Application of Geographical Information System for PGR Management

Geographical information system (GIS) tools have enormous applications in management of plant genetic resources (PGR). GIS in conjunction with passport/herbarium/gene bank databases serves in geo-referencing, diversity distribution mapping and and predicting suitable sites for future collection of crop species and threatened taxa. They have been used in ecogeographic surveys for locating diversity, planning field exploration and collecting of PGR. They are also useful for identification of PGR conservation areas and individual species, species-rich areas and vegetation types that are not represented or under represented under conservation programs. In terms of biosecurity, GIS applications can be effectively used in locating hotspots, spread of pests and pathogens, develop early warning systems, build risk assessment models, assist in site specific protection measures etc. These technologies and applications developed in response to a wide range of needs are nowadays an indispensable tool in the management of PGR.