Current Status of Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Use in the National Genebank, Nigeria

The aim of this paper is to expound the current status of the conservation and management system of plant genetic resources (PGRs) in the National Genebank of Nigeria. National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) created in 1987 is referred to as National Genebank. It holds one of the most comprehensive collections of PGR in the form of seed, plantlets, live plants in Nigeria and provides a major contribution to the prevention of Genetic Resources erosion.

The genebank currently conserved about 10,200 accessions of more than 25 crops species viz 5,464 accessions of cereals, 2,193 accessions of pulses/legumes, 556 accessions of oilseeds, 1,674 accessions of vegetables while about 160 accessions of various tree species are conserved ex-situ. Diversity mapping, characterization and evaluation of PGRs, duplicate identification, diversity study, pre-breeding and landrace enhancement are the major research works of NACGRAB, and its management strategies such as conservation method, types, characterization, and evaluation are very essential for strengthening utilization of the PGRs.