Identification, characterization and conservation of Latvian in situ plant genetic resources (2019–2021)

Aim of the study is to facilitate the in situ conservations of plant genetic resources in Latvia by identifying valuable genetic resource accessions, characterising them using plant descriptors and incorporating them into the collections of the Latvian crop gene bank.

Research Period: January 4 – December 5, 2021

Planned activities in 2021:

1. Submit seed collected during expeditions to the gene bank, assess and enter descriptor data into the database. Develop recomendations for the in situ conservation of Latvian genetic resources.
2. Planned collection expeditions:
   2.1. Fruits (1 expedition);
   2.2. Vegetables/ field crops (1 expedition);
   2.3. Forage grasses (1 expedition).
3. Evaluation of the genetic resource accessions collected during expeditions in accordance with approved plant descriptors. Continue evaluation of accessions started in previous years.

Results to be achieved in 2021:

1. New accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and their wild relatives have been collected;
2. Inclusion of collected samples in the list of Latvian plant genetic resources and conservation in the gene bank or field collections;
3. Evaluation and description of the collected accessions using plant descriptors and data entered into the database;
4. Development of recommendations for in situ conservation of Latvian plant genetic resources.

Research Period: January 2 – December 5, 2020

Planned activities in 2020:

1. Submit seed collected during expeditions to the gene bank, assess and enter descriptor data into the database.
2. Planned collection expeditions:
   2.1. Fruits (1 expedition);
   2.2. Vegetables (1 expedition);
   2.3. Forage grasses (1 expedition).
3. Start evaluation of the genetic resources collected during expeditions in accordance with approved plant descriptors.
4. Continue evaluation of accessions started in previous years.

Results to be achieved in 2020:

1. New accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and their wild relatives have been collected;
2. Inclusion of collected samples in the list of Latvian plant genetic resources and conservation in the gene bank or field collections;
3. Evaluation and description of the collected accessions using plant descriptors and data entered into the database;
4. Development of recommendations for in situ conservation of Latvian plant genetic resources.

Research Period: January 2 – December 5, 2019

Planned activities in 2019:

1. Identification of Latvian Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and their wild relatives:
   1.1. Assessment of the situation of plant genetic resources in Latvia, also involving the public (for example, non-governmental organizations);
   1.2. Development of expedition plans and implementation with the aim of including all regions of Latvia in expedition routes; organization of expeditions involving specialists of different species groups; expeditions are planned in two parts (a) to farms and gardens to identify samples of cultivated crops, vegetables, and fruits and berries; (b) in meadows and other places to identify wild relatives (primarily grasses);
   1.3. Processing, multiplication and characterization of collected accessions according to passport data descriptors, inclusion of collected accessions in the list of genetic resources and deposition of seeds in the gene bank.
2. Assessment of collected plant genetic resource accessions:
   2.1. Evaluate the collected accessions according to the GB approved descriptors;
3. Development of recommendations for in situ conservation of Latvian plant genetic resources.

Results to be achieved in 2019:

1. New accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and their wild relatives have been collected;
2. Inclusion of collected accessions in the list of genetic resources of Latvia and preservation in the gene bank or field collections;
3. Evaluation of the collected accessions using plant descriptors and data entered into the database;
4. Development of recommendations for in situ genetic conservation of Latvian plant genetic resources.