Principles of Plant Genetic Resources Conservation: Some aspects for a national programme

English

Since the dawn of agriculture, plant germplasm has been continually dwindling. The erosion of crop germplasm was accelerated by recent progress in plant breeding. Farmers' adoption of high-yielding and early-maturing varieties of maize, cowpea, and cassava (to mention only three examples in Ghana) has reduced the genetic base of these staple food crops. Increases in land use and climatic changes are also threatening agricultural biodiversity. Droughts and accompanying bushfires, changes in agricultural practices as well as ethnic conflicts are threatening the agricultural biodiversity in many parts of the world. Conservation of genetic resources and reinstatement of genetic diversity in the major food crops are imperative to feeding our ever-growing population. This paper reviews the spectrum of genetic resources, the usefulness of different segments, conservation targets, and strategies for conserving and using the irreplaceable crop germplasm. Some aspects of Ghana's Plant Genetic Resources Programme, which hitherto had not been given prominence, are highlighted to generate interest and support. The significance of ethnobotanical studies and the need to incorporate such studies in future germplasm collecting missions are also highlighted.

Akromah, R.