A new approach to locating and utilizing oat genetic resources

Various developments, including the introduction of intellectual property rights (IPR), have changed the ways in which plant genetic resources (PGR) are utilized by agriculture on a global basis. While there have been a number of methods proposed to improve the efficiency of utilization of PGR during this time, any advances have been limited in their success. For example, the core collection method, while enjoying some popularity, has not completely delivered the advantages sought. It is proposed that significant advances can be achieved by focusing on several fundamental parameters associated with identifying PGR whilst employing some modern technologies. Basic passport information that uniquely identifies accessions is one such fundamental parameter. Database and GIS technology can be employed to recognize and more fully exploit the relationship between genotype, environment and evolution to more efficiently identify and utilize desirable genetic variation.