By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 4: A fresh study has raised alarm over the survival of Meghalaya’s wild citrus, warning that several species are on the brink of extinction due to shifting cultivation, deforestation, invasive plants, and climate change. Seven species from the Northeast, including Citrus indica, C. latipes and C. macroptera, are already classified as threatened or vulnerable by the IUCN.
As per reports, the survey, carried out by the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) along with regional institutes, documented 13 citrus species in Meghalaya, two of them — C. aurantifolia (acid lime) and C. megaloxycarpa (giant wild orange) — recorded for the first time. Researchers collected 57 accessions across the state, with Garo Hills and Khasi Hills showing the highest diversity at ten species each, while Ri Bhoi and Jaintia Hills had only three each.
According to Dr. Julius Uchoi, Senior Scientist at NBPGR, the Northeast harbours 23 of India’s 27 citrus species, with Meghalaya alone hosting 13. He noted that mandarins (C. reticulata) and rough lemon (C. jambhiri) dominate cultivation, but it is the rare wild types that remain most at risk.
South Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills emerged as strongholds for wild species, with C. indica, C. megaloxycarpa, C. medica and C. latipes found there. Only a single sample of the endangered C. indica — a fruit weighing under 20 grams — was traced in South Garo Hills, confirming its critically restricted presence. In contrast, C. megaloxycarpa, with fruits topping half a kilogram, underlined the striking diversity of Meghalaya’s citrus.
The study also found wide variation in fruit traits such as rind thickness, seed count and pulp colour, critical both for species identification and future breeding programmes.
Researchers have called for urgent measures including DNA barcoding to confirm identities, GIS mapping of micro-hotspots, and stronger community involvement in conservation. They stressed that safeguarding Meghalaya’s citrus wealth is vital not only for biodiversity but also for global food security.
