Work

Identifying gaps and challenges for conserving crop diversity in genebanks: Lessons from the reviews of national genebanks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined data from 20 national genebanks in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Near East and Asia to identify similarities and differences in genebank operations and processes, funding and facilities, as well as opportunities to strengthen their contributions to the global system of crop conservation and use. Data on genebank performance metrics were collected and used to assess compliance with FAO Genebank Standards. This enabled the analysis of trends in ex situ conservation of major food crops, locally important crops and crop wild relatives across national genebanks and the identification of shared challenges and opportunities to improve genebank operations and address funding gaps. All genebanks in the study failed to meet quality management standards and performance goals for the effective management of crop collections. The most pressing challenge for all national genebanks was the management and safety duplication of highly diverse collections in both seed and field genebanks, often with limited information available to guide best conservation practices. A further critical constraint was the fluctuating and often insufficient funding to support the wide range of tasks needed to secure and use this valuable national crop germplasm.

Source: Plant Genetic Resources

DOI: 10.1017/s1479262125100427

Authors: Jean Hanson, Nelissa Jamora, Paula Bramel

Institutions: International Livestock Research Institute, Global Crop Diversity Trust

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Productivity and Crop Improvement

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Partnerships for the goals, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550