The role of local-level geneflow in enhancing and maintaining genetic diversity.

Abstract

In traditional agricultural systems, it is often thought that plant varieties are conserved without evolution over long periods of time by farmers because local-level gene flow and its role in maintaining and enhancing genetic diversity of crops is often underestimated. Local-level gene flow can be defined as gene exchange between varieties at the local level, i.e. within farmers' fields and rural communities. This chapter presents a few case studies of seed management by farmers in different locations and production systems, which demonstrate the impact of farmer activity in the management of plant diversity.