Agrobiodiversity and GIS

Since man first domesticated wild varieties of wheat and barley, breeding techniques have focused on the selection of desirable physical traits to improve crop quality and productivity. These methods are as relevant today as they were 5,000 years ago, but are being supplemented by the new technology represented by GMOs. To supply farmers and researchers alike with the genetic material to improve crop species under current and future conditions, scientists have collected germ plasm and acted as guardians for centuries. In situ conservation marks a new approach whereby useful germ plasm is maintained in its native environment as opposed to more traditional seed banks. GIS offers exciting possibilities that include the documentation of sites and locations of potential collection areas based on varying biophysical parameters and assessing risk to genetically diverse locations.

The value of preserving agrobiodiversity will only increase when considering the potential effects of documented changes in climate. ESRI GIS software is employed in many conservation projects around the world. The power that GIS brings to the efficient documentation of such activities is often sufficient justification when the number of seemingly disparate data layers is considered. Moreover, spatial analysis greatly helps in the planning phase of such projects—a methodology that ultimately leads to a successful implementation.

Utilizing GIS in a coordinated manner has proven to be the ultimate management tool for the exploration, exploitation, and conservation of genetic material essential to the development of improved varieties of basic food commodities.