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A new species, Allium negianum (Amaryllidaceae), belongs to the genus Allium subg. Rhizirideum, sect. Eduardia is described here from the Uttarakhand Himalayan region of India. This taxon grows in Malari region of Niti valley in Chamoli district and Dharma valley of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India. It is a narrowly distributed species and morphologically more closer to A. przewalskianum Regel but differentiated by its tunic color of bulb, umbel with lax flowers, peduncle length, perigone colour, size and shape and leaf anatomy. Taxonomic delineation and relationship analysis based on nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) region indicated that A. negianum is distinct and related to A. przewalskianum. This study provided a comprehensive description and comparison with A. przewalskianum, an identification key and notes on the distribution of the species.

The study on Himalayan allium spices was undertaken with specific reference to commercially important taxa belonging to the genus Allium viz. A. stracheyi Baker, A. wallichii Kunth, A. przewaliskianum Regel and an Allium ‘new type’. Based on eco-geographical and morphological studies, the ‘new type’ Allium was identified as ‘neodomesticate’ for the western Himalaya region, Uttarakhand, along with other potential less-known taxa viz. A. stracheyi, A. wallichii, and A. przewaliskianum that are yet to be cultivated on large scale in India. Data on morphological characters of all four species when was subjected to statistical analysis Allium ‘new type’ grouped closer to A. przewaliskianum as compared to remaining two taxa. The study is aimed to support use of morphological data in species identification besides enhancing knowledge on propagation, post-harvest methods, conservation status and species uses that would facilitate trade related practices for economic enhancement of the farming communities.

Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc. and V. stipulacea (L.) Kuntz. of section Aconitifoliae were studied based on morphological characters to address taxonomic delineation. We have attempted to resolve the identities of these two species by studying a representative set of collections (125 accessions) across diverse eco-geographical zones of India. Agro-morphological traits were recorded for 47 descriptor states to differentiate the two species. Remarks on some additional characters not reported in earlier studies were highlighted with an aim to facilitate field identification of these taxa and use in their genetic resource management. Key diagnostic characters essential for delineating identities of these two species were presented.

An atypical morphotype of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) was identified during mega germplasm characterization programme at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi undertaken during rabi 2017–2018. On the basis of the comparative evaluation of lentil morphotype with two distinct subspecies, viz., L. culinaris subsp. macrosperma and L. culinaris subsp. microsperma, this atypical morphotype was classified under the latter subspecies. Based on comparative study with selected accessions for seed morphology, quality traits and physiology, this accession was identified with very distinct and prominent funiculus on the seed coat, higher rate of water uptake and nutritional traits (rich in sugar, starch, protein and minerals). Present studies identified this germplasm as unique type that deserves for the detailed study to explore its genetic resource potential.

In India, knowledge of the geographic distribution of Trichosanthes species is inadequate, largely due to the lack of revisionary work. Based on field observations, collected specimens and data from herbarium specimens, this paper describes a new taxon – T. dunniana subsp. clarkei from Sikkim and northern hill districts of West Bengal in northeastern India; and presents the first confirmed records of three southeast Asian taxa, viz., T. dunniana subsp. dunniana and T. wallichiana subsp. subrosea from northeastern India, and T. tricuspidata from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The name T. khasiana has been lectotypified, and Indochinese T. inthanonensis has been reduced under it. The southern Chinese Trichosanthes subrosea is transferred at reduced rank as T. wallichiana subsp. subrosea, while T. tridentata has been reduced to synonymy of this subspecies. Furthermore, we provide an updated distribution map with confirmed occurrences of these taxa in India, critical taxonomic notes and additional taxonomic characters.

Allium fasciculatum Rendle (subgenus Amerallium, section Bromatorrhiza), an underutilized species from north eastern India was investigated for taxonomy and character variation based on data from field, experimental, herbarium and eco-geographical study. In addition comparative study with a close relative, A. hookeri was undertaken and was presented. Trends of domestication of A. fasciculatum and an identification key to subg. Amerallium sect. Bromatorrhiza were discussed to facilitate collection and conservation of germplasm.

Forty-nine accessions of cultivated holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) representing four phytogeographical regions of India were characterized for 18 qualitative and 14 quantitative traits using minimal descriptors developed by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources with minor modifications. Dendrograms were constructed using Ward’s Minimum Variance method. Analysis showed high degree of variation among studied accessions indicating rich diversity represented within the populations from different phytogeographical regions and relatedness among the morphotypes.

A new species of Herpetospermum (Schizopeponeae, Cucurbitaceae) is described from north-eastern India, northern Myanmar and southwest China (Xizang and Yunnan). Herpetospermum operculatum was previously confused with Herpetospermum (= Biswarea) tonglense, but differs primarily in having smooth yellow-striped fruit with operculum at stylar end, ascendent seed arrangement in fruit and prominent probracts and bracts. At least a part of the collections of Herpetospermum tonglense in Myanmar and China represent misidentification of this species.

A morphotype of chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng.) with pink mid-vein in white tepals on the abaxial surface growing in Leh, Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir), India was studied on a comparative account with common type A. tuberosum (white tepals with green mid-vein) and a close wild relative, A. ramosum L. Allium subg. Butomissa (Salisb.) N. Friesen is discussed here with reference to taxa in India based on the study undertaken using observations from field, experimental, ecogeographical, herbarium and molecular data. A key is provided with some characters previously not included in the available diagnostic keys. Issues relating to use of terminology for plant characters are provided to the facilitate fi eld identification.

Seeds of wild and cultivated species ofLuffawere studied to determine the variability in morphological (seed size, colour, seed-coat surface and 100-seed weight) and biochemical (oil and protein) characteristics. A total of 80 accessions of three cultivated species (71 accessions) and three wild species (9 accessions) ofLuffaunder the present investigation from diverse regions (12 states of five regions) of India showed variations in seed size, colour, seed-coat surface, 100-seed weight, and seed protein and oil contents both within the accessions of the same species and between different species. Significant variability in seed morphological traits was observed. Both seed oil and soluble seed protein contents were highest in some accessions of the cultivated species (25–27% oil and 8–10% protein, respectively, on a fresh seed weight basis). Using the 2D scatter plot diagram derived from the principal components analysis, the morphological and biochemical traits of the 80Luffaaccessions classified the wild species into one cluster (cluster I) and the cultivated species into a second major cluster (cluster II). The present investigation on the correlation between seed morphology and biochemical traits in the cultivated and wild species ofLuffacan help in identifying the genotypes ofLuffaspecies with valuable traits for further exploring the potential of this valuable crop as a source of edible oil, food and fodder in edible seed types or as a source of industrial oil/biodiesel in non-edible seed types. The protein-rich seed could be further explored to be utilized in the fortification of food products for value addition.

Immature fruits of cultivated species of Luffa are commonly used as summer vegetable in India. Rich morphological variability occurs in cultivated species of Luffa in different growing regions of the country. To study morphological variability in cultivated and wild Luffa from different agro-ecological regions of India, a total of seventy accessions were assembled. Morphological variations in leaf, fruit and seed characters were found to delimit cultivated and wild Luffa species. Cluster analysis revealed two major clusters, one comprising of 36 accessions of Luffa acutangula and the other of 30 accessions belonging to L. aegyptiaca. A local cultivar “Satputia” (L. hermaphrodita) was classified along with cultivated L. acutangula and wild L. acutangula var. amara. Wild species namely L. graveolens and L. echinata were clustered closer to the L. acutangula.

Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight et Arn. is a multipurpose wild economic species well adapted to dry and hot climates of north-western plains, central India and dry regions of peninsular India. This species is reported here for its potential value in drier regions of India and may be considered for future plant genetic resource programmes.

Bidens pilosa L., a less-known cultivated tea species was collected from cold desert of Ladakh Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, India during 2004. The freshly harvested leaves are used in preparation of ‘Ladakhi tea’ locally known as ‘Saja’ or ‘Soljaa’ in cold desert of Ladakh Himalaya, Western Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir. The local inhabitants were growing this species in their kitchen garden for this use. In the present communication, the method of preparation of this beverage is also discussed.

Crotalaria tetragona Roxb. ex Andr., locally known as “Tum-thang” was collected from Mizoram state of north-eastern hill region of India during 2008. Its flowers were being sold by the tribal communities in local markets. The buds and flowers are cooked as vegetables and used in garnishing of local food preparations especially in non-vegetarian recipes. This species is reported here as little known Edible type in Indian region and may be considered as a multi-purpose species with potential. Edible uses of some of the Crotalaria species in different regions of world have also been included in the present communication.

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton is a traditional crop of East Asia and sporadically cultivated in different parts of the Himalayas. The Western and the Eastern Himalayan regions of India exhibit rich variability in oilseed Perilla, Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. frutescens. The present communication deals with the distribution pattern of diversity and survey, exploration and germplasm collection and its uses in India. Brief information on botanical characterization on the basis of systematic study of cultivated and weedy types and thrust on areas for germplasm collection from diverse habitats have been discussed.

Field surveys across various parts of the country coupled with an analysis of literature and examination of herbarium specimens revealed the natural distribution of six wild relatives of crop species in various states/union territories of India, viz., Cajanus scarabaeoides (from Lakshadweep), Cucumis javanicus (from Meghalaya), Hystrix duthiei (from Jammu & Kashmir), Luffa echinata (from Haryana) and Trichosanthes pilosa (from Andhra Pradesh), which have not been reported earlier from these states. Their descriptions, phenology, habitat and other field notes have been presented here.

Taxa belonging to the genus Allium are bulbous or rhizomatous with hollow or flat leaves and small delicate flowers, therefore preparing an ideal herbarium specimen is difficult. Quite often some of the characters are not well preserved while processing for herbarium specimen; occasionally they are misunderstood for characters therefore defeat the very purpose of their use as source for taxonomic study. In this paper the authors have made an attempt to provide methodology on collection and preparation of herbarium specimens of different species of Allium. Information provided herein is primarily based on the authors’ field experience and experimental and herbarium study on the genus in the Indian context. Most significant observations to be recorded in field during collecting include characters of root and bulb/rhizome, leaf, scape and flower. The paper also includes modified procedures for ‘difficult to preserve herbarium specimens’ with special notes on plant odour, flower colour and leaf colour. This can be broadly applied to taxa belonging to other bulbous groups with appropriate modification. Illustrations provided in this paper depict the representative types to facilitate better understanding by the readers.

Allelopathic effect of cogermination of aromatic plant seeds [basil (Ocimum basilicum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), lovage (Levisticum officinale), oregano (Origanum vulgare)] and weed seeds [hoary cress (Cardaria draba), scentless mayweed (Tripleurosperum inodorum)] on germination and early growth of weeds was investigated under laboratory conditions. Basil, coriander and lovage reduced germination of hoary cress from 13.8 to 27%. On the contrary, all aromatic plants, except lovage, had stimulatory effect on germination of scentless mayweed. Coriander decreased root length of hoary cress and scentless mayweed for 17.5 and 16.5%, respectively. Shoot length of scentless mayweed was increased in cogermination with all aromatic plants. Only lovage had significant inhibitory effect on fresh weight of hoary cress, while fresh weight of scentless mayweed was increased by coriander.

Herbarium specimens representing plant genetic resources introduced from abroad, are a distinctive component of the National Herbarium of Cultivated Plants (NHCP). These specimens represent diversity augmented in crops and wild species mostly not native to the Indian region. Herbarium specimens, bearing the unique identity number assigned to germplasm introduced into the Indian region, were screened, checked with primary and secondary data records for identity, source locality/area, and its availability as ex situ germplasm. Additional data on area of origin/diversity of species was used to delineate specimens of value in PGR and represented as cultigens, cultivars, both popular and historic, as well as local morphotypes and ecotypes of crops, as well as wild relatives of crops.

African bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) (family Asteraceae) has been reported as a potential medicinal plant for India in view of its use in treatment of multiple diseases. A species of African origin has been found under cultivation in selected pockets of central and eastern India. The aim of this paper is to report genetic resource value of this wonderful medicinal plant and to explore the possibility of cultivation at commercial level as a health supplement. Since this plant is not commonly known in India, botany, propagation methods, attempt on in vitro multiplication and uses are discussed.

Soil, as a medium for the growth of plants, supports an invisible but nevertheless vital population of microorganisms. The roots of living plants create a special habitat by virtue of their exudations and materials sloughed off during root growth (Katznelson et al., 1948; Lynch and Whipps, 1990; Rovira, 1969). Root exudates play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of rhizosphere microflora and microfauna. In exchange, microbial metabolites also contribute to this unique niche by stimulating or inhibiting associated microorganisms and plant root growth. The qualitative and quantitative variation in the microflora of the rhizosphere is directly related to root exudations which in turn depend upon plant type, age and developmental factors, foliar application and microbial interactions (Barisal and Mukerji, 1994; Bowen and Rovira, 1992; Curl and Truelove, 1986).