The course deals with a variety of plant genetic resources (PGR); fundamental role in satisfying basic human needs, with particular reference to global food security and sustainable agriculture; the importance of biodiversity conservation, principles, and practices in conservation of PGR, use of plant genetic resources for improving productivity, adaptability, quality, and sustainable agriculture. To provide information about the collection, evaluation, documentation, maintenance, and use of plant genetic resources for crop improvement. Students are introduced to the importance of conservation of PGR, the concept of evolution and domestication of plant species, a man using plant breeding to design plants for his specific needs and desires; the factors that can and have contributed to genetic erosion (loss of germplasm) in several crops plants and the measures that can be taken to protect and conserve the variation present in domesticated plants.

Purpose of the course: The purposes of the course are to 1) provide students with an in-depth knowledge of a variety of plant genetic resources; 2) describe the perspectives and trends of modern global situation with plant resources; 3) get acquainted with key literature and opportunity to actively discuss this literature