North- western Himalaya: A reservoir of genetic variability of pome fruits North- western Himalaya: A reservoir of genetic variability of pome fruits Dr. K. K. Srivastava, senior scientist, senior scientist, icar-central institute of subtropical horticulture, lucknow, up icar-central institute of subtropical horticulture, lucknow, up Cell

Genetic variability (vary + liable - to or capable of change) is the ability, i.e. capability of a biological system – individualand population – that is changing over time. The base of the genetic variability is genetic variation of different biological systems in space. individualpopulation Genetic variability ?

Objectives 1- To collect the Ambri clone, regular bearing with good fruit size and quality 2-To collect and popularize the genotypes resistant/ tolerant to powdery mildew, drought and dwarf in stature. 3-To perpetuate the fast extinctions of Ambri and Malus baccata apples. 4-To develop the root stock having dwarf in natur, disease resistant with thriving well in drought condition.

Area surveyed in Himalaya regions- Himalaya region km in length to km breadth. 1) Western Himalaya- J&K, HP, 11 districts of uttarakhand. Himalaya altitude vary from m above mean see level.

Jammu and Kashmir- Low altitude-Foot lands of Jasrata, Kathua, Samba, and Jammu. Mid to high altitude- Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Kupwara. Plain valleys has altitude of 1700 m to 3333 m on upper belts altitudes 4,666m in snow bound areas. Cold arid zones: Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh from 2,660 m to 9,300 m or more.

Mean range of various characters recorded among selections

Name of regions AreaCharacte rs Mean range (cm) Mid to high altitude Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Leaf area ( cm) Mid to high altitude Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Number of lenticles (no/cm 2 )

Mid to high altitude Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla Fruit length(mm) Fruit Diameter (mm) to 83.0 Mid to high altitude Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla Acidity (%)

Mid to high altitude Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla TSS ( Degree Brix) Mid to high altitude Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla Fruit weight (g)

Mid to high altitude Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla Fruit stalk length(cm) Mid to high altitude Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla Fruit firmess (lb/mm)

Variation in stomata density and size in Ambri apple mid ( /mm2)high altitude( /mm2)

Variability Observed in Malus baccata strains from Anantnag, Budgam and Shopian Districts

Anantnag,Budga m, Shopian and Srinagar Fruit length (mm) Anantnag,Budg am, Shopian and Srinagar Fruit Diameter (mm) to 39.30

Anantnag, Budgam, Shopian and Srinagar Fruit weight(g)2.51 to Anantnag,Budg am, Shopian and Srinagar Fruit stalk length (cm) 0.13to 1.60

Variations in fruit color, weight shape, size and fruit stalk length, thickness

Anantnag, Budgam, Shopian and Srinagar Fruit stalk thickness(mm) 0.11 to 0.42 Anantnag, Budgam, Shopian and Srinagar Fruit firmness (lb/mm) to 22.60

Variation in stomata density and size of Malus baccata strains ( /mm2)

Malus baccata strains from Shergaon area of Bomdila District of Arunachal Pradesh 1-This strains was found at Shergaon at an altitude of 6200 feet. 2-Malus Baccata abundantly found in Shergaon, Annine, Dirang, Zero. 3-Tolerant to Scab and powdery mildew. 4-Low stomata density( /mm 2 ) suitable to grow in rainfed area. 5 Abundant fruits on tree, very small fruit( g/fruit) fruit length and diameter 6.9 and 8.6mm respectively.Skin color dark red with 6-7 seeds/fruit in four locules

Variability among ambri selections collected across the valley

Ambri trees laden with fruits yield 250 to 350 kg/tree)

Naturally growing Malus baccata trees Naturally growing Malus baccata trees

Different Malus baccata species in Kashmir Different Malus baccata species in Kashmir

Variations in number of seeds/ fruits, shape, size and color of Malus baccata seed

Conclusion and Way Forward