Overview of Plant Genetic Resources Conservation

Biodiversity on a global scale comprises natural resources that are often exploited for the benefit of humanity. However, these natural resources are finite, making it necessary to implement preservation strategies. Genetic resources are biological species primarily characterized by their utility in human nutrition. Phytogenetic or plant genetic resources belong to the Plantae kingdom and serve a similar purpose. Each country has public policies aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of these resources, using several strategies, including in situ conservation (preservation within the natural habitat of each plant species) and ex situ conservation (preservation outside the natural habitat of each plant species). Certain phytogenetic resources have their centers of origin and diversification in specific countries or geographic areas, leading conservation efforts to focus on these specific biological forms. In particular cases, the significance of a genetic resource is so pronounced that it is safeguarded in national collections or scientific conservation centers known as biobanks. These centers aim to conserve the largest possible germplasm quantity from wild and cultivated phytogenetic resources. This chapter provides a general overview of plant genetic resource conservation, discussing its significance, strategies, and how these actions are implemented worldwide.