Crop Genebank Knowledge Base

Seed handling in genebanks

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Seed handling in genebanks: Self learning module
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This interactive self-learning module on seed handling in genebanks is drawn from the Handbook for Genebanks No. 8: Manual of Seed Handling in Genebanks (Rao et al., 2006). This is the standard reference for genebank work and one of the few sources of practical information for genebank curators and technicians on seed conservation, technology, storage and management.

The module is a stand-alone self-learning tool. It has been organized into units and lessons according to the general sequence of work undertaken in genebanks. Each lesson is presented independently, however, so that users may begin at any lesson of interest. These lessons have been derived from the manual of seed handling in genebanks below.

Click to download the Handbook for Genebanks No. 8: Manual of Seed Handling in Genebanks (Rao et al.; 2006)
English (1.5 MB) - Español (1.4 MB) - Français (1.9 MB)

Screenshot (13 December 2010)

Kew's "difficult" seed project: training resources for genebanks

This project supports crop gene banks and farmers in the conservation of plants used for food and agriculture in Africa, and is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The training resources were developed for the project's training workshops. There are slides and notes for lectures, along with handouts for running practical sessions and relevant technical information sheets. Together, they cover the essential theory and practice of seed conservation. Useful links are provided to enable gene banks to run training courses amongst their staff, and with farmers and community seed groups.

The project webpages also contain 160 profile pages for species that have been identified as being difficult to handle, store or use. They provide details on storage behaviour, suggested storage conditions, germination requirements, and dormancy to overcome these difficulties. We have also made available our training resouces and provided.