CYNARA: FRENCH GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK FOR ARTICHOKE AND CARDOON

The CYNARA network is dedicated to the management of the French genetic resources of artichoke and cardoon varieties. Initiated in 1998, it involves four in vivo conservatories (INRA Ploudaniel, GEVES Cavaillon, SICA Centrex, AREFLEC) and three associated partners (APREL, CATE, ENRx CRRG), all located in the main French artichoke production areas. All participants adopted the rules and procedures of the French National Chart set up by the BRG (French Genetic Resources Board). The number of varieties introduced in the French National Collection was optimized in order to limit the charge of maintenance over the long term. The preservation and regeneration tasks are realized thanks to the in vivo conservatories. A primary characterization based on UPOV descriptors is realized by the network’s coordinator (GEVES Cavaillon). Secondary characterizations can be carried out in cooperation with specialized organizations (universities, private breeders, public and/or professional organizations). Each conservatory is in charge of the exchange of information and plant material (plants, seeds). All partners are expected to participate to scientific or public wide audience events to promote network activities. In July 2007, the network’s coordinator became one of the participants to the EU Targeted Action AGRI GEN RES 063 (CYNARES, 2007-2011). This project, coordinated by Tuscia University (Italy) is an appropriate platform for establishing the foundations of a future EU network dedicated to the genetic resources of the Cynara genus.