Floristic Diversity of Potential Horticultural Plants in Bay Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have 2,574 known species of plant and out of which, 162 genera and 381 species belonging to 13 families are wild relatives of horticultural crops. Among these, 39 species which are most important are discussed here for their possible horticultural exploitation including 12 species which are indigenous to these islands. Conservation methodology, research to be carried out, potential domestication, pest and disease resistant sources for breeding programs have been discussed. Studies on the intraspecific and interspecific variability should be carried out for their exploitation in crop improvement programmes. Screening for biotic reaction should be studied and potential uses of these in breeding programs with biotechnological tools can be planned.