Naturally occurring wild relatives of temperate fruits in Western Himalayan region of India: an analysis

Wild relatives (WR) of temperate fruits belonging to genera viz., Malus, Prunus, Pyrus, Vitis, Rubus, Fragaria and others showed a wide range of diversity thereby possibility of utilizing large numbers of desirable genes/traits particularly the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses which is generally lacking in their cultivated allies. About 55 WR of 23 temperate fruits, occurring in WH, including those naturalized, are discussed. Wild forms of crops such as Asiatic pear, apricot, Japanese plum, peach, walnut and pomegranate, blackberry, black and redcurrant existing in WH are also narrated. Wild relatives, their area of distribution, important traits, utilization potential and possible strategies for their effective conservation and utilization have been discussed.