Obst- und Beerenvielfalt erhalten und vernetzen

<< Background >>Europe's fruit and berry diversity is an immense treasure and the basis of our future food supply. Only with a diverse genetic basis can a food system be further developed and adapted. To stay able to adapt to climate change and its consequences we need to keep our genetic resources alive. Also changes in cultivation methods, the reduction of the use of poisons, or changed methods for soil use and soil regeneration which will come caused by energy shortages, will bring the necessity to draw from our genetic resources. In current cultivation and marketing systems, there is no room for variety diversity. The preservation of existing varieties, and thus genetic diversity, is currently dependent on market-independent initiatives. The project work of ProSpecieRara has so far focused primarily on vegetables, the transfer of seed cultivation knowledge and the marketing of old varieties. The aim of this Erasmus+ project was to analyze the status quo of conservation work and cooperation on fruit and berries in Germany, Austria and neighboring countries and to find out whether and in which area ProSpecieRara should get involved in fruit variety conservation in the future.<< Objectives >>Through intensive exchange, research and visits, possibilities and opportunities, but also threats and weaknesses of the current state of conservation and cooperation should be worked out. Possible gaps and fields of action should be identified and funding opportunities and arguments for further conservation work should be compiled. Contacts with other conservation organizations should be established. In the area of variety verification on the basis of genetic analyses, the aim was to expand the knowledge base and to support and promote the cross-border exchange of molecular genetic reference lists.<< Implementation >>The main activities in the project can be divided into four fields. 1. intensive online exchange on the conservation situation and practical experience with a kick-off meeting and online meetings for in-depth exchange. As well as an online round table with numerous organizations on working with molecular genetic data in variety identification. 2. visits to a total of six conservation organizations in Austria and Germany, each with guided tours and in-depth professional exchange. 3. research work and the development of an internal strategy paper for the organization and, as a synergy effect, 4. the development of the first posters to communicate the topic of 'fruit variety conservation'.<< Results >>We were able to gain a comprehensive overview of existing conservation work with a focus on Germany and Austria. Concrete empirical knowledge on the practical installation of fruit variety conservation was collected so that mistakes do not have to be repeated. Contacts were established with existing conservation organizations and individual conservationists.The basic knowledge for working with genetic markers to determine fruit varieties was developed. The transnational networking and exchange of information on working with genetic markers in fruit variety identification was significantly supported. Open questions from many participants were clarified and the level of knowledge on molecular genetic reference lists was harmonized internationally.In addition, specific fields of action, gaps and needs in variety conservation were identified. These indicate a possible direction for further involvement in fruit variety conservation. The public was introduced to the topic via the website and the annual brochure.