Preserving for the Future: The Critical Role of Germplasm Conservation in Fruit Crop Resilience
Shubham Jain
Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, ANDUAT, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Harpal Singh
Department of Horticulture, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Pin- 284128, India.
Manjunath Rathod
Department of Post Harvest Technology, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, 587104, India.
Rakesh Meena
Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar, Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan, India.
Rutuja Narendra Deshmukh
Department of Fruit Science, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra, India.
Amrita Mohapatra
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Keonjhar, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
Rajat Sharma
Department of Horticulture, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, Serving as District Horticulture Officer or Equivalent, Govt. Of Haryana Agriculture and Technology, India.
Anushi *
Department of fruit science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208002, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Germplasm conservation in fruit crops is indispensable for securing global food systems and safeguarding agricultural biodiversity. The conservation of genetic diversity within fruit crops is paramount, given the escalating threats posed by climate change, emerging diseases, and habitat loss. This review encapsulates the multifaceted challenges and innovative strategies in fruit crop germplasm conservation, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge technologies. The proactive preservation of diverse varieties through in situ and ex situ methods is essential for developing resilient, adaptive fruit crops. Global collaboration and heightened public awareness play pivotal roles in overcoming financial constraints and ethical considerations. The future of germplasm conservation in fruit crops hinges on a holistic approach, incorporating community engagement, advanced technologies, and international cooperation to ensure sustainable agriculture and the resilience of these crops in the face of dynamic environmental challenges.
Keywords: Germplasm conservation, global, fruit, community, traditional