Exploration, collection and characterization of Citrus germplasm from Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

To collect citrus germplasm, exploration tour was conducted in Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 40 accessions of citrus germplasm belonging to different citrus groups viz., mandarin, rough lemon, sweet orange, citron, pummelo and acid lime and others were collected. Two endangered citrus species C. indica and C. sinensis var. Soh Nairiang and Tasi and three new types were also collected from the region. Collected samples were brought to NRCC, Nagpur, regenerated and analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics. A wide range of variability was observed for physico-chemical characters in fruits of collected germplasm. The mission has shown that the Tura area of Meghalaya and Basar area of Arunachal Pradesh has tremendous diversity of rare, wild and cultivated citrus species. These areas are identified to be one of the potential areas for collection of wild, semi- wild and commercial citrus germplasm and showed good genetic diversity. Shifting cultivation and farmers preferences only for commercial species are identified as serious threat to citrus genetic diversity in the region.