Strategies for Conservation of Genetic Resources

Abstract

Genetic resources are of prime historical and practical significance for survival of human beings, to generate revenue and support a balanced ecosystem. Several aspects of these genetic resources further depend on the conservation strategies for balancing the ecosystem. Conserving resources is of prime importance to safeguard mankind against growing demand of food and stabilizing the ecosystem. Plant genetic resources (PGR) refer to the heritable material contained within and among plant species of present and potential value. In recent past, the diversity in plant genetic resources found in wild and weedy cultivars, and landraces have been reported to save animal and plant population from diseases, pests, and environmental changes. However, the loss of genetic resources at alarming rates due to anthropogenic pressure, climate change, pollution explosion, genetic erosion, gross mismanagement of resources, and population growth is the immediate topic of debate. Hence, there is a need for conservation and sustainable utilization of genetic resources. Against this backdrop, it is important to generate the database to get deep insight into the approaches for conservation purpose. The important conservation methods employed for genetic resources include in situ and ex situ conservation. In-depth survey, collection, and documentation are of principal importance to have a realistic view on genetic resource diversity. International, national, and individual appreciation value of these resources would facilitate their sustainable utilization. Dire need of creating avenues for genetic resources mandates ease of excess, and effective policies may be enacted for their protection particularly in biodiversity hotspots and in regions of high endemism. Present chapter highlights various approaches for conservation of genetic resources as well as the lacunae that are desirable to combat the future generation against high demand of eco-stability and food insecurity.