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Ex situ Conservation of Plant Germplasm from Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Mexico

Seed collector Ismael Calzada checking collections in the new drying chamber at FESI-UNAM, Mexico

Approximately 100 million hectares (20%) of Mexican territory are classified as Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL).  The Mexican ASAL include the sites of origin, development and diversification of a large number of plant species. Many of these habitats are at risk due to human development pressure. Approximately 67% of the Mexican ASAL have been drastically altered by human activities.

The aims of the Project are:

a.         The enhancement of ex situ and in situ conservation and sustainable utilisation of plant germplasm indigenous to Mexican ASAL; and

b.         Capacity building to include the enhancement of technical and scientific resources nationally and the exchange of information in support of institutional strengthening and biodiversity conservation.

Project aims are met through regular seed collecting expeditions in central dryland Mexico, supported by capacity-building of staff and infrastructure. Priorities include endemics and species useful at the village level. Seed processing, germination testing and banking at FES-Iztacala and MSB is undertaken with support of Mexico’s National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) within a three-year subproject. Enhancements are being made to the BIOTICA information system to handle seed bank collection data. Notable infrastructure improvements have been the development of a seed drying chamber and a greenhouse, which enable successful processing, research and propagation of target species. The collecting program is due to extend to other areas of dryland Mexico during 2007-2009, including Baja California.

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