The use of biotechnology in the conservation of tropical germplasm

The rapid erosion of the genetic diversity of both wild and cultivated plants has recently attracted more and more international concern. As a consequence, germplasm conservation techniques have become accessible to protect the third world's germplasm diversity. Several approaches are used for germplasm conservation and utilization. The evaluation and use of these techniques has to be focussed with one important objective; to preserve with as much integrity as possible, the genetic variability of the selected species. Questions have risen about the best way to preserve genetic diversity of the humid tropics, since it is being recognized that these conditions hold much of the world's gene pool of plants. Seed banks are considered the best system for orthodox seed storage. For many tropical species that cannot support dehydration, tissue culture and cryoconservation are the best alternative. Important considerations regarding the adaptation of modern techniques to tropical species have to be carefully analyzed. Quantitative studies of genetic indices of somaclonal variation, or types or mutant plants can be observed. Consideration of plant germplasm as a base for genetic improvement has come a long way, but much remains to be done, particularly, with the plant diversity that exists in the tropics. All efforts to conserve and use genetic resources will contribute to the benefit of future human generations.