Mysuru Mallige-Heritage Crop of Mysuru: A Review

Jasmine being cultivated throughout India, its production/ largest area is concentrated in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states. India stands next to Egypt and Morocco in Jasmine Concrete Production with >15 tons per annum. Modern Knowledge has accepted Jasmine as Persian origin, distribution pattern of 72 Jasminum spp. across India suggests, India may be the primary home which has its mention in the 500 BC Tamil literature and 7th to 3rd BCE Ramaynam mythological literature. In Karnataka, a number of Jasminum spp. are being cultivated throughout the state of which Mysuru Mallige, Udupi Mallige and Hadagali Mallige are being unique and are largely concentrated in the respective and adjoining districts. Government of India has registered these three jasmine cultivars with Geographical Indication tag under the Intellectual Property Rights. Though the demand for these GI crops is on increase, the area and production is declining slowly. Here is an attempt to compile the updated knowledge on genetic resources of Jasminum spp. with focus on the heritage crop of Mysuru- ‘Mysuru Mallige’.