Germplasm Appropriation and Its Management in Agriculture

In this article, the focus is on germplasm appropriation. An appropriation may be defined as an act of taking something that belongs to someone else, especially without permission. The content explains how farmers’ rights to genetic resources are often usurped.

Farmers’ Rights and Germplasm Appropriation

The concept of Farmers’ Rights was formulated as retrospective equity to acknowledge the contributions made by farmers in conserving, improving, and making plant genetic resources available particularly in centres of origin and diversity.

These rights were vested in the international community as trustees for present and future generations of farmers. Implementation was proposed through an international fund for plant genetic resources.

In many regions, there is inadequate collaboration, consultation, and harmonisation at regional and continental levels regarding the development, movement, and use of high-yielding vegetatively propagated materials and seed.

This has resulted in restrictive seed certification and variety release requirements, which vary between countries. Combined with stringent phytosanitary and foreign currency regulations, these serve as non-tariff barriers that obstruct seed exchange.

In most cases, farmers are unaware of their rights and may be deprived of rightful benefits. Improved coordination and capacity building at national, regional, and continental levels are required to overcome constraints in seed trade by harmonising seed rules and improving relevant policies.

Read Also: Major Genetic Differences between Tropical and Temperate Livestock Breeds

Germplasm Appropriation Practices in Nigeria

Germplasm appropriation in Nigeria appears to be passive, if not entirely absent. Despite Nigeria being part of the International Treaty Community, many known species are disappearing from their natural habitats without control, documentation, or assessment.

Individuals may collect biodiversity for preservation without legal authority and outside any registered or controlled environments. Farmers and users have observed that some native herps are no longer found. There is no enforced legislation that promotes or supports germplasm appropriation.

Regeneration of Germplasm in Agriculture

Regeneration refers to renewing germplasm accessions by sowing and harvesting seeds that retain the characteristics of the original population.

Germplasm regeneration is critical in genebank management because it carries risks to the genetic integrity of accessions, such as selection pressure, outcrossing, and mechanical mixtures.

It is best conducted in the postrainy season when low humidity and absence of rain minimise pest and disease incidence, enhancing seed quality. The short daylength in this season induces flowering in photosensitive accessions.

ICRISAT genetic resources scientists, in collaboration with Bioversity International (formerly IPGRI), have developed regeneration guidelines for sorghum, pearl millet, pigeon pea, and finger millet.

Purposes of Germplasm Regeneration

1. Initial seed increase: For new collections or donations, seed quantities are often insufficient for direct conservation or may have low viability. Such materials must be multiplied.

2. Long-term conservation: For seed accessions not included in base or backup collections.

3. Replenish seed stocks: For accessions with low viability (below 75%) or insufficient quantity (<50g for cereals, <100g for legumes). Preferably, active collections should be regenerated using seeds from the base collection. For cross-pollinating crops like pearl millet, sorghum, and pigeon pea, using active collection seeds for up to three cycles before returning to base seeds is acceptable.

4. Meet special requirements: Certain accessions are frequently requested or possess valuable traits (e.g., high yield, disease resistance). These need targeted regeneration for distribution, research, or repatriation.

Important Considerations During Germplasm Regeneration

1. Environmental suitability: Choose locations that reduce natural selection.

2. Dormancy and germination requirements: Apply treatments like scarification if needed.

3. Spacing and pollination: Ensure correct spacing and understand the crop’s breeding system.

Steps in the Germplasm Regeneration Process

1. Regeneration Site Selection

Whenever possible, regenerate accessions in their ecological origin. Alternatively, use locations that preserve genetic diversity or collaborate with institutions that offer suitable environments. The biotic environment must be examined to ensure it does not negatively affect plant development or genetic integrity.

2. Selecting Accessions for Regeneration

Prioritise accessions with poor viability over those with limited quantity. Base collection accessions should take precedence over active ones.

3. Field Preparation for Regeneration

Fields should be uniform with proper drainage. Conduct soil analysis and apply required treatments (e.g., fertilisers, irrigation). Solarise fields where possible to eliminate soil-borne pathogens.

4. Field setup should consider:

i. Number of accessions and plants per accession

ii. Row and plant spacing

iii. Accessibility for maintenance activities

Preparation depends on soil structure, species, and whether plant supports are needed (e.g., for climbing Cajanus species).

Solarisation Method in Agricultural Regeneration

Solarisation involves heating soil with polyethylene sheets during peak summer to control soilborne diseases, especially fusarium wilt in chickpea and pigeon pea. This method protects susceptible plants and ensures cleaner regeneration.

1. Steps for solarisation:

i. Cultivate and level the land

ii. Irrigate with 50 mm of water before laying sheets

iii. Use clear, 25–100 μm thick polythene sheets

iv. Bury sheet edges securely and use weights

v. Leave a 0.5 m buffer zone near the edge

vii. Prevent entry of water from non-solarised areas

Maintaining Cleanliness During Germplasm Regeneration

Identify and minimise the presence of weeds, pests, and pathogens using appropriate treatments such as herbicides or sterilisation. Maintain clean plots and avoid alien pollen contamination. Ensure land preparation suits the method of plant establishment (ridges or flatbeds).

Fertiliser and Weed Management in Regeneration

Fertiliser requirements vary with crop and site. Where feasible, conduct soil tests to determine application needs. Perform 2–3 manual weedings, depending on weed pressure.

Read Also: Crossbreeding as Tool for Tropical Livestock Improvement

Preparation and Selection of Seed for Regeneration

Newly acquired seeds should be dried, threshed, and cleaned. For stored seeds:

i. Identify accessions needing regeneration
ii. Remove them from storage a day in advance

ii. Draw samples considering required quantity and viability

iii. Label seeds accurately using genebank systems

Seed Pretreatment Procedures

To enhance germination and plant establishment:

i. Break dormancy using scarification or stratification

ii. Apply seed dressings to control disease and insect damage

iii. Treat legumes with Rhizobium

iv. Pre-germinate wild species or those with few seeds in controlled environments

Crop Management During Germplasm Regeneration

Regeneration differs from commercial production due to the need to preserve genetic traits. To maximise seed yield and avoid loss of genetic variation:

i. Use ≥100 plants for cross-pollinating species and 25–50 for self-pollinators

ii. Provide favourable growing conditions

iii. Control weeds

iv. Ensure high survival rate

Regular plant inspection is necessary throughout the process.

Timing and Strategy for Sowing

Sow at the best time to align maturity and harvest with favourable conditions. If flowering times vary among accessions, sort based on maturity and adjust sowing plans accordingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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