ISSN : 1225-8504(Print)
ISSN : 2287-8165(Online)
ISSN : 2287-8165(Online)
Journal of the Korean Society of International Agriculture Vol.36 No.4 pp.387-398
DOI : https://doi.org/10.12719/KSIA.2024.36.4.387
DOI : https://doi.org/10.12719/KSIA.2024.36.4.387
Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources in Nigeria
Abstract
Climate change and human activities have significantly threatened plant diversity in Nigeria, leading to the imminent extinction of plant genetic resources (PGR). The collected and conserved PGR are insufficient to slow the rate of diversity loss. To address this challenge, plant breeders have initiated various improvement programs aimed at utilizing available PGR to enhance plant resilience against the severity of climate change. Despite these efforts, several limiting factors hinder the sustainable conservation of PGR in Nigeria. The lack of up-to-date information on PGR in Nigeria restricts our understanding of crop diversity. This review explores these constraints and outlines the diverse strategies employed by relevant research institutes over the years to conserve PGR. It also evaluates both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts in the country. Collaborations and interactions between research institutes in Nigeria focused on managing PGR are highlighted. Establishing more ex-situ fields across all ecological zones of Nigeria is emphasized as a crucial step to enhance effective conservation measures. Additional recommendations are provided to encourage the conservation and sustainable production of PGR in Nigeria.