Biodiversity And Intercrops Of Citrus Species At Sreemangal Upazila Under Moulvibazar District Of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT: Citrus biodiversity is decreasing day by day although citrus is a major fruit crop in Sylhet region. Hence, a study was conducted at Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district during September 2015 to June 2016 to determine the biodiversity of citrus species and intercrops in citrus orchard. Data were collected from three villages of Sreemangal upazila through face to face interview of 60 respondents and field observation. Eighty percent respondents opined that acid lime was the dominant citrus species followed by zinger lime (75%). But field observation indicated that 100% farmers were cultivating elachilebu followed by zinger lime (75%) and acid lime (45%). High diversity (H’= 0.85) of citrus species was observed ranging from 0.80 (Bisamoni) to 0.93 (Doluchara). Total 25 kinds of annual and perennial fruits, vegetables, spices, timbers and ornamental plants were intercropped in citrus orchard, among which chili was the highest (58.33%) followed by papaya (50%) and banana (40%). About 82% farmers opined that the availability of lemon was the highest. Rough lemon (66.67%) was the highest as rarely cultivated species followed by Orange (55%). Lemon (21.67%) was the highest risk as endangered citrus followed by Sweet lime (20%). Lime (31.67%) was the highest as critically endangered position. Citrus leaf miner was the most serious problem as opined by 34.67% respondents which was also observed in the field. Die back, citrus canker and sunburn were the highest disease infestation as opined by 20% of the respondents while field observation noticed that 30% citrus orchards were affected by canker. Disease and insect pests were the major problems causing genetic erosion of citrus. Training should be provided to the farmers on citrus orchard management and importance of citrus biodiversity by GO and NGOs to conserve citrus biodiversity at the farm level. 

Keywords: Biodiversity, citrus, conservation, genetic erosion, intercrop