Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources
Year : 1988, Volume : 1, Issue : 1and2
First page : ( 23) Last page : ( 31)
Print ISSN : 0971-8184.

In situ Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources-Some Global Perspectives*

Williams J. T.

International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, Rome, Italy.

* Based on paper presented at an International Workshop on Topics in Genetic Resources, organised by the University of Birmingham, UK, April 7-8, 1988.

Abstract

The global perspectives of in situ conservation are discussed with emphasis on crop and forage genetic resources. The parts of the gene pools vary according to how they contribute useful variation. In some crops high priority is allocated to wild relatives. Various complementary methods of conservation are dealt with. It is stressed that pragmatic decisions need to be taken up case by case, as done by IBPGR with clonal crops. The amount of efforts to be placed on in situ conservation will vary from it only being a small component in the case of tropical root and tuber gene pools to being the major component for rubber, cacao and many fruits. The urgency in the study of genetic diversity for in situ conservation sites, biosphere reserves, etc. is highlighted. The needfor a minimum level of understanding of diversity patterns as a prerequisite for sorting out biosphere resources is stressed. Scientific planning is required in collection, conservation vis-a-vis management of this diversity. IBPGR's role in this context is highlighted and the need for training more personnel stressed.

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