Genetic resources: witness to our past, essence of our future

Animals, cultivated plants, forests... Originally, genetic resources were in fact living beings, and more specifically populations managed by breeders and farmers, who selected species according to their uses and needs. Genetic resources, the fruit of domestication, are part of human societies, and the first selection criteria used were above all visual and practical: morphology, size, color... As time went by, the need for food became more pressing, the working population under Queen Victoria starved, and breeding was organized to meet this need. At the beginning of the 20th century, scientists developed the theory of quantitative genetics, which is at the origin of the modern selection methods applied since the 1950s to develop production capacities. Large-scale selection leads to increased plant and animal performance, as well as economic profitability.

Preventing the erosion of genetic diversity

However, this trend towards strong specialization is giving rise to a wave of concern among some scientists, and then in society in general: a few breeds are becoming commercially predominant, but what about the others? The narrower the choices, the more resources are left by the wayside... Genetic diversity is being eroded, and the problems posed by this erosion on the robustness of production systems or the ability of forests to adapt to climatic or health hazards are beginning to be observed. Movements are springing up to save "small breeds" and "old varieties". Tools and programs need to be put in place to prevent the loss of biodiversity. As far as micro-organisms are concerned, society's perception of the risk of erosion is less acute, but the importance of having access to a wide choice of species and strains is also recognized. The know-how of cheesemakers, winemakers and others relies on microbial resources whose diversity is reflected in the diversity of their products.

The birth of the biodiversity concept

In 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity was signed. "The definition of genetic resources was broadened to include any resource containing a functional unit of heredity," explains Michèle Tixier-Boichard, Deputy Scientific Director Environment at INRAE. DNA banks, soil samples containing as yet little-known micro-organisms, as well as yeast, filamentous fungi and bacteria are joining the ranks of genetic resources. The importance of preserving biodiversity is now recognized, and governments are being questioned about their conservation policies. The collections of grapevines and cheese bacteria that had already been set up were strengthened, and France set up a national cryobank for livestock in 1999. These enable seeds or strains to be frozen in liquid nitrogen for an indefinite period. This is known as ex-situ conservation, and complements in-situ conservation: for example, on farms maintaining particular breeds, or in forest conservatories. These cryobanks, seed collections or conservation orchards are collective assets shared between researchers, farmers, companies, breeders or amateur gardeners... 

For dynamic biodiversity management

"The existence of stocks of genetic resources should not, however, lead to a lack of interest in 'living' populations, breeds, varieties, strains..." warns Michèle Tixier-Boichard. "Even if cryobanks and conservatories are a reference, genetic resource collections must not be allowed to become graveyards... At all costs, they must be considered in a dynamic way, with exchanges of resources, to keep them alive". Through its Biological Resource Centers (BRCs), INRA aims not only to preserve biodiversity, but also to learn more about it. Both the input and output of resources are carefully monitored to maintain trust between the resource provider (which may be a private company) and the BRC manager, who sometimes acts as mediator between the two. In all cases, the BRC manager guarantees the traceability of exchanges.

Facing tomorrow's major challenges

Today, genetic resources must be a priority. Indeed, this heritage is essential for advancing research and enabling us to meet the major challenges of tomorrow. Food, both in terms of quantity and quality, energy, transport, climate change, health, biomaterials... the stakes are high. "In the future, we may need certain breeds of animals, strains of micro-organisms or varieties of plants, which is why genetic resources are essential. Among other things, they enable us to support the breeding and agriculture of today and tomorrow, as well as helping to maintain biodiversity," concludes Michèle Tixier-Boichard.