Integration of Conservation Strategies of Plant Genetic ... - Genres

In situ conservation
An important part of plant genetic resources conservation is traditionally made in several Natural Parks
or, simply, in some protected areas where many endemic species are naturally grown, under protection.
Some endemic species are benefiting from national recovering programmes, as is the case for: Pilularia
minuta Durieu ex A. Braun, Herniaria algarvica Chaudri, Omphalodes kuzinskyanae Willk.,
Asphodelus bento-rainha P. Silva, Narcissus scaberulus Henriq., Avenula hackelli (Henriq.) J. Holub.
and Tuberaria major (Wilk.) P. Silva & Rozeira.
Some of the work in in situ plant preservation, under the aegis of the Ministry of the Environment, is
accompanied by studies of crop production, that may reduce the anthropogenic pressure over the wild
species in nature.
The in situ conservation of endemic, or otherwise endangered autoctonous species, whenever it is
recommended, is complemented by ex situ conservation.
Some of the germplasm utilization work in course is being conducted in collaboration with International
Organizations, such as the European Council and the Royal Botanical Gardens (Kew).
Prospects for plant genetic resources in Portugal
The valuable plant germplasm collections, existing in Portugal are a powerful means to support an
increase of biodiversity in agriculture. However, this material is spread over numerous Institutions,
within four Ministries, requiring an urgent coordination effort to make them more easily available.
In order to achieve this coordination, an Inter ministerial National Centre for PGR is to be implemented,
in Portugal. Its proposed main scopes are:
- To establishe and up date an inventory of the material and human resources involved in
collection, evaluation and utilization of plant genetic resources;
- to compile and publish national data on collection, evaluation and utilization of plant genetic
resources;
- to define a duplication policy on national base collections;
- to established minimum standards for plant genetic resources conservation and the surveillance
of its correct implementation;
- to formulate the criteria for accession and exchange of germplasm with the proposition for
adequate legislation;
- to delineate and up date of a National Program for plant genetic resources collection, evaluation
and utilization;
- to coordinate the national effort with the International Organizations on plant genetic resources
endeavors.
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