Researchers in the Himalayan region have discovered a new variety of onion called Allium neginium

Dehradun, 20, October, 2021, Wednesday

There are about 1,100 species of allium in the world, including onions, garlic, and scallops. Although allium vegetables and herbs have been used for centuries, a team of researchers has discovered a new onion type of allium. According to the research, there are two different centers of biodiversity in the Himalayan region of India in which the biodiversity of the western Himalayas is about 7%. While in the eastern Himalayas it is limited to 7% which covers the alpine sub-temperate region. Anjula Pandey, chief scientist at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resurrection in New Delhi, and her colleagues noticed a new species of plant of the genus Allium.

Researchers have long been researching allium plants from a scientific point of view. The plant, named Neginium, was discovered in Malari village in Niti valley of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The village is located near the border of India and Tibet. These plants grow at an altitude of 2000 to 200 meters above sea level. The open meadows, sandy soils along the river banks in the alpine meadow area are locally known as Bugyal. Allium neginium can also be found in the snow-covered area. After the ice melts its seeds swim and spread to the more favorable area. This new species is also found in very small numbers in the western Himalayan region. Not found anywhere else in the world.

The name Allium Negienum is named in honor of the late Dr. Kuldip Singh Negi, a renowned researcher and collector of Allium in India. Although this is a new species of onion for science, the locals have been growing it at home for decades. Allium neginium is referred to by names such as Fran, Jambu, Sakua, Sungdung and Kacho. The people of Niti valley use this as a spice and salad. Its use may increase in the western Himalayan region with the realization of Allium Neginum. Danger can also arise if haphazard cutting of this plant is started. The findings are published in the journal Photics.