Crop Safeguarding Activities by the Mediterranean Germplasm Gene Bank Hosted by the CNR-IBBR in Bari (Italy)

The Mediterranean Germplasm Gene Bank (MGG) of the CNR-IBBR in Bari (Italy) is the oldest gene bank of the Mediterranean area. Thanks to Vavilov, this area is considered an important gene centre. The first safeguarding activities of the MGG began in 1969 and continue today following traditional and innovative approaches. The strategy followed by the MGG for safeguarding plant genetic resources of Mediterranean origin and of agricultural interest is described in detail together with the activities and methods used. Some examples of rare agrobiodiversity discovered in the area are reported and described. The MGG seed collection (as ex situ conservation) contains about 59,000 accessions from 34 families, 208 genera and 872 species. Over 13,000 samples have been directly collected over time by exploration teams, while others have been acquired from 314 donor institutions through a seed exchange. MGG studies in the Mediterranean region show a severe genetic erosion of about 75%. The approach adopted by the CNR-IBBR research group to combat this phenomenon can be broken down into two main areas. Firstly, new collecting missions could secure still available valuable material as old landraces cultivated in the fields and gardens of less anthropized areas; the considerable experience and knowledge acquired over the span of five decades, accumulated through this endeavour, undoubtedly plays a pivotal role. Moreover, the integration of conservation methods, ex situ and on farm, for cultivated material, and predominantly in situ for wild species, is necessary for the sustainable development and use of Mediterranean plant genetics resources. In pursuit of this objective, the international standing of the MGG and its extensive network of collaborations represent a foundational element.