Plant genetic resources:

• It includes primitive forms of cultivated plant species and landraces, modern cultivars, obsolete cultivars, breeding lines, genetic stocks, weedy types, and related wild species.
• PGRFA (Plant Genetic Resources on Food and Agriculture) is a collective designation that includes the traditional crop varieties, modern cultivars, breeding lines, and genetic stocks that when taken together, contribute to providing food and components for industrial purposes.

Distinctive features of PGRFA

a) Has a fundamental role in satisfying human needs, with particular reference to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

b) Are the product of the activity of many generations of people in many countries.

c) Embedded in indigenous knowledge and culture.

Current trend in PGRFA identification and use

a) Expansion of on-farm management of traditional crop varieties.

b) Continued expansion of existing collection.

c) Development of improved linkages between on-farm management and those involved in ex situ conservation.