Use Of Plant Genetic Resources Research Articles

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.

Promoting seed germination of Bunias erucago, a Mediterranean leafy vegetable

Knowledge of germination and propagation requirements are crucial for the use of plant genetic resources. Here, we compare different treatments to improve the germination of Bunias erucago (Cruciferae), a Mediterranean vegetable herb of growing commercial interest. Its cultivation is limited by the poor germination shown by the seeds which are enclosed in indehiscent silicles. To improve the germination, we investigated four treatments: (1) pre-soaking silicles in water for 48 hours; (2) scarification of silicles with sandpaper; (3) seed extraction; and (4) seed exposure to gibberellic acid (GA3). The same treatments (except the GA3 treatment) were also used to investigate seedling emergence under glasshouse conditions. In the absence of treatments and/or soaking in water, there was very low final germination (< 10%), while scarification and seed extraction increased the germination to ∼40% and > 90%, respectively. Scarification was the most effective treatment in a horticultural context, since the brittleness of seeds makes their extraction too delicate and time-consuming. The seedling emergence results confirmed those of seed germination in the laboratory, underlining the effectiveness of the treatments for plant cultivation. Seed germination performance varied among wild populations, underlining the importance of provenance when using wild plants as new crops.

The Role of Genetic Resources in Breeding for Climate Change: The Case of Public Breeding Programmes in Eighteen Developing Countries.

The role of plant breeding in adapting crops to climate changes that affect food production in developing countries is recognized as extremely important and urgent, alongside other agronomic, socio-economic and policy adaptation pathways. To enhance plant breeders’ capacity to respond to climate challenges, it is acknowledged that they need to be able to access and use as much genetic diversity as they can get. Through an analysis of data from a global survey, we explore if and how public breeders in selected developing countries are responding to climate challenges through a renewed or innovative use of plant genetic resources, particularly in terms of types of material incorporated into their breeding work as well as sources of such germplasm. It also looks at the possible limitations breeders encounter in their efforts towards exploring diversity for adaptation. Breeders are clearly considering climate challenges. In general, their efforts are aimed at intensifying their breeding work on traits that they were already working on before climate change was so widely discussed. Similarly, the kinds of germplasm they use, and the sources from which they obtain it, do not appear to have changed significantly over the course of recent years. The main challenges breeders faced in accessing germplasm were linked to administrative/legal factors, particularly related to obtaining genetic resources across national borders. They also underscore technical challenges such as a lack of appropriate technologies to exploit germplasm sets such as crop wild relatives and landraces. Addressing these limitations will be crucial to fully enhance the role of public sector breeders in helping to adapt vulnerable agricultural systems to the challenges of climate change.

Vavilov Institute (VIR): historical aspects of international cooperation for plant genetic resources

The year 2019 marked the 125th anniversaries of the foundation of the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR). It was a long way from the Bureau of Applied Botany to VIR, the world-famous institution for the systematic collection, comprehensive study, secure conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. The initiator of most research areas of VIR was the prominent botanist, geneticist and breeder N.I. Vavilov. A main feature of this institution has always been extensive cooperation with global, regional and international organizations, various research institutes and universities in many countries of the whole world. Although such cooperation has occurred in political circumstances that have seen drastic changes, and is now stretching over three centuries, the main objectives are the same and food security has always been the underling major motivation. The international activities that were started in plant genetic resources cooperation in Eastern Europe in the 1960s have often been overlooked in the widely accessible publications in English language. After the 1990s, the sphere of plant genetic resources became very political; this may be another reason why achievements that are due the major inspirations that came from N.I. Vavilov and impacted mostly the eastern European countries are sometimes overlooked. The purpose of the review is to give an account of some of these achievements, because several of the conceptual approaches remain valid for today and for the future.

Assessment of adoption and utilisation of superior rice germplasm by smallholder farmers in four rice producing zones of Nigeria

Conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources is essential to the sustainable development of agricultural production and rural in production zones in Nigeria. This study, therefore investigated the utilisation of recently released superior rice germplasm among smallholder farmers in Nigeria. A post- crop varietal release impact assessment was conducted in Oyo, Ekiti, Kwara and Ebonyi states of Nigeria in 2019. Structured questionnaires were administered to 120 farmers using a simple random sampling technique. Result from the study revealed that ricefarmers are mainly males, middle aged, married, with some form of education. They have medium (3-6 household member) household size with longer years of farming experiences. Inadequate capital and limited credit facilities, plant disease, birds and insect infestation are the major constraints encountered by the farmers. Result of the correlation analysis shows that there was no significant relationship between sources of planting materials and frequently planted varieties (r = 0.100 and p = 0.786). However, there was significant relationship between production constraints and frequently planted varieties (r = 0.010 and p = 0.648). It is recommended that more channels of credit facilities should be provided to rice farmers by governments at various levels to improve their level productivity.
 Keywords: Rice, adoption, genetic resources, utilisation, smallholder farmers

The tale of taro leaf blight: a global effort to safeguard the genetic diversity of taro in the Pacific

This paper examines the vital role of genebanks in the conservation and use of plant genetic resources, highlighting the South Pacific’s version of the Irish Potato Famine and the organizational interdependence necessary to respond to disastrous losses in a cultivated food crop. We conducted an ethnobotanical fieldwork in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Cook Islands, interviewing over 50 taro experts and farmers to gather the ‘Tale of Taro Leaf Blight’. Taro is the staple ‘prestige’ food crop of Samoa but in 1993, taro leaf blight (TLB), Phytophthora colocasiae, caused an almost 100% loss of the crop, threatening both food security and traditional cultural practices. Several international organizations were formed to conduct botanical expeditions to re-gather crop wild relatives of taro, Colocasia esculenta, from their various centres of origin. This parental material was used in a 10-year breeding cycle process to produce viable TLB-resistant varieties and replant the fallow fields of Samoa. The duty to safeguard these global accessions led to the formalization of CePaCT, which houses this core collection. The collection, conservation, multiplication, and distribution of taro has had a significant impact beyond the regional needs of the Pacific. Taro germplasm samples were distributed to countries worldwide affected by the blight, aiding in staving off potential famines and economic crises. This ancient aroid is one of the most consumed vegetables in the Pacific. It is an indispensable nutritional and caloric resource for subsistence farming nations, and carries deep ethnobotanical and cultural significance.

Overview of Biotic Stresses in Pepper (Capsicum spp.): Sources of Genetic Resistance, Molecular Breeding and Genomics.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the major vegetable crops grown worldwide largely appreciated for its economic importance and nutritional value. This crop belongs to the large Solanaceae family, which, among more than 90 genera and 2500 species of flowering plants, includes commercially important vegetables such as tomato and eggplant. The genus includes over 30 species, five of which (C. annuum, C. frutescens, C. chinense, C. baccatum, and C. pubescens) are domesticated and mainly grown for consumption as food and for non-food purposes (e.g., cosmetics). The main challenges for vegetable crop improvement are linked to the sustainable development of agriculture, food security, the growing consumers’ demand for food. Furthermore, demographic trends and changes to climate require more efficient use of plant genetic resources in breeding programs. Increases in pepper consumption have been observed in the past 20 years, and for maintaining this trend, the development of new resistant and high yielding varieties is demanded. The range of pathogens afflicting peppers is very broad and includes fungi, viruses, bacteria, and insects. In this context, the large number of accessions of domesticated and wild species stored in the world seed banks represents a valuable resource for breeding in order to transfer traits related to resistance mechanisms to various biotic stresses. In the present review, we report comprehensive information on sources of resistance to a broad range of pathogens in pepper, revisiting the classical genetic studies and showing the contribution of genomics for the understanding of the molecular basis of resistance.

The role of community seed banks in achieving farmers’ rights

ABSTRACT The core objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) are the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. The ITPGRFA links these goals explicitly to farmers’ rights. Although farmers’ rights have been debated intensely at international level, their effective implementation at national level remains a major challenge. Community seed banks are good examples of effective implementation of those rights, but have received little attention in scientific literature and policy circles. Case studies in this article from Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, India and Zimbabwe illustrate how this knowledge gap can be filled.

Genetic characterisation of autochthonous sweet cherry genotypes (Prunus avium L.) using SSR markers

The autochthonous local genotypes of sweet cherries, which represent a very important genetic potential for future breeding programs. Understanding of the molecular basis biodiversity is one of the most important factors for the proper conservation, management and use of plant genetic resources. This paper investigate the genetic variability of 14 genotypes of sweet cherries using 26 SSR markers. The study included eight autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherry taken from four different location and six virus-free reference varieties of sweet cherry. The average genetic distance between them was 0.43. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight. The minimum number of two alleles of polymorphic loci showed EMPa003 and EMPa002, while the highest number of eight loci alleles had PceGA34 and UDP97-402. Results of genetic analysis that were done show that between autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherries ?Biljur-Bjelica?, ?Barevka? and ?Aslamka? (Kriskovci) there was no difference, it is to have the same genetic profil, which indicates that is the synonym, it is the same identity group. Also the autochthonous genotype ?Crveni Hrust? and ?Nordwunder? cultivar had the same SSR profile on microsatellite loci tested. The remaining autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherry had a unique genetic profile.

Genetic Diversity of South Chadian Sorghum Landraces Assessed Through Quantitative and Qualitative Traits

Plant genetic resources and germplasm are fundamental sources for plant breeding, and the assessment of the genetic diversity among germplasm accessions is useful to facilitate the more efficient use of plant genetic resources. The current study was carried out to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance to select genotypes and traits for breeding. In the experiment undertaken, fifty-three sorghum landraces were evaluated for selected seven qualitative and fourteen quantitative traits using randomized complete block design in three repetitions. There were differences (p< 0.001) among landraces for all assessed traits indicating a high degree of variability. Higher genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for grain weight of main panicle, number of leaf remain green and weight of main panicle. Estimates of phenotypic variances were higher than genotypic variance for all the studied quantitative traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for majority of assessed traits. This study allowed noting a positive relationship between number of day to flowering with plant height and stay green, and a negative correlation between plant height and weight of main panicle. A dendrogram revealed four main clusters of genotypes. The D2 statistics confirmed the highest inter-cluster distance between all clusters. This indicated existence of the possibility to improve genotypes through hybridization from any pair of clusters.

Time for a paradigm shift in the use of plant genetic resources.

For all major crops, sizeable genebanks are maintained across the world and serve as repositories of genetic diversity and key sources of novel traits used in breeding. Although molecular markers have been used to characterize diversity in a broad sense, the most common approach to exploring these resources has been through phenotypic characterization of subsets of these large collections. With the advent of affordable large-scale genotyping technologies and the increasing body of candidate genes for traits of interest, we argue here that it is time for a paradigm shift in the way that we explore and exploit these considerable and highly useful resources. By combining dense genotypic information in and around candidate genes, it is possible to classify accessions based on their haplotype, something approximating the actual alleles at these genes of interest.

The Future of Digital Sequence Information for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

The recent debates on the legal status of “digital sequence information” (DSI) at the international level could have extensive consequences for the future of agriculture and food security. A large majority of recent advances in biology, medicine, or agriculture were achieved by sharing and mining of freely accessible sequencing data. It is most probably because of the tremendous success of modern genomics and advances of synthetic biology that concerns were raised about possible fair and equitable ways of sharing data. The DSI concept is relatively new, and all concerned parties agreed upon the need for a clear definition. For example, the extent to which DSI understanding is limited only to genetic sequence data has to be clarified. In this paper, I focus on a subset of DSI essential to humankind: the DSI originating from plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). Two international agreements shape the conservation and use of plant genetic resources: the Convention on Biodiversity and the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In an attempt to mobilize DSI users and producers involved in research, breeding, and conservation, I describe here how the increasing amount of genomic data, information, and studies interact with the existing legal framework at the global level. Using possible scenarios, I will emphasize the complexity of the issues surrounding DSI for PGRFA and propose potential ways forward for developing an inclusive governance and fair use of these genetic resources.

Modeling Crop Genetic Resources Phenotyping Information Systems.

Documentation of phenotype information is a priority need in biodiversity, crop modeling, breeding, ecology, and evolution research, for association studies, gene discovery, retrospective statistical analysis and data mining, QTL re-mapping, choosing cultivars, and planning crosses. Lack of access to phenotype information is still seen as a limiting factor for the use of plant genetic resources. Phenotype data are complex. Information on the context, under which they were collected, is indispensable, and the domain is continuously evolving. This study describes comprehensive data and object models supporting web interfaces for multi-site field phenotyping and data acquisition, which have been developed for Central Crop Databases within the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources over the years and which can be used as blueprints for phenotyping information systems. We start from the hypothesis, that entity relationship and object models useful for software development can picture domain expertise, similar as domain ontologies, and encourage a discussion of scientific information systems on modeling level. Starting from information requirements for statistical analysis, meta-analysis, and knowledge discovery, models are discussed in consideration of several standardization and modeling approaches including crop ontologies. Following an object-oriented modeling approach, we keep data and object models close together and to domain concepts. This will make database and software design better understandable and usable for domain experts and support a modular use of software artifacts to be shared across various domains of expertise. Classes and entities represent domain concepts with attributes naturally assigned to them. Field experiments with randomized plots, as typically used in the evaluation of plant genetic resources and in plant breeding, are in the focus. Phenotype observations, which can be listed as raw or aggregated data, are linked to explanatory metadata describing experimental treatments and agronomic interventions, observed traits and observation methodology, field plan and plot design, and the experiment site as a geographical entity. Based on clearly defined types, potential links to information systems in other domains (e.g., geographic information systems) can be better identified. Work flows are shown as web applications for the generation of field plans, field books, templates, upload of spreadsheet data, and images.

Importance of Crop Wild Relatives and Landraces Genetic Resources in Plant Breeding Programmes

Plant genetic resources are the biological basis of global food security. Agricultural diversity and genetic resources should be used more effectively to sustain the current level of food production and to solve future problems. The importance of plant genetic resources in the improvement of varieties with new features is indisputably known. The most effective use of plant genetic resources is undoubtedly in plant breeding and improvement of new varieties. In other words, it is used as a genitor. Since the cultivars are often inadequate in many genes, especially biotic and abiotic stress factors (diseases, pests, cold, drought, etc.), breeders constantly search for new sources of genetic materials. This review is based on reports in the landraces (primitive) varieties and crop wild relatives to explain the importance of genetic resources in plant breeding of reviewing scientific literature to pass.

Peasant Seeds in France: Fostering A More Resilient Agriculture

The profitability of the French agricultural sector has fallen over the last two decades, leading to the suggestion of a “rupture in technical progress”. Additionally, the intellectual property regime in force has contributed to the erosion of the cultivated biodiversity, limiting plant resiliency to climate change and other hazards. In the face of these challenges, agroecological farming practices are a viable alternative. This paper investigates the positive and negative aspects associated with the development of alternative seed procurement networks in France. The findings indicate that peasant seed networks can effectively contribute to overcoming many of the structural blockages with which French agriculture is confronted, but that yield concerns; higher information and supervisory costs, as well as the unfavourable legislative context, constitute key challenges to their development. However, these could be partially or totally eliminated if adequate policies are implemented. In this regard, the recommendations are to: (i) strengthen the dialogue with farmers in the shaping of policies related to the use of plant genetic resources; (ii) abrogate the “obligatory voluntary contribution” on farm-saved seeds; (iii) diversify the collection of Centres for Biological Resources, increase their number, and democratize their access; (iv) harmonize the French and European regime on intellectual property; and (v) encourage participatory research.

CGIAR Operations under the Plant Treaty Framework

The history of CGIAR and the development and implementation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (“Plant Treaty”) are closely intertwined. In accordance with the agreements that 11 CGIAR centers signed with the Plant Treaty's Governing Body under Article 15 of the treaty, >730,000 accessions of crop, tree, and forage germplasm conserved in CGIAR genebanks are made available under the terms and conditions of the multilateral system of access and benefit sharing, and the CGIAR centers have transferred almost 4 million samples of plant genetic resources under the system. Many activities of CGIAR centers and their genebanks (e.g., crop enhancement, improved agronomic methods, seed system strengthening, and capacity building) are influenced by, and promote, the Plant Treaty's objectives. The continued existence and optimal functioning of the Plant Treaty's multilateral system of access and benefit sharing is critically important to CGIAR in the pursuit of its mission. However, the multilateral system has encountered some challenges since the Plant Treaty came into force. The successful conclusion of the ongoing process for enhancing the functioning of the multilateral system could increase monetary benefit sharing and incentives for exchanging more germplasm. In the meantime, increased efforts are necessary to promote nonmonetary benefit sharing through partnerships, technology transfer, information exchange, and capacity building. These efforts should be integrated into countries’ and organizations’ work to implement the Plant Treaty's provisions on conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, and farmers’ rights.

Integrating Farmers’ Rights to Equitable Benefit Sharing Into the Malaysian Plant Variety Law: Learning from Others

The Farmers’ Rights concept is part of an international treaty of which Malaysia is one of the signatory parties. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (FAO Treaty 2004), articulated four core rights under the Farmers’ Rights concept – namely the right to traditional farming knowledge, the right to seed, the right to equitable benefit sharing and the right to participate in the decision-making process. Article 9.2 (b) of FAO Treaty 2004 stipulates that farmers should be given equal opportunity to equitably participate in sharing benefits from the use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The right to equitable benefit sharing legally justifies among others, the rights of smallholder farmers who have been breeding seeds for generations to receive benefits; either monetary or non-monetary from any commercialization of the seeds that have been developed by them. Non-monetary benefits include access to seeds for their farm. This paper investigates to what extent the existing legal provisions of plant variety law in Malaysia has integrated this right to equitable benefit sharing to small farmers as compared to similar legislation in India and under African Union (AU Model Law for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources). These two legal frameworks aimed to protect their small farming communities are cited as legislation with the best practices on implementing Farmers’ Rights core rights. The aim is for Malaysia to learn from these countries in order to ensure legal protection for small farmers’ right to equitable benefit sharing of their plant genetic resources.

Plant genetic resources management and pre-breeding in genomics era

Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) conserved in gene bank provides genetic variability for efficient utilization in breeding programmes. Pre-breeding is required for broadening the genetic base of the crop through identification of useful traits in un-adapted materials and transfer them into better adapted ones for further breeding. So, pre-breeding is a promising alternative (due to use of un-adapted materials) to link genetic resources and breeding programs. Utilization of PGR in crop improvement programmes including prebreeding have been very limited. Advances in genomics have provided us with high-quality reference genomes, sequencing and re-sequencing platforms with reduced cost, marker and QTL assisted selection, genomic selection and population level genotyping platforms. Further, genome editing tools like, CRISPR/Cas9 and its latest modification base editing technology can be used to generate target specific mutants and are important for establishing gene functions with respect to their phenotypes through developing knockout mutations. These new genomic tools can be used to generate, analyse and manipulate the genetic variability for designing cultivars with the desired traits. The genomic tools has not only accelerated the utilization of PGR but also assisted pre-breeding through rapid selection of trait-specific germplasm, reduced periods in breeding cycle for confirming gene of interest in intermediate material and validation of transfer of gene of interest in the cultivated gene pool. In crops, where limited genetic and genomic resources are available, pre-breeding becomes very challenging. We can say that genomics assisted utilization of PGR and prebreeding has accelerated the pace of introgression of complex traits in different crop cultivars.and yield plateau has already been achieved in these cultivars (Chen et al. 2014a). Under these circumstances, use of Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) in crop improvement programs provides an avenue to solve the problem.

Are the old International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) base collections available through the Plant Treaty\u2019s multilateral system of access and benefit sharing? A review

In 1975, the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources created the first internationally linked system of genebanks, known as the Registry of Base Collections (RBC), to conserve plant germplasm and make it available globally for agricultural research and development. Over time, international efforts shifted away from enhancing and building the RBC toward other means to promote the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. Perhaps the most important development in this regard was the negotiation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty or ITPGRFA) and the development of its multilateral system for access and benefit sharing (multilateral system). Our study aimed to ascertain whether the RBC materials are still being conserved/curated in the original recipient organizations. We also sought to assess whether those materials have been included in, and are available through, the ITPGRFA’s multilateral system. This outcome would be significant since, in many ways, the multilateral system reflects the spirit, commitment, and objectives of the RBC, with important additional components (e.g. obligations to share monetary benefits derived from the uses of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture). We identify four levels of probability that RBC materials are included in, and available through, the multilateral system. Ultimately, we find that there is a high level of probability that approximately 80% of the RBC materials are currently available through the multilateral system. We further identify a number of possible interventions that could be made to ensure that all RBC materials are conserved and made available through the multilateral system (or on similar terms and conditions of facilitated access and benefit sharing).