Wetland Horticulture: New Dimensions Dwivedi Deepa H.*, Rishabh, Shrivastava Ujjwal Department of Horticulture, School for Agriculture Science and Technology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow-226 025 (UP), India *Email: deepahansraj1999@gmail.com
Online Published on 19 March, 2024. Abstract A large number of edible plant species are found growing naturally in wetland sites since ancient times and many of these form a part of the traditional diet of societies inhabiting adjoining areas. Transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with a water table usually at or near the surface, or the lands covered by shallow water are termed as wetlands. These are one of the most productive ecosystems since sunlight can penetrate the surface of the typically shallow water bodies to facilitate subterranean photosynthesis. Thus, they have the capacity to support large populations in terms of food, fiber and raw materials besides nourishing a large faunal biodiversity. Marginal wastelands along irrigation canals, floodplains of rivers, submerged areas, marshes, tidal plains, natural lakes, barrages, etc. Which are not being utilized for agrarian activities since the substrate is predominantly untrained hydric soil are termed as wetlands. About 4.6% of the total geographical area in India accounts for wetlands and covers about 15.3 million ha. Horticultural crops form an important component of the wetland flora which can be consumed by humans and thus, need to be explored. With the increasing pressure of urbanization encroaching upon arable lands, wetland sites offer a potential for cultivation of alternative plant species of commercial importance for food, nutrition, medicine as well as ornamentals. Commonly Wild Rice (Zizania sp. aquatica), Rice (Oryzagl aberrima; Oryza sativa), Watercress (Nasturtium microphyllum), Water Pepper (Persicaria hydropiper), Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), Wasabi (Wasabia japonica), Water chestnut (Trapa natans var bispinosa), chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis,), Makhana (Euryale ferox), Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn), cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L), Wild cape gooseberry (Physalis minima), Water Lily (Nymphaea alba L) etc. are among the many acquatic species which are consumed as part of the diet in certain societies. Top Keywords Wetland horticulture, Water logged, Water chestnut, Wild edible, Trapa natans. Top |