The Germplasm Bank of the Miquel Agustí Foundation-Polytechnic University of Catalonia (FMA-UPC) and the catalan horticultural heritage

Abstract

The genetic diversity of crops has undergone a great erosion over the past 100 years, especially affecting landraces that singularize local agriculture and gastronomy. Genetic erosion has occurred in three linked phases, triggered by changes in crop production systems (1960-1980), food market globalization (1980-2000) and, more recently, the disappearance of a traditional farming model and of a sensorial culture which was typical of generations that maintained ties with certain traditional varieties. To deal with this acceleration of the genetic erosion syndrome, which entails the loss of the identity of territories, the FMA-UPC Germplasm Bank has been created. The Bank preserves 2,428 accessions of 29 horticultural species, most of which are Catalan landraces (1,225 accessions). A large body of information (agronomic, sensory, chemical and genetic) is available on these materials, resulting from the numerous research projects that have been carried out. This is the largest collection in Catalonia and it contains an essential fragment of our horticultural history. Our research group strives to ensure its conservation and to design innovative strategies for promoting the free access of farmers to genetic materials and associated information. Moreover, our group carries out plant breeding programs in the aim of highlighting the special features of local horticultural productions, improving quality parameters, and strengthening the link between varieties and consumers.

Keywords: plant genetic resources, landraces, ex situ conservation, genetic erosion, plant breeding.