Molecular genetic techniques for plant genetic resources: Report of an IPGRI Workshop, 9-11 October 1995, Rome, Italy

The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in the application of molecular genetic methods to problems relevant to the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. A variety of different methods for detecting and analyzing variation at the molecular level are now available and offer to those involved in plant genetic resources management ways of improving the effectiveness of their work. At the same time, it has become clear that there are a number of unresolved questions concerning the appropriate use of the various techniques available. These include methodological questions, problems of data analysis and management, the need to use methods capable of dealing with large numbers of accessions, and resource limitations, especially in developing countries. IPGRI recognizes the considerable potential of molecular methods for improving the conservation and use of plant gentic resources and is currently concerned with strengthening work in this area. The potential benefits of using molecular techniques are clear and individual genetic resources conservation projects are likely to make increasing use of different methodologies now available. However, there remain a number of difficulties in the effective application of the different techniques and a number of questions concerning their effective use. In particular, there are difficultiues in using appropriate technologies in resource-limiting situations. This is the reason IPGRI decided to host the International workshop of experts working in different relevant areas of molecular genetics to discuss and identify the key issues.