Last Plant Standing

Synopsis

Survival on a finite planet is based on food security: We are dependent on plants as the basis of all our food. The informed conservation of plant genetic resources is therefore a most vital task which requires scientific research, international co-operation and political will. These films tell a story that will determine whether our grandchildren inherit wealth or wilderness. Among the participants is Prof. Cary Fowler who is spearheading the doomsday seed store in the Norwegian arctic.

Programme 1. Defining The Problem:
Some of the world’s rarest plants may soon become extinct; their genetic resources lost forever. This film examines the diversity of plants and their uses by humanity, the basis of plant genetics as first discovered by Gregor Mendel, and explains the need to conserve the world’s plant genetic diversity.

Programme 2. Gene-Banks And Ex-Situ Conservation:
The work of N.I. Vavilov, the first world germplasm collector who first documented areas of origin and plant diversity. The development of gene-banks as one way to preserve genetic diversity; their advantages and limitations.

Programme 3: In-Situ Conservation:
Why gene-banks are not enough. The conservation of germplasm outside gene-banks, the so-called in-situ conservation of traditional crop varieties, and wild plants in special areas.

Programme 4: Benefit-Sharing And Future Developments:
What is the future of plant genetic resources for restoration and conservation? Conflicts arise due to questions of ownership and rights to plant genetic resources when interdependence is so important.

Language

English

Country

United States

Year of release

1998

Subjects

Biology; Environmental science

Keywords

plant breeding; conservation; gene synthesis; genetically modified crops

Credits

Director

J Edward Milner

Contributor

Cary Fowler

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 0 PAL

Price

£17.00

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

200 minutes

Year

2014

Distributor

Name

Beckmann Direct

Email

videos@beckmanndirect.com

Web

http://www.beckmanndirect.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

01624 816585

Fax

01624 816589

Address

c/o Wienerworld
Unit 7 Freetreade House
Lowther Road
Stanmore, Middx
HA7 1EP

Notes

Founded in 1983. Previously known as: Beckmann Visual Publishing.