Saudi Arabia Gene Bank
摘要
Plant genetic resources (PGRs), including landraces, old and new varieties, elite lines, wild plant relatives, and breeding material (breeder seed, basic seed, mutant populations), are crucial for global food security and nutrition. Therefore, safeguarding PGR is essential for present and future generations. In this regard, Saudi Arabia is not only preserving its local genetic resources of crops and horticultural plants but also the international PGR at the seed center and PGR bank. The PGR Bank of Saudi Arabia operates under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and is equipped with state-of-the-art in situ and ex situ conservation facilities. This chapter discusses the goals and aims of the Saudi PGR bank, its role in safeguarding crop diversity and improvement, various methods of PGR conservation, and details about its laboratories and facilities. Additionally, information about the current PGR preserved at the Saudi PGR bank through ex situ or in situ preservation methods is provided. It also highlights the importance of biotechnology, molecular biology, and next-generation sequencing technology in curating the gene bank and accessing the genetic diversity held in the available PGR. Further, the challenges being faced by the conservationists are also discussed. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the significance of seed centers and gene banks for sustainable food and agriculture systems to ensure current and future global nutrition and food security.