Ebooks

The growing global population and the challenges posed by climate change underscore the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. The foundation of these practices lies in the genetic diversity of plant resources, which is essential for breeding resilient and productive crops. "Advanced Techniques in Plant Genetic Resources" addresses this critical need by providing an in-depth exploration of the latest methodologies and technologies used in the conservation, characterization, and utilization of plant genetic resources. This book is structured to serve as a comprehensive guide for researchers, students, and professionals in the fields of plant science, genetics, and agriculture. It brings together contributions from leading experts worldwide, presenting a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications. Our goal is to offer readers both the knowledge and tools needed to navigate and contribute to the dynamic landscape of plant genetic resource management. The chapters cover a broad spectrum of topics, including: • Conservation Strategies: In situ and ex situ conservation methods, cryopreservation, and seed banks. • Characterization Techniques: Molecular markers, genomic sequencing, and phenotyping technologies. • Utilization Approaches: Breeding strategies, biotechnological interventions, and the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). • Data Management: Bioinformatics tools, databases, and information systems for managing genetic resource data. • Policy and Ethical Considerations: Intellectual property rights, access and benefit-sharing agreements, and the socio-economic impacts of genetic resource utilization.

Cryopreservation Cryo is a Greek word (krayos-frost). It literally means preservation in frozen state. Cryopreservation is the non lethal storage of biological material at ultra-low temperatures. At the temperature of liquid nitrogen (-196?C) almost all metabolic activities of cells are ceased and the sample can then be preserved in such state for extended periods. This is to bring plant cells or tissues to a zero metabolism and non-dividing state by reducing the temperature in the presence of cryoprotectant. However only few biological materials can be frozen without affecting the cell viability. It can be done by using, • Over solid carbon dioxide (at -79 degree) • Low temperature deep freezer(-80 degree) • In vapour phase nitrogen(at -150 degree) • In liquid nitrogen(at -196 degree) Among these, liquid nitrogen is most widely used material for cryopreservation because it is chemically inert, relatively low cost, Nontoxic, Non-flammable and Readily available.

Introduction This led to an extended debate and international co-operation in the recognition of plant-related intellectual property rights, resulting in a greater attention being paid to questions of ownership of genetic resources. At the same time concerns for sustainable use of biological diversity were also raised. One of the major events was the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which came into force in 1993, which was adopted during the Rio Earth Summit of the United Nations. It was the first legally binding institutional mechanism, providing for conservation and sustainable use of all biological diversity and intends to establish the process of the equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biodiversity. The Convention on Biological Diversity The CBD was conceived in the 1980s and was negotiated under the leadership of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It was adapted in June 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, at the Earth Summit, and is effective since December 1993.

Introduction According to Frankel (1957), plant introduction is the transposition of a genetic entity from an environment to which it is attuned to one in which it is untried. According to Bennett (1965), the introduction of wild plants into cultivation and the successful transfer of cultivars, with their genotypes unaltered, to new environments is called as ‘primary’ plant introduction and the rest as ‘secondary’ introduction. However, both are equally meaningful for effective use of plant germplasm. Types of Plant Introduction 1. Primary Introduction 2. Secondary Introduction 1. Primary Introduction When the introduced crop or variety is well suited to the new environment, it is directly grown or cultivated without any alteration in the original genotype. This is known as primary introduction. E.g. IR. 8, IR 20, IR 34, IR 50 rice varieties; oil palm varieties introduced from Malaysia and Mashuri rice from Malaysia.

Introduction It is carried out by 15 centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium, in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations, and the private sector. History It was formed in response to the widespread concern in the mid-20th century that rapid increase in human populations would soon lead to widespread famine. The Rockefeller Foundation and the Mexican government, in 1943 laid the seeds for the Green Revolution when they established the Office of Special Studies, which led to establishment of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in 1960 and International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) in 1963. However, these foundations alone could not fund all the agricultural research and development efforts needed to feed the world’s population. In 1969, the Pearson Commission on International Development urged the international community to undertake “intensive international effort” to support “research specializing in food supplies and tropical agriculture”. Thus, with the support of World Bank, FAO and UNDP, CGIAR was established on May 19, 1971, to coordinate international agricultural research efforts aimed at reducing poverty and achieving food security in developing countries