ASSESSING USER PERCEPTIONS OF GENETIC RESOURCE COLLECTIONS IN CRUCIFER CROPS

Germplasm collections worldwide are increasing in both size and qualit y, but quantitative data on user needs and their perceptions of collec tion management are limited. Such information would enable more effect ive planning and management by collection curators. In 1991, we survey ed and analyzed the opinions of 47 scientists working with crucifer cr ops, including oilseed Brassica napus L. and B. mpa L., vegetable cole s [B. oleracea subsp. italica (broccoli), B. oleracea subsp. capitata L. (cabbage), B. rapa subsp. pekinensis Lour. (Chinese cabbage), etc.] , and wild and weedy relatives. Survey respondents were located in 19 countries and represented a broad range of institutional affiliations, professional interests, educational backgrounds, and research program s. Significant differences occurred among respondents' opinions on var ious activities (acquisition, preservation and distribution, documenta tion, and research). Respondents utilized genetic resources from all g ene pool categories, obtained them from an array of sources, and expec ted to increase their use about 30% by 1994. Nearly 80% of respondents maintained a germplasm collection for their own use. They estimated e x situ genebanks held <50% of total genetic diversity of crucifers and were dissatisfied with collection documentation. About 80% used biote chnological techniques and projected an increased use of gene pools co mprising F-1 fertile relatives, F-1 semi-sterile and sterile related s pecies, and genetic stocks. Respondents felt that research that focuse d on identification and transfer of new and useful traits would enhanc e crucifer germplasm collections. Our survey results provided a curren t, systematic assessment of germplasm users' expectations, but curator s must have the scientific and managerial skills to reconcile those ex pectations with limited resources.