Exploration, Collection and Characterization of Citrus Genetic Diversity from Manipur and Tripura

To collect citrus genetic diversity the National Research Centre for Citrus, Nagpur led 2 exploration missions during the year 2003, specially for North-east hill region of India. Total 40 accessions of Citrus belonging to different citrus species C. jambhiri, C. macroptera, C. grandis, C. medica, C. sinensis, C. limon, C. reticulata, C. aurantifolia were collected from different districts of Manipur and Tripura. Passport data were documented. A wide range of variability was observed in collected material, especially fruit weight which ranged from 35.2 g to 1342 g. One dwarf genotype (plant height 2–3 m) known as Elaichi Nimbu was located in Teliamura area of West Tripura and another high yielding (yield potential 72–80 tonnes per ha) landrace locally known as Kachai lemon was identified in Ukhrul district of Manipur. Shifting cultivation and farmers choice for commercial types only, are identified as potential threat to diversity of Citrus occurring in these areas.