Yield and Palatability of Potential Indigenous Leafy Vegetable of Cold Arid trans-Himalayan Ladakh, India

Abstract

<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/m<sup>2</sup>). 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>