Agro Morphological Molecular and Nutritional Characterization of Indigenous Population of Atriplex Hortensis L from Trans Himalayan Ladakh Region of India

Abstract

The high mountain Ladakh cut off for over 6 months every year as a result of heavy snowfall in winter season and crops can be grown in this region during summer season only. The limited indigenous production of fresh vegetable and difficulties in transportation due to geographic, harsh climatic conditions result in short fall in supply of fresh vegetables to local population and deployed army in this region. Meeting the increasing requirements of fresh vegetable in this isolated high elevated mountainous area is a difficult challenge. The indigenous plants do not require intensive care and can grow in less fertile soil. Besides, these withstand harsh climatic conditions due to its abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. There is a need to identify indigenous plants species, characterize their germplasm in terms of Agro-morphological, Molecular, and Nutrition and develop cultivation package and practices. Survey was carried out in the Ladakh region and selected seven plants species which are frequently used as vegetables. Further these seven indigenous leafy vegetables (ILV) were evaluated for their potential for yield, early harvesting stage for consumption and conducted sensory evaluation for consumer acceptance. Among all the seven ILV the highest yield (1.80±0.06 kg/m2), minimum days to harvest and highest hedonic points was observed in A. hortensis. The study suggested that A. hortensis has high yield high early harvesting stage and consumer preference. As a result, detail studies on A. hortensis are required and research and extension work is needed for large scale cultivation of the species. Morphologically more than 60% diversity among population of A. hortensis attributed to first two principal components. There is variation in mineral contents in Atriplex populations, and rich sources of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron and manganese, hence could augment to cater the essential mineral requirements of human and animal diet. Akchakmal population accessions are genetically diverse.