Genetic resources and conservation of legumes in NBRI botanic garden

NBRI Botanic Garden is the third largest and one of the oldest Botanic Gardens in India. This holds an exquisite germplasm collection of 7000 taxa representing 210 families. The genetic diversity of legumes in India is quite rich (179 genera and 1152 species) and distributed to all biogeographic zones. Considering the economic, medicinal and industrial importance, there is a world-wide attention on legumes for its genetic resources in order to screen the potential and underexploited species as a source of food. Moreover, scientific studies being carried out on different aspects viz. identification, nomenclature, preparation of check-list, conservation and its sustainable utilisation. This paper deals with the genetic resources of legumes in the NBRI Botanic Garden and their horto-botanical importance besides ex-situ conservation measures.