Plant genetic resources management in Ghana: Some challenges in legumes

English

Legume genetic resources play a very significant role in supplying food for man and livestock, and in improving soil fertility. With this recognition, efforts toward its sustainable use should be the ultimate goal in its conservation. The Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, serving as the national gene bank of Ghana, together with other stakeholders, had made strenuous efforts in managing the legume genetic resources in the country, which constitute the basic ‘building blocks\' for crop improvement. However, several challenges hamper effective and sustainable management and use. This paper outlines problems confronting legume genetic resources in the area of germplasm collection, characterization, evaluation, regeneration, multiplication, distribution, utilization and conservation, together with suggested solutions that would ensure the effective and efficient management of legume genetic resources in Ghana.

Aboagye, L. M.