The history of ex situ conservation is relatively short, not more than a century old. During the
middle of last century, triggered by the realization that genetic erosion was threatening the …

Germplasm is a valuable natural resource that provides knowledge about the genetic
composition of a species and is crucial for conserving plant diversity. Germplasm protection …

Crop landraces have unique local agroecological and societal functions and offer important
genetic resources for plant breeding. Recognition of the value of landrace diversity and …

The resilience and sustainability of food systems depend on crop diversity. It is used by
breeders to produce new and better varieties, and by farmers to respond to new challenges …

The inherent ability of seeds (orthodox, intermediate, and recalcitrant seeds and vegetative
propagules) to serve as carriers of pests and pathogens (hereafter referred to as pests) and …

Seed systems research is central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals. Improved varieties with promise for ending hunger, improving nutrition, and …

Plant biodiversity is the foundation of our present-day food supply (including functional food
and medicine) and offers humankind multiple other benefits in terms of ecosystem functions …

In this paper, we review gene bank operations that have an influence on the global
conservation system, with the intention to identify critical aspects that should be improved for …

Why do infectious diseases erupt in some host populations and not others? This question
has spawned independent fields of research in evolution, ecology, public health, agriculture …

The converging crises of growing food insecurity and climate change have produced a
global struggle to govern food systems. While a range of actors promote innovation as a …