Genetic resources of Amaranths : a global plan of action

This report presents worldwide data on amaranth cultivation and collection, and for a global plan of action. After reviewing the economic and nutritional importance of both vegetable and grain amaranths, the report discusses cultivation practices; centers of origin and genetic diversity; germplasm collections, breeding, and research, especially in the United States, India, and Nigeria; collecting priorities, based on collection gaps and threatened genetic erosion; and base and active collection centers and contact persons. Procedures for the global collection of amaranths are recommended. Appended are an amaranth descriptor list for use in genetic resource documentation; a provisional key to edible species; and lists of collectors, publications, and researchers.