Manual for the collection study, ex situ processing and conservation of germplasm

Abstract

The objective of this manual is constituted by the germplasm of taxonomic units relative to autochthonous flora of Mediterranean territories and, in more general terms, European ones. This text is predisposed for operations on field and in laboratories following simple and clear instructions in the context of a rigorous conservation in situ and ex situ, respecting biodiversity, the territory and culture from which it is obtained. It is retained that the following methodologies can make easier the work of gatherers, bank curators, guaranteeing the collection, treatment and best management possible of germplasm, with respect to procedures and the national and international standards. This work is directed not only to those working in specific sectors (bank technicians, nurseries, those assigned to institutional work, researchers and university lecturers) as well as those persons interested in the subject of ex situ conservation in its wider context. Particular attention is given to students, to whom we tried to transfer, in simple terms, the research experience and results of experimentation undertaken by the Authors as well as the scientific literature available, with the objective of furnishing them with the most important elements of this field of study. It is important to remember that the protection of biodiversity through conservation of genetic resources is not always reserved to endemic species or species of phytogeographic interest, but also plants of more widespread distribution in Europe, as well as those potentially threatened by increased restrictions on their area of distribution. Suffice it to reflect on the drastic reduction in area and highly fragmented forest formations of the Italian Padana Plains, which due to agricultural expansion now occupy a territory equivalent to 1% of the original (Gorian, in verbis). The manual is structured into 14 chapters that describe the commonly used methodologies and covers the entire cycle from the point of field collection of the germplasm to its handling up to storage and conservation. The actions described in the manual refer to the conservation of modest quantities of germplasm; however it does not exclude the possibility of adapting the manual to larger quantities that may entail the use mechanically operated techniques. In the text several field, laboratory and nursery schedules and protocols are included, which permit the management and the monitoring of seeds lots during all the stages of preservation; furthermore, such schedules have provisions through the use of appropriate software, for the storage of all relevant data in electronic format for future reference. Finally, a technical glossary of terms considered important for a better understanding of the text, has been included. For the systematic nomenclature reference has been made to the recent work of Conti et al., (2005) a work executed on assignment by the Directorate for the Protection of the Nature within the Ministry of the Environment and Protection of the Territory. The present work cannot and does not want to be described as the definitive guide, but should be considered as a dynamic tool in a constant state of development that can serve as a reference point for common methodologies. Space is left open for useful suggestions and comments that will help to improve the quality of this manual. It circulation to a wider public and updates will be possible via the web on the internet site www.apat.it. the translation of the manual in more languages is also envisaged to make it accessible to a wider public