Vegetable Genetic Resources of Turkey

Turkey is an important center for plant genetic resources and genetic diversity. It is also one of the domestication centers where ancient agriculture started. Traditionally small-scale agriculture in Turkey has been important in bringing together some species that have hybridized causing increases in variation. The status of vegetable species germplasm, collection and characterization activities, cultivar breeding programs and utilization of the vegetable genetic resources in Turkey are detailed. Conservation and maintenance of these valuable genetic resources are necessary because these populations are important sources of diversity that could be used in future breeding programs.