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Southern India (SI) is bestowed with several threatened and near threatened (TNT) underutilized edible fruit species (UEFS) that contributes to food and nutritional security, particularly to the indigenous people. Unfortunately, information related to these natural products is fragmentary and least researched. The PRISMA Protocol was used to conduc...
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... the published information pertaining to the angiospermic native and naturalized TNT-UEFS of SI ( Fig. 1). Study provides implications for the cultivation assisted conservation, institutional and policy support, future research etc., for improving farmers' income and diversifying agroecology. A systematic review was executed using the flow diagram (Fig. 2, adapted from Moher et al 2009). A precise explanation and categorization of fruits may be challenging due to their complexity and it dependents on several aspects like availability, awareness, consumption, distribution, exploitation, knowledge, popularity, production, and use (Suresh et al 2014). The definition of UEFS excludes ...
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... medicinal and aromatic plants, social science, and urban studies. On the other hand, articles related to nutrient composition, evolution, genetics, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, medicine, etc., of UEFS were screened further and considered as an accessory literature. Finally, 173 articles were included in the synthesis (Fig. 2). Similarly, for TNT-UEFS, completely threatened and Near Threatened (NT) species were considered, whereas Non-threatened category species were excluded. The recorded threatened species were divided into three categories as per the IUCN conservation status namely Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR) and ...
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... 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. ...
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... 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). ...
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... most prominent effects on the success of restoration of the planted native and naturalized species depend on climate, existing natural vegetation, hydrological features, and soil quality. 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. ...
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... varieties and standardized several production technologies like propagation methods, plant spacing, canopy management, crop compatibility, nutrient and water management, crop regulation, plant protection, post-harvest management and value addition (Singh et al 2020). In order to cope up with various abiotic stresses, UEFS like , Emblica officinalis Aegle marmelos Feronia limonia and are modified or improved to assure critical morpho-physiological functions i.e., strong deep root system, high root-to-shoot ratio, selective absorption, uptake and storage of more water and nutrients, reduced transpiration and heat shocks (Meena et al 2022). Additionally, synchronized flowering and fast fruiting, biosynthesis of antioxidants, proteins and droughtresponsive genes, assist in growth and development under adverse conditions (Meena et al 2022). ...
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... order to cope up with various abiotic stresses, UEFS like , Emblica officinalis Aegle marmelos Feronia limonia and are modified or improved to assure critical morpho-physiological functions i.e., strong deep root system, high root-to-shoot ratio, selective absorption, uptake and storage of more water and nutrients, reduced transpiration and heat shocks (Meena et al 2022). Additionally, synchronized flowering and fast fruiting, biosynthesis of antioxidants, proteins and droughtresponsive genes, assist in growth and development under adverse conditions (Meena et al 2022). Generally, breeding and biotechnological interventions are hindered by major obstacles like genetic heterogeneity, long juvenile phase, self and cross incompatibility, sterility and many more ( Gill et al 2022). ...
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... of the UEFS cultivation and farmers' messages: Recent studies reported the shifting of farmers from conventional farming to organic and natural farming (NF), especially in the SI states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana ( Nayana and Veni 2020). Farmer's survey in these states reported better plant health, vigour and climate resilience in fruit crops integrated organic and NF system even under dry spells, flooding and cyclone situations (Bharucha et al 2020). Apart from increased incomes, farmers also experienced encouraging outcomes across a range of farm health indicators, agro biodiversity and sustaino-resilence of the agroecosystem (Bharucha et al 2020). ...
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... survey in these states reported better plant health, vigour and climate resilience in fruit crops integrated organic and NF system even under dry spells, flooding and cyclone situations (Bharucha et al 2020). Apart from increased incomes, farmers also experienced encouraging outcomes across a range of farm health indicators, agro biodiversity and sustaino-resilence of the agroecosystem (Bharucha et al 2020). Another study reported successful integration of UEFS like aonla ( ), bael Emblica officinalis ( ), ber ( spp.) and jamun ( Aegle marmelos Zizyphus Syzigium spp.) based cropping models to minimize the risk and enhance the yield and productivity in Arid and Semi-arid regions of India (Singh et al 2020). ...
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... from increased incomes, farmers also experienced encouraging outcomes across a range of farm health indicators, agro biodiversity and sustaino-resilence of the agroecosystem (Bharucha et al 2020). Another study reported successful integration of UEFS like aonla ( ), bael Emblica officinalis ( ), ber ( spp.) and jamun ( Aegle marmelos Zizyphus Syzigium spp.) based cropping models to minimize the risk and enhance the yield and productivity in Arid and Semi-arid regions of India (Singh et al 2020). Furthermore, integration of leguminous crops under these UEFS models increased the income two to three-fold (Singh et al 2020). ...
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... the published information pertaining to the angiospermic native and naturalized TNT-UEFS of SI ( Fig. 1). Study provides implications for the cultivation assisted conservation, institutional and policy support, future research etc., for improving farmers' income and diversifying agroecology. A systematic review was executed using the flow diagram (Fig. 2, adapted from Moher et al 2009). A precise explanation and categorization of fruits may be challenging due to their complexity and it dependents on several aspects like availability, awareness, consumption, distribution, exploitation, knowledge, popularity, production, and use (Suresh et al 2014). The definition of UEFS excludes ...
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... medicinal and aromatic plants, social science, and urban studies. On the other hand, articles related to nutrient composition, evolution, genetics, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, medicine, etc., of UEFS were screened further and considered as an accessory literature. Finally, 173 articles were included in the synthesis (Fig. 2). Similarly, for TNT-UEFS, completely threatened and Near Threatened (NT) species were considered, whereas Non-threatened category species were excluded. The recorded threatened species were divided into three categories as per the IUCN conservation status namely Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR) and ...
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... 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. ...
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... 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). ...
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... most prominent effects on the success of restoration of the planted native and naturalized species depend on climate, existing natural vegetation, hydrological features, and soil quality. 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. ...
Context 16
... varieties and standardized several production technologies like propagation methods, plant spacing, canopy management, crop compatibility, nutrient and water management, crop regulation, plant protection, post-harvest management and value addition (Singh et al 2020). In order to cope up with various abiotic stresses, UEFS like , Emblica officinalis Aegle marmelos Feronia limonia and are modified or improved to assure critical morpho-physiological functions i.e., strong deep root system, high root-to-shoot ratio, selective absorption, uptake and storage of more water and nutrients, reduced transpiration and heat shocks (Meena et al 2022). Additionally, synchronized flowering and fast fruiting, biosynthesis of antioxidants, proteins and droughtresponsive genes, assist in growth and development under adverse conditions (Meena et al 2022). ...
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... order to cope up with various abiotic stresses, UEFS like , Emblica officinalis Aegle marmelos Feronia limonia and are modified or improved to assure critical morpho-physiological functions i.e., strong deep root system, high root-to-shoot ratio, selective absorption, uptake and storage of more water and nutrients, reduced transpiration and heat shocks (Meena et al 2022). Additionally, synchronized flowering and fast fruiting, biosynthesis of antioxidants, proteins and droughtresponsive genes, assist in growth and development under adverse conditions (Meena et al 2022). Generally, breeding and biotechnological interventions are hindered by major obstacles like genetic heterogeneity, long juvenile phase, self and cross incompatibility, sterility and many more ( Gill et al 2022). ...
Context 18
... of the UEFS cultivation and farmers' messages: Recent studies reported the shifting of farmers from conventional farming to organic and natural farming (NF), especially in the SI states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana ( Nayana and Veni 2020). Farmer's survey in these states reported better plant health, vigour and climate resilience in fruit crops integrated organic and NF system even under dry spells, flooding and cyclone situations (Bharucha et al 2020). Apart from increased incomes, farmers also experienced encouraging outcomes across a range of farm health indicators, agro biodiversity and sustaino-resilence of the agroecosystem (Bharucha et al 2020). ...
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... survey in these states reported better plant health, vigour and climate resilience in fruit crops integrated organic and NF system even under dry spells, flooding and cyclone situations (Bharucha et al 2020). Apart from increased incomes, farmers also experienced encouraging outcomes across a range of farm health indicators, agro biodiversity and sustaino-resilence of the agroecosystem (Bharucha et al 2020). Another study reported successful integration of UEFS like aonla ( ), bael Emblica officinalis ( ), ber ( spp.) and jamun ( Aegle marmelos Zizyphus Syzigium spp.) based cropping models to minimize the risk and enhance the yield and productivity in Arid and Semi-arid regions of India (Singh et al 2020). ...
Context 20
... from increased incomes, farmers also experienced encouraging outcomes across a range of farm health indicators, agro biodiversity and sustaino-resilence of the agroecosystem (Bharucha et al 2020). Another study reported successful integration of UEFS like aonla ( ), bael Emblica officinalis ( ), ber ( spp.) and jamun ( Aegle marmelos Zizyphus Syzigium spp.) based cropping models to minimize the risk and enhance the yield and productivity in Arid and Semi-arid regions of India (Singh et al 2020). Furthermore, integration of leguminous crops under these UEFS models increased the income two to three-fold (Singh et al 2020). ...
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... For instance, Gliricidia sepium and Pongamia pinnata as manure species, Leucaena leucocephala and Hardwickia binata as a fodder yielding species, Adansonia digitata, Zizypus spp. and Vitellaria paradoxa as fruit species, Acacia senegal and Vachellia seyal as gum producing species and Aegle marmelos and A. indica as medicinal species are providing various ecosystem services (Bayala et al. 2002;Rosenstock et al. 2019;Ashwath et al. 2023). These multipurpose species are more versatile because of their greater compatibility with agricultural crops in AFS and higher economic returns. ...
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... Horticulture stands as a cornerstone of livelihoods in the hilly terrains of the northeastern states, where age-old management practices have sustained communities for generations (Ashwath et al., 2023). In Manipur state, local communities have long relied on certain plants for sustenance and as tools for forecasting weather patterns and foreseeing natural disasters. ...
... -----Ungang Yields pale scarlet dye. Ashwath et al., 2023 Basella alba Linn. ...
... -----Urok sambal Provides deep purple dye from leaves and stems, used in fabric dyeing and painting. Ashwath et al., 2023 Despite their nutritional richness in vitamins and minerals, many indigenous and underutilized fruits (Table 1) remain untapped (Sharma et al., 2020). Wild fruits constitute a significant portion of the daily diet for tribal populations, are sold into local markets and serving as vital components for dietary diversity and nutrient security among rural communities year-round. ...
Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) has immense potential for grassroots innovation in India, where numerous indigenous communities possess unique traditional knowledge on technologies. These technologies, comparable to modern systems, ensure self-sufficiency and sustainable practices in weather forecasting, seed germination, soil fertility, and pest control. Particularly regions inhabited by indigenous communities are, often overlooked in mainstream agricultural discourse, ITK plays a crucial role in their socio-economic development and environmental preservation. Despite the growing recognition of ITK, there remains a critical gap in integrating ITK with modern Holistic Knowledge Systems (HKS) to address contemporary agricultural challenges. This chapter explores ITK's impact on sustainable agricultural and horticultural practices, examining its integration with HKS and its role in sustainability, productivity, food security, biodiversity conservation, and resource management.
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... India is one of the most diverse biodiversity hotspots globally, boasting an array of indigenous edible fruiting trees within its tropical confines. Among these, Mimusops elengi L. (Bakul) holds particular significance, serving multiple purposes including providing fruits and fodder, enhancing ornamental landscapes, and featuring prominently in traditional medicinal practices [1]. Belonging to the Sapotaceae family, M. elengi is native to the Western Ghats region of peninsular India. ...
Mimusops elengi L., (bullet wood) belongs to the family Sapotaceae and is a native tree species of Western Ghats, India. It is well known for its fruit, and fodder and is grown as an ornamental tree. Various parts of the tree are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. In this species, seed germination is rather difficult without pre-seed treatment. Hence, the present study was taken up to analyze the seed morphometric traits namely, seed length, seed width, and seed weight, and also to find the effect of different pre-sowing treatments on seed germination by following standard procedures. The study was conducted at the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Kodagu district, Karnataka. The average length, width, and thickness of the seeds were 18.09 mm, 12.02 mm, and 6.33 mm, respectively. The maximum seed germination was observed in cold water treatment for 24 hours (34.44%) followed by GA3 500 ppm (30%) and the minimum was observed in hot water treatment (1.1%). Although the germination was poor in this species, treating the seeds of Mimusops elangi with cold water for a day increases the germination by 34.4 percent.
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Currently, population pressure has created more demand for limited resources like land, water, and other resources. To fulfill the growing demand of food grains, it is necessary to use these limited resources scientifically and efficiently. On the other hand, changing climate is causing erratic rainfall, drought, flash flood and ultimately leads to crop failure. To address these emerging issues, millets can be incorporated in the agroforestry system to promote efficient resource management and reduce malnutrition, food insecurity, and impact of climate change. Interestingly, empirical evidence showed that farmers are switching from conventional monoculture to sustainable cultivation practices like agroforestry, climate resilient agriculture, and organic farming. This is due to higher intermittent yield, increased production, lower crop failure, higher crop diversity, and efficient site utilization through tree-crop multi strata arrangements. The compatible tree species, congruous crop combinations, and effective competition management techniques must be chosen in these resource-poor arid and semi-arid regions to effectively manage soil and water resources. In the present study, the decision to choose India and Africa was influenced by three key features: presence of some successful MbAF models in both the regions; millet production together accounts for 80 % of global production; and prevalence of malnutrition despite high production. Therefore, this article discusses the significance and potential of MbAF in these areas considering the "International Year of Millets-2023", highlighting region-specific successful MbAF models as well as their strengths, weaknesses, and providing recommendations to assist policymakers in taking the necessary actions. The study further suggests creating capable MbAF models to improve income and stabilize fragile arid and semi-arid farming conditions.
