Exploration and collection of germplasm from Mizoram state of north eastern India.

Exploration for collection of multi-crop germplasm diversity was carried out in two different trips, in the state of Mizoram. Six districts, i.e. Kolasib, Aizawl, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Saiha were surveyed for germplasm collection. The explored area lie in between altitudes 600 to 1900 m above msl. Individual and selective sampling methods for collection were adopted for horticultural crops, while population sampling was made randomly or in bulk for other agricultural crops. Mostly the local landraces and primitive crop cultivars were collected during these exploration trips. It was observed that the main agricultural practice followed by the inhabitants was Jhum (Shifting) cultivation. During these exploration trips, a total of 344 accessions of different agri-horticultural crop germplasm were collected, including cereals pseudo-cereals and millet (81), grain legumes (30), vegetables (85), fruits (19), oilseeds (22), spices (09), medicinal and aromatic plants (32), ornamental plants (58), and others (8). Local indigenous technical knowledge practiced by the farmers was also recorded. Extents of diversity with in the collected accessions have been summarized in this paper.