Problem
Inadequate plant genetic resources conservation
Nature:
The conservation and maintenance of representative collections covering the genetic variation of cultivated plants and their wild relatives is still inadequate. The paucity of such collections and the inadequacy of fundamental research in this area hinder the development of practical work on the utilization of the world's genetic resources. In addition, insufficient knowledge and commercial interests interfere seriously with an international exchange of information and resources.
Incidence:
Of the 250,000 flowering plant species currently estimated to exist, tens of thousands remain undiscovered and only some 5,000 have been tested for their pharmaceutical attributes. Some 25,000 of these species are currently under threat. The tropical, non-industrialized world contains almost all the areas rich in wild crop genetic resources. These areas are also those of high political and economic instability and in greatest need for development.
Broader Problems:
Lack of environmental conservation Narrower Problems:
Lack of information on plant genetic resourcesUnethical patenting of plant genetic resourcesLack of community involvement in the conservation of plant genetic resources Aggravates:
Threatened species of PlantaeDeclining breeds of cultivated plantsThreatened species of living organisms Strategies:
Conserving plant genetic resourcesConserving global biodiversityEnriching cultivated plant's genetic diversity with wild relativesPreparing periodic status reports on plant genetic resourcesExpanding research on plant genetic resourcesUsing mutation breeding to improve plant genetic characteristicsUsing genebanksEncouraging off-site conservation of biodiversityEducating in nutritionEducating in nutrition Subject(s):
Resources → Resources Biosciences → Genetics
Plant Life → Plants
Societal Problems → Inadequacy
Conservation → Conservation
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST