Tropical and subtropical forage germplasm conservation and science on their deathbed! 2. Genebanks, FAO and donors must take urgent steps to overcome the crisis

Abstract

Tropical and subtropical forage (TSTF) germplasm collections in the international centres of International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and in many national centres of developed and developing countries are under threat due to reduced financial support. Subsequent lack of skills in taxonomy, diversity assessment and adaptation would preclude them playing their crucial role in underpinning forage research for tropical and subtropical farming systems, to meet the growing global demand for livestock products together with reducing their environmental footprint. Also due to well-meant legal changes of biodiversity ownership as well as a current political culture of ‘us versus them’, germplasm collecting and sharing has become challenging. As a result, most centres have become inward-looking, have few links to other members of the global TSTF research community, including other TSTF genebanks, and are struggling to do the basics of conserving their current holdings. Undoubtedly, valuable germplasm has already been lost, and most genebanks lack the skills and knowledge to add value to research programs to develop new forages or select the best options for new environmental uses. This decline has been a relatively rapid process and reached the crisis point of today in just 20–25 years. This article proposes a four-pronged strategy based on improved efficiency, effectiveness, awareness and collaboration that should be adopted urgently. Swift and drastic action is required of international agencies, national governments, researchers and industry bodies. Much of the germplasm was collected from regions that have since undergone massive development or other changes in land use. Failure to act now will, consequently, result in further loss of genetic material forever and associated passport and descriptive information.