Preservation Of Genetic Diversity Research Articles

Mitochondrial DNA-based genetic evaluation of autochthonous cattle breeds in Croatia

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of three Croatian autochthonous cattle breeds was analyzed using a sequence of the mtDNA D-loop region. Among Busha, Istrian, and Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle 146 unrelated animals were tested. The sequencing of 780 base pairs of the mtDNA D-loop region revealed 39 polymorphic sites representing 28 different haplotypes. The highest numbers of haplotypes were observed in the Busha population and the lowest in the population of Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle, while the highest level of sequence diversity within a population was observed in the Istrian cattle. Our results indicate a high level of mtDNA diversity in the populations of Busha and Istrian cattle and a low level of preserved diversity in the population of Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle. The sequence analysis showed substantial subdivision between the breeds (F<sub>ST</sub> = 0.1434), and a large fraction of variation within the breeds. Although the dominant haplotypes are classified as the T3 haplogroup, some of the haplotypes are classified as the rarer T2 and T5 haplogroups. Genetic information based on mtDNA typing has a great importance for the future conservation management and preservation of genetic diversity in autochthonous cattle breeds.  

IN VITRO METHODS AND CRYOPRESERVATION: TOOLS FOR ENDANGERED EXCEPTIONAL SPECIES PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION

Cryopreservation and in vitro culture of plant tissues are two tools that can be brought into service for ex situ plant conservation. They are especially important for the long-term preservation of genetic diversity of species for which traditional seed banking is not workable. Such species have been termed species, and they include species with recalcitrant seeds, as well as species that produce few or no seeds. The ability to propagate and cryopreserve tissues from multiple genotypes can bring endangered species into stable, long-term storage and provide material that can be used for restoration. Several species under study at CREW provide examples, including Asimina tetramera, Deeringothamnus pulchellus and D. rugelii, three endemic Florida pawpaws that have seeds and have been reported as recalcitrant, Hedeoma todsenii and Mespilus canescens, species from New Mexico and Arkansas, respectively, that are not producing seed, and Crotalaria avonensis and Ranunculus aestivalis, endemic species from Florida and Utah, respectively, for which few seeds have been available. These species also illustrate some of the challenges of propagating and maintaining multiple genotypes, of genotypic variation in propagation and survival through cryopreservation, and of survival through acclimatization and outplanting. However, they also illustrate the potential of these techniques for providing tissues for storage and plants for restoration when traditional methods are not adequate. As these tools are applied to more species, these methods should become more efficient and effective and more widely applied for the propagation and preservation of exceptional species as a resource for the future.

Genetic differentiation between natural and hatchery populations of Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) based on microsatellite markers

Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is one of the major aquaculture species around the world and supports an important segment of the aquaculture industry in China. In this study, we used ten microsatellite markers to detect genetic diversity within six R. philippinarum populations and genetic differentiation between them. A total of 109 alleles were detected across all loci. Compared to wild populations (N(A) = 8.4-9.1 alleles/locus, H(E) = 0.75-0.77, H(O) = 0.67-0.73), hatchery stocks showed less genetic variation as revealed in lower number of alleles and lower heterozygosity (N(A) = 7.4-7.5 alleles/locus, H(E) = 0.72-0.75, H(O) = 0.68-0.70), indicating that a bottleneck effect has occurred in hatchery history. Significant genetic differentiation was observed between cultured stocks (P < 0.05), and between cultured and wild populations (P < 0.05). Phylogenetic analysis showed a clear separation of the northern three populations and the southern three populations, suggesting that geographically separated populations of R. philippinarum could be genetically differentiated with limited genetic information exchanged between them. The information obtained in this study indicates that the northern and southern populations of R. philippinarum should be managed separately in hatchery practices for the preservation of genetic diversity in wild populations.

Survival to metamorphosis is positively related to genetic variability in a critically endangered amphibian species

AbstractIsolated small populations typically have reduced genetic variation and are more susceptible to local extinction. Examining the relationship between genetic variability and survival is important for conservation because it provides insight on evolutionary potential and population viability. We studied genetic associations of survival from egg to metamorphosis in the largest population of critically endangered dusky gopher frogs Lithobates sevosus. This approach allowed us to examine whether heterozygosity‐fitness correlations (HFCs) existed in an r‐selected species with large effect size, whereas previous research on HFCs has largely focused on k‐selected species often with low effect sizes. Our objectives were to determine if genetic‐fitness associations exist, if associations are a result of inbreeding and if natural selection against inbreeding has occurred. Specifically, we examined averaged population responses and HFC in relation to (1) mortality within egg clutches and (2) differential survival of offspring through metamorphosis. To do so, we used eight microsatellite DNA markers to compare genotypes across three life‐history stages from a single year in the following temporal order: adults, eggs and metamorphs. We discovered a strong genetic association with survival in early life stages. In terms of average population responses, we documented a within‐cohort decrease in FIS with life‐history stage progression (adults: FIS = 0.067; eggs: FIS = 0.063; metamorphs: FIS = −0.134), high FST between eggs and metamorphs (FST = 0.113), and a locus that had larger than expected FST. We found positive genetic‐fitness associations for survival of egg clutches and for survival to metamorphosis. We believe that inbreeding is the primary cause; however, we also found evidence suggesting existence of purging selection against a deleterious mutant linked to a microsatellite locus. Survival of individuals with greater genetic variability should prolong persistence of this isolated population. Our study underscores the importance of species management focused on preservation of genetic diversity.

Preservation of genetic diversity in a wild and captive population of a rapidly declining mammal, the Common hamster of the French Alsace region

The Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) faced massive population declines throughout its western range margin. In France, relict populations remained in the Alsace region. By comparing allelic diversity using microsatellite analysis over a time span of 12 years we investigated if this population decline led to genetic erosion in a French relict population of the species. Genetic diversity was moderate but comparable to other populations from Western Europe. Interestingly, no decline of allelic variation was revealed between 1999 and 2012 in the study region (expected heterozygosity=0.51 in 1999 and 0.5 in 2012, respectively), suggesting a sufficiently high effective population size of ∼500 (179–956 SD). While several alleles were lost in a captive breed maintained for restocking purposes in the region, expected heterozygosity was comparably high (=0.5). Our results show that genetic diversity has been effectively maintained in a relict population of French Common hamsters despite of massive range loss. We recommend the maintenance of intense in situ conservation effort, along with regular monitoring of genetic diversity and effective population size.

Management of genetic diversity using gene dropping method based on pedigree information

Abstract. Preservation of genetic diversity in populations is an important task to ensure a possible longterm response to selection in animal breeding. The purpose of this study was to consider how pedigree analysis and gene dropping method could be used for management plans in order to maintain genetic variation in a population under selection of Japanese quail. Therefore, the distributions of alleles frequencies originated from founders were estimated on an actual pedigree using gene dropping simulation software. Then, genetic contribution of founders to the current population, components such as the F-statistics and effective population size were estimated. The results show that from 156 founders there are only 64 of them (22 males and 42 females) in the last generation. The average genetic contribution of a founder male and female contributing to the last generation were 1.87 and 1.40 %, respectively. A total of 87 and 95 % of the genome in the last generation were constituted by 34 and 42 founders, respectively. The effective population size decreased as inbreeding increases. The allele frequency averaged over replicates agreed with the genetic contribution. Some useful information regarding the management of genetic diversity such as the probability of allele extinction, the probability of alleles surviving at a critically low frequency and risk of future allele extinction were derived by using these distributions. Results show that pedigree analysis and gene dropping are valuable tools in optimizing decisions to preserve genetic variability.

A comparison of pedigree‐ and DNA‐based measures for identifying inbreeding depression in the critically endangered Attwater's Prairie‐chicken

The primary goal of captive breeding programmes for endangered species is to prevent extinction, a component of which includes the preservation of genetic diversity and avoidance of inbreeding. This is typically accomplished by minimizing mean kinship in the population, thereby maintaining equal representation of the genetic founders used to initiate the captive population. If errors in the pedigree do exist, such an approach becomes less effective for minimizing inbreeding depression. In this study, both pedigree- and DNA-based methods were used to assess whether inbreeding depression existed in the captive population of the critically endangered Attwater's Prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri), a subspecies of prairie grouse that has experienced a significant decline in abundance and concurrent reduction in neutral genetic diversity. When examining the captive population for signs of inbreeding, variation in pedigree-based inbreeding coefficients (f(pedigree)) was less than that obtained from DNA-based methods (f(DNA)). Mortality of chicks and adults in captivity were also positively correlated with parental relatedness (r(DNA)) and f(DNA), respectively, while no correlation was observed with pedigree-based measures when controlling for additional variables such as age, breeding facility, gender and captive/release status. Further, individual homozygosity by loci (HL) and parental rDNA values were positively correlated with adult mortality in captivity and the occurrence of a lethal congenital defect in chicks, respectively, suggesting that inbreeding may be a contributing factor increasing the frequency of this condition among Attwater's Prairie-chickens. This study highlights the importance of using DNA-based methods to better inform management decisions when pedigrees are incomplete or errors may exist due to uncertainty in pairings.

Genetic characterization and authentication of Lonicera japonica Thunb. by using improved RAPD analysis

In traditional medicine, Lonicera japonica (Thunb.) has a notable place, and it has been used for thousands of years in China, Japan, Korea and other East-Asian countries for treating cancer, inflammation, hepatic complications, influenza and wounds. However, the molecular or genetic characteristic of this plant is not well defined. In this study, improved random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) has been employed for the genetic characterization of five varieties of L. japonica collected from different geographic locations of Southern China. A total of 147 bands of DNA fragments were obtained in RAPD-PCR by using 18 primers, and the band sizes ranged from approximately 300-2,000 bp, with 3-11 amplified bands for each primer. Based on the RAPD amplification profiles, cluster dendrogram was obtained, which showed that the similarity coefficients among five varieties of L. japonica ranged from 0.59 to 0.77. To our knowledge, this is the first report of genetic characterization of L. japonica using improved RAPD analysis which has been validated by ISSR analysis, and this characterization may be useful for the preservation of genetic diversity and Lonicera population identification. Moreover, as an option, the improved method could be employed for a variety of applications in genetic diversity and fingerprinting analyses.

Local genetic structure of a montane herb among isolated grassland patches: implications for the preservation of genetic diversity under climate change

AbstractHabitat loss, fragmentation of meadow patches, and global climate change (GCC) threaten plant communities of montane grasslands. We analyzed the genetic structure of the montane herb Geranium sylvaticum L. on a local scale in order to understand the effects of habitat fragmentation and potential GCC impacts on genetic diversity and differentiation. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting and cpDNA sequencing was performed for 295 individuals of 15 G. sylvaticum populations spanning the entire distribution range of the species in the Taunus mountain range in Germany. We found patterns of substantial genetic differentiation among populations using 150 polymorphic AFLP markers (mean FST = 0.105), but no variation in 896 bp of plastid DNA sequences. While populations in the center of their local distribution range were genetically diverse and less differentiated, higher FST values and reduced genetic variability was revealed for the populations at the low‐altitudinal distribution margins. Projections of GCC effects on the distribution of G. sylvaticum in 2050 showed that GCC will likely lead to the extinction of most edge populations. To maintain regional genetic diversity, conservation efforts should focus on the diverse high‐altitude populations, although a potential loss of unique variations in genetically differentiated peripheral populations could lower the overall genetic diversity and potentially the long‐term viability in the study region. This study documents the usefulness of fine‐scale assessments of genetic population structure in combination with niche modeling to reveal priority regions for the effective long‐term conservation of populations and their genetic variation under climate change.

Plant Species Restoration: Effects of Different Founding Patterns on Sustaining Future Population Size and Genetic Diversity

Efforts to sustain the earth’s biodiversity will include the establishment and manipulation of isolated rescue populations, derived either via in situ fragmentation, or under ex situ circumstances. For target species, especially those with limited propagation resources, major goals of such projects include both the optimization of population size and the preservation of genetic diversity. Such rescue populations will be founded in a variety of ways, but little is known about how the geometric patterning of founders can affect population growth and genetic diversity retention. We have developed a computer program, NEWGARDEN, to investigate this issue for plant species that vary in life history characteristics. To use NEWGARDEN, input files are created that specify the size and structure of the preserve, the positioning and genetic diversity of the founders, and life history characteristics of the species (e.g., age-specific reproduction and mortality; gene dispersal distances; rates of selfing, etc.). The program conducts matings with consequent offspring establishment such that the virtual population develops through generations as constrained by the input. Output statistics allow comparisons of population development for populations that differ in one or more input conditions. Here, with NEWGARDEN analyses modeling a triennial species, we show that rescue population project managers will often have to carefully consider the geometric placement of founders to minimize effort expended while maximizing population growth and conservation of genetic diversity, such considerations being heavily dependent on the life history characteristics of particular species.

Estimation of genetic variability and population structure in Sapindus trifoliatus L., using DNA fingerprinting methods

Genetic variability and population structure of Sapindus trifoliatus L. (Sapindaceae), collected from Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh states were estimated using three DNA fingerprinting methods viz., random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). The cumulative data analysis carried out for all three markers showed 69.42 % polymorphism. The intra-population genetic diversity analysis revealed the highest values of Nei’s genetic diversity (0.16), Shannon information index (0.24) and polymorphic loci (43.99 %) among Bhavnagar (BH) population, whereas lowest values were found in Junagarh (JU) population. The maximum inter-population average genetic distance (0.20) was between Allahabad (AL) and JU populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed highest percentage of variation among individuals of populations (56 %) followed by 25 % among populations and 19 % among regions. Principal coordinate analysis and UPGMA dendrogram revealed that genetic diversity was in congruence with the geographical diversity. The data strongly suggest that low genetic flow, geographic isolation and to some extent genetic drift are the major factors responsible for high genetic differentiation. Preservation of genetic diversity of S. trifoliatus is important, both to promote adaptability of the populations to changing environment as well as to preserve a large gene pool for future genetic improvement. The present study using RAPD, DAMD and ISSR profiles of S. trifoliatus provide the means of rapid characterization of accessions within the populations, and thus enable the selection of appropriate accessions for further utilization in conservation and prospection programs of this important plant genetic resource.

Center of genetic diversity and dissemination pathway in adzuki bean deduced from seed protein electrophoresis

Genetic diversity center plays important roles in collection of germplasm resources. To better understand the genetic diversity of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis L.), seed protein of 198 local strains collected throughout China and Japan were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Four protein types were identified and the frequency of each protein type strain showed a clear geographical cline. The pattern of geographical distribution of the protein types reflected the region of genetic diversity, and the dissemination pathway in adzuki bean was proposed. The region of genetic diversity center in seed protein was southwestern China. Adzuki bean might have spread via middle and east of China to northern China and Japan from southwestern China, as only one seed protein type was detected in Japanese strains in this study. These results provide fundamental and important clues for genetic diversity preservation and exploitation of adzuki bean germplasm resources. Key words: Genetic diversity, dissemination pathway, adzuki bean, Vigna angularis, seed protein electrophoresis.

Population genetics of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea: fisheries management implications

Population genetics has been recognized as a key component of policy development for fisheries and conservation management and aquaculture development. This study aims to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of native cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, establishing the existing population distributions and contributing information to aid in the development of policy, prior to extensive aquaculture development. Microsatellite analysis of natural cobia populations in these two ocean basins shows similar levels of gene diversity at 0.844 and 0.837, respectively. All populations and almost all microsatellite loci studied show significant heterozygote deficiency. Genetic differentiation between local populations is low and mostly not significant (R ST = −0.0109 to 0.0066). The population shows no marked structure over the long geographic barrier of the Thai–Malay peninsula, either when analyzed using pairwise genetic differences or evaluated without predefined populations using STRUCTURE. Additionally, a Mantel test shows no evidence of isolation by distance between the population samples. The significant heterozygote deficiency at most of the loci studied could be explained by the possibility of null alleles. Alternatively, given the behavior of forming small spawning aggregations, seasonal migration, and hitchhiking on large marine animals, the population genetics could be complex. The population of cobia at each location in Thai waters may be inbred, as a result of breeding between relatives, which would reduce heterozygosity relative to Hardy–Weinberg frequencies, while some of these populations could be making long distance migrations followed by admixture between resident and transient groups. This migration would cause population homogeneity in allele frequencies on a larger geographic scale. The results suggest that fisheries management for this species should be considered at both national and international levels, and until the possibility of local adaptation is fully investigated, policy development should apply the precautionary principle to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity and the sustainability of local and regional fisheries.

Analysis of genetic diversity inElytrigia repensgermplasm using intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers

The genetic diversity among 30 accessions of Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski was analyzed using 100 intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers, 12 of which generated distinct amplification products. Out of the 132 repeatable bands detected, 100 bands were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands was 70.66%, with a mean of 8.33 percentage of polymorphic bands per primer. The ISSR-based genetic similarity coefficients among the 30 accessions ranged from 0.509 to 0.873, revealing high genetic diversity. The 30 E. repens accessions were divided into eight groups based on an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis and a principal components analysis. We found that genetic distance is correlated with geographical distance among the 30 E. repens accessions studied (r = 0.812, p &lt; 0.05) using Mantel’s test. Our results confirm the potential value of genetic diversity preservation for future breeding programs.

Evidence for selection at cytokine loci in a natural population of field voles (Microtus agrestis)

Individuals in natural populations are frequently exposed to a wide range of pathogens. Given the diverse profile of gene products involved in responses to different types of pathogen, this potentially results in complex pathogen-specific selection pressures acting on a broad spectrum of immune system genes in wild animals. Thus far, studies into the evolution of immune genes in natural populations have focused almost exclusively on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). However, the MHC represents only a fraction of the immune system and there is a need to broaden research in wild species to include other immune genes. Here, we examine the evidence for natural selection in a range of non-MHC genes in a natural population of field voles (Microtus agrestis). We concentrate primarily on genes encoding cytokines, signalling molecules critical in eliciting and mediating immune responses and identify signatures of natural selection acting on several of these genes. In particular, genetic diversity within Interleukin 1 beta and Interleukin 2 appears to have been maintained through balancing selection. Taken together with previous findings that polymorphism within these genes is associated with variation in resistance to multiple pathogens, this suggests that pathogen-mediated selection may be an important force driving genetic diversity at cytokine loci in voles and other natural populations. These results also suggest that, along with the MHC, preservation of genetic variation within cytokine genes should be a priority for the conservation genetics of threatened wildlife populations.

Outlook for development of high-throughput cryopreservation for small-bodied biomedical model fishes

With the development of genomic research technologies, comparative genome studies among vertebrate species are becoming commonplace for human biomedical research. Fish offer unlimited versatility for biomedical research. Extensive studies are done using these fish models, yielding tens of thousands of specific strains and lines, and the number is increasing every day. Thus, high-throughput sperm cryopreservation is urgently needed to preserve these genetic resources. Although high-throughput processing has been widely applied for sperm cryopreservation in livestock for decades, application in biomedical model fishes is still in the concept-development stage because of the limited sample volumes and the biological characteristics of fish sperm. High-throughput processing in livestock was developed based on advances made in the laboratory and was scaled up for increased processing speed, capability for mass production, and uniformity and quality assurance. Cryopreserved germplasm combined with high-throughput processing constitutes an independent industry encompassing animal breeding, preservation of genetic diversity, and medical research. Currently, there is no specifically engineered system available for high-throughput of cryopreserved germplasm for aquatic species. This review is to discuss the concepts and needs for high-throughput technology for model fishes, propose approaches for technical development, and overview future directions of this approach.

Analysis of genetic diversity in Arrhenatherum elatius Germplasm using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers

The genetic diversity of 19 Arrhenatherum elatius accessions was analyzed using 100 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers, out of which 11 generated distinct amplification products. Out of the 152 total bands detected, 107 were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) was 68.9% with an average of 9.73 polymorphic bands per primer. The ISSR-based genetic similarity (GS) coefficients among the 19 accessions ranged from 0.4821 to 0.7411, revealing high genetic diversity. Based on the UPGMA cluster analysis and the principal components analysis (PCA), the 19 A. elatius accessions were divided into three groups with similar situations. We found that the genetic distance was related to the geographical distance among the 19 A. elatius accessions studied. These results confirm the potential value of genetic diversity preservation for future breeding programs.

Genetic differentiation in plants of the genus Cypripedium from Russia inferred from allozyme data

Ten gene loci of nine enzyme systems (PGI, 6-PGD, NADHD, SKDH, GDH, PGM, DIA, ADH, GOT-1, and GOT-2) were analyzed in Cypripedium calceolus, C. macranthon, C. shanxiense, and C. ventricosum plants from the south of the Russian Far East. Alleles of loci 6-PGD, NADHD, GDH, ADH, GOT-1, and PGIproved to be diagnostic for C. calceolus and C. macranthon. Plants of C. shanxiense from Primorye and Sakhalin Island were monomorphic at all of the loci examined, and their allelic structure can be regarded as diagnostic for the species. The allelic structure for fragments of the C. calceolus population from the western and eastern parts of the species range differed in two loci, PGl and SKDH: alleles absent in C. calceolus plants from the western part of the range occurred at a high frequency in the plants of this species from the eastern part of the range (28 and 55 plants or 41% and 68%, respectively). These alleles were found in C. shanxiense. The genetic structure of C. shanxiense was similar to that of C. calceolus from the eastern part of the range, i.e., the region when these species are sympartic. The additional alleles in C. calceolus from the eastern part of the range might have appeared as a result of hybridization with C. shanxiense. Our results indicate that C. calceolus plants occuring on the territory of Russia form two groups that represent two different units of genetic diversity preservation. We suggest that C. x ventricosum plants in southern Primorye were formed by hybridization between C. macranthon and C. calceolus x C. shanxiense hybrids. Thus, they differ from plants inhabiting the Urals and West Siberia, which originated by hybridization between C. macranthon and C. calceolus. The population of C. x ventricosum presumably also consists of two plant groups differing in genetic structure, which should be regarded as two different units of preservation of this taxon.

Outlook for development of high-throughput cryopreservation for small-bodied biomedical model fishes

With the development of genomic research technologies, comparative genome studies among vertebrate species are becoming commonplace for human biomedical research. Fish offer unlimited versatility for biomedical research. Extensive studies are done using these fish models, yielding tens of thousands of specific strains and lines, and the number is increasing every day. Thus, high-throughput sperm cryopreservation is urgently needed to preserve these genetic resources. Although high-throughput processing has been widely applied for sperm cryopreservation in livestock for decades, application in biomedical model fishes is still in the concept-development stage because of the limited sample volumes and the biological characteristics of fish sperm. High-throughput processing in livestock was developed based on advances made in the laboratory and was scaled up for increased processing speed, capability for mass production, and uniformity and quality assurance. Cryopreserved germplasm combined with high-throughput processing constitutes an independent industry encompassing animal breeding, preservation of genetic diversity, and medical research. Currently, there is no specifically engineered system available for high-throughput of cryopreserved germplasm for aquatic species. This review is to discuss the concepts and needs for high-throughput technology for model fishes, propose approaches for technical development, and overview future directions of this approach.

Collecting crop genetic resources in Italian towns of Albanian origin across the Molise, Calabria and Sicily regions

A project on collecting and safeguarding crop genetic resources in Italian linguistic islands by the Institute of Plant Genetics (IGV) of the National Research Council (CNR) of Bari (Italy) and the Institute of Crop Science of Kassel University (Germany) started in 1996 with a first mission in Italian towns (Basilicata region) of Albanian origin. In 2008 three other regions (Calabria, Molise and Sicily) were visited with the same aim. Ninety-six accessions belonging to 38 taxa were collected from 23 collecting sites. The Albanian linguistic islands still preserve valuable crop genetic resources that are severely threatened by genetic erosion. To halt this phenomenon a good example comes from Molise where the municipal government and scientific sector are starting to co-operate in the preservation of genetic diversity.