Loss of genetic diversity from heterogeneous self-pollinating genebank accessions

Abstract

Genebank seed accessions of predominantly self-pollinating species may be stored either as bulked (mixed) seed lines or as pure line cultivars. If seed lines are bulked in storage then when considered over several regeneration cycles, loss of genetic diversity within heterogeneous self pollinating genebank accessions is shown to be severe. This within-accession loss of diversity represents opportunities foregone through the random loss of individual genotypes. Amongst working collections, the utility and repeatability of genebank accessions is paramount in the justification of the germ plasm resource. Therefore, the only practical solution to the management of predominantly self-pollinating species is to preserve individual accessions as pure lines.