There are lot of plant genetic resources stored in the form of seeds in various gene banks all over the world. Now more than hundred functional gene banks are there all over the world. But the utilisation of these resources are very less due to various reasons. In my view if you utilise these resources most of the problems we are encountering in the breeding sector could be solved.
Different gene banks has accumulated diverse set of germplasm and genetic potential of many of them is still unknown.
1. Needs to be evaluated in field level in different environmental conditions.
2. Molecular markers could provide insights into their genetic make up for controlling various traits.
3. Identification of novel alleles in these natural resources could be ideal for identification of novel sources which can serve as valuable donors for future research.
4. However, their trait specific characterization (both at molecular and agro-morphological level) will lead to strengthen their logical conservation and utilization strategies.
Yes, the first step in crop improvement is evaluation of germ plasm. I think plant breeders after evaluation would have stored them or the curator incharge should evaluate, characterise and catalogue it. This can become a ready reckoner for the breeder to use.
In order to PGR ,we need a wider cooperation to share the PGR then only we may able to new genetic stock for breeding work either in a conventional way nor new methods by mass mutiplication through tissue culture/ any other techniques will be useful to mankind.
Collections of cultivated plant are traditionally regarded as the material used mainly for breeding purposes. Accessions from such collections can also be used in genetic or botanical investigations. These accessions may be not the same as used in breeding work. The first step of reasonable Genebank biodiversity using is drawing up a phenotypic identification and inventory, and the second is its genetic analysis. Development of a database describing phenotypic and genetic collections is crucial for their goal-oriented biodiversity using.
Much has been written on this and many programmes developed or supported by Biodiversity International (formerly International Board for Plant Genetic Resources) and FAO , both in Rome. I think you will find much of what you seek in their publications, presumably available through their web-sites. Several of the other CGIAR institutes have their own collections and programmes, e.g. IRRI in the Philippines, ICRAF in Kenya, CIMMYT in Mexico.
All the germplasm needs to be characterized and evaluated in phased manner.Once it is done core should be developed. The trait specific germplasm needs to be validated and should come to the public domain so that a breeder can raise his indents accordingly.Also the wild species available with the Genebanks should be shared which are the major reservoirs of traits.
Dear Dr.Radhamani
Do you think with the present IP regime who will put the trait specific germplsam in public domain.Rest of issues you raised i agree
Dear Professor
I would like to know your opinion about the possible link of the current system for the Conservation (in situ and ex situ) of the plant genetic resources in the context of ¨Climate Smart Agriculture¨.
Well linkage would be increased by forming a network of all stakeholders
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