Biodiversity in Indian camellias - Problems and prospects of conservation

The availability of genetic diversity in Indian Camellias are discussed with emphasis on need for their conservation. The parts of the gene pool vary according to how they contribute useful variations. The Indian Camellias are endemic to the North-east India which are represented presently by 14 spacies in collections with over 2500 accessions. The majority of the collections are of Camellia assamica maintained at three locations. The weaknesses of the present collections are highlighted. The migration of Indian Camellias primarily old seed jats of Assam type presently occupying over 60 per cent of the world tea acreage is focussed. With the alarming rate of loss of genetic diversity due to fast uprooting of old seed-grown plantations in N.E. India, deforestation and difficult accessability of various areas of genetic diversity calls for global concern in conserving tea genetic resources. Future strategies for the conservation of tea germplasm in India are discussed.