Horticultural Genetic Resources Conservation: Priorities, Challenges and Way Forward

Abstract

Farmers all over the world find it profitable to diversify into horticultural crops, and worldwide production of horticultural crops has grown faster than that of cereal crops. Given this state of affairs, what could be priorities, challenges, and the way for forward in conserving and utilizing HGR? Answers to these questions are discussed in this chapter. Issues discussed include: collecting and establishing (genebanks of different types) has been the priority for the country followed by proper characterization and evaluation of accessions conserved. Additionally, there is a need to identify gaps in extant collections/genebanks, and focus on measures on filling such gaps. Collecting of plant germplasm faces challenges of different nature, especially in the case of HGR, which comprises of many diverse tree and shrub species, little known or poorly described wild species as in the case of medicinal plants, and poorly documented under used and rare fruit species. It is important to recognize successful conservation methods of crop genetic resources on-farm, and it is only possible with the full involvement of farmers and communities and only when it is internalized with farmers’ production activities directed to improve their livelihood. Various challenges faced by ex situ conservation of HGR are also discussed in this chapter. We also include some thoughts on the human dimension of conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. Conservation and sustainable use of HGR has multidimensional problems and requires urgent attention of various stakeholders.