Dear Colleagues,

Biodiversity loss and the climate crisis represent major current challenges for humankind, which also negatively impact agriculture and food systems. Considering agriculture and other related activities, this dramatic scenario alongside the erosion of crop biodiversity has led us to a watershed in terms of preserving the available genetic diversity of plant species and agroecosystems. The efficient conservation and management of plant genetic resources has become even more crucial than before, since genetically diverse plant species, including their wild relatives, represent a valuable resource that should be utilized. Indeed, the preservation and valorization of genetic resources are the key elements that will guarantee healthy and sustainable food systems, and will aid in identifying genetic materials with improved adaptation and desirable interactions in different environments. Finally, the identification of suitable resources for food production in light of different agroecosystems, sustainable agricultural management practices, consumer preferences, and transformation processes must be considered, especially in regard to new plant-based products and agroecological approaches. Currently, only a few species make up most of the calories in the human diet worldwide; for many of these species, only limited varieties are accessible on the food market, while millions of accessions are stored in gene banks, on farms, or are preserved, but without the characterization that is required for their utilization.

Thus, this Special Issue in Plants will highlight relevant research papers, as well as methodological and review articles that are focused on the following:

• The identification and evaluation of the best strategies and tools for the conservation, management, valorization, and utilization of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, including citizen science and participatory approaches.
• The assessment of agrobiodiversity and the genetic diversity of PGR for their potential value in agriculture and for sustainable and healthy food systems using any available and appropriate approaches that exploit various disciplines, including (but not limited to) genetics, population genetics, plant breeding, agroecology, ecology, nutrition, and various omics approaches.
• Additionally, considering the previously mentioned aspects, works aimed at addressing normative and legal issues related to plant property rights will be also most welcome.

Dr. Roberto Papa
Dr. Beleggia Romina
Guest Editors

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• plant biodiversity
• genetic resources
• genetic variability
• plant evolution