What is the term for the collection and management of plant genetic resources to ensure conservation and sustainable use?

The term for the collection and management of plant genetic resources to ensure conservation and sustainable use is seed conservation. This process involves not only preserving seeds but also safeguarding genetic diversity within plant species. By maintaining a wide variety of seeds, this practice helps to ensure that future generations can benefit from a diverse range of crops and plants, which is critical for food security, agricultural sustainability, and the resilience of ecosystems.

Seed conservation encompasses several activities, including the collection of seeds from different plant varieties, proper storage conditions to maintain viability, and research to understand genetic traits that might be important for breeding new varieties. This approach is essential in the face of threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and disease, all of which can undermine plant diversity and the resources available for agriculture and conservation.

In contrast, while terms like genetic banking, biodiversity management, and plant resource management may relate to the broader themes of conservation and resource management, they do not specifically focus on the seed aspect. Genetic banking often refers to the storage of genetic material in various forms, biodiversity management covers a broader scope of managing ecosystems and species, and plant resource management may involve handling more general aspects of plant resources beyond just genetic conservation.