Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources and Genebank Management

Conservation of horticultural genetic resources is key to modern plant breeding and to overcoming the progressive loss of plant diversity and maintain food security. Horticultural species differ in their propagation methods, so different conservation approaches need to be adopted, including storage of orthodox, desiccation-tolerant seed, field genebanks, in vitro long-term storage and cryopreservation methods.

The Working Group Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources and Genebank Management operates under the Division Plant Genetic Resources, Breeding and Biotechnology and addresses aspects of:

• cryopreservation,
• in vitro slow-growth storage,
• field genebanks,
• long-term seed storage,
• conservation strategies,
• quality of plant propagules for conservation.

It focuses on the conservation of horticultural genetic diversity and Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).

Overall, we aim to strengthen the network between genebank managers and scientists, promote research and technological advances, and support decision making processes to maintain genetic diversity of horticultural crops. Accordingly, we organize symposia and webinars and focus on new advances and findings in the conservation of horticultural genetic diversity and plant genetic resources.