Bangladesh is a country blessed with fertile soils, favorable climate, and diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of plant species. Over centuries, farmers have cultivated, improved, and preserved local varieties that form the basis of today’s agricultural biodiversity. The term plant germplasm refers to the living genetic resources such as seeds, tissues, or whole plants that are preserved for breeding, conservation, and research. These resources are vital for food security, crop improvement, and resilience against environmental stress. In Bangladesh, plant germplasm is conserved both in traditional farming systems and modern genebanks, ensuring the preservation of genetic diversity for future generations.
1. Cereal Germplasm
Cereal crops form the backbone of Bangladesh’s agriculture, and their germplasm represents the largest collection in the country.
Rice (Oryza sativa) is the most important, with more than 8,000 landraces, improved varieties, and stress-tolerant lines. These include flood-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and salinity-resistant varieties suited to different agro-ecological zones.
Wheat germplasm is maintained for ensuring dietary diversity and resilience against rust diseases.
Maize, barley, and millets also contribute to food and fodder security, with germplasm collections supporting improved yields and adaptability.
2. Pulse Germplasm
Pulses are a crucial source of protein for millions of Bangladeshis.
Germplasm collections include lentil, chickpea, black gram, green gram, and grass pea, each with multiple local landraces adapted to specific soils and climates.
These varieties are valuable for their nitrogen-fixing capacity, which improves soil fertility, making them integral to sustainable cropping systems.
3. Oilseed Germplasm
Bangladesh conserves a wide range of oilseed plant germplasm to meet edible oil demand.
Mustard, sesame, groundnut, and soybean germplasm are preserved both in research institutions and farmer-managed fields.
Local landraces often show tolerance to waterlogging and pests, making them valuable resources for breeding programs.
4. Horticultural Germplasm
Horticultural crops are a vital part of the country’s agricultural biodiversity, contributing to nutrition and income generation.
Fruits: Mango, jackfruit, banana, guava, litchi, and citrus fruits have numerous indigenous varieties with unique tastes and adaptive qualities. For instance, more than 200 mango landraces are documented in different regions.
Vegetables: Brinjal, okra, pumpkin, gourds, tomato, and leafy greens are rich in local germplasm diversity, supporting year-round production.
Spices and Condiments: Chili, onion, garlic, turmeric, and ginger germplasm are preserved for flavor diversity and disease resistance.
5. Fiber and Cash Crop Germplasm
Jute germplasm is globally significant as Bangladesh is one of the largest producers of natural fiber. Both white jute (Corchorus capsularis) and tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius) varieties are conserved for their economic and industrial importance.
Cotton and sugarcane germplasm collections also play a vital role in ensuring raw material supply for the textile and sugar industries.
6. Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Germplasm
Bangladesh has a long tradition of using medicinal plants in healthcare.
Plants like neem, tulsi, basak, and ashwagandha are preserved as part of traditional medicine systems.
Aromatic rice varieties and spices are also included in this category, valued for cultural and economic purposes.
