Plant Genetic Resources
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Plant Genetic Resources
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Pomelo (Citrus grandis) genetic diversity in Nho Quan, Vietnam. The ethnobotany and genetic diversity of the pomelo are being studied as one of the key species chosen by the Home Gardens Project in Vietnam. Home gardens are microenvironments containing high levels of species and genetic diversity within larger farming systems. These gardens are not only important sources of food, fodder, fuel, medicines, spices, construction materials and income in many countries around the world, but are also an important means for in situ conservation of a wide range of plant genetic resources. Home gardens are dynamic in their evolution, composition and uses. Their structure, composition, and species and varietal diversity have been influenced by the changes in socioeconomic circumstances and cultural values of the users of these gardens. The understanding of these factors and the ways they change according to the behaviour and decision-making patterns of users of the home garden is crucial in shaping strategies for including home gardens as a viable option for in situ conservation of agrobiodiversity. Home gardens have several features that make them a viable and important option for in situ conservation. They can serve as refuges for crop and crop varieties that were once more widespread in the larger agro-ecosystems. Farmers often use home gardens as a space for plants with little or no world market value that may offer important nutrient combinations, figure prominently in local food culture, or have religious significance to the farmer. Home gardens are sites for experimentation and introduction of new cultivars arising from the exchange and interaction between cultures and communities. It is therefore crucial to understand their dynamics so that they can take their place as a component of in situ conservation of global agrobiodiversity. Scientific investigation on the status roles and dynamics of these gardens, and their potential as a viable conservation unit has been lacking. Despite the fact that home gardens are an integral part of the farming systems in countries around the world and often play an important role in the livelihood of communities, they are increasingly perceived to be under threat. For both of these reasons, since 1998 IPGRI has been coordinating a three-year study to document home gardens in Guatemala, Cuba, Vietnam, Ghana, Venezuela and Nepal. The project documents characteristic features and types, structure and composition, inherent species and varietal diversity, and the ecological and social setting of home gardens. Molecular diversity studies are being performed on varieties of selected species across countries to determine the levels of intraspecific diversity conserved by home gardens. Most importantly, the project analyzes several key research questions that were necessary to identify factors and conditions for enhancing home garden biodiversity and improving the livelihood of farming families (see above right). The exploration of home garden dynamics is providing information that is being used in formulating approaches and strategies for conservation of plant genetic resources. Projects also focus on how targeted development interventions can maintain and enhance home garden biodiversity and improve family nutrition and income. In carrying out this global, multidisciplinary and comparative research, the project is bringing other biodiversity research, non-governmental and international development organizations into a functional collaboration, which can strengthen in situ biodiversity conservation capacities in participating site countries and in other countries worldwide. Project Coordinator Dr Pablo Eyzaguirre, IPGRI Regional Coordinators Dr Bhuwon
Sthapit, Asia
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A Cuban conuco, or home garden. A home gardens can contain up to 300 species, including such genera as Sapotacea, Artocarpus, Citrus, Musa, Brassica, Phaseolus, Capsicum, Curcurbita, Ipomea and Xanthosoma among many others. Funding has been provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development/ German Technical Cooperation (BMZ/GTZ), the German Foundation for International Development (DSE), and the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI).
Home gardens and in situ conservation of plant genetic resources in farming systems
In situ conservation of plant genetic
resources in home gardens of southern Vietnam
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Ghana
Istituto de Investigaciones
Agronomicas, 
Home gardens and
Agrobiodiversity
