Wild relatives of genus Allium L. in Himalayas

The wild relatives of genus Allium have long been utilized as spices and condiments while occuping place in hill agriculture as a semi-domesticated crop. During an exploratory survey of plant genetic resources and related ethnobotanical study in the Himalayas, some of the wild Allium species such as Allium ampeloprasum L., A. ascalonicum L., A. auriculatum Kunth, A. cernuum Roth, A. carolinianum D C., A. chinense G. Don, A. consanguineum Kunth, A. humile Kunth, A. przewalskianum Regel, A. rubellum M. Bieb., A. semonovii Regel, A. tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng., A. prattii Wright, and A. wallichiii Kunth were collected. Besides widely cultivated plants like garlic, Indian leek, leek, nodding onion, onion and shallot etc., these Allium species are partially cultivated by the natives in their kitchen garden or backyards for green vegetables, spices and condiments. The field information on distribution, habitats, taxonomical characteristics and methods of utilization is highlighted to focus attention on these wild economic, useful genetic resources for future commercial exploitation.