Includes bibliographical references, appendices and index.

Introduction to plant genetic resources and their conservation -- History of plant genetic resources conservation -- Plant domestication and crop evolution -- Plant germplasm exploration and collecting -- Introduction and exchange of plant genetic resources -- Plant quarantine and related regulatory processess -- Ex situ conservation : seed genebanks -- Ex situ conservation : field genebanks, botanical gardens and arboreta -- Ex situ conservation : in vitro, DNA and pollen conservation -- In situ conservation : on - farm and home gardens -- In situ conservation : nature reserves -- Characterization, evaluation and utilization of germplasm -- Genetic resources information management -- Intellectual property rights and access to plant genetic resources -- Climate change and the conservation of plant genetic resources