Using Geographic Information to Acquire Wild Crop Germplasm for Ex Situ Collections: I. Map Development and Field Use

Abstract

A common strategy for sampling intraspecific genetic diversity is to maximize the sampling of geographically distinct populations. The objective of this study was to illustrate how geographic information coupled with geographic information systems (GIS) analysis can provide a new level of precision for establishing frameworks for sampling germplasm occurring in ecogeographically diverse sites. An exploration to collect forage germplasm in the western Caucasus Mountains in southern Russia, carried out jointly by the National Plant Germplasm System and the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry in 1995, was used as a case study. The development of a GIs database and resulting map products and how these products were used to guide the sampling of geographically‐distinct areas is discussed. Information sources included Russian maps, orbital satellite imagery, remotely‐sensed elevation data and long‐term climate data from weather stations. A GIS database was developed and used to produce the following maps: soil classification, roads and trails, vegetation, and topography. Climate modeling techniques were used to develop maps reflecting climate zones. During the collecting trip, the strengths and weaknesses of the various map products became evident. The satellite imagery could be effectively used to identify potential meadow sites, but did not reflect more recent anthropogenic disturbance. Soil maps comprised of original Russian agricultural soil maps failed to reflect the extreme heterogeneity of soil types. Assessment of map‐based and site‐specific geographic features during the collection trip provided collectors with an increased understanding of how the physical features of the collection landscape may have influenced the geographic differentiation of 75% of the germplasm accessions collected.

Assessment of some spatial climatic layers through GIS and statistical analysis techniques in Samsun Turkey

“…The regression analysis revealed that between monthly mean, maximum and minimum temperature values and elevation values linear relationships were produced. These findings agreed with those of the previous studies conducted elsewhere (Phillips et al, 1992;USDA, 1998;Greene et al, 1999;Yazdanpanah, 2001;Daly, 2002;Silva and Blanco, 2003;Chuanyan et al, 2004). Estimated monthly maximum, mean and minimum temperatures were highly significant (p < 0.001).…”

“…The relative humidity values decreased towards south, and the highest relative humidity values occurred in the coastal areas, depending on the temperature, and topographic characters of the region and the influence of the Black Sea (Figure 4). Accumulated rainfall values were used to create the spatial rainfall layers (Greene et al, 1999). Log transformation was used to fit the rainfall data into a normal distribution.…”

Tests of Taxonomic and Biogeographic Predictivity: Resistance to Disease and Insect Pests in Wild Relatives of Cultivated Potato

“…We considered values above 0.8 as very strong, between 0.6 and 0.8 as strong, between 0.4 and 0.6 as moderate, between 0.2 and 0.4 as weak, and between 0 and 0.2 as very weak. Greene et al (1999aGreene et al ( , 1999b demonstrated the utility of geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, combining physical distance and environmental data, in exploring sampling protocols. We tested associations of disease and pest resistances to climatic variables following our same methodologies in Jansky et al (2006Jansky et al ( , 2008.…”

Geographic information systems (GIS) and the conservation and use of plant genetic resources.

“…Unfortunately, published maps showing a specific factor of interest to the conservationist (or combination of factors) may not be available. An example of the use of GIS to develop mapping products for use in the field is provided by Greene et al (1999a). A number of moisture and temperature maps synthesizing some 60 monthly climate variables at 500 m resolution were prepared in support of a joint USA/Russia forage collecting programme in the Caucasus.…”