Wild species diversity needs further taxonomic study, biosystematic approach to classify, authenticate diversity at species and subspecies level. The identity of some taxa such as F. megacarpum needs further study. It is felt that monographic revision of cultivated and wild taxa is needed to elucidate species relationships. The sizable collections with the national programmes need to be characterized, evaluated and catalogued based on this descriptor list. This will promote information dissemination for exchange and use of material.
More focus is required on the utilization of material for crop improvement.
National programmes need to gear up this activity to develop superior genotypes, selections for high altitude agriculture in particular. Wild species gene pools need to be evaluated for incorporating diverse traits for cold hardiness, disease resistance, etc. Detailed study on socio-economic and ethnobotanical aspects is required. Overall emphasis has to be on increased conservation and use of buckwheat diversity, to improve the economic status of the native farming communities who still depend a lot on this multi-purpose crop. References Anonymous, 1988.