Genetic resources and biodiversity Plant breeding Biotechnology Seed production and quality management Seed technology Seed quality control Seed legislation and seed policy Genetic resources and biodiversity Locally adapted varieties are crucial in maintaining food security, especially in areas with little control over crop growth conditions. The use of high yielding varieties does not contribute to food security in these vulnerable areas, so farmers have to propagate their own varieties. WSC supports community-based programs to maintain the biodiversity of local propagation material. Wild plant species have great economic value. WSC has the expertise to quickly assess the economic perspectives of the use of these plants for various purposes.
Genetic diversity is the raw material for plant breeding.
WSC has a gene bank through which the Netherlands contribute to the international efforts to conserve diversity. The mandate crops of CGN are lettuce, onion, wild potato and brassica. Genetic material is made available to breeders and research institutes all over the world. Plant breeding WSC is active in the development of new varieties. Stable and high yields, durable resistance against pests and diseases, and product quality are the primary breeding goals.