Registration of plant genetic resources in India – A review

Abstract

Plant genetic resources (PGR) are building block for genetic improvement to develop climate- resilient varieties in agri-horticultural crops. Use of genetic resources depends upon the availability of information and material in public domain to ensure the accessibility of the germplasm to the breeders. While access is of paramount significance, equally important is the recognition of the breeders/researchers who had developed/identified the trait-specific germplasm and establish the ownership of the same in view of Intellectual Property Rights. Indian Council of Agricultural Research has established a mechanism to register the trait-specific germplasm through National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources to address the above concerns. During last 15 years, about 1 030 accessions of various 186 agri-horticultural crops have been registered so far for particular trait(s). This paper reviews the status trait-specific germplasm registered for major cereals, millets, oilseeds, legumes and vegetable crops by breeders/researchers during last 15 years. While giving brief account on history of PGR registration and trend of registration of germplasm, in-depth analyses were attempted to disseminate the information about trait-specific germplasm available in public domain for use in crop improvement programmes. The information on most-sought-after traits by breeders in various crops were also collected, collated and presented which may be useful to identify and register the new potentially valuable trait-specific germplasm to use the same to develop new climate-resilient crop varieties in future.