Genetic resources

Preserving genetic resources

The preservation of genetic resources is one of INRAE's regalian missions, to which A2M contributes through the Biological Resource Centers hosted by the Genetics and Breeding of Fruits and Vegetables unit.

The crops conserved are eggplant, pepper and tomato (Solanaceae family), melon (Cucurbitaceae family), apricot, peach, almond, plum and their rootstocks (stone fruit, Rosaceae family, Prunus genus), and lettuce (Asteraceae family, Lactuca genus).

A2M monitors and cultivates these collections, and is involved in seed multiplication in insect-proof greenhouses and field characterization for market garden crops. A2M also participates in the valorization of genetic resources through GAFL's pre-breeding activities, which aim to optimize the use of diversity in plant breeding. For instance, this can lead to the creation of genitors of interest to breeders after several generations of crosses, one of the goals being to introgress disease resistance from cultivated or wild individuals.

Every year, research teams establish breeding plans to create innovative material, which requires good crop establishment and soil fertility, from flowering to fruiting.

A2M provides appropriate protection of fruit trees against frequent spring frosts through increased surveillance and the use of candles if deemed necessary.

Modification date : 19 July 2023 | Publication date : 09 November 2022 | Redactor : A2M