This paper describes how spatial analysis of the geo-referenced data generated by the process of conservation and use of genetic resources, using GIS, can feedback to enhance and facilitate the process, and add value to the germplasm collections.

No abstract

This paper reviews the main achievements made and the problems faced with ex situ conservation of plant genetic resources. The main areas for research in the development of ex situ conservation technologies and strategies to improve conservation efforts are discussed.

7'hcc~ulti~utedpc~a,r1~/ (Arachis hypogaea. Fubaccac) is belic~ved to have orlginutcjd ulorrg I/?(, C~U S I C~I I slo/)c,s (?f ihr ..lnrl(s in Bo111.ia und northerr1 Argentina. The crop 1s t~orc groLt,tr thronghout i r o~~i c~u l utid warm tonpiJralr regron.c. .4rnong diseases uttac.krn,q pc,ut~lrrs, rlitr cwlr.,c~/ hjl Puccinia arachidis arid larr, Ieuf'spot cuuscd hj, Phaeoisariopsis personata urea flic r?io.sl rt?iportan/ and dcstrurttvc~ on a ~, o r l d~, i d r .\c,olc. noti? pa//iogc,tr~, rr,stric./cd rn host run@, to Arachis, prohahly originated and c,oc,vol\,ed irl .Siiut/r .,ltnrriiu alclt~y ~i'ith thrir /~ost.s. In rcwnr years there has heen 1?11i(./r ~rtlphusr.\

This paper explores the history of descriptor lists (DLs) -scientific standards for documenting plant genetic resources -which have been published by Bioversity International since 1976 (formerly IBPGR 1974(formerly IBPGR -1991 IPGRI 1991 IPGRI -2006. Each DL represents an important tool; together, they constitute the basis for a standardized characterization system that provides an internationally agreed format and universally understood 'language' for plant genetic resources data.The paper also presents an analysis of data collected through questionnaires and web statistics on the impact of DLs in order to understand their use by major stakeholders. The usefulness of Bioversity's DLs was measured in terms of their value in facilitating the establishment of databases, and improving collaborations and information exchange among organizations. Most survey respondents reported that they not only used Bioversity's DLs, but recognized them as the standards for plant genetic resources data collection and management. Bioversity's DLs are widely respected because they are developed by large groups of crop specialists. Together, the DLs are helping Bioversity to meet the ambitious objective of establishing a Clearing-House Mechanism as set forth by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Article 18.3, which seeks to promote and facilitate information exchange among parties, Governments and stakeholders in order to assure a full implementation of the CBD. A number of areas for improvement were identified, although some of them are either outside Bioversity's mandate or depend on human or financial capital for implementation.