Plant genetic resources in the Czech Republic

Abstract

The study and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGR) in the Czech Republic has a long tradition. Since 1993, the efforts on PGR have been concentrated within the National Programme on Plant Genetic Resources. Twelve institutions hold a total of 50 000 accessions; 18.4% of which are vegetatively reproduced species. The Crop Research Institute (CRI), Prague, has overall responsibility for coordinating the Programme, holds more than a half of all accessions in the Czech collections, runs the national information system on PGR, and provides long-term storage for all seed-propagated species (inclusive the routine cryo-bank for selected vegetatively reproduced crops). All of the Czech collections are fully documented with passport data. Evaluation data sets (based on National Descriptor Lists) are available for 65% of the accessions. Intensive characterization and evaluation of genetic resources is performed to facilitate their use in breeding and agriculture. Each year, between 2400 and 5500 samples of PGR are provided to users. We make efforts to extend users’ access to genetic resources. The collecting missions within the Czech territory, including the conservation and monitoring of valuable resources in situ, contribute to the preservation of valuable local resources. International collaborations operate on global, regional and bilateral levels; a guaranty of the international exchange of genetic resources is a fundamental policy. All Czech institutions dealing with plant genetic resources are involved in the European Cooperative Programme on Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR).