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India is a treasure trove of biological diversity with its plant genetic resources playing a crucial role in the crop improvement serving as the foundation for the country’s sustainable food and nutritional security. India’s in vitro genebank (IVG) is part of the National Genebank at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR). The IVG houses distinctive multi-crop repository that utilizes several tissue culture techniques for short- to medium-term storage in in vitro active genebank (IVAG) and cryoconservation approaches for long-term storage in in vitro base genebank (IVBG). In IVAG, germplasm is conserved under normal and slow growth conditions with a subculture period of 1–36 months depending on the species/genotype and conservation approach. Currently, the IVAG holds 2,038 germplasm accessions (69 genera and 171 species) from six crop groups, viz . (a) tropical fruit crops (449), (b) temperate and minor tropical fruit crops (408), (c) tuber crops (530), (d) bulbous and ornamental crops (187), (e) medicinal and aromatic plants (232), and (f) spices and industrial crops (232). For long-term conservation, in vitro produced explants of various species are cryopreserved at the IVBG in liquid nitrogen. Utilizing various cryoconservation procedures, 347 accessions from several crop groups have been successfully conserved in the IVBG. Over the past four decades, in vitro conservation has been accomplished by the above mentioned cutting-edge techniques. This report highlights the efforts and achievements of the National Genebank in conserving horticultural genetic resources through in vitro and cryoconservation.

Genebanks collect and preserve vast collections of plants and detailed passport information, with the aim of preserving genetic diversity for conservation and breeding. Genetic characterization of such collections has the potential to elucidate the genetic histories of important crops, use marker–trait associations to identify loci controlling traits of interest, search for loci undergoing selection, and contribute to genebank management by identifying taxonomic misassignments and duplicates. We conducted a genomic scan with genotyping by sequencing (GBS) derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 10,038 pepper (Capsicum spp.) accessions from worldwide genebanks and investigated the recent history of this iconic staple. Genomic data detected up to 1,618 duplicate accessions within and between genebanks and showed that taxonomic ambiguity and misclassification often involve interspecific hybrids that are difficult to classify morphologically. We deeply interrogated the genetic diversity of the commonly consumed Capsicum annuum to investigate its history, finding that the kinds of peppers collected in broad regions across the globe overlap considerably. The method ReMIXTURE—using genetic data to quantify the similarity between the complement of peppers from a focal region and those from other regions—was developed to supplement traditional population genetic analyses. The results reflect a vision of pepper as a highly desirable and tradable cultural commodity, spreading rapidly throughout the globe along major maritime and terrestrial trade routes. Marker associations and possible selective sweeps affecting traits such as pungency were observed, and these traits were shown to be distributed nonuniformly across the globe, suggesting that human preferences exerted a primary influence over domesticated pepper genetic structure.

Understanding variation in seed longevity, especially within closely related germplasm, will lead to better understanding of the molecular basis of this trait, which is particularly important for seed genebanks, but is also relevant to anyone handling seeds. We therefore set out to determine the relative seed longevity of diverse Indica rice accessions through storage experiments. Since antioxidants are purported to play a role in seed storability, the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of caryopses were determined. Seeds of 299 Indica rice accessions harvested at 31, 38 and 45 d after heading (DAH) between March and May 2015 and differing in harvest moisture content (MC) were subsequently stored at 10.9 % MC and 45 °C. Samples were taken at regular intervals and sown for germination. Germination data were subjected to probit analysis and the resulting parameters that describe the loss of viability during storage were used for genome-wide association (GWA) analysis. The seed longevity parameters, Ki [initial viability in normal equivalent deviates (NED)], -σ-1 (σ is the time for viability to fall by 1 NED in experimental storage) and p50 [time for viability to fall to 50 % (0 NED)], varied considerably across the 299 Indica accessions. Seed longevity tended to increase as harvest MC decreased and to decrease as harvest MC increased. Eight major loci associated with seed longevity parameters were identified through GWA analysis. The favourable haplotypes on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 9 and 11 enhanced p50 by ratios of 0.22-1.86. This is the first study to describe the extent of variation in σ within a species' variety group. A priori candidate genes selected based on rice genome annotation and gene network ontology databases suggested that the mechanisms conferring high seed longevity might be related to DNA repair and transcription, sugar metabolism, reactive oxygen species scavenging and embryonic/root development.

Genebank management is a field in its own right; it is multifaceted, requiring a diverse set of skills and knowledge. Seed physiology is one area that is critical to the successful operation of seed genebanks, requiring understanding of seed quality during development and maturation, seed dormancy and germination, and seed longevity in storage of the target species. Careful management of the workflow between these activities, as seeds move from harvest to storage, and the recording and management of all relevant associated data, is key to ensuring the effective conservation of plant genetic resources. This review will discuss various aspects of seed physiology that genebank managers should be aware of, to ensure appropriate decisions are made about the handling and management of their seed collections.

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) have provided breeders with several 'game-changing' traits or genes that have boosted crop resilience and global agricultural production. Advances in breeding and genomics have accelerated the identification of valuable CWRs for use in crop improvement. The enhanced genetic diversity of breeding pools carrying optimum combinations of favorable alleles for targeted crop-growing regions is crucial to sustain genetic gain. In parallel, growing sequence information on wild genomes in combination with precise gene-editing tools provide a fast-track route to transform CWRs into ideal future crops. Data-informed germplasm collection and management strategies together with adequate policy support will be equally important to improve access to CWRs and their sustainable use to meet food and nutrition security targets. Exotic genetic libraries in different crops are valuable genetic resources for genetic dissection of complex quantitative traits.An informed choice of crop wild relatives (CWRs) for genetic studies and breeding can be made by taking account of the environmental variables of the collection sites.New breeding tools such as genomic selection and optimum contribution selection help to achieve the optimal combinations of beneficial alleles in exotic × elite crosses.Precise gene-editing tools open new avenues to broaden the array of current food crops by domesticating wild species de novo.Regulating the known crossover suppressors through mutagenesis and ploidy-level change has great potential to disrupt linkage drag.Systematic analysis of genebank collections would guide future germplasm collection strategies by prioritizing both target species and global sites.

As part of conservation of plant genetic resources, long-term storage of seeds is highly relevant for genebanks. Here we present a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies on seed longevity focusing on half-life (P50) under different storage conditions. Six studies were selected for the meta-analysis; in addition, a high number of additional references were included in the discussion of the results. The results show that under ambient conditions, half-life is short, from 5 to 10 years, while under more optimal conditions, which for orthodox seeds is at low humidity and low temperature, half-life is more in the 40−60 years range, although with large interspecies variation. Under long-term genebank conditions, with seeds dried to equilibrium and thereafter kept at minus 18−20°C in waterproof bags or jars, half-life can be twice or three times as long. In general, many of the grain legume seeds, as well as corn, common oat, and common barley are long-lived, while cereal rye, onion, garden lettuce, pepper, and some of the forage grasses are more short-lived. Conditions during maturation and harvesting influence longevity, and proper maturation and gentle handling are known to be of importance. Seed longevity models have been developed to predict final germination based on initial viability, temperature, humidity, storage time, and species information. We compared predicted germination to results from the long-term experiments. The predicted values were higher or much higher than the observed values, which demonstrate that something in the seed handling in the genebanks have not been optimal. Long-term studies are now available with data at least up to 60 years of storage. Our review shows that the knowledge and methodology developed for the conservation of plant genetic resources should also work for wild species of orthodox seed nature.

Premise Ex situ seed banking is critical for plant conservation globally, especially for threatened floras in tropical ecosystems like Hawai‘i. Seed bank managers must maximize longevity, and species managers must plan restoration before seeds lose viability. Previous observations suggested some native Hawaiian seeds lost viability in frozen storage (−18°C). We investigated seed storage behavior in the Hawaiian flora to optimize storage conditions and recommend re‐collection intervals (RCI) to maximize viability of stored seeds. Methods Using 20+ years of real‐time seed storage viability data, we tested freeze sensitivity for 197 species and calculated RCIs for 295 species. Using paired tests of accessions stored >2 yr at 5°C and −18°C, we developed an index of relative performance to determine freeze sensitivity. We calculated RCIs at 70% of highest germination (P70). Results We identified four families (Campanulaceae, Cyperaceae, Rubiaceae, and Urticaceae) and four genera with seed freeze sensitivity and six additional genera with likely freeze sensitivity. Storage longevity was variable, but 195 species had viability >70% at the most recent tests (1 to 20+ yr), 123 species had RCIs >10 yr, and 45 species had RCIs <5 yr. Conclusions Freeze sensitive storage behavior is more widely observed in Hawai‘i than any other regional flora, perhaps due to insufficient testing elsewhere. We present a new protocol to test seed freeze sensitivity, which is often not evident until 2–5 years of storage. Re‐collection intervals will guide restoration practices in Hawai‘i, and results inform seed conservation efforts globally, especially tropical and subtropical regions.

Societal Impact Statement Crop genetic resources, particularly seeds held in ex situ germplasm collections, have enormous value in breeding climate‐resilient crops. Much of this value accrues from information associated with germplasm accessions. Here, we argue that flavor, culinary attributes, and other traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) are important characteristics alongside genomic information and high‐throughput phenotypes. We explore both the value of this information and the potential risks of exploitation of sensitive TEK. We also examine the potential of in situ conservation to preserve not just the genetic diversity of crops, but the TEK associated with them. Summary Crop genetic diversity is essential for meeting the challenges posed to agriculture by a rapidly changing climate. Harnessing that diversity requires well‐organized information, often held by ex situ genebanks and associated databases. However, the characterization of crop germplasm often lacks information on its cultural and culinary background, specifically its flavor or taste. For most crops, characterization data is lacking, but when it is present it is more likely to include whole genome information, high‐throughput estimation of growth characteristics, and chemical profiles indicating flavor rather than details on the dishes for which particular varieties are favored or how smallholder farms have grown particular accessions. This loss of cultural and culinary information, and the broader loss of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), is more than just missing information. It is a loss of legacy when landraces are no longer grown by the communities that developed them. In the face of climate change, TEK has great value for developing more sustainable or resilient practices. And with increasingly global palettes, we must balance consumers enjoying dishes from new crops with the appropriation of culturally meaningful foods. Our aim here is to explore this flavor gap, to understand the risks in sharing data and the benefits of honoring long‐established uses. We emphasize the importance of ensuring the fair representation of diverse peoples in genebanks and consider both ex situ and in situ conservation approaches. Finally, we analyze the impact of modern breeding choices on culinary diversity, emphasizing the preservation of ancestral knowledge and flavor profiles. সামাজিক প্রভাব বিবৃতি: শস্য জিনগত সম্পদ, বিশেষত যে শস্যবীজগুলি ex situ germplasm সংগ্ৰহের অংশ হিসেবে সংরক্ষিত হয়, জলবায়ু পরিবর্তন প্রতিরোধী শস্য প্রজননে তাদের গুরুত্ব অপরিসীম। এই বীজগুলির মূল্যায়ন মূলত করা হয় নির্দিষ্ট germplasm accessionগুলির বিষয়ে উপলব্ধ তথ্যাবলীর ভিত্তিতে। এই গবেষণামূলক প্রবন্ধের মাধ্যমে আমরা যুক্তি দ্বারা প্রমাণ করেছি যে স্বাদ, সুবাস, বিভিন্ন ধরনের রন্ধন বৈশিষ্ট্য ও অন্যান্য পরম্পরাগত পরিবেশজ্ঞান (Traditional Ecological Knowledge/TEK), genetic তথ্য ও high‐throughput phenotype র মতই গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। আমরা এই তথ্যাবলীগুলির মূল্য বিশ্লেষণ করেছি এবং TEKর সংবেদনশীল তথ্যাবলীর শোষণের সম্ভাব্য বিপদের পর্যালোচনা করেছি। এছাড়াও আমরা শস্যের জিনগত বৈচিত্র্য অক্ষুণ্ন রাখার সঙ্গে তাদের সাথে অঙ্গাঙ্গিভাবে জড়িয়ে থাকা TEKগুলিকেও বাঁচিয়ে রাখার জন্য, in situ সংরক্ষণের সম্ভাবনা পরীক্ষা করে দেখেছি ।. Crop genetic resources, particularly seeds held in ex situ germplasm collections, have enormous value in breeding climate‐resilient crops. Much of this value accrues from information associated with germplasm accessions. Here, we argue that flavor, culinary attributes, and other traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) are important characteristics alongside genomic information and high‐throughput phenotypes. We explore both the value of this information and the potential risks of exploitation of sensitive TEK. We also examine the potential of in situ conservation to preserve not just the genetic diversity of crops, but the TEK associated with them.

The entire collection of cultivated barley germplasm accessions conserved in the Indian National Genebank (INGB) was characterized for nine qualitative and 8 quantitative traits to assess the nature and magnitude of prevailing genetic variability and to develop a core set. A wide range of variability was observed for days to spike emergence (51–139 days), days to physiological maturity (100–152 days), plant height (45.96–171.32 cm), spike length (3.44–13.73 cm), grain number/spike (10.48–82.35), and 100-grain weight (1.20–6.86 g). Initially, seven independent core sets were derived using 3 core construction tools– MSTRAT, PowerCore, and Core Hunter 3 by employing the maximization method, heuristic sampling, and optimisation of average genetic distances, respectively. The core set-3 generated by Core Hunter 3 by simultaneous optimisation of diversity and representativeness, captured maximum genetic diversity of the whole collection as evident from the desirable genetic distance, variance difference percentage (VD; 87.5%), coincidence rate of range (CR; 94.27%) and variable rate of coefficient of variance (VR; 113.8%), which were more than threshold value of VD (80%), CR (80%), and VR (100%) required for good core collection. The coefficient of variation and Shannon–Weaver diversity indices were increased in the core set as compared with the whole collection. The low value of Kullback-Leibler distance (0.024–0.071) for all traits and quantile-quantile plots revealed a negligible difference between trait distribution patterns among the core set and entire assembly. Correlogram revealed that trait associations and their magnitude were conserved for most of the traits after sampling of the core set. The extraction of the INGB barley core set and identification of promising accessions for agronomically important traits in different genetic backgrounds will pave the way for expedited access to genetically diverse and agronomically important germplasm for barley breeding.

BackgroundIsoberlinia (Craib and Stapf) is a genus with high economic and pharmacological values.AimThis study aimed at establishing the morphological, anatomical and molecular characterisation of the leaves of I. doka and I. tomentosa, which were conducted for proper authentication.SettingThe leaves of I. doka and I. tomentosa were obtained from Shika, kaduna State, Nigeria.MethodMorphological and anatomical characters were determined according to standard procedures, while molecular identifications were performed using ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcl) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA barcode’s region.ResultMorphological studies revealed similar features for both species except for the shiny leaves of I. doka and rough abaxial surfaces of I. tomentosa because of the presence of trichomes. Variations were observed in their epidermal features, stomatal index, stomata frequency, presence or absence of trichomes, trichomes frequency and their quantitative anatomical features. The quantity and quality of DNA measured at A260/280 ratio using nanodrop spectrophotometer were 29.1 ng/μL and 1.74 ng/μL for I. doka, respectively, while the I. tomentosa concentration and purity were 71.1 ng/μL and 1.85 ng/μL, respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed two DNA bands with 700 bp (rbcl) and 600 bp (ITS). The sequence analysis revealed maximum identity with National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GeneBank Isoberlinia species. Evolutionary analysis supported the monophyletic origin of the genus Isoberlinia. The morphological and anatomical characters of I. doka and I. tomentosa leaves have provided a significant taxonomy tool for proper authentication of this plant.ConclusionThe findings ascertained that ITS and rbcl served as an improved and efficient tool for species identification of these studied species and could serve as potential DNA barcodes for these taxa.ContributionThis article suggests that further studies the on screening of these plants, for various pharmacological potentials, might be useful for new drug development.