Variability in Indian wild orange (Citrus indica Tanaka) genotypes

Citrus indica Tanaka, a wild and endangered citrus species native to northeastern India, has been focus of surveys aimed at determining its distribution, studying its variability, and collecting its germplasm. Indian wild orange, this species is endemic to the region and was first collected from the Citrus Gene Sanctuary, located in the buffer zone of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya and has been observed in the Naga Hills of Nagaland. Additionally, a natural hybrid of C. indica was identified and collected for the first time from the South Garo Hills. Historically, C. indica had a wider distribution, with collections made from the states of Mizoram and Meghalaya. In Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills, the natural populations of this species are now in a highly threatened state. The species is unevenly distributed across the surveyed areas. Morphological and biochemical analysis of its leaves, fruits, and seeds revealed significant variability among the collected specimens. Local knowledge of its uses and socio-economic importance suggests that this species has commercial potential in citrus industry. However, due to the lack of cultivation and the rapid deforestation in the region, urgent complementary conservation strategies are needed to protect the species and ensure its future availability. A focus on developing methods for propagation, multiplication, and regeneration in both in situ and ex situ conditions is critical.