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Embrapa Network for Brazilian Plant Genetic Resources Conservation
Alfredo Augusto Cunha Alves1, Vânia Cristina Rennó Azevedo2
11 Embrapa Cassava & Fruits (CNPMF) , Cruz das Almas, Brazil .
Biopreservation and Biobanking
|October 17, 2018
Summary
Embrapa has developed a national network for plant genetic resource conservation over 45 years, managing diverse genebanks and promoting biodiversity for Brazilian agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Plant Genetics
Background:
- Brazil, a megadiverse country, relies heavily on foreign genetic resources for agriculture.
- Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) has been central to Brazil's genetic resource management since 1973.
- Developing a robust national network for plant genetic resources is crucial for agricultural sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on Embrapa's 45-year experience in building and improving a national network for plant genetic resource preservation.
- To detail the evolution of Embrapa's genetic resource management systems.
- To highlight the scope and accessibility of Brazil's plant genetic resources.
Main Methods:
- Evolutionary analysis of Embrapa's genetic resource network models (RENARGEN, Platform RG, Portfolio REGEN/RGV).
- Description of ex situ (genebanks, seed, in vitro, DNA banks) and in situ/on-farm conservation strategies.
- Data compilation on the size, diversity, and documentation of Embrapa's collections.
Main Results:
- Embrapa manages 134 active genebanks (∼150,000 accessions, 1130 species) and a long-term seed bank (Colbase: 123,000 accessions, 735 species).
- Collections include in vitro and DNA banks, complemented by in situ and on-farm conservation efforts.
- The Embrapa Alelo system documents 65% of collections, facilitating access, quarantine, and germplasm exchange, with data migration to Genesys planned.
Conclusions:
- Embrapa has established a comprehensive national network for plant genetic resource conservation and management.
- The network encompasses diverse conservation methods and extensive collections, crucial for Brazil's agricultural sector.
- Significant germplasm exchange has occurred, though a substantial portion remains imported, underscoring the need for continued national efforts.
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