Geographic information systems (GIS) and the conservation and use of plant genetic resources (original) (raw)
Related papers
2011
Ecogeographic studies provide critical information on plant genetic resources (PGR) to assess their current conservation status and prioritize areas for conservation. They have also proven useful for effective genebank management, such as the definition of core collections and identification of collection gaps. Geographic information systems (GIS) are useful tools for mapping ecogeographic distributions of biodiversity. GIS allow complex analyses to be performed, as well as clearly visualizing results in maps, which facilitates decision making and implementation of conservation policies by authorities.
Computer tools for spatial analysis of plant genetic resources data: 1. DIVA-GIS
Bulletin de Ressources Phytogénétiques, 2001
Computer tools for spatial analysis of plant genetic resources data: 1. DIVA-GIS The DIVA-GIS software allows analysis of genebank and herbarium databases to elucidate genetic, ecological and geographic patterns in the distribution of crops and wild species. It useful for scientists who cannot afford generic commercial GIS software, or do not have the time to learn how to use it, and for others who require a GIS that is specifically designed for genetic resources work. Coordinate data are often absent from genebank databases, or if present are sometimes inaccurate. DIVA-GIS helps improve data quality by assigning coordinates, using a large digital gazetteer. DIVA-GIS can also be used to check existing coordinates using overlays of the collection-site and administrative boundary databases. Maps can then be made of the collection sites. Analytical functions implemented in DIVA include mapping of richness and diversity, distribution of useful traits and location of areas with complementary diversity. DIVA can also extract climate data for all terrestrial locations, which can be used to describe the environment of collection sites.
Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, 2010
Old landraces and obsolete cultivars represent a national heritage that must be conserved for future generations. Similarly, crop wild relatives (CWR) are a valuable gene pool for plant breeding or for direct introduction as a new crop. These materials have been mapped, collected, evaluated, regenerated, and conserved in the Gene Bank. In total, 3726 seed and vegetative samples have been collected in the Czech Republic, as well as 1582 abroad (in Slovakia, Poland and Austria) during cross-border cooperation projects. All collecting sites (over 1000) were located by GPS and plotted using the Geobaze Professional 2.8 mapping software. Altogether, 688 samples were declared as a national collection, and 627 seed accessions were conserved in the Gene Bank. In addition, 842 accessions of fruits were recommended for in situ conservation. Selected species of the families Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Alliaceae, which are rare or threatened in the Czech Republic, have been monitored in situ for 3–...
2008
The overall goal of the project “Global Information on Germplasm Accessions” is to improve access by breeders and other users to the germplasm they need in gene banks around the world. The project covers all major food crops, with a focus on 22 crops: banana, barley, beans, breadfruit, cassava, chickpea, coconut, cowpea, faba bean, finger millet, grass pea, maize, major aroids, lentil, pearl millet, pigeon pea, potato, rice, sorghum, sweet potato, wheat, and yam, and a limited number of other crops of interest to the project collaborators.
HORTICULTURAL GENETIC RESOURCES COLLECTIONS: THEIR CHARACTERISTICS, STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Acta horticulturae
The paper compares horticultural genetic resources collections with genetic resources collections at large, assesses their characteristics, strengths and weaknesses with the aim of identifying specific management requirements to conserve horticultural crop germplasm more efficiently and effectively. To facilitate such a comparison, a historical review of plant genetic resources (PGR) conservation efforts has been made with special reference to the period when conservation approaches and procedures were developed and a global network of base collections was established. A brief historical overview of the conceptual and technical developments of utilizing germplasm is presented. As the use of germplasm is closely related to PGR availability, the paper provides a brief description of the major PGR policy and legal issues, mainly those that impact on access and benefit sharing arrangements. A detailed analysis of the collecting efforts of horticultural crops by the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) as well as of the existing major global horticultural germplasm collections is presented, with a special focus on vegetable crops and The World Vegetable Center (AVRDC). Finally, generic biological aspects and peculiarities of horticultural genetic resources are analyzed in the context of current germplasm management procedures. Genetic diversity considerations of horticultural crops, their frequently localized distribution, current breeding practices and other aspects are being analyzed to see how germplasm collection management practices can be improved. Based on these analyses and reviews, general recommendations have been made and conclusions have been drawn for a more effective and efficient global conservation approach and organization.
Applied Geography, 2018
Several types of research can be conducted with data about plant collections stored in databases. Although geographic coordinates are on many specimens, the accuracy of this information is often questionable due to several factors. This paper introduces a new method to analyze the quality of spatial data and, when necessary, a way to search for coordinates based on data in other existing fields in a herbarium database. We propose implementing a tool to assist curators in evaluating and improving the quality of geographic data that is made available to the public and used for scientific research, establishing public policies, and environmental management. To validate our approach and its efficiency, a case study was conducted. The present work demonstrates that it is possible to develop and apply a methodology to streamline the process of improving data quality in databases of herbarium collections.
Using GIS to check co-ordinates of genebank accessions
1999
The geographic coordinates of the locations where germplasm accessions have been collected are usually documented in genebank databases. However, the coordinate data are often incomplete and may contain errors. This paper describes procedures to check for errors, to determine the cause of these errors and to assign new coordinates , using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). These procedures can assist in improving the quality of genebank databases, and with that, increase the capability for analysis and use of crop genetic diversity.