Establishment of a cryopreserved gene bank of European elms

Abstract

Cryopreservation of a core collection of 444 elm (Ulmus spp.) clones in liquid nitrogen was carried out by two laboratories participating in a European project of conservation of elm genetic resources. Plant material, collected in nine European countries, represented a large sample of the genetic diversity within three European elm species and their hybrids. The cryopreservation technique used in both laboratories involved the stepwise freezing of cryotubes containing dormant buds. Comparisons with fresh buds showed that the cryopreservation treatment had no negative effect on the viability and regrowth potential of frozen buds. Tests on a random sample of 26 clones showed that direct regrowth of cryopreserved buds (i.e., through propagation by microcuttings) of Ulmus minor and Ulmus laevis was possible; conversely, Ulmus glabra could only be regrown through micrografting. Most thawed explants from all 26 clones survived through the whole cultivation phase and were successfully transferred to the field. A calculation of costs indicates that cryopreservation of elm buds is economically competitive to field clonal archives.

Comparing costs for different conservation strategies of garlic (Allium sativum L.) germplasm in genebanks

“…The thorough analyses performed in course of more than 1 year showed that, despite a certain level of variability, several general features could be extracted, which confirm results of other plant collections (Garming et al 2009;Harvengt et al 2004). The main feature is the permanent character of field costs which remain constant over the years in contrast to the twostep character of costs in cryopreservation.…”

“…Cryopreservation was also subject of preliminary economical considerations in Germany and France (Harvengt et al 2004;Keller 2006;Schäfer-Menuhr et al 1996).…”

Development of Japanese Persimmon Core Collection by Genetic Distance Sampling Based on SSR Markers

“…A cryopreserved core collection of European elms has been established successfully (18). The relatively small size of this core collection enables a logical and efficient characterization and evaluation in Japanese persimmon native to China.…”

Application of Biotechnology in the Conservation of the Genus Castanea

“…In hardwoods, the cryopreservation of a collection of elm trees (Ulmus spp.) that had survived the epidemics of Dutch elm disease should be mentioned, as they are are potentially resistant to this disease [103,104].…”