Digital sequence information (DSI) is changing the way genetic resources are used in agricultural research and development. DSI can contribute to the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and to fair and equitable benefit-sharing.
CGIAR is using DSI to create benefits for farmer and consumers in developing countries. For example, CGIAR genebanks use DSI to assess the genetic diversity of collections and to help identify materials that are well-adapted to different conditions. CGIAR participates actively in international discussions on the use of DSI and is providing technical assistance to national partners.
This page brings together publications and presentations by CGIAR scientists on both technical and policy aspects relating to the use of DSI. We hope they will be useful to our partners.
CGIAR submissions to international fora
Digital sequence information is changing the way genetic resources are used in agricultural research and development: implications for new benefit-sharing norms
A discussion paper from CGIAR for consideration by delegates to the 15th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2022)
Issues for further consideration concerning digital sequence information.
Submission from CGIAR to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Open-Ended Working Group on Benefit-Sharing from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources (2023)
Technical assistance to strengthen national agricultural research organizations’ capacity to use digital sequence information. A submission from CGIAR.
Submitted to the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (2023)
Side event at the Convention on Biological Diversity’s COP 15 meeting
‘DSI is changing the way genetic resources are used in agricultural research and development. Implications for new benefit-sharing norms’
Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton, former head of the International Rice Genebank (IRRI)
Setting the scene: how DSI is changing how we conserve and use genetic resources *
Carolina Sansaloni, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center – CIMMYT
Using DSI to analyze structure, redundancies and gaps in ex situ crop collections
Sarah Hearne, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center – CIMMYT
Using DSI to interrogate crop genetic diversity for climate change adaptation *
Chiedozie Egesi, IITA and NextGen Cassava Partners
Using DSI for genomic selection in cassava breeding
Michael Halewood, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, CGIAR Genebank Initiative
DSI: Implications for new benefit-sharing norms
Christian Keambou Tiambo – International Livestock Research Institute
Using DSI for Livestock Conservation and Improvement
* presentations also shared with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Ad-hoc Open ended Working Group on the Functioning of the Multilateral System – informal consultative process on DSI and other key issues (2023).
Side event at the FAO’s 11th ITWG-PGRFA meeting
‘Using DSI to improve accession management by CGIAR genebanks’
Use of DSI for analyzing genebank collections and making conservation-related devisions
Carolina Sansaloni, CIMMYT
Using DSI to analyze structure, redundancies and gaps in ex situ crop collections
Monica Carvajal-Yepes, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT
Using DSI to compare international cassava collections hosted by CIAT and IITA
Mathieu Rouard, Alliance Bioversity and CIAT
Managing genotyping data in genebanks
Other presentations and events
Webinar for CGIAR scientists – September 2023
Digital Sequence Information – where are we now?
Journal Articles
New benefit-sharing principles for digital sequence information (2023)
Featured image: “TAGTAT” by francisco.j.gonzalez is licensed under CC BY 2.0.