Genetic Resources of Cynara spp. an AGR GEN RES European Project CYNARES

Abstract

The European Commission (Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development under Council Regulation (EC) No 870/2004), has sponsored the European Project ‘CYNARES’ for the characterisation and conservation of Cynara species germplasm, focusing predominantly on artichokes. The project (2008 – 2012) involves seven project partners from France, Spain and Italy which share European germplasm collections. The accessions are currently being assessed at the morphological, biochemical and molecular levels as well as for disease resistance. Policy aspects addressed within this project include patenting resources to increase value to farmers producing well-recognised varieties and with known nutriceutical values. Moreover, European germplasm will be assessed, classified and patented hence protected by the third country, to avoid fraud and valorise the European products; three clones have already been sent for evaluation by registration authorities in Italy. The conservation of Cynara spp. germplasm and its utilisation are crucial to the project and were developed based on the CBD, the FAO’s GPA for PGRFA, and the ITPGRFA. A CYNARES website documenting Cynara germplasm with project updating and information is available at: http://www.cynares.com/ or http://www.cynares.eu/. The site will also target farmers as well as other stakeholder needs. The website aims to be a focal point for all the activities related to Cynara spp. Anyone can register and contribute to the news updating, inserting scientific results, germplasm information or events announcement.