GENETIC MATERIAL COLLECTION,
PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION AND
THE ROLE OF GENE BANKS
Dr. David Wechuli, PhD
Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences,
University of Kabianga
1
, Genetic Erosion
• The loss of genetic material (genes, genotypes) from individuals
or populations is termed genetic erosion.
• Changing patterns of land use such as clearing of forests,
housing and industrial developments contribute to genetic
erosion.
• So does changing cultural practices particularly the widespread
use of a limited number of standard varieties in lieu of the
genetically rich old and traditional populations of cultivated
species.
2
,Genetic Conservation
❑ Conservation is the management, preservation and
use of known genetic resources-yield the greatest
sustainable benefit to the present generation, while
maintaining their potential to meet the needs and
aspirations of generations to come
❑ Genetic conservation encompasses the collection,
maintenance and preservation of intra- and
interspecific variation. 3
, Methods of Genetic Resources Conservation
Two methods of conserving germplasm
In situ conservation, maintenance of viable population
in their natural surroundings – a dynamic system which
allows the biological resources to evolve and change
over time through natural selection processes
Ex situ conservation. the conservation of components
of biodiversity outside their natural habitats
4
PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION AND
THE ROLE OF GENE BANKS
Dr. David Wechuli, PhD
Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences,
University of Kabianga
1
, Genetic Erosion
• The loss of genetic material (genes, genotypes) from individuals
or populations is termed genetic erosion.
• Changing patterns of land use such as clearing of forests,
housing and industrial developments contribute to genetic
erosion.
• So does changing cultural practices particularly the widespread
use of a limited number of standard varieties in lieu of the
genetically rich old and traditional populations of cultivated
species.
2
,Genetic Conservation
❑ Conservation is the management, preservation and
use of known genetic resources-yield the greatest
sustainable benefit to the present generation, while
maintaining their potential to meet the needs and
aspirations of generations to come
❑ Genetic conservation encompasses the collection,
maintenance and preservation of intra- and
interspecific variation. 3
, Methods of Genetic Resources Conservation
Two methods of conserving germplasm
In situ conservation, maintenance of viable population
in their natural surroundings – a dynamic system which
allows the biological resources to evolve and change
over time through natural selection processes
Ex situ conservation. the conservation of components
of biodiversity outside their natural habitats
4
