Mini Core Collections for Enhanced Utilization of Genetic Resources in Crop Improvement

Plant genetic resources form the raw material for developing high yielding cultivars. About 7.4 million accessions of various economically important crops have been conserved globally. Since the large size of germplasm collections hampers the assessment of their genetic worth, the ‘mini core collection concept’ was postulated and developed at ICRISAT. The mini core serves as an efficient and convenient option for assessment of genetic diversity, population structure, association mapping and targeted allele mining for agronomically important traits and acts as a gateway to the germplasm. Using the mini core collection approach, scientists at ICRISAT and in national programs have identified diverse sources of resistance/tolerance for many biotic and abiotic stresses, and for agronomic and quality traits in chickpea, groundnut, pigeonpea, sorghum, pearl millet, foxtail millet and finger millet. This is expected to enhance the use of germplasm in crop improvement. Molecular characterization of the mini core will further enhance its use in plant breeding programs.