Advances in Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources

Download or read book Advances in Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources written by Svein Øivind Solberg and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2024-08-20 with total page 299 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Genetic diversity is the key to crop improvement and food security. There are more than 1500 gene banks around the world, and genetic resources are maintained in nature reserves and on farms. Genetic diversity serves as the starting point for breeding crops with improved nutritional quality, higher yields, and better tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. However, genetic diversity also provides opportunities for diversifying farm and food systems. Utilization depends on access to material and information. However, many gene banks experience backlogs in characterization, evaluation, regeneration, viability tests, plant health monitoring, and information sharing. This research topic focuses on advances in plant genetic resource conservation and utilization.