This course covers the importance, collection, evaluation, conservation, and utilization of plant genetic resources (PGR) and discusses the ex-situ and in-situ collection and conservation strategies. Importance of land races and wild species as plant genetic resources and their economic value to food security discussed. The relationship between PGR and sustainable agriculture is also studied. The international agreements in plant genetic resources and the policies that govern their collection and utilization are also covered.
Course objectives

1. To define plant Genetic Resources and their importance in agricultural development and agricultural strategy and food security.

2. To identify and understand methods of collection and conservation of plant genetic resources (exsitu and insitu conservation).

3. To identify classifications of plant genetic resources and their value in classical and molecular breeding.

4.  To aware students about International agreements in plant genetic resources and the policies that govern their collection and utilization. example: the Intellectual Property Right (IPR)