What is germplasm? Why is it necessary to have germplasm collection?
Germplasm is the genetic material that is passed down through the generations via germ cells. It refers to the total number of genes in an individual. It is used as a starting point for the development of various crops by breeders. The primary goal of germplasm collecting is to preserve genetic variation in a certain plant or genetic stock for future use. Benefits of Collecting Germplasm: Many plant cell and tissue cultures may be cryopreserved and kept alive for several years before being used when needed. This approach can be used to preserve plant components from endangered species. It is an ideal way to keep cell cultures that produce secondary metabolites like antibiotics safe for a long time. Recalcitrant seeds (seeds that lose viability after being stored) can be kept for a long time. Disease-free plant materials can be frozen and propagated as needed. In civilizations, somaclonal differences are preserved. Rare germplasms created by somatic hybridization and other forms of genetic manipulation can be saved.
