Plant genetic resources

Training Certificate issued by INEA-University School of Agricultural Engineering.

Content:

• Conservation of plant genetic resources: Strategies and techniques used to preserve the genetic diversity of plant species of agricultural and ecological interest, ensuring their availability for future generations and their sustainable use.
• Germplasm banks: example, in vitro culture: Facilities and methodologies used to store and preserve germplasm of plant species, with emphasis on in vitro culture as a key technique for the conservation of genetic material.
• Technical characteristics of seeds: Analysis of the biological and physical properties of seeds, such as their viability, germination, growth rate, and adaptability, which are fundamental aspects for their conservation and use in genetic improvement programs.
• Legumes: Study of species belonging to the Fabaceae family, highlighting their ecological and economic importance, their role in atmospheric nitrogen fixation, and their value in human and animal nutrition.
• Germplasm cryopreservation: An advanced technique for long-term conservation of plant genetic material by cooling it to extremely low temperatures, which preserves the viability of species for extended periods.
• Germplasm-related information: Genetic, phenotypic, ecological, and agronomic data related to germplasm, which facilitate the selection and improvement of varieties adapted to different environmental conditions and agricultural needs.
• Wild germplasm: Genetic resources from non-cultivated plant species that can be used to improve the characteristics of commercial crops by incorporating genes for resistance, adaptability, or nutritional value.
• Forest germplasm: Conservation and study of the genetic resources of forest species, essential for ecological restoration, timber production, and the improvement of biodiversity in forest ecosystems.
• Germplasm characterization: Process of identifying and analyzing the genetic, morphological, physiological, and agronomic characteristics of germplasm, in order to select the best materials for use in improvement and conservation programs.
• Morphological characterization: Study of the external characteristics of plants, such as size, shape, color and structure, which are useful for the classification and selection of varieties or species with desirable traits.
• Isoenzyme characterization: Analysis of isoenzymes, which are variants of the same enzyme, to evaluate the genetic variability of species and its relationship with adaptability and performance under different environmental conditions.
• Molecular characterization: A technique that uses genetic markers and DNA analysis to identify and map genetic variability within a population or species, allowing for improved precision in crop selection and improvement.
• Genetic diversity study: Detailed analysis of genetic variability within and between populations of plant species, in order to better understand the patterns of evolution, adaptation, and conservation of plant genetic resources.
• Applications of genetic diversity studies: Use of the genetic information obtained to improve crop improvement programs, develop varieties that are more resistant to disease and climate change, and conserve endangered species.

Goals

This course aims to introduce plant genetic resources, how to conserve them and how to characterize them for application to any future need.