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This chapter investigates the potential linkages between in situ and ex situ conservation, how ex situ conserved germplasm, particularly of crop wild relatives, might be better used in support of in situ and ecosystem conservation, and how in situ conserved germplasm might be better utilized. Both the complementary nature of in situ and ex situ conservation and the desire to link conserved diversity to use are emphasized in the methodology for plant genetic conservation proposed by Maxted et al. (1997a).

A vitrification based cryopreservation technique for storage of in vitro shoot tips of papaya has been tested to ensure applicability across a range of genotypes and to assess the stability of both genotype and phenotype of such clonal material following cryopreservation. Shoot tips of 12 genotypes were cryopreserved, recovery rates were determined and resultant plants were screened for genetic and epigenetic changes. Genomic DNA structure was explored using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based randomly amplified DNA fingerprinting (RAF), and methylation patterns were monitored using the amplified DNA methylation polymorphism (AMP) PCR technique. Plantlets were recovered following cryopreservation in all but one genotype and recovery rates of 61-73% were obtained from six genotypes. The regenerated plantlets showed varying levels of genomic DNA modifications (0-10.07%), and methylation modifications (0.52-6.62%) of detected markers. These findings have not been reported previously for papaya, and indicate some genotype dependent variability in DNA modifications occur following cryopreservation which may result in somaclonal variation.

DNA is the most elemental level of biodiversity, drives the process of speciation, and underpins other levels of biodiversity, including functional traits, species and ecosystems. Until recently biodiversity indicators have largely overlooked data from the molecular tools that are available for measuring variation at the DNA level. More direct analysis of trends in genetic diversity are now feasible and are ready to be incorporated into biodiversity monitoring. This chapter explores the current state-of-the-art in genetic monitoring, with an emphasis on new molecular tools and the richness of data they provide to supplement existing approaches. We also briefly consider proxy approaches that may be useful for many-species, global scale monitoring cases.

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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.

The European Crop Wild Relative Diversity Assessment and Conservation Forum (PGR Forum) is a Thematic Network funded under the EC Framework 5. It provides a European forum for the assessment of taxonomic and genetic diversity of European crop wild relatives (CWR) and the development of appropriate methodologies for their conservation. A global strategy for CWR conservation and use is presented.

This chapter provides an analysis of the importance of crop wild relatives (CWR) in plant breeding and the need for their comprehensive conservation. The importance of CWR diversity as a potentially critical resource for future food security is now widely recognized, particularly in the light of climate change and the rapidly increasing human population. The need to conserve CWR diversity has been placed firmly on the international conservation agenda. CWR diversity through trait transfer offers one means of helping sustain food production under the rapidly changing environmental conditions brought about by climate change.