Plant Genetic Resources and Germplasm Use in India

Plant genetic resource (PGR) scientists now recognize theimportance of shifting from a singular focus on conservation to a focus onboth conservation and utilization of germplasm in order to meet futurechallenges. This paper analyzes the patterns of distribution of pearl millet,six small millets, chickpea and pigeonpea germplasm over the last 10 yearsat the two major genebanks functioning in India: the National Genebank atthe National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) and a ConsultativeGroup for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Genebank at theInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), aswell as the patterns of use of germplasm by millet breeders in India. Betweenthe years of 1999-2009, ICRISAT distributed approximately 48 per cent of allits collections to breeders in India whereas NBPGR distributed 36 per centof their collection. A total of 20 responses (30 per cent of surveys sent) werecollected through this study. Sixty-five percent of respondents said that theyrarely (<50 per cent of the time) use germplasm from genebanks in theirbreeding programs. It is important that both genebanks look into severalissues in order to improve levels of distribution and utilization, collection,duplication, engagement of the private sector, access to information, andpre-breeding

C A Bonham et al., 'Plant Genetic Resources and Germplasm Use in India', Asian Biotechnology and Development Review, vol. 12(3), pp.17-34, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, 2011