Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVII, Issue 1
Written by Nikolaya VELCHEVA
Before the globalization the local communities relied on the available traditional food plants for their nutritional and health-related needs.They remain neglected despite their huge biological value and potential. Recent literature reports that local food systems are more resilient, sustainable, and adaptive during times of climate changes, pandemics, and conflicts. It is important to follow research strategies to support their preservation and more widespread use in future. Significant plant gene fund and knowledge has been gained through conducted expeditions in Bulgaria. In this paper, the status of collected local diversity in Bulgarian genebank is explored based on documentation of accessions and the focus is on the needs of future development. The ex situ collection has been enriched with 10,883 local accessions from cereals, vegetables, pulses, medicinal and aromatic plants. Collected materials are listed in the electronic register according to descriptor of FAO/Bioversity. The results from inventory show that the country is rich in genetic biodiversity of vegetable crops and pulses, which requires community support initiatives to preserve them also in situ/on farm.
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