Exploration and Collection of Crop Germplasm in Sangola Tehsil, Solapur

Crop genetic diversity is an initial resource for sustainable agriculture, crop improvement and climate flexibility. This study documents the exploration and systematic collection of crop germplasm from Sangola Tehsil in Solapur District, Maharashtra, with the aim of assessing the existing diversity of locally cultivated and wild plant species. Field surveys were conducted across diverse agro-ecosystems during the 2024 cropping season, involving structured interviews with farmers, participatory varietal identification, and GPS-based documentation of collection sites. A total of 50 accessions representing major crops, vegetables, pulses and fruits were collected and preserved for the preparation of germplasm bank. Preliminary analysis revealed significant variability in crops, vegetables, pulses and fruits seed morphology, and phenology. Several rare and under-utilized germplasm types were recorded, highlighting the rich but under-documented genetic resources in the region. The collected germplasm has been processed for seed health and viability testing, and will be conserved ex-situ in the institutional gene bank for future evaluation, breeding, and conservation initiatives. This work provides a baseline for enhancing germplasm utilization, on-farm conservation strategies, and participatory breeding programs in semi-arid agro-climatic zones in study area.