Collecting Genetic Resources of Wild Moringa oleifera Lam. from Western Himalayas

The present communication deals with survey, exploration and germplasm collection of wild Moringa oleifera Lam. in foothills of western Himalayas. A total of 23 accessions including one cultivated type were collected and conserved at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi. Fairly rich variability was observed with respect to several economic traits including cluster bearing, bitter content in fruits, prolific yield, etc. in wild/semi-wild moringa germplasm. Decline in population of young plants and seedlings in their native range was observed. Brief observations on botany of wild types collected, ethnobotany and conservation are also highlighted.