This document discusses neglected and underutilized tropical and subtropical fruits that provide nutrition and health benefits. It notes that over 4,200 minor fruit species exist worldwide, with many remaining underutilized. Bioversity International aims to conserve such species and promote their use through various initiatives exploring, collecting, and characterizing neglected fruit species in countries around the world. The document summarizes Bioversity's genetic diversity park in Bengaluru, India which maintains over 100 minor fruit species across 33 families for conservation and research. Potentially important species discussed include jackfruit, custard apple, jamun, ber, and tamarind due to their nutrition, health properties, and climate resilience.

1. N.K. Krishna Kumar & S.B. Dandin
Bioversity International
Underutilized Tropical And Subtropical Fruits For Nutrition &
Health Security And Climate Resilience
– A Bioversity International Initiative
NUS

2.  Wild edible fruits were the important sources of food for
mankind before dawn of civilization.
 The tribal groups in the forests depend on these fruits.
 They passed on valuable information about the utility of
fruits from generation to generation.
 30,000 edible plant species are known to mankind.
 7,000 species were reported to be used for food in the history.
 150 plants are cultivated commercially.
 103 plants are alone contribute to more than 90% of the world’s calorie.
 Several hundreds of species remain underutilized or less utilized
in the wild.
Neglected and Underutilized fruits

3. Minor Fruit and Nuts Wealth
World
Tropical
Temperate
Total
3,000 Species
1,200 Species
4,200 Species
Asia Pacific Region India
Families
Genera
Species
45
106
261
34
56
84
Source: Arora (1985) and Pareek et al., (1998)
Source: Wietmeyer (1990)

4. Distribution of Underutilized Edible Fruits and Nuts in the Regions of Diversity
Region Species (#)
Chinese-Japanese 222
Indochinese-Indonesia 226
Australian 57
Hindustani-Indian 344
Central Asian and Near Eastern 38
Mediterranean 30
African 131
European-Siberian 62
South American 263
Central American and Mexican 122
North American 255
Source: Zeven and de Wet (1982) in OP Pareek, Sunil Sharma and RK Arora (1998)

5. They Remain Underutilized because …
 Under estimation of their potential use.
 Non availability of their complete botanical information.
 Inadequate research on their commercial exploitation.
 Not profiled on their food and nutrition value/potential.
 Promotion and popularization of very few fruit crops.
 Fast disappearance of ecosystem and habitat destruction.
 Stigma attached as “Food of the Poor”.

6.  They are found harboring nutritionally rich compounds.
 Due to increased food and nutritional insecurity.
 Their climate resilient nature.
 Resistance to biotic and abiotic stress condition.
 Rich in neutraceutical and medicinal properties.
 Donors of important genes for crop improvement.
Why they are Important Now …

7. Neglected and Underutilized Crops - A Hope for sustainable Future
World population to reach 9 billion by 2050
30% are affected by malnutrition
159 million children stunted with low BMI
2 b people are deficient in >1micronutrients
Narrow food basket limits nutrition
NUS species is an alternative

8. Fruit species conservation-Bioversity International initiatives
 TFT UNEP-GEF Project (2009-2014) : Conservation and sustainable use of cultivated
and wild tropical fruit diversity:

 IFAD-NUS Project 4 Phases from (2001-2016): “Reinforcing the resilience of poor rural
communities in the face of food insecurity, poverty and climate change through on-farm
conservation of local agrobiodiversity”
 BFN UNEP-GEF Project (2012-2017) : “GEF Mainstreaming biodiversity for nutrition and
health”
 India_UNEP_GEP Project 2016-2021: Mainstreaming agricultural biodiversity conservation
and utilization in agricultural sector to ensure ecosystem services and reduce vulnerability

9.  Temperate fruit trees management and conservation in Central Asia- Bioversity is
collaborating with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) From 2006
to 2011
 Fruit trees in Africa- From 2012 to 2015
 Tropical fruit trees in Latin America- Bioversity collaborated with partners in Latin
America to map the diversity and distribution of several tropical fruit trees From 2013
 Big idea on NUS-Fruit tree diversity for nutrition and food : a new proposal
 Neglected and Underutilized Species- Food For Future
,
Fruit species conservation-Bioversity International initiatives

10. NEW INITIATIVE ON NUFS GENETIC GARDEN TO SAFEGUARD
MINOR FRUITS- PRELIMINARY SCOPING

11. Programmes Initiated at Bioversity International
 Exploration and collection of minor fruit species of tropical and
subtropical region
 Genetic variability analysis and Characterization
 Documentation of Traditional knowledge
 Analysis of food and nutritional value of minor fruits
 Identification of potential minor fruits for mainstreaming
 Networking of custodian farmers

12. Areas explored
 States: 7
 Districts: 26
 Farmers: 64
 Nurseries: 18
 Research Organizations: 26

13. Bioversity International, Bengaluru Unit
Genetic Diversity Park Site.
 Families: 33
 Genera: 56
 Species: 103
 Varieties: 223
Status of present collection
(as of 31-10-2017)

14. Families, Genera, Species and Varieties of Minor Fruit Crops Maintained in Genetic
Diversity Park, Bengaluru.
Sl.
No
Families
No.
Genera
No.
Species
No.
Varieties
1 Actinidiaceae 1 1 1
2 Annonaceae 1 7 24
3 Anacardiaceae 5 5 18
4 Apocynaceae 1 2 4
5 Arecaceae 2 2 2
6 Boraginaceae 1 2 3
7 Cacataceae 1 1 1
8 Celastraceae 1 1 1
9 Clusiaceae 1 6 8
10 Dilleniaceae 1 1 1
11 Ebenaceae 1 2 2
12 Elaeocarpaceae 1 1 1
13 Euphorbiaceae 1 1 1
14 Flacourtiaceae 1 1 2
15 Lauraceae 1 1 2
16 Leguminosae 3 3 6
17 Malpighiaceae 2 3 3
Sl. No Families
No.
Genera
No.
Species
No. Varieties
18 Malvaceae 1 1 1
19 Meliaceae 1 1 1
20 Moraceae 3 12 55
21 Myrtaceae 4 14 31
22 Oxalidaceae 1 2 3
23 Passifloraceae 1 1 1
24 Phyllanthaceae 3 6 9
25 Proteaceae 1 1 1
26 Puniceae 1 1 4
27 Rhamnaceae 1 3 5
28 Rosaceae 3 3 3
29 Rubiaceae 1 1 1
30 Rutaceae 3 7 12
31 Sapindaceae 3 4 5
32 Sapotaceae 3 5 12
33 Thymelaeceae 1 1 1
TOTAL 33 56 103 223

15. Genetic Diversity Park - Collections at Glance
A. muricata
Z. mauritianaA. heterophyllus
S. malaccenseC. myxa S. caryophyllatam
G. tiliifolia E. japonica

16. A. atemoya
E. serratunG. gummifera
F. racemosaA. occidentale S. pinnata
S. anacardium P. edulis
Genetic Diversity Park - Collections at Glance

17. Minor Fruit Species Maintained in Ex-situ Genetic Diversity Park
Contd.,

18. Minor Fruit Species Maintained in Ex-situ Genetic Diversity Park

19.  No. of species/varieties maintained
 Sources of material
 Age and stage of the plant (s)
 Morphological details
 Floral characters
 Fruiting season, duration and yield details
 Fruit characters
 Uses, local products being prepared and consumed
 Market information
 Economics and income
 Sharing of plants among other farmers
Onsite Information Collected from Custodian Farmer

20.  Botanical name
 Common name and vernacular (local) name(s)
 Habit
 Origin and geographical distribution
 Flowering and fruiting period
 Mode of propagation
 Recognized varieties/land races/farmer’s
varieties if any
 Source of germplasm material maintained
 Food/nutritional value composition
 Uses-as food, medicine, culinary, industrial etc.,
Information Compiled for Each Collection

21. Jack - Artocarpus Species
Custard Apple - Annona Species
Jewish Plum - Syzygium Species
Ber - Ziziphus mauritiana Species
Tamarind - Tamarindus indica
Potential Species for Mainstreaming

22. 1. JACK (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Native to western ghats of south India
Adoptable to varied types of soils and climate
Every part of the plant has distinct use
Rich in vitamin-A & C, readily digestible sugar high calorific value
Young, mature fruits, seeds, used in several food preparations
Important products - chips, pappad, jam, jelly, starch, etc
Six species and 43 varieties maintained for detailed analysis
Wood is a valuable timber

23. Edible Artocarpus species
A. altilis A. heterophyllus A. lacucha
A. integer A. hirsutus A. odoratissimus

24. Variability in Jack Fruits
( Bearing, shape and colour )

25. Genetic Variability in Fruit Bulbs
(colour, shape & size)

26. Value Addition in Jack Fruit

27. Nutritive and Medicinal Value
 Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins A,B,C, protein, fibre
 Rich in potassium – helps to reduce hyper tension
 Immature fruits control diabetes
 Anti- cancerous
 Anti- ageing
 Anti- oxidant
 Anti- ulcer
 Cures fever & Diarrhoea
 Roots used to cure skin diseases & asthma
 Heated leaves used to heal wounds
 Seed starch relieves biliousness

28. 2. CUSTARD APPLE (Annona species)
Genus Annona is native to South and Central America
Genus has large number of species with economic importance
Three species are popular for edible fruits
Ice cream, sweets, juice, pastries, chocolates and mixed fruit jam
A muricata is a good source of medicine used for curing cancer
Seeds of most of this species have insecticidal properties
Can be used for manufacturing of bio-pesticides

30. Edible Annona species
A. reticulata
A. cherimola A. atemoya
A. muricataA. squamosa
A. galbra

32. Medicinal Values of Annona
 The paste of the leaf is useful to treat boils, abscesses and ulcers
 Good in curing of diarrhea and dysentery
 Act as anti cancer agent
 Magnesium in custard apple is good in prevention of strokes and heart attacks
 Regular intake of custard apple reduces the chances of rheumatism and other forms of
arthritis as it helpful in flux out of excessive acids
 Custard apple is the excellent for copper Brittleness of bone

33. 3 JAMUN/JEWISH PLUM (Syzygium cumini)
Is a native to Southeast Asia
Distributed in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,
15 species produce edible fruits and show high genetic diversity
Jamun is most important among all species
Fruits rich source of iron, sugar, minerals
Seeds possess anti-diabetic compounds and popularly used as medicine
Fruits of Syzygium jambos, Eugenia uniflora and Syzygium malaccense
are also very popular and eaten as fresh
10 species & 15 varieties maintained in the gene bank for further studies

34. Syzygium species
Syzygium malaccense
Syzygium jambos Syzygium malaccenseSyzygium cumini

35. Medicinal Values of Jamun
 Jamun fruits are having anti-diabetic properties
 Jamun fruit is good for digestive system because of its coolant
features
 Rich in antioxidants
 Jamun has adequate amount of iron and vitamin-C
 Iron content in Jamun acts as blood purifying agent besides,
helping in cure of jaundice and anemia

36. 4 BER (Ziziphus mauritiana)
 Genus Ziziphus is native to South Asia and three species produce edible fruits
 Ber is a common fruit cultivated in India where as Jujube is predominantly cultivated in China
 The plant is highly drought resistant and gift to arid regions
 Fruits are eaten fresh and also processed to prepare delicious murraba and candies
 Fruits can also be used for preparation of jam and wine
 Four varieties of Ber are being maintained for further nutritional analysis and genetic diversity
study
 Fruits are produced from September to January

37. Ziziphus mauritiana

38. Medicinal Values of Ber
 Ber fruits helps in weight loss
 Strengthens the immune system
 Soothes the nervous system with its sedative
properties
 Recent research indicates that ber fruit could help
fight Alzheimer's

39. 5. TAMARIND (Tamarindus indica)
 Tamarind is indigenous to Tropical Africa and South India
 The species is highly drought tolerant and grown in marginal
and waste lands
 Unripe fruits are used as an ingredient in vegetable dishes
 Ripe fruits are rich source of vitamin-C and tartaric acid
 Tamarind pulp is an important ingredient in several food
preparations
 Seeds are used for extraction of starch, protein and oil
 Four genotypes of Tamarind are subjected for further study
410 years (approximately)

40. Sl No Food Components Jack Fruit Custard
Apple
Jamun Tamarind Ber
1 Water (g) 72-94 69-75 83.7-85.8 17.8-35.8 81-83
2 Calories (Kcal) 72-98 88-96 6200 - 6300
3 Protein (g) 1.3-2.0 1.53-2.38 0.7 2.0-3.0 0.8-1.8
4 Fat (g) 0.1-0.4 0.26-1.10 0.15-0.3 0.6 0.07
5 Carbohydrates (g) 16.0-25.4 19-25 14.0-16.0 41.1-61.4 14-17
6 Fiber (g) 1.0-1.5 1.14-2.50 0.3-0.9 2.9 0.6
7 Calcium (mg) 20-37 19.4-44.7 8.0-15.0 34.0-94.0 25.6
8 Phosphorus (mg) 18-38 23.6-55.3 15.0-16.2 34.0-78.0 26.8
9 Iron (mg) 0.5-1.1 0.28-1.34 1.2-1.62 0.2-0.9 0.8-1.8
10 Vitamin-A (IU) 15.2-54.0 5.0-7.0 80.0 - 34.0-35.0
11 Thiamine (mg) 0.03-0.09 0.1-0.13 0.01-0.03 0.33 0.02
12 Riboflavin (mg) 0.03-0.05 0.11-0.17 0.01 0.10 0.02-0.04
13 Niacin (mg) 0.4-4.0 0.65-0.93 0.2-0.29 1.00 0.7-0.9
14 Ascorbic acid (mg) 8.0-10.0 34.0-42.0 5.7-18.0 44.00 65.0-76.0
Source: Pareek and Sharma (2009)
Food Composition of Potential Underutilized Fruits

41. Innovate Indigenous Wisdom

42.  How can we consolidate their
role as conserver, dynamic
innovator and promoter of
diversity?
 Can such custodian farmers be
recognized as community
genebank managers and
publicity media?
 Maintain rich diversity
 Self-driven by conservation
ideology
 Knowledge holder
 Highly motivated and self-
directed
 Recognition from community
Custodian Farmers- who and what

43. Source: IIHR, UAS Dharwad and Bioversity

44. Propagated pummelo clonesPropagated mango clones
Rough lemon seedling Grafting/budding of pummelo
Multiplication of elite clones identified under the project

45. Benefits to farming community: Social capital

46. Custodian farmers sharing knowledge in local language

47. : International exposure to custodian farmers

48. Farmer(s) Award / Reward / Recognition
(Section 39 (1) (iii) of PPV&FR Act, 2001
read with Rule 70 (2) (a) of PPV&FR Rules, 2003)
Awards / Reward / Recognition Awarded
Plant Genome Saviour Community Awards 10
Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward 10
Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Recognition 15

49. Mango diversity fairs

50. Views and Aspirations of Custodian Farmers
Interaction with farmers during exploration trips, custodian farmers have highlighted the
following important aspects;
 On farm conservation is cheapest and effective method for sustainable use of this fruit
diversity
 Documentation of farmers practices and their validation is imperative
 Need for capacity building and promotional opportunities
 Better publicity and recognition of custodian farmers efforts/activities
 Long term arrangements for establishment mother plant orchard, multiplication and supply
of seed/planting material to harness this wealth
 Establishment of value chain and marketing facilities for sustainable income
 Networking of all custodian farmers with
a. Other stake holder farmers/ Self - Help groups
b. Nursery men/Seed banks
c. Marketing agencies
d. Food industry

51. Philippines Export of VCO 2001-2015
51Asian and Pacific Coconut Community
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Volume (MT) 2 per. Mov. Avg. (Volume (MT))

52. Coconut Water Market
52Asian and Pacific Coconut Community
37,941
76,534
117,454
141,454
288,537
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
US Import Volume of Coconut Water (ton)
Country of Origin %
BRAZIL 38
THAILAND 32
PHILIPPINES 8
SINGAPORE 6
SOUTH AFRICA 5
MALAYSIA 3
SRI LANKA 3
OTHERS 5

53. Coconut Sugar
Country of Destination %
USA 68
Netherlands 7
South Korea 5
Malaysia 4
Australia 3
Singapore 3
Others 11
14,095
16,911
20,346
23,058
28,775
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016*
Export Volume of Coconut Sugar from Indonesia
*January-September 2016
53
Asian and Pacific Coconut Community

54. Sugar produced in family home for supermarket shelves
Coconut Palm Sugar

55. Market Performance
Asian and Pacific Coconut Community 55
CAGR:
VCO = 6.7%
Water = 21.0%
Milk = 9.7%
DC = 5.9%
Flour = 19.1%
Coconut ‘Liquid’ products will see substantial value growth
Source : Franklin Baker & Co., Philippines

56. Market Performance
Asian and Pacific Coconut Community 56
Volume Increase:
Water = 149%
Milk = 54%
VCO = 33%
DC = 29%
Flour = 115%
Global Coconut Water volumes will show the largest growth
Source : Franklin Baker & Co., Philippines

57. Asian and Pacific Coconut Community 57
Outlook for the Coconut Product Market is extremely positive
Source : Franklin Baker & Co., Philippines

58. Market vs Production
Oropeza chart
Asian and Pacific Coconut Community 58
Production
Market

59. Market vs Production
Oropeza chart
Asian and Pacific Coconut Community 59
Market
Urgent need for large scale replanting, preferably with
early bearing - high yielding - disease resistant material
Production

60. Peach varietal variability
Gloheaven Crest HeavenRed Gold Snow Queen
Fantasia Nectarine
Early Red June
Peshawarii Elberta Quetta
Flemish Beauty
Red Globe CITH-P-1 CITH --P-3
Kanto-5 July Elberta
Nimla
Early Summerglo FertiliaCITH-P-2

61. Range of variability for nut traits in walnut

62. DIVERSITY IN COCONUT
GENETIC RESOURCES
UTILISED FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF
VARIETIES

63. Variability range in Cashew Germplasm
Character Range
Height of the plant (m) 1.5 – 8.0
Canopy spread (m2) 1.5 – 8.4
Flowering season Nov. – Mar.
Flowering duration (Days) 42 – 128
Flowering intensity (%) 14.3 – 96.8
Sex ratio 0.01 – 0.29
Nut weight (g) 2.0 – 16.8
Apple weight (g) 10.0 – 169.8
Kernel weight (g) 0.4 – 3.7
Shelling percentage (%) 15.3 – 35.4
Cumulative yield of 6 harvests (kg) 0.4 – 19.8

64. Compact type
Dwarf
A. microcarpum
A. orthonianum
A. pumilum
Purple mutant
Nut size Kernel size
CNSL free
Colours in
Apples
A. occidentale
Variability in nut and apple
VARIABILITY OF CASHEW IN INDIA

65. NRC 492 – A Dwarf Accession

66. Related type of cashew
Wild cashew ‘Jungly Caju’ (Semecarpus
pranaui) tree located in Kamorta island of
Nicobar
Fruits and nuts of wild cashew

68.  Resurvey and documenting the genetic diversity of these underutilized fruit species.
 Characterization of all the species and available varieties along with their wild relatives
and ex situ conservation.
 Documentation of available worldwide information on ethnobotanical aspects and
traditional knowledge including local food recipes.
 In depth studies on chemical analysis with respect to food and nutritional and other
health benefits for better exploitation for food and nutrition security.
 Developing multiplication protocol and good agricultural practices to get better
production, improved quality for higher income.
 Promoting custodian farmers approach for effective conservation and sustainable
utilization.
 Developing value chain and market support.
 Popularizing family nutrition garden involving women self help groups (SHGs).
Way Forward – Research And Development

69.  Establishment of a single global body by all organizations engaged on this important
issue for promotion of crops these as “Crops for the Future” (CFF).
 Developing an acceptable model of benefit sharing for better reward to all the stake
holders.
 Providing propaganda and publicity highlighting the strength and future resilience.
 Convincing policy making bodies to include some of these nutri-rich underutilized crops
in common/social food security programmes such as mid-day meals, hospital menus,
grains for work etc.,
 Attracting the attention of donors for liberal funding on research programmes aiming at
popularizing and mainstreaming these crops.
 Initiating a long-term network programme for overall development of these crops as
“Crops for the Future/ Future Smart Foods ”.
Way Forward – Policy Initiatives

70. Individually you are Strong
Together we are more Stronger
let us join our hands Together
To
Synergies Resources, Knowledge, Expertise etc., for mitigating global food
and nutrition insecurity through
Future Smart Foods / Crops For the Future
NUS for meeting Global Hunger Challenge

72. Thank you
N. K. Krishna Kumar
k.kumar@cgiar.org