State sees fruiting of 'Thailand Yongchak'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 03 2023:
The fruiting of a seven-year-old plant of 'Thailand Yongchak' (Parkia specioa) growing in the homestead of one Ph Jashobanta Sharma of Sagolband Thangjam Leirak has demonstrated that 'Thailand Yongchak' can now thrive well and produce fruits successfully in the ambient environmental condition of Imphal valley.
In a release, Kwaklei and Khonggunmelei Orchids Pvt Ltd, Sagolband Bijoygovind informed that the said tree taken from its MD & chief scientist Dr Rajkumar Kishor in 2017 by Jashobanta is bearing fruits for the first time this year (2023) .
The plant is about 15 feet tall bearing six bunches of pods each having 2-6 pods per bunch.
Jashobanta had planted two plants but one died soon after.
The present plant has no disease infestation and is healthy, it added.
The release mentioned that pods of 'Thailand Yongchak' were obtained from people who visited Thailand and trial was done to germinate the seeds using in-vitro culture technique in 2016 by Dr RK Kishor.
About 6000 seedlings were raised and most of them were distributed to 'Yongchak' enthusiasts of the state who wanted to grow them.
It also noted that with the changing climatic regime of the region, the indigenous 'Yongchak' (Parkia timoriana syn roxburghii) of Manipur and other parts of North East India are showing decline in growth and fruiting coupled with pest and disease infestation.
This apparently indicates a threat in survival of the most important winter delicacy of the region.
Therefore, in an attempt to pave way for genetic improvement of 'Yongchak', Dr RK Kishor thought of a trial to introduce 'Thailand Yongchak' in Manipur so that they might cross-pollinate to regain vigour including resistance to pest and diseases.
Moreover, as the species being a summer-time fruit bearing 'Yongchak', with peak-fruiting in September-October, availability of fresh 'Yongchak' could be extended over 10 months in a year, it further said.