This collection addresses the challenges of maintaining and benefitting from plant genetic diversity. Part 1 assesses ways of valuing and monitoring plant genetic diversity. Part 2 discusses advances in in-situ and ex-situ strategies for conserving plant genetic diversity. The final section reviews ways of enhancing the use of plant genetic diversity for a more sustainable agriculture

Part 1 Importance and value of conservation and use of plant genetic diversity1.The importance of plant genetic diversity for food security and sustainable development: Chikelu Mba, FAO, Italy;2.Valuing plant genetic diversity: Melinda Smale, Michigan State University, USA;3.Identifying and monitoring plant genetic diversity: Ehsan Dulloo, Bioversity International, Italy4.Improving the exchange of germplasm for crop breeding: Selim Louafi, CIRAD, France;Part 2 Protecting plant genetic diversity: in-situ and on-farm strategies5.Key steps in preserving plant genetic diversity: an overview: Nigel Maxted, University of Birmingham, UK;6.Key issues facing genebanks in preserving crop genetic diversity: Paula Bramel, Crop Trust, Germany;7.Key issues and techniques in collecting crop wild relatives (CWR): Michael Way, Royal Botanic Gardens - Kew, UK;8.New technologies to improve the ex situ conservation of plant genetic resources: Fiona R. Hay, Aarhus University, Denmark; and Sershen, University of the Western Cape & Institute of Natural Resources, South Africa;9.The role of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in preserving crop genetic diversity: Asmund Asdal, Nordic Genetic Resource Center, Sweden;Part 3 Enhancing conservation and use of plant genetic diversity10.Community-based conservation of crop genetic resources: Stef de Haan, International Potato Center (CIP), Peru;11.Participatory plant breeding programmes to optimise use of crop genetic resources: Margaret Smith, Cornell University, USA;12.Developing effective seed systems to optimise use of crop genetic resources: Niels Louwaars, Plantum, The Netherlands;13.DNA-based screening of germplasm: Jacqui Batley, University of Queensland, Australia;