Embrapa Network for Brazilian Plant Genetic Resources Conservation

Abstract

Brazil is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, holding ∼10% of the world's vascular plant species. Despite that, Brazilian agriculture is highly dependent on genetic resources originating from other countries. Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) is the governmental institution that, since 1973, has been responsible for the introduction and conservation of genetic resources in Brazil. In this article, we report on the experiences that Embrapa has faced over the past 45 years to build and improve a national network for the preservation of plant genetic resources under the coordination of Embrapa Genetic Resources & Biotechnology (CENARGEN), one of the 42 Embrapa decentralized units. The first network-based model, RENARGEN, initiated in 2003, was followed by the National Platform for Genetic Resources (Platform RG) in 2009; and from 2014 until today Embrapa manages the conservation of genetic resources through Portfolio REGEN, in which the plant component is called Plant Genetic Resources Network (RGV). This network covers activities of enrichment, conservation, characterization, and documentation of genebanks. Embrapa's plant genetic resources are conserved in active genebanks (AGs), in long-term seed bank (Colbase), and in vitro and DNA banks. In situ and on-farm conservation are also handled at Embrapa to complement and reinforce ex situ conservation. The latest survey reveals that Embrapa has 134 AGs with ∼150,000 accessions of 1130 plant species, 123,000 accessions of 735 species within Colbase, 1250 in vitro accessions, and 12,000 DNA samples. At least 65% of this collection is documented and available to the public in the Embrapa Alelo system, which also handles quarantine, germplasm exchange, and herbarium data. By the end of 2018, the public Alelo data will be automatically migrated to the Genesys system. In the last 40 years, ∼650,000 accessions have been exchanged by Embrapa, with 70% of them imported from other countries.

Conservation and Global Distribution of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Germplasm for Agricultural Sustainability

“…They engage in regional collaborations aimed at improving the conservation efforts of onion genetic resources, thus ensuring the sustainable use of this essential crop’s genetic diversity. In Brazil, Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), a government institution in the country, has played a significant role in introducing and conserving genetic resources in the country [ 111 ].…”

“…Inter-institutional and inter-regional collaborations are indispensable to streamline collection and preservation efforts, facilitate germplasm exchange, avoid redundancy, and ensure comprehensive and efficient conservation of onion genetic diversity. A holistic approach that fosters partnerships among research institutions, seed banks, farmers, and international organizations is crucial for addressing the current gaps in global onion genetic resources collection and conservation [ 28 , 111 ]. Such a coordinated system promotes awareness, facilitates targeted collection missions, encourages investment in characterization and evaluation, and aids the effective utilization of onion genetic diversity for sustainable onion production [ 4 , 110 ].…”

Genetic Resources and Vulnerabilities of Major Cucurbit Crops

“…The largest ex situ Cucurbita collection, according to GeneSys records, is held by Brazil (National Genetic Resources Network (RENARGEN)), with more than 6000 accessions (Table 2). However, accessibility to these materials can be restricted by Brazilian laws limiting the export of, and research with, native germplasm [117]. Other large collections are maintained in the US, Ukraine, Spain, and the Tropical Agronomic Research and Teaching Center (CATIE).…”