IPGRI-AMS Increasing the use of plant genetic resources

Increasing the use of plant genetic resources

Genebank documentation
     in the Americas

IPGRI descriptors lists
IPGRI germplasm
     databases
SINGER
IPGRI programmes
    and projects


Plant genetic diversity supports development if it is used. To be truly useful, genetic resources conserved in genebanks have to be accompanied by detailed and easily retrievable information on the origin, characteristics and behavior of the materials conserved.

Germplasm data must be organized and analyzed in order to be accessible and meaningful to potential users. The tools to perform these tasks are available but not necessarily in place in many developing country genebanks. IPGRI works with genebanks and plant breeders to promote the use of genetic resources conserved ex situ and conducts research to understand and enhance the role of diversity in production systems. Special attention is given to options that broaden the genetic base of important food crops.

IPGRI has helped national genebanks in the Americas document and analyze their plant genetic resources information and facilitated users' access to the germplasm conserved. It has supported genebanks in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru to document and manage their collections of Andean roots and tubers and facilitated germplasm exchange by making available information on over 200,000 accessions in a Directory of Germplasm Holdings in Latin America and the Caribbean. IPGRI is now studying the conditions under which genebank collections in Latin America and the Caribbean are maintained and assessing the viability of field collections.

Crop descriptors, a universally understood "language" for plant genetic resources data, are a reliable and efficient way to store, retrieve and communicate information. Descriptors lists facilitate genetic resources workers to identify promising accessions. IPGRI has developed descriptors lists for 17 crops native to the Americas, including avocado, beans, green pepper, cashew nut, cotton, groundnut, maize, oca, papaya, pineapple, potato, quinoa, strawberry, sunflower, sweet potato, taro and tomato.

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