In the present study a total of one hundred thirty two accession of indigenous vegetable (Atriplex hortensis L.) collected from fifteen different Trans-Himalayan geographical regions of Jammu and Kashmir, India, were morphologically characterized for 6 qualitative and 15 quantitative traits following descriptors developed by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resource (NBPGR), New Delhi, India, during the year 2014 -2015. Multivariate analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), multidimensional scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis were performed using morphological traits to determine whether these populations are reliably similar or diverse. The first two principal components encompass more than 60% variation among population. The results of PCA and MDS analysis were comparable to the cluster analysis, which shows considerable phenotypic variation. Study of morphological characteristics of the accessions showed considerable variations which signify rich diversity within populations from different regions of cold desert.

<p>Not much attention has been paid to a wide range of indigenous leafy vegetables that can grow in high altitude harsh climatic conditions with minimal care. Therefore, a study was carried out on yield potential and palatability of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILV) that grows in trans-Himalayan Ladakh. Seven ILV viz. <em>Fagopyrum tataricum,<strong> </strong>Rumex patientia, Fagopyrum esculentum, Amaranthus cruentus, Malva vertisilester, Lepidium latifolium </em>and<em> Atriplex hortensis </em>that are being used by native people of Ladakh were recorded for their morphological characters, earliness, yield and other consumer preference traits. The highest yield was recorded for <em>A. hortensis</em> (1.80±0.06 kg/m²). The study suggested that <em>A. hortensis </em>and<em> A. crunteus </em>have high palatability and are most preferred by the consumers. Yield potential of the cold hardy <em>A. hortensis </em>is significantly higher and it is an early maturing crop. Therefore, detail studies on <em>A. hortensis </em>are required, and efforts need to be made for large scale cultivation of the species.</p>

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