Geoinformatics and Genetic Resources under Changing Climate

Abstract

Each species requires minimum/optimum area for its survival, evolution and gene exchange. Analysis of habitat condition, function, composition, fragmentation, patchiness, interspersion and juxtaposition has an impact on the ecology and evolutionary process. Greater the variety of types of habitat, greater is the diversity of genetic resources and better the chances of mitigating the extinction risk from the ever changing climate. However, spatial representations of the habitat and genetic resources at a scale which can be used for genetic resources management and conservation planning are lacking. This paper presents application of geoinformatics technology in characterization of the genetic resources at landscape level. The resultant outputs in the geospatial domain help in delineation of the biodiversity rich hot-spots, its spatial pattern and variability under the influence of biophysical, socio-economic and climatic conditions. These will further assist in the identification of the potential areas for germplasm collection, in-situ biodiversity conservation, exploring the various traits for the climate smart agriculture. It also discusses bio-prospecting of the genetic resources and its implications in climate change adaption and mitigation.