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Crop production in mountain agriculture is in steady decline (5%-30%) over the past few decades. Only few species of cereals, pulses, potato, amaranth, etc. are important cash crops in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, India. In traditional hill cropping systems, framers grow sesame, black soybean, corn, proso millet, amaranth, Brassica spp, etc. as mixed crop. These types of traditional cropping systems are not much advantageous and do not meet the requirements of the existing population. In the hilly regions Perilla, Hedychium, turmeric, industrial hemp, lemon grass, citronella, lavender, belladonna and other medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have immense potential. However, they are still not a part of the cropping system. Introduction of these MAPs as intercrops with traditional crops will not only improve the production potential of main crops, but also generate additional income to the farming family. Besides immense cash value, these plants also have less/no threats from wild animals. Similarly, introduction of medicinal and aromatic crops with horticultural crops is one of the key options to enhance agriculture production, as topography and climate of Uttarakhand is suitable for growth of these crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angelica glauca (Apiaceae), endemic to the Himalaya, is an endangered medicinal herb for which, besides in situ conservation, ex situ cultivation is also recommended. Observations were carried out for economic yield trails at two different agro-climatic zones in Garhwal Himalaya. Seedlings of different age groups were transplanted at 2200 m asl (Pothivasa, PV) and 3600 m asl (Tungnath, TN) to observe comparative yield as well as climate and land suitability for future cultivation. Yield was minimum in youngest seedlings (60-days-old) transplanted at TN in ordinary alpine soil (control) and maximum under polyhouse beds at PV after two years of growth. Results indicate that plants raised through younger seedlings (60-days-old) had minimum yield, while those raised through 90- or 120-days-old seedlings had better yield with no or very less variation in yield. In addition, economic yield was found maximum at lower altitude (PV, 2200 m) in comparison to higher altitude (TN, 3600 m). Observations on yield under different treatments at the two sites are presented here and on the basis of these observations, suggestions for commercial cultivation of the species are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural populations of two species of Angelica, viz. A. glauca and A. archangelica in subalpine and alpine regions of Garhwal Himalaya were surveyed for the determination of threat status and evaluation of germplasm for domestication and cultivation. The study revealed that frequency of both species was more than 50% in nature. However, density of individuals and area occupied were low compared to other species of alpine and subalpine region, indicating habitat loss and heavy exploitation. Status was determined on site-to-site basis as well as for entire Garhwal region of Western Himalaya. Based on species occurrence in selected areas, both species were identified as critically endangered to endangered in different areas. The results also revealed that natural distribution of these species was narrowing down due to habitat destruction. The number of mature individuals was also very low for both species of Angelica and therefore, status was again assigned as critically endangered for each site. Immediate remedial measures are needed for the conservation of natural sites to ensure sustainable mode of utilization. Efforts were also made to evaluate germplasm for domestication on the basis of morphological variations and yield of rhizomes under natural conditions as well as on the basis of phenotypic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of population structure on the basis of density, distribution and diversity-dominance pattern was carried out in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India. Besides, distribution pattern, population structure and conservation status of ten rare and endangered medicinal plants were also evaluated. Different habitat types for these species were identified and sampled using vertical belt transects. Out of ten habitats identified, distribution of most of the species was found to be restricted in 2-3 habitats. However, Picrorhiza kurrooa showed wide distribution in six habitats, while Swertia chirayita was restricted to a single habitat. On the basis of density, occurrence in different habitats and level of pressure, we have grouped them into two broad categories: (i) restricted distribution and high pressure, and (ii) well distributed and low pressure. Accordingly, implication of conservation and management strategies has been suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-five pummelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) genotypes were assessed with respect to their quality parameters considered most essential with respect to horticultural aspects. Among the genotypes, significant to highly significant differences were observed in all the parameters. Different fruit physical parameters such as weight, diameter, length, volume pulp weight, pulp thickness, pulp-peel ratio and seed number varied significantly among the genotypes. Similarly, there were high level of differences among the genotypes with respect to chemical parameters of the fruits. The juice content varied from 13.64% to 43.56%, vitamin C from 17.40 to 52.70 mg/100 ml, total soluble solids from 7.73% to 11.67%, acidity from 0.76% to 1.86%, total sugars from 7.47% to 9.95% and sugar-acid ratio from 4.88 to 12.58. The present study reveals that parameters such as weight of the fruit, length of the fruit, diameter, volume, pulp weight, pulp-peel ratio, juice, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars and sugar-acid ratio can be considered as selection criteria for future breeding programmes in pummelo. The high level of differences with respect to various physical and chemical parameters of the fruits shows the great scope for superior genotype selection based on these particular parameters for genetic improvement programmes in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]