Management and Uses of Woody Crops Field Gene Banks, a Multi-Functional Approach in the Experience of Apulia Region (Italy)

The conservation of woody fruit species, carried out mainly ex situ in the collection fields of large conservation centers with numerous species and hundreds of varieties, requiring highly qualified personnel, suitable equipment and facilities, is technically very complex and, above all, very expensive. The proposed study case in Apulia demonstrates that, although underestimated, the problem of the economic sustainability of on field conservation sites, like other phytosanitary and climatic factors being a concrete threat to the safety of genetic resources, can be overcome with a multifunctional approach, combining conservation with research activities, development of new products, varietal innovation, training and other related activities. In recent years, since agrobiodiversity and genetics were recognized as fundamental solutions to face the new challenges of climate change adaptation and sustainability of cultivation for safeguarding agriculture and global food security, also the importance and role of germplasm conservation centers changed considerably, having gained visibility, media attention, public consideration and related funding. By increasing the educational and information functions in the conservation centers, the synergy with tourist activities also becomes a concrete perspective to inform citizen and consumers, for attracting new interested visitors, bringing revenues for conservation and research, for promoting the territory and valorizing the local genetic resources.