U.S. ratification of Plant Treaty: benefit sharing ambiguity for plant genomics researchers does not change

Plant genomics data and information are widely acknowledged to have potential benefits for plant breeding and global food security. Yet, at present, there is a great deal of confusion over potential benefit sharing obligations arising from use of genomics data and information, particularly if the data and information are derived from plant genetic resources accessed from gene banks that are part of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources in Food and Agriculture (Treaty) Multilateral System (MLS). To some extent, this lack of clarity stemmed from the fact that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Plant Germplasm System was not, until recently, part of the Treaty MLS. In October 2016, however, the U.S. ratified the Treaty. This paper addresses whether the U.S. ratification of the Treaty has ameliorated or exacerbated the confusion. In reviewing Treaty benefit sharing obligations and their impact on plant genomics pre- and post-U.S. ratification, it appears that ambiguity around genomics data and information is largely unchanged. In light of this, the paper recommends further dialogue about this important issue.     

Emerging Trends in Seedbanking for Food and Agriculture: An International Perspective

Seeds are vulnerable to a variety of threats resulting in extinction. Collection of seeds and saving them in secure facilities—seedbanks—to be shared for breeding disease-resistant varieties is the best solution. Working in the spirit of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the Global Crop Diversity Trust, the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, and the Food and Agriculture Organization played a vital role in establishing over 1,700 seedbanks worldwide. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, known as Doomsday Vault, is an example of a global backup system for the planet's plant genetic resources.     

“Facilitated access” to plant genetic resources: does it work?

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture entered into force in 2004 and is an important instrument by which plant breeders can access crop genetic diversity on the basis of multilateral “facilitated access”. To test how well access works, we sent seed requests to 121 countries that are Contracting Parties to the Treaty. Seeds were received from 44 countries, 54 countries did not respond, while for 23 countries contacts stopped for various reasons: loss of communication, the accessions we requested did not exist or were not in the multilateral system, or conditions or standard material transfer agreements were different from those specified in the Treaty. It is concluded that after nearly 10 years, “facilitated access” is not straightforward.     

Towards the selection of taxa for plant genetic conservation

The signing and ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity has resulted in increased scientific and public interest in the conservation and utilisation of biological diversity. This has in turn triggered the need to develop more effective methodologies to conserve biological diversity for the benefit of all humanity. One of the first factors to be considered when conserving botanical diversity is the efficient and effective selection of the target taxa. The aim of this paper is not to set detailed priorities for the genetic conservation of the plant genetic resources of any particular crop or species complex, but to draw attention to the factors that should be considered when formulating priorities. The factors that are considered important when selecting plant genetic resource targets are: current conservation status; potential economic use; threat of genetic erosion; genetic distinctiveness; ecogeographic distribution; biological importance; cultural importance; cost, feasibility and sustainability; legislation; ethical and aesthetic considerations; and priorities of the conservation agency undertaking the conservation. Each of these factors is discussed in turn. Although it is not possible to provide a single methodology for the selection of plant genetic resource targets at this time, it is hoped that the consideration the factors discussed will make the selection of target taxa more object, make better use of the limited conservation resources and thus enhance the process of genetic conservation as a whole.     

Population baseline data for monitoring genetic diversity loss for 2010: A case study for Brassica species in the UK

The Convention on Biological Diversity and the subsequent International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture have proved a watershed in plant genetic resources (PGR) conservation and consequent initiatives have set various PGR conservation targets to be met by 2010. The aim of our paper is to develop ideas and issues concerning the monitoring of natural genetic resources: particularly in terms of developing a baseline from which to measure levels of genetic diversity. Three species of Brassica (B. nigra, B. oleracea, B. rapa) found wild in the UK were assessed for levels of genetic diversity using AFLP. The relationship between genetic distribution and ecogeographic distribution was considered for each species to determine patterns that may be useful in formulating conservation strategies. Genetic distance between populations of B. nigra and B. rapa were correlated to geographic distance. Levels of genetic polymorphism in B. oleracea were correlated to soil pH while in B. rapa they were correlated to soil coarseness. In terms of PGR conservation these findings may suggest an emphasis toward in situ conservation of a selection of disparate populations would be appropriate where possible as such adaptations may be lost in ex situ collections.     

Wheat genetic resources enhancement by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) acts as a catalyst and leader in a global maize and wheat innovation network that serves the poor in the developing world. Drawing on strong science and effective partnerships, CIMMYT researchers create, share, and use knowledge and technology to increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability of farming systems and sustain natural resources. This people-centered mission does not ignore the fact that CIMMYT’s unique niche is as a genetic resources enhancement center for the developing world, as shown by this review article focusing on wheat. CIMMYT’s value proposition resides therefore in its use of crop genetic diversity: conserving it, studying it, adding value to it, and sharing it in enhanced form with clients worldwide. The main undertakings include: long-term safe conservation of world heritage of both crop resources for future generations, in line with formal agreements under the 2004 International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, understanding the rich genetic diversity of two of the most important staples worldwide, exploiting the untapped value of crop genetic resources through discovery of specific, strategically-important traits required for current and future generations of target beneficiaries, and development of strategic germplasm through innovative genetic enhancement. Finally, the Center needs to ensure that its main products reach end-users and improve their livelihoods. In this regard, CIMMYT is the main international, public source of wheat seed-embedded technology to reduce vulnerability and alleviate poverty, helping farmers move from subsistence to income-generating production systems. Beyond a focus on higher grain yields and value-added germplasm, CIMMYT plays an “integrative” role in crop and natural resource management research, promoting the efficient use of water and other inputs, lower production costs, better management of biotic stresses, and enhanced system diversity and resilience.     

A paradigm shift in the discipline of plant genetic resources

Since the beginning of the 90s, a paradigm shift has become evident in the case of plant genetic resources. This is the result of basic changes such asThese developments are of major and wide-reaching importance for the problem of biodiversity. In order to prepare gene banks for future responsibilities, the concept of integrated gene banks will be introduced here. In order to set a broader framework for securing plant genetic resources, a new discipline, agrobiodiversity, will be delineated.     

Data analysis for molecular characterization of plant genetic resources

Characterizations of plant genetic resources based on molecular markers have been increased in the last years. Studies using a broad range of markers applied on hundreds of plant species are the theoretical basis for inferring genetic diversity to propose both breeding and conservation strategies. Despite increased importance of molecular characterization in plant genetic resources, there is scarce information about analysis of this type of data. To fill this gap of information, this review discuss the rationale behind analyses achieved to study genetic relationship among accessions (within and between groups) and to identify accession, and also discuss the adequacy of some analyses and/or parameters for specific purposes. Genetic diversity within groups may be either quantified for the whole group (parameters to choose will depend on type of marker), or quantified and visualized for the relationships among individuals. Quantification parameters will be chosen depending on type of marker, reproduction mode and relatedness of individuals. Visualization is achieved by hierarchical and non-hierarchical methods. Genetic diversity between groups should be quantified either by analysis of molecular variance, or Nei’s parameters, or Wright’s F-statistics. Efficiency of accession identification can be evaluated by maximal probability of identical match by chance and number of resolved genotypes.     

The Dynamics of on-farm Management of Sorghum in Ethiopia: Implication for the Conservation and Improvement of Plant Genetic Resources

On-farm conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture has received strong support worldwide in recent years. It has been justified on appealing assumptions: it complements ex situ conservation, allows co-evolutionary interaction of host–pathogens and crop–weed complexes, and involves local knowledge systems. This article illustrates how on-farm conservation being set for its sake is extremely difficult under farmers’ dynamic management of plant genetic resources based on sorghum. The dynamics of their management could be explained by continued introduction, displacement, loss and maintenance of aboriginal landraces that have distinct functional attributes, patch-occupancy and relative abundance profiles. Such management and hence the dynamic landrace demography has largely been triggered by co-evolving biophysical stresses, spatial and seasonal variations. The best viable alternative to support farmers’ management of genetic resources is to link conservation to crop improvement both to enhance on-farm genetic diversity and make the biophysical environment a comfortable home for the plant genotypes.     

Conserving the genetic resources of crop wild relatives in European Protected Areas

European native plant diversity is currently suffering erosion and extinction and thus, it is crucial to improve conservation strategies to maintain this essential resource. If unchecked, this genetic erosion and species extinction will cause unnecessary and irreversible harm to the economy and social well being of Europe. Much plant biodiversity is undoubtedly found in the existing 9654 European protected areas that cover 1,066,358 km², but clearly targeted and active conservation of priority plant species is required within these protected areas. To help ensure more efficient long-term sustainable conservation, a novel approach to the in situ conservation of European plants, notably crop wild relatives, is suggested. The purpose of this approach is to know what plant genetic resources (PGR) we have, where they are located and to assess whether the current network of protected areas includes a representative sample of European PGR diversity. The generation of in situ conservation and management plans for PGR populations in existing protected areas can significantly improve the present conservation status. Additionally, the identification of gaps of certain PGR in current protected areas can provide the basis for the designation of new complementary PGR in situ reserves.     

Diversity of culturable bacteria and occurrence of phytopathogenic species in bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) preserved in a germplasm bank

The preservation of plant genetic resources involves the conservation of the microbial biota associated with them. The presence of culturable bacteria in a series of 16 bean seed batches, corresponding to nine local bean varieties, stored in a germplasm bank was studied by amplifying and sequencing the 16S rDNA. Microorganisms identified in seed lots were classified into three groups: environmental biota (present in all samples), biota characteristic of humans and animals (present in 53?% of samples) and phytopathogenic biota (present in 19?% of samples). Genus diversity ranged between 0.6931 and 2.0942 according to the Shannon–Weaver Index (H’), the sample presenting the highest number of plant pathogenic bacteria being the most diverse. This result suggests that contrary to common practice in diagnostic laboratories, it is necessary to identify all culturable bacteria isolates from each sample. In addition, the fact that potentially phytopathogenic bacteria have been preserved in a genebank should emphasize the importance of rigorous sanitary controls for plant genetic resources.     

水土保持与水资源可持续开发利用的探讨

水循环是自然界水体的自然规律,也是水资源可持续开发利用的基础,任何破坏水循环机理的因素都将阻碍水资源可持续开发利用;相反,有利于水循环机理的因素都将促进水资源可持续开发利用。这里从水循环机理分析水资源可持续开发利用与水土保持的内在联系,分析水土流失和植被破坏对水资源开发利用的影响,探讨水资源可持续开发利用与水土保持的辩证关系,进一步阐述水土保持在水资源可持续开发利用工作中的重要作用。     

Linking the gaps between conservation research and conservation management of rare dipterocarps: A case study of Shorea lumutensis

To conserve a rare plant, conservation programs must be guided by the biological attributes of the species. What constitutes the most critical biological information for plant conservation has been the issue of discussion for the last 30 years. Most scientists promote an approach that is either ecological or genetic in emphasis. Ecological and genetic processes will often interact synergistically to influence the population viability and to determine the persistence of populations in the long run. Consequently, conservation management of plant species, in addition to ecological information, requires a robust understanding of underlying genetic processes as well as the variation within and between populations. Conservation has a cost and the resources available for conservation programs are always limited. Therefore, conservation management strategies should not only be scientifically justified but also practical in terms of resource availability. Shorea lumutensis is a rare and endemic dipterocarp in Peninsular Malaysia. A comprehensive research activity was initiated to assess the population ecology and population genetics of S. lumutensis to elucidate specific ecological and genetic requirements and subsequently to set conservation strategies and priorities. This paper is apparently the first attempt at applying both the ecological and genetic approaches into conservation management of a rare dipterocarp. In addition, this paper also attempts to link the gaps between conservation research and conservation management in a realistic manner. It is our hope that this study will serve as a model for the study of other rare dipterocarps which should be given priority for conservation.     

Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Research Under Field Conditions: Basic Principles and Methodology

In the agricultural science, soil fertility and plant nutrition have played an important role during the 20th century in increasing crop yields. In the 21st century, importance of this field is still expanding due to the limitations of natural resources (land and water), sustainable agriculture, and concern about environmental pollution. In this context, increasing crop yields will be associated with rational use of chemical fertilizers, increasing use of organic sources of nutrients, recycling of plant available nutrients, and exploiting genetic potential of crop species or cultivars within species in efficient use of nutrients. Hence, in the future, increasing crop yields will be a challenge for agricultural and soil scientists. Conducting fertilizer field trials for adequate sources, methods, rates, timing of application along with crop species or genotypes within species, under different agroecological regions are necessary to generate data and their use for achieving maximum economic crop yields. The objective of this article is to present basic concepts and discuss methodology of soil fertility and plant nutrition research under field conditions.     

The use of genetic resources in crop improvement: Lessons from China

The use of crop genetic resources in improvement programmes should be the ultimate objective of all undertakings in the field of germplasm resources. The present situation and future direction of the use of crop germplasm in China was assessed from responses to a questionnaire distributed to 165 plant breeders and curators nationwide. The general opinions for the limiting factors of germplasm utilization were also evaluated. Responses from the questionnaire indicated that the use of germplasm in breeding programmes is much more important than the direct use of germplasm in crop production as cultivars released. Among different types of crop genetic resources, released varieties and breeding lines contribute more to crop breeding. Wild relatives and genetic stocks, however, are expected to play a greater role in the future. Landraces will remain important in improvement. Limited useful germplasm available to breeders is the basic reason for the insufficient use of germplasm in crop breeding at present. The complex reasons which affect the availability of useful germplasm involve the research level, links between breeder and curator and others. To counter these, we propose some suggestions and measures which can be implemented in the near future.     

Genetic variation in germplasm accessions of Secale vavilovii Grossh

Summary The accurate identification and classification of wild species enhance the utilization of potential plant genetic resources. The wild rye species Secale vavilovii Grossh. may serve to broaden the genetic variation in cultivated rye, S. cereale. The combined analyses of cytological, isozymic and other genetic characteristics in the present study revealed that of the fourteen rye accessions designated as S. vavilovii, only three accessions were correctly classified. Thus it is essential to increase multidisciplinary, international research and collaboration to aid in the classification and utilization of the yet untapped plant germplasm.     

A problem of the rich: Prioritizing local plant genetic resources for ex situ conservation in Israel

A priority list of 323 plant species was created through a consultative process for ex situ conservation in the recently inaugurated Israel Plant Gene Bank (IGB). The IGB is set up to preserve plant genetic resources and the endangered genetic variability of the Israeli flora. Upon its inauguration, we consulted with the country’s leading plant breeders and botanists in an attempt to create a list of the most important plant species to be included in the initial collections. The list includes crop wild relatives (CWRs), selected according to their contribution to humans: edible plants (grains, vegetables, oil); forage plants; species with potential industrial and biotechnological applications (e.g. spices, medicinal plants, aromatic plants, fibers, dyes), and species with horticultural and forestry potential. We further ranked the species on the basis of assessed values for each of seven characteristics: distribution range in the country; abundance; rarity of the growing habitats; endemism; red number index—representing imminent threat of extinction; availability of samples in Israeli collections, and genetic relationship to cultivated crops. The sum of the assessed values for these seven characteristics was used to group the species on the list into four main prioritized-collection schemes. Statistical analysis indicated that all attributes had similar influence on the collecting prioritization scheme. In general, rare species with low abundance in their growing habitats were ranked in the highest priority group, while highly distributed species were sorted together into a lower priority group. The prioritization scheme will be used to optimize the collection in the IGB with the aim of establishing its collecting activities.     

植物耐铝机理研究进展

铝毒是酸性土壤上作物生产的主要限制因子,植物耐铝机理以及与耐铝有关基因的研究是近十多年来研究的热点。本文对植物耐铝的生理、遗传及分子机理的研究进展作了综述。明确了目前取得的突破性进展已使通过植物遗传育种及生物技术手段提高粮食作物耐铝性成为可能;同时,本文对今后的研究方向作了简要的讨论。