Genetic resource management in litchi – Three decades of accomplishment at ICAR RCER, Research Centre, Ranchi

Litchi is an important fruit crop of the Eastern plateau and hill agro-climatic zone. Visualizing need for location specific high yielding cultivars in the region, the programme on genetic resource management in litchi was initiated at the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Research Centre, Ranchi (formerly Horticulture and Agro-forestry Research Programme, Ranchi) in the very first year of its establishment. Efforts on collection and conservation of germplasm have resulted in augmentation of 53 genotypes in the field gene bank. Out of them, 17 genotypes which have attained full bearing potential have been characterized based on 83 characters (Tree characters-12, Leaf characters-20, Inflorescence characters-12, Fruit characters-31, Seed characters-9, Growing Degree Days requirement). Classification of genotypes through D2-analysis based on leaf biochemical characters like total free amino acid, total phenol, total soluble protein and total carbohydrate was found to be insufficient, although the method holds promise by inclusion of more number of biochemical parameters. Studies on genetic variability among the genotypes indicated that characters like ascorbic acid content, seed and peel weights and their percentage, peel thickness, seed shape index and seed volume had high heritability as well as high genetic advance. And hence are governed by additive gene action. Stability analysis of economically important traits indicated that stable varieties Rose Scented can be a source for improvement of yield, tree girth and fruit length while Purbi can be source for improvement in fruit weight and fruit diameter in addition to plant yield and tree girth. Changes in yield pattern of different varieties indicated yield stabilization after 20 years. Based on performance evaluation of different genotypes, the litchi cv. Shahi has been recommended at Group Workers Meeting of All India Coordinated Research Project on Subtropical Fruits for cultivation in Jharkhand and Bihar. Apart from this, a distinct variety Swarna Roopa has also been released from the centre for cultivation in Jharkhand. This record was migrated from the OpenDepot repository service in June, 2017 before shutting down.