ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) is the primary institute in India responsible for the acquisition and management of plant genetic resources (PGR) of indigenous and exotic origin. Its purpose is to conduct research and development for the benefit of the farming community and the achievement of sustainable development goals. PGR management activities include conservation through seed bank, tissue culture and cryopreservation, quarantine for biosecurity, characterization and evaluation, pre-breeding, utilization, crop wild relatives, generation of genomic resources, policy support, and documentation. Currently, the National Genebank holds over 4.74 lakh accessions from 2217 species, including genetic stocks, elite lines, wild relatives, breeding lines, varieties, hybrids, parental lines, landraces, and primitive cultivars. More than 2.5 lakh accessions have been characterized. The current chapter deals with comprehensive account of the current status of germplasm holdings in the National Genebank, including detailed notes on collection, characterization, evaluation, conservation strategies, and the identification of core, mini-core, and trait-specific reference sets. Additionally, it discusses genomic resources, PGR informatics tools available for researchers and breeders, policy support, and documentation. The chapter’s primary aim is to offer an extensive overview of the establishment, functions, and significance of the genebank in conserving plant genetic diversity, improving crop varieties, and promoting collaboration and networking. By providing this in-depth understanding, the chapter highlights the critical role of the National Genebank of India in conserving plant biodiversity and supporting agricultural advancements.