Crop Wild Relatives: Plant conservation for food security (NERR037)

This report explores and presents evidence about the importance to food security of Crop Wild Relatives. These are the wild plant species which are ancestors of, or closely related to, crops. Due to the loss of approximately 75 per cent of crop genetic diversity in the 20th century, Crop Wild Relatives are likely to play an increasing role in plant breeding in the 21st century. No new research was commissioned for this study and the report brings together published findings about the importance of Crop Wild Relatives and the options for their conservation.