INFORMATION ACCESS TO PLANT GENE FUND IN THE SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

Plant gene fund is a public resource, the benefits of which must be used in the interest of society. In this context, information activities are at the core of ensuring a comprehensive approach and interaction among all stakeholders. During the period 1982‑2017 the fund of National Genebank in IPGR Sadovo is enriched with 51 556 accessions. Documentation system Phyto 2000 optimizes the management of plant genetic resources in order to their targeted storage, study, reproduction, free exchange and use. 9 626 accessions are collected from expeditions, included local varieties and populations of private gardens and small farms and wild forms from their natural habitats. There are 36 108 genotypes, introduced by international free exchange. 5 822 breeding materials – lines and varieties, are registered. Collections from cereals, leguminous, technical and fodder crops, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants are created. All seed samples are recorded, according to the international standards of FAO and Bioversity International. Passport data includes taxonomic descriptions, biological status and eco-geographical origin of the accessions. Existing European cooperation in the ECPGR allows better coordination between genebanks and the users of the plant gene fund. The EURISCO electronic catalogue provides free information access to the stored ex situ collections in Europe. The AEGIS initiative focuses on the conservation of local plant genetic resources - an inexhaustible source of useful qualities for improvement of crops and a basis for development of sustainable agriculture.