Techniques for conservation of plant germplasm

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Introduction

Concepts and importance of conservation of plant genetic resources.


A simple model of plant genetic conservation


Conservation is the process that actively retains the diversity of the gene pool with a view to actual or potential utilization.
Utilization is the human exploitation of that genetic diversity.



Definitions:

Ex situ conservation means the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats.

In situ conservation means the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surrounding and, in the case of domesticates or cultivated species, in the surrounding where they have developed their distinctive properties.


Seed storage conservation
Collection of seed samples at one location and their transfer to a gene bank for storage. The samples are usually dried to a suitable low moisture content and then kept a sub-zero temperatures.