Survey Identifies Essential Plant Genetic Resources Training Program Components

Abstract

ABSTRACTHigh‐quality plant collections are maintained by personnel with specialized skills, based on a foundation of expertise in numerous fields. The lack of formal training opportunities in plant genetic resource management, both in the United States and globally, represents a challenge to plant genebanks whenever new personnel are hired. An English‐language survey was developed and distributed to representatives of the worldwide plant genetic resources community to assess the needs for specific topics and preferred delivery methods of training materials. A total of 425 survey responses were received that were suitable for detailed analyses. Survey respondents included those from academia (higher education), the US National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) genebanks, government genebanks (non‐NPGS‐affiliated), nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. Survey respondents agreed that there is a shortage of high‐quality learning materials on plant genetic resources, and that learning materials would be useful for researchers in their current positions, would advance careers, and would be useful in teaching or providing information to others. Training topics of high priority to the respondents include crop wild relatives, phenotyping, genotyping, and associated information. In addition, plant genetic diversity, germplasm preservation, gap analyses, prebreeding, and intellectual property are of interest. The proposed training materials must be designed to benefit multiple audiences, especially currently employed personnel and graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scientists. Overall, these results document a clear need to provide plant genetic resources training materials to ensure global plant collections are curated with the best available technologies and techniques.