Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #153215
Title: ORIGIN AND CONSERVATION OF ALLIUM BIODIVERSITY

Author
item Hannan, Richard

Submitted to: National Allium Research Conference
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2002
Publication Date: 12/11/2002
Citation: HANNAN, R.M. ORIGIN AND CONSERVATION OF ALLIUM BIODIVERSITY. 2002 NATIONAL ALLIUM RESEARCH CONFERENCE. 2002.

Interpretive Summary: Interpretive summery Both wild and cultivated alliums have been part of man's culture, religion and cuisine since ancient times. Most of the commonly cultivated Allium crops come from wild relatives that are found in various ecological regions of central Asia. Although many of the wild Allium species are quite palatable and are still used for food today, only a few species are cultivated as crops. There are more than 700 species within the genus Allium worldwide. Conservation of Allium germplasm is a complex endeavor. In order to conserve collections with broad genetic diversity, both seed and clones must be maintained. The out-crossing nature of the seed producing species requires sophisticated controlled pollination systems. Short longevity of seed in storage requires adequate seed storage facilities. Around the world, there are international centers, national programs, university projects, and private companies that maintain Allium collections. The size and scope of these collections range from small to large (>1,000 accessions) to unknown in the case of private collections. The USDA, National Plant Germplasm System has over 1,300 accessions among over 100 species. The Allium cepa and A. fistulosum collections are maintained at the Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Geneva, NY, and all of the other species are at the Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA.

Technical Abstract: Both wild and cultivated alliums have been part of man's culture, religion and cuisine since ancient times. Most of the commonly cultivated Allium crops come from wild relatives that are found in various ecological regions of central Asia. Although many of the wild Allium species are quite palatable and are still used for food today, only a few species are cultivated as crops. There are more than 500 species within the genus Allium worldwide. Conservation of Allium germplasm is a complex endeavor. In order to conserve collections with broad genetic diversity, both seed and clones must be maintained. The out-crossing nature of the seed producing species requires sophisticated controlled pollination systems. Short longevity of seed in storage requires adequate seed storage facilities. Around the world, there are international centers, national programs, university projects, and private companies that maintain Allium collections. The size and scope of these collections range from small to large (>1,000 accessions) to unknown in the case of private collections. The USDA, National Plant Germplasm System has over 1,300 accessions among over 100 species. The Allium cepa and A. fistulosum collections are maintained at the Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Geneva, NY, and all of the other species are at the Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA.