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Preserving crop diversity: further work by the Plant Genetic Resources Section
At its meeting on 13 October, the CTPS Plant Genetic Resources Section continued its work towards the conservation and promotion of cultivated diversity. In particular, this meeting provided an opportunity to examine new proposals for deposits to the National Collection, to discuss progress in the characterisation of resources, and to take stock of several regulatory developments and initiatives aimed at raising the profile of French collections. All these issues contribute to strengthening the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for the benefit of agriculture, research and society.
How can we better understand, share and promote the plant genetic resources conserved in France? This question was at the heart of several discussions within the Section.
Among the main points examined was the review of proposals to add various species to the National Collection: fruit, olive, vegetable and cereal crops. The discussions highlighted the richness and diversity of the proposed resources, whilst emphasising the importance of having sufficient descriptive and historical data to document their heritage, agronomic or scientific value.
Members continued their discussions on resource characterisation data. The aim is to have reliable and harmonised information to facilitate the identification, preservation and future use of these resources, while taking into account the practical realities faced by collection managers.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to take stock of the actions undertaken to raise the profile of resources conserved in France. Their registration in national and international information systems helps to raise awareness of them and encourages their use by stakeholders in research, plant breeding and conservation.
Participants also discussed a number of European regulatory developments that are likely to influence, in the medium term, the management and movement of plant resources.
As the discussions progressed, a shared ambition emerged: to strengthen the collective capacity to preserve a precious genetic heritage, which is a driver of innovation and adaptation in the face of agricultural, environmental and climate challenges.
