Linking in situ and ex situ conservation with use of crop wild relatives.

This study presents the status of ex situ and in situ conservation for the crop wild relatives of rice, potato, sweet potato, and finger millet in Brazil, and the subsequent germplasm collection expeditions. This research is part of a global initiative entitled “Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change: Collecting, Protecting, and Preparing Crop Wild Relatives” supported by the Global Crop Diversity Trust. Species of the primary, secondary, and tertiary gene pools with occurrences reported in Brazil were included: Oryza alta Swallen, O. grandiglumis (Döll) Prod., O. latifolia Desv., O. glumaepatula Steud., Eleusine tristachya (Lam.) Lam., E. indica (L.) Gaertn., Solanum commersonii Dunal, S. chacoense Bitter, Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O’Donell, I. ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, I. tiliacea (Willd.) Choisy, I. triloba L., and I. cynanchifolia Meisn. The status of the ex situ and in situ conservation of each taxon was assessed using the gap analysis methodology, and the results were used to plan 16 germplasm collection expeditions. Seeds of the collected material were evaluated for viability, and the protocols for seed germination and cryopreservation were tested. The final conservation score, resulting from the gap analysis and including the average of the ex situ and in situ scores, resulted in a classification of medium priority of conservation for all the species, with the exception of I. grandifolia (high priority). The total accessions collected (174) almost doubled the total accessions of these crop wild relatives incorporated in Embrapa’s ex situ conservation system prior to 2015. In addition, accessions for practically absent species were collected for the ex situ conservation system, such as Ipomoea species, Eleusine indica, and Solanum chacoense. The methods used for dormancy breaking and low temperature conservation for the Oryza, Eleusine, and Ipomoea species were promising for the incorporation of accessions in the respective gene banks. The results show the importance of efforts to collect and conserve ex situ crop wild relatives in Brazil based on previous gap analysis. The complementarity with the in situ strategy also appears to be very promising in the country.

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In situ and ex situ conservation gap analyses of crop wild relatives from Malawi

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution ◽

10.1007/s10722-020-01021-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nolipher Khaki Mponya ◽

Tembo Chanyenga ◽

Joana Magos Brehm ◽

Nigel Maxted

Keyword(s):

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Conservation Strategy ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Grid Cells ◽

Ex Situ Collections ◽

Minimum Number

Abstract The study analysed the conservation gaps of the priority crop wild relatives (CWR) taxa for Malawi in order to contribute to the development of a harmonized conservation strategy that helps secure the priority CWR under in situ and ex situ. We used taxa distribution modelling, complementarity analysis and ecogeographic land characterization map to analyse spatial diversity and distribution of 123 priority taxa across different adaptive scenarios. We identified areas of observed and predicted richness, the minimum number of protected areas (PAs) that conserve the broadest ecogeographic diversity in situ and the minimum number of grid cells that capture highest diversity outside PAs to recommend the establishment of genetic reserves. We then analysed the representativeness of the conserved ecogeographic diversity of target taxa in ex situ collections to identify ex situ conservation gaps and advise for priority areas for ex situ collections. For the 123 taxa, 70.7% of the total diversity occurs in 36 PAs with 66.8% of the diversity captured in only 10 complementary PAs. Outside PAs, the broadest diversity was conserved in three grid cells of size 5 × 5 km. Fifty-three of 123 taxa have ex situ collections with only three taxa having ex situ collections at the Malawi Plant Genetic Resources Centre. The findings of this study will guide formulation of conservation actions for the priority taxa as well as lobbying for active conservation of the same under in situ and ex situ.

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Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) Priority in Italy: Distribution, Ecology, In situ and Ex situ Conservation and Expected Actions

10.20944/preprints202012.0691.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Enrico Vito Perrino ◽

Robert Philipp Wagensommer

Keyword(s):

Geographical Distribution ◽

Plant Communities ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Gene Pools

The study presents an updated overview of the 14 non-endemic threatened Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) in Italy: Aegilops biuncialis, Ae. uniaristata, Ae. ventricosa, Asparagus pastorianus, Beta macrocarpa, Brassica insularis, B. montana, Crambe hispanica subsp. hispanica, C. tataria subsp. tataria, Ipomoea sagittata, Lathyrus amphicarpos, L. palustris, Vicia cusnae and V. serinica. Geographical distribution, ecology (with plant communities and habitat 92/43/EEC aspects), genetics (focused on gene pools), property, and in situ and ex situ conservation were analyzed. In addition, with the aim of their protection and valorization, specific actions are recommended.

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NATIVE SEEDS/SEARCH: BRIDGING IN SITU AND EX SITU CONSERVATION OF NATIVE SOUTHWESTERN CROPS

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.25.9.1179d ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 25 (9) ◽

pp. 1179d-1179

Author(s):

Gary Paul Nabhan ◽

Mahina Drees ◽

Kevin Dahl

Keyword(s):

Native American ◽

International Organizations ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

In Situ Conservation ◽

Genetic Erosion ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Educational Materials

The binational Southwest remains rich in native crop land races and crop wild relatives, despite numerous pressures favoring genetic erosion. Native Seeds/SEARCH is promoting in situ conservation in traditional Indian fields and nearby wild habitats, but also maintains a gene bank as a back-up, to allow future reintroductions. Seeds are distributed to Native American communities for free, and their value is reinforced through a variety of educational materials and presentations. Our regional focus allows us to serve as an effective bridge between in situ and ex situ conservationists, between Indian and international organizations, and between tribes. Methods, ethics and accomplishments to date will be highlighted.

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Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) Priority in Italy: Distribution, Ecology, In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation and Expected Actions

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13041682 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1682 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Enrico Vito Perrino ◽

Robert Philipp Wagensommer

Keyword(s):

Geographical Distribution ◽

Plant Communities ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Gene Pools

The study presents an updated overview of the 14 non-endemic threatened crop wild relatives (CWR) in Italy: Aegilops biuncialis, Ae. uniaristata, Ae. ventricosa, Asparagus pastorianus, Beta macrocarpa, Brassica insularis, B. montana, Crambe hispanica subsp. hispanica, C. tataria subsp. tataria, Ipomoea sagittata, Lathyrus amphicarpos, L. palustris, Vicia cusnae and V. serinica. Geographical distribution, ecology (with plant communities and habitat 92/43/EEC aspects), genetics (focused on gene pools), property, and in situ and ex situ conservation were analyzed. In addition, with the aim of their protection and valorization, specific actions are recommended.

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Main Challenges and Actions Needed to Improve Conservation and Sustainable Use of Our Crop Wild Relatives

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants9080968 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 968 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Johannes M. M. Engels ◽

Imke Thormann

Keyword(s):

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

In Situ Conservation ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Current Status ◽

Threat Status

Crop wild relatives (CWR, plural CWRs) are those wild species that are regarded as the ancestors of our cultivated crops. It was only at the end of the last century that they were accorded a high priority for their conservation and, thus, for many genebanks, they are a new and somewhat unknown set of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. After defining and characterizing CWR and their general threat status, providing an assessment of biological peculiarities of CWR with respect to conservation management, illustrating the need for prioritization and addressing the importance of data and information, we made a detailed assessment of specific aspects of CWRs of direct relevance for their conservation and use. This assessment was complemented by an overview of the current status of CWRs conservation and use, including facts and figures on the in situ conservation, on the ex situ conservation in genebanks and botanic gardens, as well as of the advantages of a combination of in situ and ex situ conservation, the so-called complementary conservation approach. In addition, a brief assessment of the situation with respect to the use of CWRs was made. From these assessments we derived the needs for action in order to achieve a more effective and efficient conservation and use, specifically with respect to the documentation of CWRs, their in situ and ex situ, as well as their complementarity conservation, and how synergies between these components can be obtained. The review was concluded with suggestions on how use can be strengthened, as well as the conservation system at large at the local, national, and regional/international level. Finally, based on the foregoing assessments, a number of recommendations were elaborated on how CWRs can be better conserved and used in order to exploit their potential benefits more effectively.

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Spatial analyses of occurrence data of crop wild relatives (CWR) taxa as tools for selection of sites for conservation of priority CWR in Zambia

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

10.1017/s1479262118000497 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 103-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Dickson Ng'uni ◽

Graybill Munkombwe ◽

Godfrey Mwila ◽

Hannes Gaisberger ◽

Joana Magos Brehm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crop Improvement ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Relative Distribution ◽

Spatial Analyses ◽

Threat Status ◽

Occurrence Data

AbstractCrop wild relatives (CWR) are valuable gene pools for crop improvement and offer unique potential and opportunity for enhancing food security and adaptation to climate change. However, current actions towards conservation of plant genetic resources in Zambia do not adequately cover CWR occurring in the country. The article describes the process leading to the development of a national strategic action plan (NSAP) for the conservation and sustainable use of priority CWR in Zambia. Based on 59 prioritized crops, a partial checklist of 459 CWR taxa was generated from the national flora checklist of 6305 taxa. The generated CWR taxa were prioritized based on the socio-economic value of the related crop, their utilization potential in crop improvement, relative distribution and threat status to produce 30 prioritized CWR taxa. Occurrence data were compiled for all CWR inventory taxa and used in spatial analyses to establish species distribution, species richness, gaps in in situ conservation and genebank collections, and to identify priority sites for in situ conservation and ex situ collecting. Consistent with the national developmental agenda, along with the contribution of national stakeholders, spatial analyses of occurrence data of priority CWR taxa are valuable input for the development of the NSAP for the conservation and sustainable use of the priority CWR.

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Conservation gap analysis of crop wild relatives in Turkey

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

10.1017/s1479262118000564 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 164-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Necla Tas ◽

George West ◽

Gun Kircalioglu ◽

S. Boyraz Topaloglu ◽

Jade Phillips ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gap Analysis ◽

Agricultural Research ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Wild Plant ◽

Taxon Richness ◽

Central Research ◽

Research Institute

AbstractCrop wild relatives (CWR) are wild plant taxa relatively closely related to crops that can contribute beneficial traits for crop improvement, such as biotic and abiotic stress resistance. Turkey has a rich flora of approximately 11,000 higher plant taxa, has two Vavilov centres of crop diversity (i.e. the Mediterranean and the Near East), is recognized as the cradle of agriculture providing the northern boundary of the Fertile Crescent, and has recently been identified as the country with the highest concentration of CWR diversity. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a gap analysis of CWR genetic diversity in Turkey using existing data sources of 458 of the 764 priority CWR taxa with available georeferenced data. In total, 27,597 presence points were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Aegean Agricultural Research Institute in Menemen and Field Crops Central Research Institute, Ankara. Geographic Information System (GIS) software was used to identify taxon richness, sampling bias, future ex situ population collection and location where existing protected sites could form the basis of national network of in situ genetic reserves. CWR taxon richness was located along the Aegean Coast, Syrian border and southern Mediterranean coast. Current ex situ representation of CWR taxa is inadequate and further collection across the entire country is required. The highest priority in situ reserve location is found in Izmir, Sanliurfa and Antalya province, which reflects overall CWR richness.

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CROP WILD RELATIVES IN VOLOGDA PROVINCE, RECOMMENDED FOR IN SITU CONSERVATION

VAVILOVIA ◽

10.30901/2658-3860-2019-1-12-30 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 12-30

Author(s):

L. Yu. Shipilina

Keyword(s):

In Situ Conservation ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Endangered Plants ◽

Economic Traits ◽

Species Vulnerability ◽

Priority Method ◽

Rare And Endangered

Background. Preservation of crop wild relatives (CWR) as natural suppliers of genetic source material (GSM) is the foundation of food security. In situ conservation is considered the highest priority method. By preserving species in their natural communities, we safeguard all the genetic diversity that can be used as sources of valuable economic traits. The criteria developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) are unable to assess the significance of crop wild relatives at the regional level. With this in view, we have used the vulnerability status categories developed at VIR. Materials and methods. Crop wild relatives of Vologda Province were the target of the study. Research material was selected in VIR’s herbarium collection (WIR, LE), along with literary data and the results of the plant exploration surveys by VIR’s scientists. The species listed in the Red Books of Leningrad, Pskov and Novgorod Provinces, the Red Book of Karelia, and the list of rare and endangered plants (2015) of Vologda Province were analyzed. For the first time, plants were tested specifically to determine the species’ vulnerability degree. On the basis of such testing, CWR requiring special conservation measures were identified. Results and conclusions. Sixty-six CWR species that require in situ conservation occur in Vologda Province. The collected materials helped to develop databases of locations for the taxa studied. In total, we identified nine species with the vulnerability status of Category I (Corylus avellana L., Onobrychis arenaria (Kit.) Ser., Phleum phleoides (L.) Karst., Thymus talijevii Klok. Et Shost., Bistorta vivipara (L.) S.F. Gray, Gypsophila fastigiata L., Koeleria glauca (Spreng.) DC., Leymus arenarius (L.) Hochst., and Scorzonera glabra Rupr.). Maps of the species with the first vulnerability status category were made. Category II was assigned to 19 species; Category III, to 38 species. The species requiring special conservation efforts were identified: relicts (11 spp.) and endemics (1 sp.). Twenty-eight species are in the list of rare and endangered plants (2015) of Vologda Province. Nizhnesukhonsky floristic area stands out for its rich CWR diversity. In addition to in situ conservation within protected areas of various ranks, the species included into Categories I and II should be conserved ex situ in botanical gardens and genetic collections held by research institutes in the northwest of Russia.

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