Use Of Plant Genetic Resources Research Articles

GRIN‐U.org: Online portal for learning materials on plant genetic resources

Effective conservation and use of plant genetic resources (PGR) require specialized knowledge and skills. The repository website GRIN.org was established to provide free public access to a wide array of learning materials that support PGR education and professional development training. Learning materials. Current items include 71 videos, 8 eBooks, 17 infographics in 6 languages, and 8 webinars, as well as links to fee-based courses. The videos are also accessible through a YouTube channel, GRIN-U Education. To maintain quality standards, materials are peer-reviewed by at least two knowledgeable persons prior to posting. Topics. Among the topics covered are the fundamentals of genebanking, cryopreservation techniques, conservation of crop wild relatives, applications of plant pathology, impacts of climate change, success stories of PGR use, and virtual tours of field plots and the National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation. Usage. The materials can be used in a variety of educational settings, including high school and college academic courses, employee training, and upskilling. PGR knowledge is utilized in many interconnected disciplines and is relevant to career paths such as germplasm conservationist, plant breeder/geneticist, botanical garden curator, seed technologist, and plant science educator.

Improving the use of plant genetic resources to sustain breeding programs’ efficiency

Genetic progress of crop plants is required to face human population growth and guarantee production stability in increasingly unstable environmental conditions. Breeding is accompanied by a loss in genetic diversity, which hinders sustainable genetic gain. Methodologies based on molecular marker information have been developed to manage diversity and proved effective in increasing long-term genetic gain. However, with realistic plant breeding population sizes, diversity depletion in closed programs appears ineluctable, calling for the introduction of relevant diversity donors. Although maintained with significant efforts, genetic resource collections remain underutilized, due to a large performance gap with elite germplasm. Bridging populations created by crossing genetic resources to elite lines prior to introduction into elite programs can manage this gap efficiently. To improve this strategy, we explored with simulations different genomic prediction and genetic diversity management options for a global program involving a bridging and an elite component. We analyzed the dynamics of quantitative trait loci fixation and followed the fate of allele donors after their introduction into the breeding program. Allocating 25% of total experimental resources to create a bridging component appears highly beneficial. We showed that potential diversity donors should be selected based on their phenotype rather than genomic predictions calibrated with the ongoing breeding program. We recommend incorporating improved donors into the elite program using a global calibration of the genomic prediction model and optimal cross selection maintaining a constant diversity. These approaches use efficiently genetic resources to sustain genetic gain and maintain neutral diversity, improving the flexibility to address future breeding objectives.

On the results of the 5th Vavilov International Conference (November 21–25, 2022)

Under the auspices of the 5th Vavilov International Conference held in St. Petersburg on 21–25 November 2022, eight events were held on the conservation, development, study and practical use of plant genetic resources (PGR) collections, as well as on the scientific heritage of Nikolay Ivanovich Vavilov and the development of the scientific schools founded by him and the activities of his associates and followers. In view of the modern context of new trends in the development of science, fundamental knowledge, modern methods and technologies, as well as of climatic and economic challenges, the development of the scientific heritage of N.I. Vavilov plays a big role for scientific and technological development. A total of 185 oral presentations was made at the 5th Vavilov International Conference. Meetings of the Conference attracted over 330 participants. This publication reflects the main objectives and content of the performed activities and contains key recommendations emanating from the Conference, including (1) recommendations for the conservation, study and use of PGR, including those on the multidisciplinary basis; (2) recommendations on activities to ensure coordination in the field of conservation, research, breeding and seed production; (3) recommendations on the normative and legislative regulation in the sphere of breeding, seed production, development, maintenance and use of genetic resource collections; (4) recommendations on training, guidance and education. Presentations made at the Conference show that over the past five years there has been a significant increase in the use of modern methodical approaches, i.e. molecular-genetic, genomic and omics in the field of PGR research. All this provides a solid basis for the development of new breeding methods (Next-Generation Breeding). At the same time, it is emphasized that new breeding technologies based on the acquired knowledge, can lead to further progress not in isolation from, but in conjunction with the amassed heritage of classical breeding. Among the discussed and proposed issues, the Conference Resolution identifies those requiring special and urgent attention: (1) the need to legislate for the preservation and expansion of crop diversity in the State Register of Varieties and Hybrids of Agricultural Plants Approved for Use; (2) the inadmissibility of reducing the list of these crops; (3) the inadmissibility of reducing of the number of state variety testing sites; (4) the inadmissibility of reducing of time limits of state variety testing from three to two years or one year; (5) the need to bring the concepts of “genetic passportˮ and “genetic passportizationˮ used in legal and regulatory acts to the canonical understanding of “genetic passportˮ as a document reflecting individual genetic features of an organism (cultivar/hybrid/breed/strain), which make it possible to distinguish its genotype from that of other organisms (cultivars/hybrids/breeds/ strains) of a particular species and the need to carefully elaborate methods of genetic certification of each crop, taking into account all types of genetic markers (molecular-genetic markers (DNA markers), protein and morphological markers). The Conference also noted that under the conditions of the increasing climate change and its sudden unpredictable fluctuations, reliable conservation of valuable plant genetic resources in situ and ex situ is required in order to avoid the irreversible loss of part of plant agrobiodiversity. In addition, extensive expeditionary surveys should be undertaken in the nearest future in crop and CWR diversity centers, under-explored areas, as well as in the regions with extreme environmental conditions and those prone to anthropogenic impacts.

Wheat quality: A review on chemical composition, nutritional attributes, grain anatomy, types, classification, and function of seed storage proteins in bread making quality.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) belonging to one of the most diverse and substantial families, Poaceae, is the principal cereal crop for the majority of the world's population. This cereal is polyploidy in nature and domestically grown worldwide. Wheat is the source of approximately half of the food calories consumed worldwide and is rich in proteins (gluten), minerals (Cu, Mg, Zn, P, and Fe), vitamins (B-group and E), riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, and dietary fiber. Wheat seed-storage proteins represent an important source of food and energy and play a major role in the determination of bread-making quality. The two groups of wheat grain proteins, i.e., gliadins and glutenins, have been widely studied using SDS-PAGE and other techniques. Sustainable production with little input of chemicals along with high nutritional quality for its precise ultimate uses in the human diet are major focus areas for wheat improvement. An expansion in the hereditary base of wheat varieties must be considered in the wheat breeding program. It may be accomplished in several ways, such as the use of plant genetic resources, comprising wild relatives and landraces, germplasm-assisted breeding through advanced genomic tools, and the application of modern methods, such as genome editing. In this review, we critically focus on phytochemical composition, reproduction growth, types, quality, seed storage protein, and recent challenges in wheat breeding and discuss possible ways forward to combat those issues.

AgroGenome: Interactive Genomic-Based Web Server Developed Based on Data Collected for Accessions Stored in Polish Genebank

New intensive farming systems have resulted in a narrowing of the genetic diversity used in breeding programs. Breeders are looking for new sources of variation of specific traits to make genetic progress in adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Genomics-based plant germplasm research seeks to apply the techniques of genomics to germplasm characterization. Using these new methods and obtained data, plant breeders can increase the rate of genetic gains in specific breeding programs. Due to the complexity of heterogeneous sources of information, it is necessary to collect large quantities of referenced data. Molecular platforms are becoming increasingly important for the development of strategic germplasm resources for more effective molecular breeding of new cultivars. Following this trend in plant breeding, the AgroGenome portal for precise breeding programs was developed based on data collected for accessions stored in the Polish Genebank. It combines passport data of genotypes, phenotypic characteristics and interactive GWAS analysis visualization on the Manhattan plots based on GWAS results and on JBrowse interface. The AgroGenome portal can be utilized by breeders or researchers to explore diversity among investigated genomes. It is especially important to identify markers for tracking specific traits and identify QTL. The AgroGenome portal facilitates the exploitation and use of plant genetic resources stored in the Polish Genebank.

The Impact of N.I. Vavilov on the Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources in Scandinavia: A Review

In this review we examine Nikolai Ivanovich Vavilov's relationship to Scandinavia and the impact he and his ideas have had on Scandinavia. We trace the historical connections from Vavilov back to 18th century scientists, such as Carl Von Linneaus (Sweden) and 19th century European scientists such as Alphonse de Candolle (Switzerland), Henry de Vilmorin (France), and William Bateson (England). Vavilov has influenced the conservation work in Scandinavia resulting amongst other in the establishment of the Nordic Gene Bank in 1979 and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault which started operating in 2008. Vavilov travelled to Scandinavia in 1921 and in 1931 to give lectures and exchange ideas, especially with the breeders at the Swedish Seed Association (Svalöf) in Scania, Sweden, but also at the Copenhagen University in Denmark. Vavilov did not recognize Scandinavia as part of a center of origin of cultivated plants. It was only after World War II, when P.M. Zhukovsky, a scholar of N.I Vavilov, developed the concept of mega-centers of diversity of cultivated plants, that Scandinavia became part of what he termed the European-Siberian Region of Diversity. We list species domesticated in Scandinavia or Northern Europe, and we further discuss concepts related to crop evolution and highlight the great impact Vavilov has had by inspiring scientists across disciplines and over many decades.

Impacts of International and National Regulatory Frameworks on Guaranteeing Farmers’ Right in Brazil

As guardians of agrobiodiversity, farmers must have their rights to these resources recognized, rewarded, and supported by their unparalleled contributions in the development of landraces of cultivated plants and domestic animals. Thus, it is worth questioning to what extent multilateral treaties that deal with the use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture would ensure the protection of these rights. With this objective, we evaluated legal and administrative multilateral, and national mechanisms for the protection of Farmers’ Rights—FR regarding the sharing of benefits generated by the access to genetic resources and its implications for the conservation of agrobiodiversity. We conducted analyzes of official documents on norms, treaties, decrees, and regulations which enabled the understanding of the elements constituted by the agrobiodiversity conservation system. We demonstrated that the evaluated international regimes do not guarantee the FR but propose that the National States take decisions to implement them according to the needs of the country. The State, the competent bodies, and the Brazilian RD&I organizations must take effective measures and review the laws that should regulate FR, enabling the real participation of farmers in decision-making on conservation and the sharing of benefits derived from agrobiodiversity.

Impact of the European Union’s Seed Legislation and Intellectual Property Rights on Crop Diversity

Crop diversity results from farmers’ selection and exchange of seeds. The crop diversity erosion observed over the last century can be attributed to the transition from traditional to industrial farming practices. Farmers’ seed varieties have been replaced by a few privately owned, high-yielding varieties. The resulting uniformity is jeopardizing food security, further exacerbated by climate change. Both the international framework and the EU legislation perpetuate the root cause of crop diversity erosion. The EU only authorizes on the internal market varieties that are distinct, uniform, stable, and of ‘satisfactory value for cultivation and use’. Non-complying seeds, meaning traditional heterogeneous varieties, are banned. Furthermore, the few authorized varieties are open to privatization through either a Community Plant Variety Right or patents on biotechnological inventions. The exchange, access, and use of these seeds are strictly restricted. Although the EU provides derogations in certain cases, the legal space created is too narrow to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). seed, plant reproductive material, intellectual property, commons, agriculture, food security, EU.

Core Collections: Is There Any Value for Cotton Breeding?

Global plant breeding activities are reliant on the available genetic variation held in extant varieties and germplasm collections. Throughout the mid- to late 1900s, germplasm collecting efforts were prioritized for breeding programs to archive precious material before it disappeared and led to the development of the numerous large germplasm resources now available in different countries. In recent decades, however, the maintenance and particularly the expansion of these germplasm resources have come under threat, and there has been a significant decline in investment in further collecting expeditions, an increase in global biosecurity restrictions, and restrictions placed on the open exchange of some commercial germplasm between breeders. The large size of most genebank collections, as well as constraints surrounding the availability and reliability of accurate germplasm passport data and physical or genetic characterization of the accessions in collections, limits germplasm utilization by plant breeders. To overcome these constraints, core collections, defined as a representative subset of the total germplasm collection, have gained popularity. Core collections aim to increase germplasm utilization by containing highly characterized germplasm that attempts to capture the majority of the variation in a whole collection. With the recent availability of many new genetic tools, the potential to unlock the value of these resources can now be realized. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) cotton breeding program supplies 100% of the cotton cultivars grown in Australia. The program is reliant on the use of plant genetic resources for the development of improved cotton varieties to address emerging challenges in pest and disease resistance as well as the global changes occurring in the climate. Currently, the CSIRO germplasm collection is actively maintained but underutilized by plant breeders. This review presents an overview of the Australian cotton germplasm resources and discusses the appropriateness of a core collection for cotton breeding programs.

Safeguarding and use of plant genetic resources in the DOA Genebank, Thailand. In case of “Aditayadhorn Agricultural Project in Contemplation of Her Royal Highness Princess Aditayadhornkitikhun at Surin has Collaborated with DOA Genebank – ex-situ Conservation of Some Field Crops and Horticultural Crops in DOA Genebank, Thailand 2019-2020”

ISHS IX International Scientific and Practical Conference on Biotechnology as an Instrument for Plant Biodiversity Conservation (physiological, biochemical, embryological, genetic and legal aspects) Safeguarding and use of plant genetic resources in the DOA Genebank, Thailand. In case of “Aditayadhorn Agricultural Project in Contemplation of Her Royal Highness Princess Aditayadhornkitikhun at Surin has Collaborated with DOA Genebank – ex-situ Conservation of Some Field Crops and Horticultural Crops in DOA Genebank, Thailand 2019-2020”

Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Nutritional Security

Plant genetic resources (PGR) have been extensively used to develop new cultivars for meeting the emerging challenges and needs of the society. These have played a pivotal role in assuring food and nutritional security of the humankind. Our National Agricultural Research System, particularly the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, has made dedicated efforts to collect indigenous germplasm and introduce exotic germplasm and conserve the same. Indigenous germplasm has been used to develop crop varieties and even now traditional varieties/landraces act as rich source of genes of economic importance (submergence tolerance in FR13A rice, salinity tolerance in Pokkali rice and Kharchia wheat). Exotic germplasm has been used to develop several landmark varieties including IR 8 rice; Kalyansona and Sonalika wheats, the cultivation of which resulted in Green Revolution. Hybridization of indigenous and exotic germplasm to combine their desirable traits has led to remarkable achievements in enhancing crop productivity coupled with adaptation to prevalent agro-ecologies. The overdependence on improved cultivars of few crops (to ensure food security of increasing human population) for human diet markedly changed the food consumption pattern causing hidden hunger, and also making these crops more vulnerable to biotic and abiotic (climate change) stresses. In view of these developments, research on nutritional security and adaptation to changes in agro-ecologies has been getting greater attention in recent past with appreciable successes. In these research programmes, unadapted germplasm of same crop species and wild relatives are being increasingly used. More focussed efforts are needed on acquisition, characterization and conservation of PGR as well as their use. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture needs to be implemented in letter and spirit and pre-breeding research on wild relatives be strengthened to develop usable PGR and be strongly linked with cultivar development.

New proposals to strengthen the boom of agriculture in Peru: massive use of genetic resources and development of modern breeding programs

Peru is a place with abundant biological resources that should be employed for the benefit of society in general. However, to date, the use of Peruvian plant genetic resources was not fully exploited for the development of improved crops. This work was mostly conducted by the international private sector. The Climate Change Laboratory at Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, and other laboratories at Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión and Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina together with other research programs of other institutions seek to promote the massive and sustainable use of plant genetic resources maintained in germplasm banks. It is planned to make use of modern molecular and morphological techniques. Moreover, infrastructure and human resources are being improved. As a result, we will be able to maintain the growth of the agricultural activity in Peru in terms of space and time.

СОХРАНЕНИЕ И ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ МИРОВЫХ КОЛЛЕКЦИЙ КУЛЬТУРНЫХ РАСТЕНИЙ И ИХ ДИКИХ СОРОДИЧЕЙ

The Research Institute for Plant Genetic Resources is the national center for the global genetic resources of cultivated plants and their wild relatives, which are preserved in the form of collections of national status, represented by seeds, vegetative and reproductive organs and parts of plants, herbarium specimens, as well as plantations of perennial crops. Collections numbering more than 43 thousand accessions are concentrated here over crop 100 species and are the largest in Central Asia in terms of botanical, genetic, geographical and ecological diversity. Genetic resources of cultivated plants and their wild relatives, which are in evolutionary and genetic relationship with cultivated plants, are part of biological resources that have actual or potential value and great importance, especially in the last decade in the context of climate change for food production, sustainable development of ecologically safe agriculture, development of raw materials for industry. The work carried out at the institute is aimed at solving the problems of collecting, conservation, study and rational and effective use of plant genetic resources and are state-owned, strategically important and directly related to ensuring national and global food security for present and future generations.

Tritordeum: Creating a New Crop Species-The Successful Use of Plant Genetic Resources.

Hexaploid tritordeum is the amphiploid derived from the cross between the wild barley Hordeum chilense and durum wheat. This paper reviews the main advances and achievements in the last two decades that led to the successful development of tritordeum as a new crop. In particular, we summarize the progress in breeding for agronomic performance, including the potential of tritordeum as a genetic bridge for wheat breeding; the impact of molecular markers in genetic studies and breeding; and the progress in quality and development of innovative food products. The success of tritordeum as a crop shows the importance of the effective utilization of plant genetic resources for the development of new innovative products for agriculture and industry. Considering that wild plant genetic resources have made possible the development of this new crop, the huge potential of more accessible resources, such as landraces conserved in gene banks, goes beyond being sources of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, the positive result of tritordeum also shows the importance of adequate commercialization strategies and demonstrative experiences aimed to integrate the whole food chain, from producers to end-point sellers, in order to develop new products for consumers.

The Mobilization and Use of Plant Genetic Resources with High Potential as Fodder, Honey and Energy Crops: achievements and prospects

This article presents the results of scientific research in the field of mobilization, acclimatization, introduction of new species and foundation and maintenance of fodder, honey and energy plant collections over the last decade and possibilities of using the mobilized plant resources in bioeconomy. The studies carried out made it possible to determine the biological peculiarities of growth and development, the productivity, the biochemical composition and the nutritional value of feed in 137 new taxa, and the mechanical and energy features of the biomass in 20 species. Besides, the foundation of the collection of potential honey plants was laid; currently, it includes 47 taxa. As a result of plant breeding 10 new cultivars were created, 9 new cultivars of plants with multiple uses have been registered in the Catalogue of Plant Varieties and 7 cultivars have been patented at the State Agency for Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova (AGEPI). Three technology transfer projects were implemented. The results of scientific research were presented at 66 national and international scientific events, 336 scientific papers published published in scientific periodicals and journals registered in national and international databases, awarded 33 medals and 6 diplomas at various Salons and Exhibitions of Inventions in the Republic of Moldova and abroad.

Governing crop genetics in post-Soviet countries: lessons from the biodiversity hotspot Armenia

Armenia is amongst the world’s richest agrobiodiversity hotspots, but rapid genetic erosion is threatening these vital resources of food security. The objective of this study is to investigate how legislation and policies affect the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in Armenia. National gene banks are central actors in this regard. Relevant legislation and policies within the context of international commitments and the institutional structures of Armenia are analysed, as well as their impact on the gene banks’ ability to provide access to PGRFA for farmers. Official documents, legislation and interviews with key stakeholders in Armenia are the primary sources of information. Despite Armenia’s post-Soviet trajectory of institutional collapse, war and lack of political support, national gene banks have managed to store much of Armenia’s plant heritage ex situ, even though under modest conditions. Armenian legislation provides barriers to the marketing and exchange of seeds from most traditional varieties. Nevertheless, informal exchange still continues amongst farmers to some extent. The legislation is a serious obstacle to conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA and thus to the compliance with relevant international agreements that Armenia is party to. As a comprehensive strategy and action plan on PGRFA conservation and sustainable use is still lacking, the gene banks’ promotion of on-farm conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA can be attributed to committed individuals taking responsibility for the country’s international obligations. Political attention and policy coherence are required, as are well-targeted long-term commitments from development agencies.

Access to biodiversity for food production: Reconciling open access digital sequence information with access and benefit sharing

Access to biodiversity for food production: Reconciling open access digital sequence information with access and benefit sharing

Mongolian academic botanic garden as an introduction center and ecological resource for plant biodiversity conservation

The main results and achievements of the introduction work carried out at the Botanic Garden of the Mongolia Academy of Sciences (BG MAS) for almost 50 years of complicated development with ups and downs are given. It shows modern positioning and value of the BG MAS as the main country’s introduction center, ecological resource and public educational organization, treasurer of the scientific knowledge for the conservation and rational use of plant genetic resources, which contributes to the growing process of new botanic gardens and nurseries formation in Mongolia.

Use of plant genetic resources in crop improvement–example of Serbia

Plant genetic resources are a link between agriculture, environment and trade, so their conservation requires cooperation from different sectors. The existing diversity in genetic resources is the foundation in breeding for new challenges or new markets in the future. The number of crop genetic resources in Serbia is obscure because there is no national inventory. It is thought that there are about 15,000 seed accessions and 3500 accessions of fruit trees and grape in collections of different national institutes and stakeholders. In the National Plant Gene Bank, there are more than 4000 accessions of nearly 250 plant species. Crops kept in ex situ collections are used in breeding programs and interspecific crosses, for selection and introduction of desired traits through pre-breeding programs. Serbia as a state participates in all national and international efforts for preservation, management and use of plant genetic resources. Additionally, Serbia has also established a set of national regulations related to plant genetic resources and their use in breeding. Since Serbia is one of Europe’s most important crop producers, especially in maize (11% of EU-27 production), soya (35%), sunflowers (6%) and sugar beet (2.5%), this paper discusses certain issues and achievements in the use of plant genetic resources in cereal and oil crops improvement in Serbia, as well as national and international regulations affecting their exploitation.

Assessment of plant genetic variations using molecular markers: A review

Climatic changes affect various organisms, including plant species, becoming unfavorable for the environment and socioeconomic value, prompting an increase in activities related to plant resources conservation. The successful conservation of plant genetic resources depends on the proper identification and characterization of plant material. One of the notable developments in genetic conservation is the use of molecular markers for assessing the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. This review is devoted to the use of molecular marker techniques for genetic assessment of plant genetic variations. Development in these techniques provides smooth, reliable, and effortless ways for assessing known and unknown taxa, between and within species. These techniques provide a revelation to researchers on taxonomical and evolutionary questions which were not possible earlier. The polymerase chain reaction-based molecular markers give rise to various novel techniques due to the simplicity and high reproducibility of the methods. Examples including a combination of earlier techniques, such as restriction fragment length polymorphism, random amplification of polymorphic DNA, simple sequence repeat, intersimple sequence repeats, single nucleotide polymorphism, and amplified fragment length polymorphism, have been used for plant genetic variations and polymorphism studies. Progress in the advanced high-throughput sequencing techniques or next-generation sequencing technologies has been rapidly utilized to study genetic diversity broadly and to identify suitable genes and alleles rapidly. These techniques offer a practical resolution to the challenges in crop genomics. This review explains the recent advances in the molecular marker techniques, along with the advantages, uses, and limitations. Each technique differs in resolving the genetic variations and polymorphism in plant species.