Conserving and Using Crop Diversity

This course provides an introduction to plant collection policy for botanic curators/collection managers/data managers, who are interested in an introduction to plant collection policy and how this might be implemented in botanic gardens. It looks at policy, purpose and how to develop a collection.

By the end of this module you will:

• Understand the purpose of having a plant collection policy  
• Have an understanding of your plant collection  
• Have developed a strong processes for identifying you collection  
• Have practiced aspects of plant collections 
• Have a basic tool to create a plant policy framework to achieve accreditation

This module is the second in the BGCI Botanic Garden Basics series and looks at how to develop a master plan for your site. This course is aimed to participants who are interested in setting up or developing a botanic garden.

By the end of this module you will:

• Have an appreciation of what a master plan is
• Recognise why a master plan is important
• Recognise what the main components of a master plan are
• Understand the process for developing a master plan
• Recognise the importance of stakeholder consultation

This module is the first in the BGCI Botanic Garden Basics series and looks at how to define a botanic garden. This course is aimed to participants who are interested in setting up or developing a botanic garden.

By the end of this module you will:

• Be able to define a botanic garden
• Understand the history of botanic gardens
• Understand why botanic gardens are important
• Recognise the different key roles that a botanic garden plays
• Understand what a vision and mission is and how to develop one for your organisation

This course explains why parental selection is important and how it can be done effectively based on various types and sources of data and information. The issues associated with transferring traits from non-adapted germplasm sources are described. The module also illustrates how segregating populations are handled and how the desired traits are maintained in future generations of crossing and selection. Finally, the unit explains how genes of interest can be identified and tracked using a variety of methods and technologies.

You will learn about:

• The importance of parental selection and the main methods based on genotypic and phenotypic information.
• Recognizing the issues regarding the use of exotic germplasm for breeding.
• The general principles of managing segregating populations generated from parental crossing according to the particular type of crop.

This module explains why it is necessary to plan ahead in a pre-breeding programme. It covers the range of issues that need to be considered before embarking on a pre-breeding programme, stressing the importance of adopting a participatory approach. The module also explains the importance of documenting outputs, assessing outcomes and using this information in future planning exercises.

You will learn about:

• Planning a pre-breeding project by identifying the elements of the project plan as well as understanding the importance of a participatory approach
• Identifying the management tasks for an efficient and effective project
• Describing the process of monitoring and evaluation of a pre-breeding project

This course explains and defines pre-breeding and its context, identifying the situations to which it is best applied and its possible limitations. The potential of prebreeding to make optimal use of the benefits represented by plant genetic resources is also outlined. The module introduces the criteria to define when pre-breeding is an advisable option, and introduces basic concepts of plant biology and genetics necessary to set up a successful pre-breeding programme.

You will learn about:

• The potential of pre-breeding to make optimal use and benefits represented by plant genetic resources (PGR)
• Defining pre-breeding context and examples of applications
• Identifying the situations to which pre-breeding is best applied and its limitations
• Genetic control of trait expression and plant reproductive biology
• Application of basic biological knowledge to pre-breeding

This course gives an overview of what it takes to establish and manage a genebank, providing an outline of genebank operations with particular respect to pre-breeding. The need for linking genebank operations with pre-breeding is emphasized and problems are addressed. The module also explains the methods used to prepare and accomplish collecting missions and describes the main issues related to the proper organization of a genebank. An overview of the processes of day-to-day management is provided.

You will learn about:

• The purpose of genebanks and thir role in strengthening food security and sustainable agricultural production
• The methods used to prepare and accomplish collecting missions
• Linkages between genebank operations with pre-breeding
• The main issues related to the proper organization of a genebank and the related process of day-to-day management

The Applied Plant Conservation Course is a free professional training designed for conservation professionals, land managers, and researchers working to safeguard rare and endangered plants. Developed by the Center for Plant Conservation and its network of experts, the course provides comprehensive training on the science and practice of plant conservation and stewardship, including seed banking, reintroductions, genetics, horticulture, and more. Through dynamic video lessons, practical tools, and real-world case studies, participants gain the skills needed to apply evidence-based approaches that ensure the survival of imperiled plant species.