Collection, conservation and evaluation of priority indigenous vegetables in Sri Lanka

Jeewani, D.; Balasooriya, B.; Kondasinghe, K.; Danwatta, A.; Hunter, D.; Borelli, T. (2024) Collection, conservation and evaluation of priority indigenous vegetables in Sri Lanka. Working Paper n.10. 38 p.

A diverse range of underutilized vegetables and leafy greens in Sri Lanka were identified for collection, conservation, and genetic improvement. Within the framework of the CGIAR Initiative on Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH) in Sri Lanka, in 2023 the Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Sri Lanka (PGRC) prioritized ten crops for exploration, characterization and ex situ conservation. The list included vegetables such as sword bean, sponge gourd, snake gourd, winged bean and moringa, as well as leafy greens such as Amaranthus spp., fame flower, balloon plant, sickle pod and vegetable hummingbird.

The first phase of activities detailed in this report, and which ran from January to March 2024, resulted in the collection of 502 germplasm samples gathered via exploration missions across Sri Lanka. During the second phase, lasting from April to December 2024, 414 germplasm samples were multiplied while the detailed characterization of 240 samples was undertaken. One hundred and forty-three (143) seed samples were conserved in the genebank while 271 are still being processed prior to seed bank conservation. Germplasm characterization will continue in 2025.

In addition, vegetatively propagated germplasm samples were conserved in the PGRC field genebank which was upgraded by establishing a rain fed irrigation system using project funds. Overall, efforts under FRESH contribute to the conservation and utilization of Sri Lanka's indigenous vegetable diversity, facilitating future agricultural research and development initiatives, vegetable availability and the country's food security.