Cultivation of underutilized fruit crops in hot semi-arid regions: developments and challenges — a review

Threatened and Near Threatened Underutilized Edible Fruit Species of Southern India for Food Security and Diversifying Agroecology

“…To meet this demand, vegetative propagation techniques such as cuttings, grafting, layering and stooling are adopted for commercial multiplication. Diverse, region specific, fruit crop-based models are adopted to diversify farm income, reduce the risk and enhance the productivity (Singh et al 2020). Most of the semi-arid region of SI is water deficient and suitable for the cultivation of horticulture crops, hence attention to be paid to develope region-specific fruit-based agroforestry (AF) models having high resource use efficiency.…”

“…Most of the semi-arid region of SI is water deficient and suitable for the cultivation of horticulture crops, hence attention to be paid to develope region-specific fruit-based agroforestry (AF) models having high resource use efficiency. Plantation of UEFS should be done at proper spacing with locally available perennial organic mulches and proper canopy management (Singh et al 2020).…”

“…It is estimated that around 26,106 plant species are globally threatened whereas in India, 1700 angiospermic plants are categorized under the threatened list (Singh and Dash 2014). Prioritization of endemic and threatened plant species and their conservation for sustainable utilization is a vital concern (Singh et al 2020). Genetic resources of some UEFS of SI are remained neglected or still available in outfields or forests.…”

“…However, region-specific models of UEFS like bael, jamun, tamarind, chironji, khirni, custard apple, etc. are immensely constructive and climate-smart by surviving in harsh agroclimatic conditions and can be established on degraded lands (Singh et al 2020). These resilient fruit species also augment biodiversity, ecosystem and landscape.…”

Underutilized Fruit Crops of Indian Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: Importance, Conservation and Utilization Strategies

“…Several production technologies have been standardized by different institutions, e.g., propagation methods (rootstock selection, grafting/budding), plant spacing, canopy management, nutrient and water management, crop regulation, plant protection and post-harvest management, and value addition (Table 4). Aonla NA-7, NA-10, NA-6, Anand-1, Anand-2, Laksmi-52, Goma Aishwaria [222,223] Standarization of propagation (patch budding), high-density planting, canopy management, value addition, integrated nutrient management [223] Candy, Chyawanpras, Shreds, Candy, Preserve, Squash, RTS, Pickle, Jelly, Leather, Toffee, aonla powder [34,35,223] Avenue plantation [30] ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner; ANDUAT, Ayodhya Bael Goma Yashi, NB-5, NB-7, NB-9, Pant Aparna, Pant Sujata, Pant Shivani, Thar Divya, Thar Neelkanth, Thar Shristhi, Thar Prikriti, Thar Shivangi [224] Standarization of propagation (patch budding), detoppng for promotion of scion wood in mother plant, planting geometry and high-density planting, plant architectural engineering, water and nutrient management, fruit drop and cracking management, bael-based cropping system [224] Squash, preserve, candy [51,223,225] Avenue plantation, windbreak plantation [48] ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner; ANDUAT, Ayodhya; GBPUAT, Pantnagar Ber Gola, Umran, Goma Kirti, Katha, Seb, Thar Sevika, Thar Bhuvraj, CAZRI Ber 2018 [22,226] Standarization of propagation (T-budding), insitu budding, top-working, pruning and training system, high-density planting system, water and nutrient management, fruit fly and stone weevil management [22,227] Osmodehydrated ber, Canned ber, Jam, Pickle [22] Ornamental purpose, windbreak, bio-fencing, furniture [27,28] ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner; NBPGR, New Delhi; HAU, Hisar; ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur…”