Integrating Genomic and Phenomic Approaches to Support Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Use

Plant genebanks provide genetic resources for breeding and research programs worldwide. These programs benefit from having access to high-quality, standardized phenotypic and genotypic data. Technological advances have made it possible to collect phenomic and genomic data for genebank collections, which, with the appropriate analytical tools, can directly inform breeding programs. We discuss the importance of considering genebank accession homogeneity and heterogeneity in data collection and documentation. Citing specific examples, we describe how well-documented genomic and phenomic data have met or could meet the needs of plant genetic resource managers and users. We explore future opportunities that may emerge from improved documentation and data integration among plant genetic resource information systems.

In Vitro Techniques to the Conservation and Plant Regeneration of Malanga (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott)

Malanga (Colocasia esculenta) is a plant genetic resource that requires biotechnological strategies for conservation and propagation. One time-, labor-, and space-saving option is in vitro conservation and regeneration. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for in vitro regeneration and conservation of germplasm of C. esculenta var. criolla. For conservation through minimal growth, we assessed several concentrations of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (one-third, one-half, and three-quarter strength), the growth retardant ancymidol (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg·L−1), and the osmoregulator polyethylene glycol (PEG-8000 mw) at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 30 g·L−1). For in vitro conservation, the percent survival, shoot number and length, and number of leaves and roots per explant were evaluated after 24 weeks. For in vitro regeneration, different concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg·L−1) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg·L−1) were evaluated. After 4 weeks of cultivation, the percent response, shoot number, and number of leaves per explant were recorded. During in vitro conservation, it was noted that the treatment including 2 mg·L−1 ancymidol resulted in a retarded development, without affecting the survival of the C. esculenta germplasm. With regard to shoot regeneration, 7.60 shoots per explant were obtained using 2 mg·L−1 TDZ. Finally, 98% survival was achieved during the acclimatization process. This study will contribute to the establishment of genetic improvement programs through in vitro conservation and propagation of this valuable plant genetic resource.