Two exploration tours were conducted in Vidarbha, Marathwada and Western Maharashtra in the year 2000 and 2001. A total of 52 accessions belonging to mandarin, rough lemon, Rangpur lime, sweet orange and acid lime groups were collected from different parts of Maharashtra and added to National gene bank. These include improved cultivars, superior clones and different strains of rootstocks. This is observed very potential area for collection of Mandarin, Acid lime and Mosambi germplasm. Citrus genetic diversity in central India is maintained mostly by farmers as on farm conservation. This is one of the most potential areas in country for citrus cultivation where, all the three commercial citrus crops are grown.
Citrus, Germplasm, Exploration, Rootstock, Threat
