Importance and maintenance of <i>Nicotiana</i> genetic resources

Abstract The collection and maintenance of genetic resources of plants is the basis for protecting biodiversity of sources of genetic variation used in breeding. Genebanks collect and store plant material in a viable state and also conduct its evaluation. The most critical factor in maintaining viability is assessing the germination capacity of seeds, which depends on the plant species as well as on the conditions and duration of seed storage. The rate of viability loss varies between species but always increases with seed age. Reduced germination capacity indicates the need for seed regeneration of stored samples. Understanding the period during which seeds of a given species remain viable under specific storage conditions allows for optimizing the regeneration of samples in the collection. This study presents data on seed viability of species of the genus Nicotiana under different storage conditions. They indicate the significant influence of air temperature, seed humidity and oxygen content in the air on long-term seed storage. The aim of this study was to present information on the conservation of genetic resources of the Nicotiana genus from different countries and their potential utilization in breeding programs. Many species of the Nicotiana genus are a valuable sources of resistance to viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases, as well as pests. Numerous resistance traits have been successfully transferred to cultivated tobacco ( N. tabacum ), frequently resulting in the development of new valuable varieties and breeding materials.