Introduction-to-Plant-Genetic-Resources lubna.pptx

introduction ot pgr

1. Introduction to Plant Genetic Resources Plant genetic resources refer to the diverse array of plant species, varieties, and cultivars that serve as the foundation for agriculture and food production. These resources encompass the genetic diversity found in wild, cultivated, and traditional plant varieties, crucial for breeding, research, and enhancing crop resilience. Presented by: Lubna Shaheen

2. Importance of Plant Genetic Resources 1 Food Security Plant genetic resources are crucial for maintaining a diverse and resilient food supply, ensuring future food security as the global population grows. 2 Breeding and Improvement They provide the genetic diversity needed for plant breeders to develop new, improved crop varieties that are higher-yielding, more disease-resistant, and better adapted to changing environmental conditions. 3 Medicinal and Industrial Uses Many important medicines, biofuels, and other industrial products are derived from the genetic diversity found in wild and cultivated plant species. 4 Ecological Balance Plant genetic resources play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of natural ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and overall environmental health.

3. Types of Plant Genetic Resources Landraces Traditional plant varieties adapted to local environments and cultural practices, often with high genetic diversity. Wild Relatives Undomesticated plant species closely related to cultivated crops, with valuable genetic traits for breeding. Ex-situ Collections Germplasm stored in seed banks, field gene banks, and botanical gardens for conservation and research.

4. In-situ Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources In-situ conservation involves the maintenance and protection of plant genetic resources in their natural habitats. This approach allows species to evolve and adapt to changing environmental conditions, preserving their genetic diversity and adaptive potential. In-situ conservation sites include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other protected areas, where native plant species are safeguarded in their native ecosystems.

5. Ex-situ Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources Seed Banks Seed banks are specialized facilities that store and preserve a wide variety of plant seeds, ensuring the long-term conservation of genetic diversity. Field Genebanks Field genebanks maintain living collections of plants in their natural or semi-natural habitats, allowing for the preservation of entire ecosystems. Cryopreservation Cryopreservation techniques enable the long-term storage of plant genetic material, such as seeds, pollen, or vegetative tissues, in ultra-low temperature conditions.

6. Germplasm Collection and Characterization Germplasm Exploration Systematic surveys and explorations to identify and collect diverse plant genetic resources from their natural habitats. Germplasm Acquisition Establishment of formal agreements and procedures to ethically and legally obtain germplasm samples from various sources. Germplasm Characterization Detailed morphological, biochemical, and molecular profiling of germplasm to understand its unique traits and potential uses.

7. Evaluation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources 1 Characterization Assess the genetic diversity and unique traits of plant species 2 Evaluation Test the performance and suitability for specific uses 3 Documentation Maintain detailed records of evaluated traits and uses Evaluating and characterizing plant genetic resources is essential to understand their potential applications. This involves assessing the diversity of traits, testing the performance under different conditions, and carefully documenting the evaluated characteristics. This process helps identify valuable genetic resources for further utilization in breeding, research, and product development.

8. Challenges in Plant Genetic Resources Management Conservation Challenges Maintaining the biodiversity and genetic integrity of plant genetic resources is challenging due to factors like climate change, habitat loss, and urbanization. Documentation and Access Incomplete documentation and restricted access to plant genetic resource collections can hinder their effective utilization by researchers and breeders. Funding Constraints Insufficient funding for conservation, evaluation, and maintenance of plant genetic resource collections is a major obstacle to their long-term sustainability. Policy Barriers Unclear or conflicting policies governing the collection, exchange, and use of plant genetic resources can create legal and regulatory hurdles.

9. International efforts in plant genetic resources conservation Global Initiatives Major international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have spearheaded global efforts to conserve and sustainably utilize plant genetic resources worldwide. Multilateral Agreements Key international agreements such as the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Nagoya Protocol promote equitable access and benefit-sharing of plant genetic resources globally. Regional Cooperation Regional plant genetic resources networks in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas facilitate information sharing, capacity building, and collaborative conservation initiatives across countries. Research Partnerships International research centers like the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) work closely with national programs to collect, characterize, and conserve plant genetic diversity for future use.

10. Future Prospects and Research Priorities Advancing Sustainable Agriculture Developing climate-resilient crop varieties and sustainable farming practices to ensure food security in the face of environmental challenges. Genetic Diversity Conservation Prioritizing the preservation of endangered plant species and wild relatives to maintain the genetic pool for future breeding and research. Biotechnology Applications Exploring the potential of genomics, gene editing, and other biotechnologies to enhance crop traits and improve the utilization of plant genetic resources. Collaborative Research Fostering international partnerships and knowledge-sharing to advance the understanding and management of plant genetic resources globally.

11. Thank you Any Questions?