Ghana Gene Bank
摘要
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (CSIR-PGRRI) serves as Ghana’s National Gene Bank and has been a leader in the management of plant genetic resources for nearly six decades. To date, the gene bank has collected and conserved over 12,000 accessions of various crops, including cereals, legumes, root and tuber crops, vegetables, spices, tree crops, medicinal plants, and timber species. Additionally, it has characterized over 2698 accessions and conserved orthodox seeds under cold storage. For crops that are difficult to conserve under cold storage, the institute has established field gene banks and an in-vitro conservation facility. The Institute has also focused on developing human resources in plant genetic resources (PGRs) management and improving infrastructure, collaborating with local and external partners. Germplasm has been distributed to breeders for use in their breeding programs and directly to farmers. Through collaboration, the gene bank has introduced germplasm of taro, Bambara groundnut, cowpea, and other legumes that are tolerant to abiotic and biotic stresses, thereby expanding the genetic base of these commodities and benefiting farmers. The Institute’s efforts have contributed to the conservation of Ghana’s diverse PGRs and supported their sustainable utilization for wealth creation, not only within Ghana but also beyond its borders. Ghana is committed to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). With the necessary support, the gene bank aims to become a center of excellence in PGR conservation and use. This chapter presents the status of conservation of the PGR of Ghana, current research, and prospects of the Ghana Gene Bank.