Assessment of Plant Genetic Resources and Ethnobotanical Knowledge in Tropical Agricultural Ecosystems: With a Special Focus on Diverse Agricultural Ecosystems in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The agricultural ecosystems in Sri Lanka exhibit high diversity owing to the country's distinctive climate, soil variations, topography, and its unique geographical position within the Indian Ocean. While rice-based farming system stand out as a primary feature of the Sri Lankan agricultural ecosystem, numerous other agricultural systems also play a significant role in ensuring food security and strengthening the national economy. Exploring, conserving, and utilizing plant genetic resources along with their associated ethnobotanical knowledge has the potential to create new income-generating opportunities for underprivileged groups within farming communities. This chapter provides the theoretical basis for assessing plant genetic resources and associated ethnobotanical knowledge within the selected agricultural ecosystems in Sri Lanka. It further emphasizes the significance of such assessments by advocating for the utilization of more practical and efficient techniques and tools.