Identifying priority sites for the on-farm conservation of landraces and systematic diversity monitoring through an integrated multi-level hotspot analysis: the case of potatoes in Peru

Introduction Effective monitoring of the in situ conservation status and change dynamics landrace populations their centers origin ideally requires identification sites that are complementary terms richness, uniqueness coverage genetic diversity. Methods We applied a 4-step approach to identify high potato diversity which will guide set-up network prospective observatories Peru, center origin. A GIS mapping was used determine combination would provide most comprehensive genepool coverage. inventory developed from 49 sources, comprising 47,272 records, 97.1% with coordinates, derive landrace, cultivated species, cultivar group richness. Data on known indicators agrobiodiversity, including wild relative concurrence, area, ecogeographic diversity, ethnolinguistic were included spatial overlay analysis, conjunction expert opinion data further insight hotspot selection. Results Thirteen hotspots high, unique, levels identified. recommend robust baselines established, documenting current these using semi-standardized methods metrics for future tracking. Discussion Our results, while being kind date, inevitably affected by gaps, infrastructure biases. New documentation efforts should record uncovered regions, as well explore mechanisms track unique endemic landraces occur coldspots.