Exploration and collection of different germplasm accessions of Oregano(Origanum vulgare L.) from the Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

The collection of accessions of Origanum vulgare is an important resource for its conservation and utilization. To explore and collection of the different accessions of Origanum vulgare, an extensive survey was conducted across the Kashmir Himalaya. These exploration trips were concerted in North, Central and South zones of Kashmir Himalaya. The germplasm collections were conducted from late march to mid-May. This extensive survey yielded a total of nineteen accessions from different places; of which 17 accessions were from wild origins and two accessions were from cultivated sources. The germplasms were submitted to the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) gene bank for their preservation and allotment of IC numbers. All the live plants of all the accessions were maintained in experimental plots at the Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K. These accessions can be used to maintain the species' genetic diversity, improvement of culinary, medicinal, and ornamental qualities, and to ensure its long-term survival.