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Khoury CK, Brush S, Costich DE, Curry HA, de Haan S, Engels JMM, Guarino L, Hoban S, Mercer KL, Miller AJ, Nabhan GP, Perales HR, Richards C, Riggins C, Thormann I. Crop genetic erosion: understanding and responding to loss of crop diversity. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 233:84-118. [PMID: 34515358 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Crop diversity underpins the productivity, resilience and adaptive capacity of agriculture. Loss of this diversity, termed crop genetic erosion, is therefore concerning. While alarms regarding evident declines in crop diversity have been raised for over a century, the magnitude, trajectory, drivers and significance of these losses remain insufficiently understood. We outline the various definitions, measurements, scales and sources of information on crop genetic erosion. We then provide a synthesis of evidence regarding changes in the diversity of traditional crop landraces on farms, modern crop cultivars in agriculture, crop wild relatives in their natural habitats and crop genetic resources held in conservation repositories. This evidence indicates that marked losses, but also maintenance and increases in diversity, have occurred in all these contexts, the extent depending on species, taxonomic and geographic scale, and region, as well as analytical approach. We discuss steps needed to further advance knowledge around the agricultural and societal significance, as well as conservation implications, of crop genetic erosion. Finally, we propose actions to mitigate, stem and reverse further losses of crop diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin K Khoury
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Km 17, Recta Cali-Palmira, Apartado Aéreo 6713, 763537, Cali, Colombia
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, 1 N. Grand Blvd, St Louis, MO, 63103, USA
- San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA, 92024, USA
| | - Stephen Brush
- University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave., Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Denise E Costich
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Carretera México-Veracruz, Km. 45, El Batán, 56237, Texcoco, México
| | - Helen Anne Curry
- Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RH, UK
| | - Stef de Haan
- International Potato Center (CIP), Avenida La Molina 1895, La Molina, Apartado Postal 1558, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Luigi Guarino
- Global Crop Diversity Trust, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 7, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sean Hoban
- The Morton Arboretum, The Center for Tree Science, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL, 60532, USA
| | - Kristin L Mercer
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Allison J Miller
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, 1 N. Grand Blvd, St Louis, MO, 63103, USA
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N Warson Rd, St Louis, MO, 63132, USA
| | - Gary P Nabhan
- Southwest Center and Institute of the Environment, University of Arizona, 1401 E. First St., PO Box 210185, Tucson, AZ, 85721-0185, USA
| | - Hugo R Perales
- Departamento de Agroecología, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal, Chiapas, 29290, México
| | - Chris Richards
- National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1111 South Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Chance Riggins
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, 331 Edward R. Madigan Lab, 1201 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Imke Thormann
- Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV), Deichmanns Aue 29, 53179, Bonn, Germany
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Germplasm Conservation: Instrumental in Agricultural Biodiversity—A Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13126743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Germplasm is a valuable natural resource that provides knowledge about the genetic composition of a species and is crucial for conserving plant diversity. Germplasm protection strategies not only involve rescuing plant species threatened with extinction, but also help preserve all essential plants, on which rests the survival of all organisms. The successful use of genetic resources necessitates their diligent collection, storage, analysis, documentation, and exchange. Slow growth cultures, cryopreservation, pollen and DNA banks, botanical gardens, genetic reserves, and farmers’ fields are a few germplasm conservation techniques being employed. However, the adoption of in-vitro techniques with any chance of genetic instability could lead to the destruction of the entire substance, but the improved understanding of basic regeneration biology would, in turn, undoubtedly increase the capacity to regenerate new plants, thus expanding selection possibilities. Germplasm conservation seeks to conserve endangered and vulnerable plant species worldwide for future proliferation and development; it is also the bedrock of agricultural production.
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