper aimed to review all the studies related to genetic improvement of neem to understand genetic variability in Neem and its improvement can be done in this medicinally important tree species. In thispaper various studies has been reviewed that provided status of the improvement work on Neem all over the world. Tree breeders assessed the genetic resources available for improvement, selecting genes with high utility and economic value and packaging them into genotypes that may be utilized to start commercial plantations. Researchers used biotechnological, traditional tools to improve this species. Despite its widespread ranged studies and numerous researches for better understanding breeding efforts must be expanded.