It is necessary to review the conservation status (in situ and ex situ) of the taxon from the target region, particularly if the purpose of the survey is to develop a conservation strategy. For instance, there may be little justification for collecting in the target region if the germplasm is already securely conserved in ex situ or in situ collections.

Details of what material is currently being conserved can be obtained from catalogues and databases from the respective botanical garden, germplasm collection and in situ conservation area. In addition, directories and databases of conserved material have been established by a variety of national and international agencies (e.g. European Cooperative Programme for Crop Genetic Resources Networks [ECP/GR], IPGRI). Taxon specialists can assist here in locating sources of information. Much of this information can be gathered in advance of any visits to herbaria and genebanks.

Example: Listing of ex situ germplasm holdings of Vica subgenus Vicia.

Copyright © 1997, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute.