This chapter describes three methodological approaches for assessing the ecogeographical representativeness (ER) of a gene bank with emphasis on collection of crop wild relative (CWR) species: (1) comparison of gene bank passport data with external sources, (2) ecogeographic characterization of a gene bank, (3) use of ecogeographical land characterization maps. Case studies are provided with Lupinus species in Spain. Aspects which should be considered in ER studies are explained first, such as homogeneity, spatial or taxonomical resolution together with the data inputs necessary for carrying out any ER study. The three alternatives combined can offer a highly accurate ER for any gene bank and any species. However, if the target species is a CWR, the potential of ER studies is even greater.
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