The genetic Resources unit (GRU) of NRCRI, Umudike was established on 26^th December 1997 which was later upgraded to Genetic Resources Programme on October 2024.

Genetic Resources Programme is a store house or repository of all root and tuber crops species/cultivars developed, acquired, donated and collected by NRCRI over many years   

It was created to address the loss and poor management of germplasm within the institute and to strength the conversation of root and tuber crops diversity.

The programme operates under Biotechnology Department, contributing to the institute’s national mandate of improving root and tuber crops for food security.

OBJECTIVES:

 To assemble, characterize, and conserve a broad genetic base of crop variants of root and tuber crops improvement, food production and security.

MANDATE

• The GRP is primarily responsible for collection and conservation of genetic resources germplasm (Germplasm collection, exploration and Conservation).
• Maintenance of biodiversity of root and tuber crops
• Provision of genetic materials for research and breeding
• Documentation and data management of crop accessions.

Its broad goal is to assemble, conserve and utilize crop genetic diversity for sustainable agriculture.

Major functions and activities:

Germplasm collection and exploration

• Collection of wild and cultivated species across Nigeria.
• Acquisition new varieties through donations and international exchange

Conservation of genetic Resources

• Maintenance of germplasm in the field gene banks and invitro systems
• Preservation of endangered species for future use

Characterization and evaluation

• Morphological, physiological and molecular characterization
• Use of tools like SSR and SNP markers to access genetic diversity

Documentation and Database management

• Development of germplasm database and inventories
• Coding and proper identification of accessions

Germplasm utilization

• Supply of planting materials for plant breeding programmes
• Research and training
• Promotion of descriptor manuals and catalogues

Collaboration and networking

• Partnerships with: International institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
• National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NAGRAB)
• International Plant Genetic Resources Institute etc

These collaborators help, expand genetic diversity, and strengthen conservation efforts.

Germplasm holdings (genetic status)

The programme maintains a wide range of economically important crops including

• Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
• Yam (Dioscorea spp)
• Cocoyam (Xanthosoma spp)
• Taro (Colocasia spp)
• Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)
• Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Turmeric (Curcumis longa)
• Rizga (Plectranthus esculentus)
• Amora (Tacca leontopetaloides)
• Hausa potato and others

The gene bank contains many accessions of root and tuber crops making it a major repository in Nigeria.

Research Focus

Current research in the Genetic Resources Programme includes

• Invitro conservation techniques
• Molecular diversity studies using DNA markers
• Development of core collections
• Long term conservation strategies

These activities support crop improvement and climate resilience

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Development of descriptive manuals for Nigerian cassava, yam, cocoyam, taro and ginger
• Integration into global germplasm networks
• Strengthen of national genetic resources database
• Contributing to variety development and breeding programme

IMPORTANCE OF THE PROGRAMME

The Genetic Resources Programme (GRP) is critical because it:

• Safeguards Nigeria’s agricultural biodiversity
• Provides raw materials for crop improvement and breeding
• Supports food security and sustainable agriculture
• Prevents genetic erosion of indigenous crops

CONCLUSION  

The GRP of NRCRI, Umudike plays a strategic role in conservation, research and utilization of root and tuber crops diversity. Through germplasm management, biotechnology, and collaboration, it ensures that valuable genetic resources are preserved and used to improve agricultural productivity in Nigeria and beyond.