Manual of Seed Handling in Genebanks

N. Kameswara Rao, Jean Hanson, M. Ehsan Dulloo, Kakoli Ghosh, David Nowell and Michael Larinde;Plant Production and Protection Division

Manual of Seed Handling in Genebanks

Handbooks for Genebanks No. 8

Year of publication 2006

Author N. Kameswara Rao, Jean Hanson, M. Ehsan Dulloo, Kakoli Ghosh, David Nowell and Michael Larinde;Plant Production and Protection Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Edition 1

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) Genebanks are the storehouses of plant genetic resources, providing the raw material for the improvement of crops. They play a key role in contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture, helping to increase food production and thus to overcome hunger and poverty. Inherent resistance to pests and diseases can be bred into crop plants, reducing the need to use chemicals that can have deleterious effects on farmers and the environment. The seeds contained in genebanks are a vital and irreplaceable resource, a heritage which must be conserved to provide future agricultural options in a world facing climate change and other unforeseen challenges. The sustainable conservation of genetic resources depends on effective actions by genebank staff, who play a critical role in ensuring that germplasm is effectively and efficiently conserved. They need to apply proper procedures for handling seeds to ensure their survival and availability to present and futur e generations. The practical manual on Procedures for Handling Seed in Genebanks (Hanson, 1985), published by the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR), a predecessor of Bioversity International, has helped genebank curators and technicians in seed conservation in the past. Research over recent decades has yielded advances in knowledge regarding seed physiology and seed-storage behaviour. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) in 2004 and related agreements have changed the global framework of germplasm ownership and benefit-sharing. The development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and associated controversies have important implications for the ways genebanks manage their germplasm, notably to prevent the unintentional introgression of exotic genes, including transgenes. All of these new opportunities and challenges called for an update of the 1985 handbook for genebanks. This manual addresses these recent changes, and is intended to ensure that seed handling in genebanks meets today’s requirements. The new manual is complemented by an interactive self-learning module, found on the CD ROM included in this package. The manual and self-learning module are intended to help address the challenges associated with the shortage and frequent turnover of qualified genebank staff, particularly in developing countr ies.

Language English

Also available in:

French

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The seed production tool has been developed for community based seed producers and inspectors under the “Strengthening community resilience to climate change in Blantyre, Zomba, Neno and Phalombe districts project.” The project is managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Department through Department of Agricultural Research Services with funding from the European Union (EU). It is envisaged that the tool shall be utilized by government extension workers, non-governmental organizations and master trainers in farmer field schools. Recognizing that seed systems forms an integral part in accessing, utilization and availability of seeds in rural communities, its elements have greatly been articulated to create awareness among rural masses involved in the sector. It is anticipated that the seed systems shall be applied in the informal seed systems mainly for the production of quality declared seed.
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Practical guide for the application of the Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: Conservation of orthodox seeds in seed genebanks 2022

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FAO has developed the "Practical guide for the application of the Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: Conservation of orthodox seeds in seed genebanks" to be used as a companion volume to the Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The action steps of the genebank workflow are presented in a sequential manner and provide guidance on the complex steps and decisions required when operating a seed genebank. The accompanying summary charts for the respective action steps underscore the intended use of this practical guide as a handbook for routine genebank operations for the conservation of orthodox seeds. While this practical guide is particularly useful for genebank technicians for their day-to-day activities, it may also be used as a basis for the development of standard operating procedures and quality management systems. Genebank managers will also find it useful for conducting training exercises.
Meeting
Application of the Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: Practical guides for (1) conservation in genebanks of species producing non-orthodox seeds and (2) conservation through cryopreservation - CGRFA/WG-PGR-12/24/4.2 2024

Also available in:

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