Management of vegetable crops germplasm current status

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi is the mandatory National Active Germplasm Collection Site for vegetable crops in the Indian National Plant Genetic Resources System (IN-PGRS). NBPGR is responsible for maintaining base collection/working collections of many vegetable crops such as Solanaceous (eggplant, tomato, chillies), Leguminous (cowpea, pea, beans), Cucurbitaceous (pumpkin, gourds, melons and cucumber etc.), Leafy (spinach, Chinese cabbage. methi etc.), Bulbous (garlic and onion), Root crops (radish and carrot) and okra. Considering the importance of distribution of diversity in Indian Gene Centre. IBPGR has also assigned crop responsibility for 5 vegetable crops viz., okra, eggplant and lablab bean (global), chillies and radish (Asian). Comprehensive collections have been made through exploration in the sub-continent and sizeable number introduced from abroad. More than 15500 collections in different vegetables have been made since 1986 to 1994–95 and about 18000 lines imported from several countries during the same duration. Characterization and preliminary evaluation is carried mainly at Issapur Farm, New Delhi and several centres of NBPGR. The current holdings of vegetable crops (over 24000) and tuber vegetables except potato (about 2,000) is under evaluation at different centres. Several promising lines have been identified. Some 5,735 samples of vegetable crops have been kept in long-term storage (−20°C). The working collection are maintained in medium-term storage (+40°C). Besides several vegetables are conserved in-vitro through tissue culture. Documentation of information, related to plant genetic resources provides basis for utilization of potential germplasm in crop improvement. Based on the characterization and preliminary evaluation, germplasm accessions are catalogued to facilitate breeders in selecting the material of their interest. So far, 14 catalogues have been published on various vegetable crops like french bean. tomato, okra, chillies, winged bean and cowpea. NBPGR has strong linkages with several Institutes/Universities in India in respect of vegetable crops. Seeds of promising lines are supplied directly to identors which include farmers and seed growers also.