Genetic erosion of crop landraces: trends in the conservation of locally adapted ‘<em>Newar</em> ’ radish in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

A study was conducted to understand trends in the conservation of the locally adapted critically endangered radish landrace ‘<em>Newar</em> ’ (<em>Raphanus jaunpurensis</em> sp. <em>nova</em>.), conventionally grown in certain saline areas of Jaunpur city, Uttar Pradesh for use in <em>salads</em>, and for other traditional household uses, as well as the sale of fresh roots and seeds. An exploratory research design was adopted to collect data from 40 respondents, including 5 key informants. Specific agronomic characteristics of ‘<em>Newar</em>’ such as long roots that maintained organoleptic properties for an extended time, salt tolerance, compatibility for mixed cropping with <em>hookah</em> tobacco, varied traditional usage and generation of extra income from the seed crop played a critical role in sustaining ‘<em>Newar</em> ’ radish cultivation in the past. Nonetheless, conservation and trade of this variety have collapsed over the past two decades due to a range of factors, including rapid urbanization, changing consumer preferences, gradually vanishing <em>hookah</em> tobacco cultivation and disappearance of the seed network. Concerted policy and scientific efforts are urgently needed to revive the cultivation of this unique horticultural resource.