In situ Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources-Some Global Perspectives*

Abstract

The global perspectives of in situ conservation are discussed with
emphasis on crop and forage genetic resources. The parts of the gene
pools vary according to how they contribute useful variation. In some
crops high priority is allocated to wild relatives. Various complementary
methods of conservation are dealt with. It is stressed that pragmatic
decisions need to be taken up case by case, as done by IBPGR with clonal
crops. The amount of efforts to be placed on in situ conservation will vary
from it only being a small component in the case of tropical root and tuber
gene pools to being the major component for rubber, cacao and many
fruits. The urgency in the study ofgenetic diversity for in situ conservation
sites, biosphere reserves, etc. is highlighted. The needfor a minimum level
of understanding of diversity patterns as a prerequisite for sorting out
biosphere resources is stressed. Scientific planning is required in collection,
conservation vis-a-vis management of this diversity. IBPGR's role in this
context is highlighted and the need for training more personnel stressed.