Enhancing the Conservation of Crop Wild Relatives in England

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130804
• Publication Date: 2015-06-25T18:13:08Z
• Authors: Hannah Fielder; Peter Brotherton; Julian Hosking; John J. Hopkins; Brian Ford-Lloyd; Nigel Maxted
• Keywords: Crops, Agricultural; 2. Zero hunger; Conservation of Natural Resources; 0303 health sciences; Geography; Science; Climate Change; Q; R; Genetic Variation; Agriculture; Biodiversity; 15. Life on land; Food Supply; 03 medical and health sciences; England; Species Specificity; Medicine; Research Article

Humans require resilient, rapidly renewable and sustainable supplies of food many other plant-derived supplies. However, the combined effects climate change population growth compromise provision these particularly in respect to global security. Crop wild relatives (CWR) contain higher genetic diversity than crops harbour traits that can improve crop resilience yield through plant breeding. common with most countries, CWR are poorly conserved England. There is currently no for long-term conservation situ, comprehensive ex situ collection storage also lacking. there a commitment achieve their England's Biodiversity Strategy UK has international commitments do so as part Global Plant Conservation Strategy. Here, we identify series measures could enhance English CWR, thereby supporting achievement national objectives. We provide an inventory 148 priority highlight hotspots sites including The Lizard Peninsula, Dorset coast Cambridgeshire suggest appropriate establishment complementary network reserves. individual priorities each CWR. Based on analyses, make recommendations whose implementation effective, whilst facilitating use improvement.