Gene banks and their contribution to the breeding of disease resistant cultivars

Summary Genetic variation in crop species and their wild relatives holds the key to the successful breeding of improved crop cultivars with durable resistance to disease. The importance of the conservation, characterization and utilization of plant genetic resources nationally and internationally has been recognised, though much remains to be done. Gene banks have now been established in many countries and at most of the international crop research centres. Cell and tissue culture techniques and biotechnological aids have done much to ensure the creation and safe transfer of healthy germplasm around the world. Multidisciplinary, international research and collaboration are essential to the successful breeding of improved disease resistant cultivars. Examples are given of the effective use of genetic resources in breeding disease resistant cultivars of a number of crops, including cotton, rice, potatoes and pearl millet.