Of genetic diversity
Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a species.Each variety within a species contains unique genes, and the diversity of genes within a species increases its ability to adopt to pollution diseases and other environmental changes.When these varieties are destroyed, the genetic diversity within the species diminishes.
The Thar also contains a large number of species - as many as 200 - such as Commiphora wightfl, Withania somnitera, Urginea iddica, and Solanum surattense, which are of immense medicinal value. Nagori ashgandh's (Withania somnifera) WS-20 variation, released for commercial cultivation, is probably a native of this region. There however, exists another rare and endemic species of Withania (W coagulans), locally known as panner-bandh, which needs further studies in this regard.
Commiphora wightii (guggal) is another important name which figures under the endangered list. The demand for guggal gum is estimated to be 300-500 tonnes (t) annually. An oleo-gum resin - which has long been used in ayurvedic medicines - guggal has of late attracted attention for its. alnti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and proclivities. Similarly, the estimated demand for 500 t of Solanurn surattense, an arid-zone weed, can open up new vistas for economic development of the region.
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