Conservation Approaches of Plant Genetic Resources

The vast pool of biodiversity and genetic variation among plant species and its indubitable role in selection and crop improvement have prompted a lot of attention towards various conservation approaches to preserve plant genetic resources (PGR). The key emphasis in such conservation strategies is identifying genetic diversity and devising suitable conservation measures for the benefit of present and future generations. The large-scale adoption of high-yielding varieties of crop plants gradually caused the depletion of genetic variability among wild varieties of plant species. A large reservoir of genetic resources can help in identifying the best gene pool for favourable characteristics like biotic and abiotic stress tolerance during crop improvement and genetic modifications. These factors demand the identification of proper conservation approaches for plant genetic resources. International efforts for conservation have been going on since the 1970s and now, the advent of new technologies and tools opened wider possibilities for the conservation of PGR. This chapter will discuss various efforts made in plant genetic resources conservation such as in situ and ex situ methods and the role of biotechnology in the conservation and management of PGR like cryopreservation and in vitro approaches.