ISHS Acta Horticulturae 813: VI International Symposium on New Floricultural Crops
PHYTOGENETIC RESOURCES OF THE MACARONESIAN REGION AND THEIR ECONOMICAL USE |
| Authors: | J.F.T. Ganança, T.M.M. dos Santos, G. Freitas, F.D.G. Reis, N.A. Lopes, G. Costa, M.A.A. Pinheiro de Carvalho, J.J. Slaski |
| Keywords: | biodiversity protection, plant resources, ornamentals, Semele sp., Archipelago of Madeira, ISOPlexis Germplasm Bank |
| Abstract:
The Macaronesian Region possesses a rich heritage of plant resources including several ornamental species of economic importance. Introduction and economic use of cultivated plants commenced in Madeira in the 15th century along with the colonization of islands when a variety of crop and ornamental species were brought from different regions of the world. The main mandate of the ISOPlexis Germplasm Bank established at the University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal, is to monitor and evaluate plant resources possessing economic potential to the Macaronesian Region. To ensure adequate evaluation of plant resources the ISOPlexis strictly follows the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI/CGIAR) and the International Union for the Protection of new varieties of plants (UPOV) protocols, including the morphological, biochemical and molecular descriptors, as well as the analysis of specific agronomic and nutritional traits. Ultimately, field trials are conducted to evaluate, domesticate and select local species and crops as prospective sources for new biomaterials that may have potential to generate incomes to the region’s economy. As an example of such an approach, the Semele, endemic Macaronesian species of ornamental interest will be discussed. | |
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