Collecting plant genetic diversity : technical guidelines

Biodiversity is essential for sustainable development, and cultures from ancient times to the present day have exploited biodiversity. With the advent of scientific breeding, new plant varieties have been developed. Plant breeders are dependent upon the availability of a large pool of diverse genetic material represented by local races and wild relatives. Without the ability to draw from a diverse genetic reservoir, further improvement may not be possible. It is therefore essential that guidance is available on collecting plant germplasm. This volume is a comprehensive reference work providing the prospective collector of plant germplasm with generic as well as specific, and theoretical as well as practical, information. It is aimed at both new and experienced collectors as well as those with a general interest in plant genetics, breeding and biodiversity.