Germplasm is the genetic material of an individual that may be transmitted, sexually or somatically, from one generation to another. In a general sense, germplasm may represent a species, population, landrace, hybrid, or cultivar. Conservation of germplasm may take many forms but is generally classed as 'in situ,' in natural or managed areas or farms, or 'ex situ,' in seedbanks, tissue repositories, or botanic gardens. It should be collected, stored, and managed so that it maintains its usefulness - that is, viability, quantity, and diversity - for its intended use.
