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Genetic resources of wild tuberous food plants traditionally used in Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India

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Abstract

The subterranean parts of many wild plants form an important constituent of traditional diet of the tribal inhabitants of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha especially in times of food scarcity during critical periods. However, no specific study has been made so far on this aspect. The present study was conducted during 2008–2012 as a search for sources of food and to assess the dietary diversity, consumption pattern, culinary uses and prioritized species of wild tuberous plants sustained by local tribes. The exploration and germplasm collection missions along with intensive botanical survey, focus group discussions, structured household interview and market survey were conducted in 30 villages interacting with 102 key informants of core and buffer zones. A total of 55 wild edible tuberous species representing 37 genera and 24 families were inventoried including 17 species used during food deficiency to meet seasonal shortages. The analyzed data contributed 5 use categories, 4 preparation methods, 7 kinds of food items, 10 species as children snacks, 35 species of pharma-foods and 20 prioritized species. Ten species were domesticated by tribes thus reducing threats on wild tubers and 20 species were traded in local markets to generate additional income exemplifying economic benefits from wild tubers. Seventeen species were identified as novel uses of food items from India. The findings suggested that the nutritional profile along with pharmaceutical attributes of preferred wild food plants be analyzed for recommending suitable species for better nutrition and development of nutraceuticals. Further, many genetic resources of these wild tuberous species of agri-horticultural importance constitute the wild genepool hence their economic and breeding potential along with desirable attributes need to be investigated for utilization in crop improvement programmes.

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Acknowledgments

The Similipal Biosphere Reserve Authority, Baripada, Department of Forests & Environment, Government of Odisha and Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India are gratefully acknowledged for providing financial assistance to the research project and permission of entry to Biosphere Reserve along with logistic support during the exploration programmes. The authors are grateful to the Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi for providing facilities and approving the exploration and germplasm collection programme. The first two authors are indeed thankful to the Chief Executive, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar for providing support and facilities during the research study. Deep sense of gratitude is due to the tribal informants and old age people of the villages of core and buffer zones and staff of Forest Department, Government of Odisha who participated in the programme and voluntarily shared their consent, valuable indigenous knowledge and experiences on wild tuberous plants and traditional foods during the course of study. We are thankful to the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Regional Centre, Bhubaneswar for collaboration in the exploration mission conducted in 2010 and establishment of the germplasm in the experimental plots of the centre. We owe our thanks to the Deputy Director, Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Baripada and the Range Officer, Bisoi Range, Mayurbhanj district for their cooperation at all stages during the research study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Base Centre, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, CRRI Campus, Cuttack, 753006, Odisha, India

    R. C. Misra & D. R. Pani

  2. Regional Plant Resource Centre, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, 751015, Odisha, India

    H. K. Sahoo

  3. National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India

    D. C. Bhandari

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  1. R. C. Misra
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Correspondence to R. C. Misra.

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Misra, R.C., Sahoo, H.K., Pani, D.R. et al. Genetic resources of wild tuberous food plants traditionally used in Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India. Genet Resour Crop Evol 60, 2033–2054 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-013-9971-6

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