In situ conservation of wild potato germplasm in Argentina: Example and possibilities

摘要: The potato is the third most important food crop worldwide and in situ conservation of its wild relatives considered an urgent priority. Although regions Americas with high species richness have been identified, need to identify specific sites for establishing genetic reserves still pending. Matching distribution data Argentinean existing protected areas (PA), two priority were identified. creation these PA would make possible preserve populations that successfully incorporated into are listed global Crop Wild Relative inventory. While presence target could ensure a passive conservation, programs require actively intervene selected areas. From field study performed on Solanum kurtzianum naturally growing PA, Villavicencio Natural Reserve (Mendoza province), baseline distribution, biotic interactions, sprouting behavior, population dynamics, AFLP pollen viability was established. Based systematic work this we generated working protocol be implemented at national regional levels relatives.