Data and information, including local knowledge, are critical for enabling the proper management of natural resources.  A wealth of data and information has been generated over the years by gene banks and other research centers as a result of surveying, characterization and evaluation. This set of information includes molecular data and images produced by remote sensing technology

As these data are changing and becoming more and more enriched and available in different formats i.e. textual, numerical and graphical, the challenge lays increasingly on their management and analysis. On the other hand, the tools available for addressing these operations are changing at a rapid pace, thereby creating difficulties to the users on selecting the best options.     

In order to address these challenges in the most effective way, the Regional Project is focusing its attention on the development of tailored applications and systems which are more open to changes and less dependent on “fixed” computer systems. 

GIS/ Spatial modeling methodologies

Another area identified as important for the strengthening of national capacities on Plant Genetic Resources is represented by the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) and spatial modeling techniques to study the diversity, monitor genetic erosion and use-patterns of Agrobiodiversity.

Plant genetic resources data fall within the category of non-replicated and non-randomized type of data. These data are similar to environmental data and vary in their spatial and temporal structure.  Emerging new techniques to model such variation using geo-statistics and geographical information system (GIS) are offering effective ways to better understand PGR and its distribution within the territory.  Plant genetic resources data consist primarily of observations gathered along transects. The observations are spatial and are not necessarily independent and identically distributed, in order to apply the classical descriptive methods. There are new techniques to analyze such data. Among these techniques is the regionalized variable theory and the chaos theory (fractal geometry), since it has also been found that genetic diversity is a known chaotic feature of environmental systems. These techniques could be very valuable in enhancing the analysis of data resulting from surveying and characterization, including molecular data.    

This work is intended to enhance the capacity of national programs, particularly with regard to:

Better surveying and sampling, 

Prediction and assessment of the effects on genetic diversity of changes due to agricultural practices and disturbances of ecological systems, 

Development of modeling tools to address the needs in terms of complementary conservation and use strategies, 

Integrated (aggregate) data generated from the genetic studies with the data obtained from GIS/RS to predicting useful traits and 

Determine parameters of importance to conservation such as population size and geographical range of species.   

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“PHYTORLY”

An example of these efforts provided by IPGRI CWANA staff is "PHYTORLY", an application produced in collaboration with the national program of Tunisia.  PHYTORLY was developed for the preparation of the national biodiversity plan for the Convention of Biological Diversity of this country.

“GRIS”

A system named GRIS (Genetic Resources Information System) was designed to better manage and visualize data on genetic resources. The system was originally developed together with/and for the National Program of Morocco and later applied to other national programs. The system can also accommodate molecular data, including direct images from gels, by converting bands directly into numerical values.

CWANA has been recently developing in collaboration with Institutional Project, alternative ways of information systems -LINUX-based- to provide to those resource poor national programs who cannot afford to purchase expensive development tools. The LINUX based system also has the advantage to run on minimum hardware and it is very open to changes.  

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