Conservation and Management of Fruit and Nut Genetic Resources

Genetic resource conservation and the use of fruit and nut crops are complex, owing to their perennial nature and the vast genetic diversity and species diversity present in them, due to their limited exploitation in the past. Though many edible fruit species have been reported, the emphasis on crop improvement and conservation efforts has been limited to a few major crops. In the changing climatic conditions, identification, documentation, evaluation, and utilization of wild forms or landraces of the cultivated fruit crops, as well as other native potential under-utilized fruit species, have become of utmost importance. Cultivation of woody perennial fruit and nut crops, and their conservation, is complicated and requires complementary strategies for effective conservation and utilization. This chapter attempts to elaborate on the approaches needed in fruit and nut genetic resources conservation and the tools for their management in relation to immediate and future applications.