Challenges in conserving and utilizing plant genetic resources (PGR)

Abstract

The problems of food and income security are of global significance and are further compounded by precedential increase in world population resulting in overexploitation of natural resources and by extension plant genetic diversity. Plant genetic resources (PGR) refer to the heritable materials contained within and among plant species of present and potential value. In the recent past, genetic diversity found in landrace, weedy and wild cultivars have been reported to savage animal and plant population diseases, pest and environmental changes. Nevertheless, these resources are lost at alarming rates due to anthropogenic product and by products such as climate change, pollution, genetic erosion, gross mismanagement of these resources and population growth. Hence, the need for conservation and sustainable utilization of these resources. PGR conservation is the management of varietal diversity in plant occasioned by interaction between genes and the environment for actual or potential and present or future use. A complimentary application of in situ and ex situ conservation technique is recommended for their effective conservation. Efficient survey, collection and documentation is also pertinent. International, national and individual appreciation of the value of this vast genetic diversity would facilitate their sustainable utilization. PGR utilization refers to the use value of these genetic resources. There is need to create avenues through which these can be easily accessed and enact effective policies for their protection especially in their hotspot and regions of high endemism.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Crop Plants - An Overview

“…In this context, knowledge on all aspects of genetic diversity viz., factors affecting genetic diversity, different methods of diversity analysis, their measurement and the softwares for carrying statistical analysis becomes imperative in order to utilize them prudently. Many reviews have been written focusing on vital issues like changes in genetic diversity under plant breeding [1], genetic vulnerability of modern crop cultivars [2], conservation and utilization of genetic resources [3,4] assessment of genetic diversity using molecular markers [5] and measurement of genetic diversity using statistical tools [6][7][8]. In the present review, an attempt is being made for comprehensive compilation of overall concepts in the area of genetic diversity, which could be of immense significance for extending knowledge and meaningful research.…”

Value ofAmaranthus[L.] Species in Nigeria

“…Moreover, it will be the representative voice for Nigeria vegetable interests and monitor activities such as the recently AVRDC funded onion storage facility in Sokoto state, Northwestern Nigeria. Moreover, this indigenous centre will contribute to understanding the diversity of vegetable and help prevent threats to their sustainable utilisation and conservation [2,96,97].…”

Genetic diversity of maize accessions for maizelethal necrosis disease resistance

“…However, domestication and selection of maize are said to cause reduced genetic diversity in the maize genome as compared with its progenitor population (Pineda-Hidalgo et al, 2013). The reduction in the genetic diversity of crops represents an increase in vulnerability to new pests and diseases (De Jaramillo, 2009;Ogwu et al, 2014). It has been reported that about 80% of African farmers grow only landraces since they are able to reuse the seeds in many seasons while on the other hand only 20% grow improved varieties together with landraces (Anjichi et al, 2005).…”