The Present Status and Future Prospects of the NIAS Genebank Project in Japan

Abstract

Since 1985 the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) has coordinated a national genebank project in Japan that has focused on conservation of plant, microorganism and animal genetic resources related to agriculture. More recently DNA materials have been added to the project. NIAS has also established a Rice Genome Resources Center. Central to the efficient working of the genebank project has been the database system that now includes illustrated databases and marker databases. Research to develop core collections for various crop species has progress recently and germplasm users are requesting these germplasm research sets. Future challenges including continuously incorporating new technologies to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness and usefulness of genebank materials and operations. International cooperation is a key component of Japan’s strategy to ensure global safety and exchange of conserved genetic resources. Key to the future of the national and global genetic resources system will be realizing and recognition of the usefulness of genetic resources to sustaining and improve agricultural productivity.