Procedures for Handling Seeds in Genebanks













Table of Contents

by

J. Hanson

INTERNATIONAL BOARD FOR PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES

PRACTICAL MANUALS FOR GENEBANKS: NO. 1

IBPGR Secretariat
Rome, 1985

Other related IBPGR publications

Handbooks for Genebanks: No. 1
The Design of Seed Storage Facilities for Genetic Conservation.

Handbooks for Genebanks: No. 2
Handbook of Seed Technology for Genebanks.
Volume I. Principles and Methodology.

Handbooks for Genebanks: No. 3
Handbook of Seed Technology for Genebanks.
Volume I. Compendium of Specific Germination Information and Test Recommendations.

Cover photograph:

Fruits of Zizyphus mauritania Lam. and Pennisetum mollisimum Hochst.
The International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) is an autonomous international scientific organization under the aegis of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The IBPGR was established by the CGIAR in 1974 and its Executive Secretariat is provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The basic function of the IBPGR is to promote and coordinate an international network of genetic resources centres to further the collection, conservation, documentation, evaluation and use of plant germplasm and thereby contribute to raising the standard of living and welfare of people throughout the world. The Consultative Group mobilizes financial support from its members to meet the budgetary requirements of the Board.

Document number AGPG: IBPGR/85/86

IBPGR Executive Secretariat
Crop Genetic Resources Centre
Plant Production and Protection Division
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy

© International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, 1985

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

I. Sample Registration

II. Seed Cleaning

III. Seed Moisture Content

Prediction of seed moisture content
Determination of seed moisture content

IV. Seed Drying

Prediction of drying period
Seed drying procedures

V. Seed Viability

VI. Seed Packaging

VII. Seed Storage

VIII. Monitoring Accessions

IX. Distribution of Germplasm from Active Collections

X. Regeneration of Accessions

Appendix I. Further reading

Appendix II. Glossary of technical terms

Appendix III. Suitable equipment for use in genebanks

Appendix IV. Experts to contact for advice