All biotic components are composed of genetic materials, naturally preserved for continuity. Recent developments show that their availability may not be consistently guaranteed.
Germplasm, which refers to the source of the genetic potential of living organisms, is also known as the genetic material of plants or plant genetic resources. This includes seeds or other materials from which plants are propagated.
Biotechnology relies heavily on these resources, and without them, it cannot thrive. This article seeks to identify where germplasm can be safely preserved.
What is Germplasm?
Germplasm can be viewed in various ways, and thus, it attracts different definitions:
- A collection of genetic resources for an organism.
- The genetic material of an organism: This refers to its specific molecular and chemical constitution, which comprises the inherited qualities of the organism.
- A set of propagules: These carry the desired genetic resources.
These definitions emphasize the genetic material as the functional property. In zoological contexts, reference may be made to the preservation of gametes and the animals from which they are derived, but in the agricultural sense, it pertains to plants and their genetic resources.
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Germplasm Storage Centres for Agricultural Preservation
Germplasm can be preserved in standardized places, such as:
1. Seed Banks: Facilities that store seeds under controlled conditions.
2. Crop-Type Collection Centers or Field Gene Banks: Where plant genetic resources are conserved.
3. Natural Ecosystems: Habitats where plants and their germplasm are maintained in their natural state.
4. Collection Missions: Initiatives to gather and preserve genetic material.
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5. Cryopreservation Centers: Facilities for preserving genetic materials at very low temperatures to maintain viability over long periods.
Seeds are the most convenient part of the plant for storage, except for a few species with recalcitrant behavior, such as Telfairia occidentalis.
Under good temperature and humidity conditions, seeds can be stored for several years. Therefore, following collection, reliable seed banks must be established to conserve the collected samples.
Regular checks are crucial to ensure the viability of stored seeds is maintained. The seed bank acts as insurance against the permanent loss of species that have been previously collected.
Germplasm is a vital resource for the preservation of genetic diversity in agriculture. Reliable storage methods, such as seed banks, crop collection centers, natural ecosystems, and cryopreservation centers, are essential for maintaining these genetic materials.
Proper management ensures that biotechnology and agricultural practices continue to have access to the genetic resources necessary for sustainable development.
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