Archive | 2021
Key issues facing genebanks in preserving crop genetic diversity ex situ: overview of the range of challenges
Abstract
Local crop genetic diversity is challenged with changes in land use, urbanization, land degradation, changes in agricultural practises, availability of improved varieties, changes in market preference and the impact of climate change. Efforts have been made to secure plant genetic resources ex situ for future use but there are significant issues related to cost effective, efficient, secure, rational and sustainable long-term ex situ conservation. Some of the key issues are need for globally comprehensive set of accessions; reducing risk of genetic erosion within and between collections; addressing viability and regeneration backlogs; safety duplication; updated accession level information systems; genebank quality management system; and engagement of genebanks with user and other conservers. Given the global interdependency for the use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, there is an even greater need in the 2020s to facilitate the development of a global system for ex situ conservation of crop diversity.