Molecular methods in the conservation and use of plant genetic resources

Three areas of plant genetic resources conservation can usefully be distinguished; locating and describing the available diversity, developing effective conservation procedures, and identifying materials and methods that are needed by users. Genetic information plays a significant part in determining the effectiveness of work in all of these areas, and molecular markers now provide an excellent way of obtaining large amounts of genetic data to inform the conservation process. Molecular studies have provided information on crop taxonomy and evolution, on geographic and ecological aspects of the extent and distribution of genetic diversity and on the processes that have given rise to observed patterns of variation. They have been used to try and identify duplications in ex situ genebanks, to test accession stability and integrity and to support the development of core collections. Molecular genetic studies are also being increasingly used to support improved use of plant genetic resources and new techniques are likely to offer substantial opportunities for Further developments. However, the use of molecular markers in conservation work raises a number of interesting and important questions concerning the most important areas of study, the appropriate methods to use and the interpretation of the information obtained.