Genetic resources management with networks: the example of the network "Carrot and other Daucus"

Abstract

International audienceAs for many other species, the request of the producers, distributors and consumers for more homogeneous and more uniform products in carrot resulted in a considerable reduction of the number of cultivated varietal types. In order to face this possible genetic erosion, actions of conservation were committed in the world. In a majority of countries, these actions are concentrated within organizations such as multi-species gene banks. On the contrary, the French organization is based on networks specialized in a species or group of species. The Office of Genetic Resources (BRG) ensures the coordination of these networks. The network "Carrot and other Daucus" was created in 1996, and involves research institutes, seed companies, experimental and technical agencies as well as botanical gardens or amateurs, all experts of the carrot species. Each year, about 40 accessions are characterized and 5 to 10 accessions to be introduced in the national collection are regenerated. In accordance, the objectives of the network are to gather, evaluate, preserve the old carrot varieties and related species, and thus to contribute to the safeguard, verification and diffusion of the French genetic inheritanc