Genetic Variability of Her (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) and its Prospects for Crop Improvement

Diverse germplasm of ber assembled at Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, Rajasthan repository consisting of 338 genotypes/strains from different parts of the country were evaluated with respect to morphometric characters, yield and yield attributes for further utilization in improvement programme so as to meet the future demand of growing population. Out of the genotypes collected through explorations AKS/NRCAH-15 was observed to be a precocious and prolific bearer. IC322120 and IC322121from Gujarat were found promising with respect to yield and yield attributing traits. The local variety Illaichi was found prolific bearing in clusters that could be potentially used as parental line in systematic hybridization programme. Variety Rashmi was found superior over Umran - a leading variety, in terms of fruit taste, flavour and palatable attributes. Many collections, viz. IC322 120, IC322121, AKS/NRCAH-15 and Illaichi seems to be utilized in processing, through drying with excellent quality. This paper discusses the performance of promising ber genotypes and status of the conservation of ber genotypes in the field repository being maintained and evaluated under hot arid ecosystem of Thar dessert.