Exploration Unit

The Exploration unit has been dispatching domestic exploration teams annually and collects genetic resources within the country. In addition to that, PGRC collaborates with other countries to obtain foreign germplasm which are requested by the researchers of the country. Further, it provides the locally and internationally collected germplasm from exploration missions, from local institutes and introductions, to the gene bank of PGRC for long term conservation.

Exploration unit has 3 main objectives.

1. Conservation of traditional crop varieties, economically important crops and wild relatives in Sri Lanka.
2. Collection and conservation of plant genetic resources required for the on- going research programs.
3. Conservation of plant genetic resources of rare and endangered crop species.