Diversity and Erosion in Genetic Resources of Spices

Abstract

Genetic resources are global assets of inestimable value to human kind,which holds the key to increasing food security. The loss of variationin crops due to the modernization of agriculture has been described asgenetic erosion. The current status of the genetic diversity and erosionin spice crops is discussed in this chapter. Human intervention into thenatural habitats of wild and related species in centers of diversity,diseases, and pests plays an important role in the loss of older speciesand varieties. This is further complicated by climate change andreproductive behavior of crop species. The Genetic erosion of cultivateddiversity is reflected in a modernization bottleneck in the diversitylevels that occurred during the history of the crop. Two stages in thisbottleneck are recognized: the initial replacement of landraces bymodern cultivars and further trends in diversity as a consequence ofmodern breeding practices. The factors contributing to erosion is due tothe enormous diversity in cultivated plants, population growth,deforestation, erosion, changing land use, and climate factors are majorthreats to the existing biodiversity of the region. Urbanization isincreasing and agriculture is changing from subsistence based on highlymarket-driven farming. Although these changes have increased incomes ofthe populations of wild habitants to certain extent, not all of them arefor the good. In particular, biodiversity is declining as a result ofsome of these changes. It is mandate to conserve the vanishing plantgenetic resources and to understand better the linkages betweenagricultural and economic system that affect diversity and sustainableproduction. Genetic erosion may occur at three levels of integration:crop, variety, and allele. Thus, genetic erosion is reflected in thereduction of allelic richness in conjunction with events at varietylevel. This requires immediate efforts to understand and implement theeffective multiplication and conservation strategies using bothconventional and modern technologies to save the loss of the valuablegenetic resources and preserve them for posterity. An important aspectis also to include genetic resource conservation as an important part inour social life.