REVIEW OF THE FYNBOS GENEBANK PROJECT

Authors:	Gail M. Littlejohn, Marius B. de Kock
Keywords:	genetic resources, horticulture, machia
Abstract: The uniqueness of the Fynbos Genebank lies in its aim to conserve the genetic diversity of fynbos plants with floricultural merit. The fynbos is a unique plant ecosystem found only within the world's smallest floral kingdom, the Flora Capensis. This plant ecosystem has been reported to be more threatened by mans activities and interference than even the rainforests. The aims of the Fynbos genebank are the following: collection and acquisition of new samples, regeneration and multiplication of samples, maintenance of the genetic integrity of samples, documentation and exchange of information on the samples maintained, research on the most appropriate methods of conservation of the samples, and controlled exchange of samples. The problems facing the maintenance of this genebank center around sufficient funds to not only maintain it, but to improve the operations of the genebank to meet international standards.
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