Genetic gap analysis of wildHordeumtaxa

Abstract

To facilitate the updating ofin situandex situconservation strategies for wild taxa of the genusHordeumL., a combined ecogeographic survey and gap analysis was undertaken. The analysis was based on the Global Inventory of Barley Plant Genetic Resources held by ICARDA plus additional datasets, resulting in a database containing 17,131 wildHordeumaccessions. The analysis concluded that a genetic reserve should be established in the Mendoza Province of Argentina, as this is the most species-rich area globally forHordeum. A network of reserves should also be set up across the Fertile Crescent in Israel, Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey to provide effective conservation within the centres of diversity for gene pools 1B (Hordeum vulgaresubsp.spontaneum(C. Koch) Thell.) and 2 (Hordeum bulbosumL.). The majority of the species were deemed under-collected, so further collecting missions are required worldwide where possible. Althoughex situandin situconservation strategies have been developed, there needs to be further investigation into the ecological environments thatHordeumspecies occupy to ensure that any adaptive traits expressed are fully conserved. Additionally, studies are required to characterize existing collections and test the viability of rare species accessions held in genebanks to determine whether furtherex situcollections are required alongside the proposedin situconservation.