Abstracts of the International Conference "Preservation of Genetic Resources". October 19-22, 2004, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Animals↗
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Plant genetic resources: prediction by isozyme markers and ecology.
Linkage or association of genetic markers to quantitative traits of agronomic importance can substantially simplify the genetic analysis of complex quantitative traits. Enzyme marker genes are ideal candidates for quantitative genetic analysis. We have recently applied this powerful methodology to the analysis of genetic resources of wild cereals in Israel, primarily wild emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccoides, and wild barley, Hordeum spontaneum, the progenitors of cultivated wheats and barley, respectively. We have found that allelic isozyme markers and ecological factors provide an important predictive method for identifying elite genotypes characterized by single or multiple disease resistances, high protein content, and a variety of quantitative traits of agronomic importance including germination, earliness, biomass, and yield variables. Our predictive methodology could be improved by additional crossing tests in an attempt to verify the results derived from the correlation analysis and thus establish the linkage relationships between the marker gene and the quantitative trait under discussion. This methodology, if further developed by additional isozyme and DNA markers, verified by crossing tests and gene mapping, could substantially contribute to the sampling and utilization of the genetic resources of wild gene pools for crop improvement.
Agriculture↗
Role of reproductive technologies and genetic resource banks in animal conservation.
In combination with modem reproductive technologies, there is potential to use frozen and stored germplasm (genetic resource banks) to support conservation measures for the maintenance of genetic diversity in threatened species. However, turning this idea into reality is a complex process, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration and clearly defined goals. As the number of species deserving the attention of conservation scientists is overwhelmingly large, yet detailed knowledge of reproductive physiology is restricted to relatively few of them, choosing which species to conserve is one of the most difficult issues to be tackled. Besides the direct application of technologically advanced reproductive procedures, modern approaches to non-invasive endocrine monitoring play an important role in optimizing the success of natural breeding programmes. Through the analysis of urine and faecal samples, this type of technology provides invaluable management information about the reproductive status of diverse species. For example, it is possible to diagnose pregnancy and monitor oestrous cycles in elephants and rhinos without causing stress through restraint for sample collection. In this review, we identify the potential contribution of reproductive biology and genetic resource banks to animal conservation, but also highlight the complexity of issues determining the extent to which this potential can be achieved.
Animals↗
Vicissitudes of benefit sharing of crop genetic resources: downstream and upstream.
In this article, we will first give a historic overview of the concept of benefit sharing and its appearance in official agreements, particularly with respect to crop genetic resources. It will become clear that, at present, benefit sharing is primarily considered as an instrument of compensation or exchange, and thus refers to commutative justice. However, we believe that such a narrow interpretation of benefit sharing disregards, and even undermines, much of its (historical) content and potency, especially where crop genetic resources are concerned. We argue that benefit sharing should not be based merely on commutative justice but rather on a broader model that is also grounded in the concept of distributive justice. This has repercussions for the application of benefit sharing, which we try to clarify by distinguishing between downstream and upstream benefit sharing. Upstream benefit sharing is not so much inspired by compensation for actions done, or the distribution downstream of benefits developed, but by the idea of shared decision-making on the research and development of resources fundamental to human welfare. Going upstream in the research process of crop genetic resources, and determining research agendas and improving crops according to the needs of the poor, benefit sharing may well be a tool to contribute to world food security and global justice. We concretize our ideas on upstream benefit sharing by introducing a set of criteria that determine the success of consultations on agricultural research agenda setting.
Biodiversity↗
Microsatellite markers discriminating accessions within collections of plant genetic resources.
The reliability of microsatellite analyses for discriminating between plant accessions maintained in collections of genetic resources was tested for 53 accessions of barley, 65 of soybean, 49 of chickpea, and 19 of alfalfa. The specific primer pairs used in this study were based on microsatellite DNA sequences surrounded by perfect dinucleotide and imperfect trinucleotide tandem repeat units. The evaluated polymorphic information content, diversity index, and probabilities of identity indicate that there is value in the application of SSR analyses in barley, soybean, and chickpea genetic resource management. Variation between alfalfa genotypes was not revealed at the five analyzed microsatellite loci.
Alleles↗
Swiss Mattenklee landraces, a distinct and diverse genetic resource of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.).
Genetic variability within and among 19 landraces and cultivars of red clover ( Trifolium pratense L.) was investigated by means of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis in order to assess the potential value of Swiss Mattenklee landraces as genetic resources for plant breeding and the preservation of biodiversity. Populations were classified into three groups according to their origin and agronomic features: Mattenklee landraces (8), Mattenklee cultivars (8) and field clover cultivars (3). Analysis of molecular variance based on 276 polymorphic AFLP markers revealed 80% of total variability to be due to variability within populations while 12% were attributed to variability among groups. Stepwise discriminant analysis identified a subset of 126 AFLP markers which best separated individual plants into the three respective groups. Genetic distances between populations were considerably larger among groups than among populations within the same group, providing further evidence for the genetic distinction between Mattenklee landraces, Mattenklee cultivars and field clover cultivars. AFLP markers identified two landrace clusters, containing three and four populations respectively, which, together with one additional landrace, may sufficiently represent the genetic variability of all eight landraces investigated. The results of this study strongly suggest that Swiss Mattenklee landraces form a genetically distinct group of red clover. The data obtained provide criteria on how to efficiently manage, preserve and exploit Mattenklee germplasm.
Analysis of Variance↗
Economic evaluation for conservation of farm animal genetic resources.
The decline in biodiversity of farm animal genetic resources (AnGR) has come to the forefront of concern in the discussion of animal conservation and breeding programmes. To improve decision-making regarding conservation and breeding programmes, a number of evaluation techniques of farm AnGR are available. This paper presents an overview of the different values associated to AnGR and of the techniques for their measurement being employed in the economic literature. Those include linear programming and farm simulation models, dynamic models estimating the value of research and development and econometric models estimating the demand for breed characteristics. While farm programming and simulation models are fairly well developed, they do have large data requirements. Alternatively, contingent valuation methods are available, in particular when the goal is to capture non-market values embedded in breeds.
Animal Husbandry↗
The institutional design of forest certification standards initiatives and its influence on the role of science: the case of forest genetic resources.
In the 1990s a wide array of non-governmental certification initiatives emerged as a way to promote the sustainable management of resources in sectors such as fisheries and forestry. In this paper, we examine two related questions about these initiatives: how does the institutional design of certification initiatives affect the way science is used in the development of certification standards and in whose interest is science employed? Using the empirical case of forest certification and the specific standards various initiatives have created to address the management of forest genetic resources, we show how structural aspects of decision-making processes affects the standards adopted and the rationalization for their appropriateness. Two basic models of decision-making-stakeholder participation and technical expertise-are discussed in relation to three certification initiatives active in North America-the Canadian Standards Association, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council. By examining the standards these initiatives set for the management of forest genetic resources, we illustrate how two dimensions of science-uncertainty and the logic of cause and effect-are used to rationalize cautious and rigid versus flexible and discretionary standards for the management of forest genetic resources. Our findings indicate that the design or structure of certification decision-making processes, and their embedded balance of authority, mediate the form of standards initiatives will justify on the basis of science.
Certification↗
Conservation of rice genetic resources: the role of the International Rice Genebank at IRRI.
Rice genetic resources, comprising landrace varieties, modern and obsolete varieties, genetic stocks, breeding lines, and the wild rices, are the basis of world food security. The International Rice Genebank at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines conserves the largest and most diverse collection of rice germplasm. The facilities of the genebank ensure the long-term preservation of this important diversity. In field research, factors that affect long-term viability of rice seeds have been identified, leading to the introduction of modified practices for germplasm multiplication and regeneration. The value of conserved germplasm can be assessed in terms of useful traits for rice breeding and the economic impact that germplasm utilization has on rice production and productivity. The application of molecular markers is changing perspectives on germplasm management. International policies affecting access to and use of rice germplasm are discussed.
Conservation of Natural Resources↗
Deleterious mutation accumulation and the regeneration of genetic resources.
The accumulation of mildly deleterious mutations accompanying recurrent regeneration of plant germ plasm was modeled under regeneration conditions characterized by different amounts of selection and genetic drift. Under some regeneration conditions (sample sizes >/=75 individuals and bulk harvesting of seed) mutation accumulation was negligible, but under others (sample sizes <75 individuals or equalization of seed production by individual plants) mutation numbers per genome increased significantly during 25-50 cycles of regeneration. When mutations also are assumed to occur (at elevated rates) during seed storage, significant mutation accumulation and fitness decline occurred in 10 or fewer cycles of regeneration regardless of the regeneration conditions. Calculations also were performed to determine the numbers of deleterious mutations introduced and remaining in the genome of an existing variety after hybridization with a genetic resource and subsequent backcrossing. The results suggest that mutation accumulation has the potential to reduce the viability of materials held in germ plasm collections and to offset gains expected by the introduction of particular genes of interest from genetic resources.
Alleles↗
[Analysis of genetic diversity of wheat using genetic resources information system GRIS].
The possibilities of using the Genetic Resources Information and Analysis System (GRIS) 3.2, a database and software package, in studies of various aspects of genetic diversity in wheat are demonstrated. A model of genetic diversity was analyzed; diversity levels were estimated in wheat from various regions at different times. The genetic basis of Russian winter and spring common wheat cultivars was investigated. Transmission of powdery mildew resistance genes was traced in cultivars with identified Pm genes. For some genes, patterns of geographical distribution were characterized. Description of GRIS 3.2 is given: the package consists of a database on the global gene pool of wheat and software on genealogical and statistic analyses of genetic diversity.
Databases, Factual↗
Characterization of a genetic resource collection for Miscanthus (Saccharinae, Andropogoneae, Poaceae) using AFLP and ISSR PCR.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and inter-simple sequence repeat markers were employed to characterize a genetic resource collection of Miscanthus, a grass under trial in Europe as a biomass crop. The 26 polymorphic markers produced by two ISSR fingerprinting primers were able to discriminate taxa and identify putative clones. AFLP fingerprints were fully reproducible and produced a larger number of markers for the three primer pairs tested, of which 998 were polymorphic (representing 79.3% of all bands). AFLP markers distinguished species, infra-specific taxa (varieties and cultivars) and putatively clonal material. They were also used to assess the inter-relationships of the taxa, to investigate the origin of important hybrid plants and to estimate the overall level of genetic variation in the collection. They were useful for assessing the species status of certain taxa such as M. transmorrisonensis, an endemic from Taiwan that was clearly distinct from M. sinensis; whereas other taxa of disputed species status, such as M. condensatus and M. yakushimanum were not genetically distinct from M. sinensis. The AFLP markers detected a high degree of infra-specific variation and allowed subdivisions of the genetic resource collection to be made, particularly within M. sinensis.
DNA Primers↗
Genetic resources: an annotated bibliography of internet and other resources.
The Internet has caused a major boom in the field of genetics. Internet use among the public and health care professionals continues to rise, but caution must be exercised when searching for information. This article presents some guidelines for determining good web sites, then follows with a compilation of Internet and other relevant genetics resources.
Genetic Diseases, Inborn↗
Agrobiodiversity with emphasis on plant genetic resources.
The science of agrobiodiversity has emerged during the last 10 years. We review here the most important aspects of biodiversity for conservation. One of the aims of agrobiodiversity research is to introduce or to re-introduce into present-day agriculture and horticulture more diversity from gene banks, botanical or zoological gardens, and other secondary sources of diversity. To enlarge the basis of agricultural and horticultural resources for human and animal nutrition, a sustainable use of these native and cultivated resources is necessary, including animal and plant genetic resources. The total number of botanical plant species cultivated as agricultural or horticultural crops is estimated at almost 7,000. However, only 30 major crop species "feed the world". Comparable numbers of animal species have been lost. The reduction in crop species and variety diversity, in particular, has led to the establishment of germplasm collections, so called gene banks, or ex situ collections. Six million plant accessions are conserved in gene banks worldwide. All these accessions belong to a very limited number of species. About half of them are advanced cultivars or breeders' lines, and only a third are landraces or old cultivars. Approximately 15% are wild relatives of crop species and weeds. Among other obvious gaps, minor crops and underutilized species are underrepresented in these collections, particularly primitive cultivars and wild relatives from the centers of origin, diversity, and cultivation. To date, only a third of all gene bank accessions have been fully characterized.
Agriculture↗
In vitro maturation and fertilization of oocytes isolated from aged mice: a strategy to rescue valuable genetic resources.
PURPOSE: This project was to determine whether oocytes isolated from virgin aged mice, up to 18 months old, are competent to undergo cytoplasmic maturation in vitro and undergo fertilization and embryonic development. If so, oocyte maturation in vitro could be used as a strategy to rescue valuable genetic resources. RESULTS: Although the number of oocytes recovered from mice was greatly reduced with increasing age, the percentage of oocytes that underwent fertilization, cleavage, and development to the blastocyst stage was essentially unchanged up to 18 months of age. The success of cleavage to the two-cell stage was greater after maturation in vitro (81%) than gonadotropin-induced maturation in vivo (55%). About 20% (20/106) of the embryos derived from oocytes isolated from 18-month-old mice developed to term after embryo transfer. CONCLUSION: Oocytes from virgin aged mice undergo normal cytoplasmic maturation in vitro. Higher percentages of oocytes from aged mice cleave to the two-cell stage after spontaneous maturation in vitro than after gonadotropin-induced maturation in vivo. Therefore, in vitro maturation and fertilization of oocytes could be used to rescue valuable genetic resources that might otherwise be lost because of age-related infertility.
Aging↗
Rice genetic resources: history, conservation, investigative characterization and use in Japan.
Rice has been grown in Japan for about 3000 years. Although both japonica and indica varieties have been grown in Japan, now japonica rices are grown. Japanese rice breeding has used an ecological breeding approach. While emphasis in rice breeding in the 1940's and 1950's focussed on yield in recent decades quality has been of major importance. Consumer preference and name recognition of high quality varieties, such as Koshihikari, has resulted in slow acceptance of new varieties. Rice germplasm was systematically collected throughout Japan between 1962 and 1963. Subsequent acquisition and collecting, in Japan and other countries, has resulted in 28,000 accessions being conserved in the National Genebank, based at the National institute of Agrobiological Resources (NIAR). Research on genetic diversity of rice using a range of techniques, for example esterase isozymes, has revealed clinal variation in rice radiating from the center of diversity of rice in and around southwest China. Newly found genes in traditional rice germplasm, such as genes for non-elongating mesocotyl, are now routinely identified on the rice genome. Pioneering studies on eco-genetic differentiation of species in the genus Oryza in Japan has revealed much about the complex genepool for which rice evolved. Pest and disease resistance sources, particularly to blast, bacterial blight and brown plant hopper, from many countries have been incorporated into Japanese varieties. Cold tolerance at the booting stage was found in the Indonesian variety Silewah. In the future in characterisation of rice germplasm and interaction between rice germplasm specialists and rice molecular scientists, both in Japan and internationally, will be corner stones to securing rice genetic diversity and rice improvement in the next century.
Conservation of Natural Resources↗
Genetic resource impacts of habitat loss and degradation; reconciling empirical evidence and predicted theory for neotropical trees.
The theoretical impacts of anthropogenic habitat degradation on genetic resources have been well articulated. Here we use a simulation approach to assess the magnitude of expected genetic change, and review 31 studies of 23 neotropical tree species to assess whether empirical case studies conform to theory. Major differences in the sensitivity of measures to detect the genetic health of degraded populations were obvious. Most studies employing genetic diversity (nine out of 13) found no significant consequences, yet most that assessed progeny inbreeding (six out of eight), reproductive output (seven out of 10) and fitness (all six) highlighted significant impacts. These observations are in line with theory, where inbreeding is observed immediately following impact, but genetic diversity is lost slowly over subsequent generations, which for trees may take decades. Studies also highlight the ecological, not just genetic, consequences of habitat degradation that can cause reduced seed set and progeny fitness. Unexpectedly, two studies examining pollen flow using paternity analysis highlight an extensive network of gene flow at smaller spatial scales (less than 10 km). Gene flow can thus mitigate against loss of genetic diversity and assist in long-term population viability, even in degraded landscapes. Unfortunately, the surveyed studies were too few and heterogeneous to examine concepts of population size thresholds and genetic resilience in relation to life history. Future suggested research priorities include undertaking integrated studies on a range of species in the same landscapes; better documentation of the extent and duration of impact; and most importantly, combining neutral marker, pollination dynamics, ecological consequences, and progeny fitness assessment within single studies.
Computer Simulation↗
Genetic resources for the neonatologist.
Diagnosing genetic disorders and counselling the parents of babies with possible genetic conditions takes up a significant proportion of a neonatologist's clinical time. This article provides a guide to establishing genetic tools and a reference library on a neonatal unit. The availability of good resources may heighten staff awareness of genetic aetiologies in babies with subtle features, and enable possible diagnoses to be considered and a genetics consultation sought. In addition, when a diagnosis is made, information is then readily available to guide the neonatologist in his or her consultations with parents. It is not intended that the tools outlined here should be a replacement for the genetics consultation; their role is merely to facilitate the interaction of neonatologists with geneticists, to the benefit of the parents and the baby.
Databases, Genetic↗