Synopsis (short abstract)Plant Genetic Resources (PGR), are a heritage of mankind to be preserved, and to be freely available for use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Plant Genetic Resources provide to people, food, medicine, shelter, fiber, and energy. They can be material of cultivated varieties (cultivars) in current use and newly developed varieties, farmer’s varieties (landraces), wild and weed species, and near relatives of cultivated varieties. Plant Genetic Resources are the foundation for sus tainable agriculture and global food security; they also are a reservoir of genetic adaptability, which acts as a buffer against harmful environmental changes and economic challenges.