The FAO’s Genebank Standards
The storage conditions currently laid out in the FAO’s Genebank Standards reflect current best practice. Having read the previous sections, hopefully you now understand the type of scientific evidence they are based upon. However, they do not differentiate between species. Here are some examples, taken from the Genebank Standards:
4.2.1 All seed samples should be dried to equilibrium in a controlled environment of 5–20°C and 10-25% RH, depending upon species.
4.2.2 After drying, all seed samples need to be sealed in a suitable airtight container for long-term storage; in some instances where collections that need frequent access to seeds or likely to be depleted well before the predicted time for loss in viability, it is then possible to store seeds in non–airtight containers.
4.2.3 Most-original-samples and safety duplicate samples should be stored under long-term conditions (base collections) at a temperature of –18 ± 3°C and 15 ± 3% RH.
4.2.4 For medium-term conditions (active collection), samples should be stored under refrigeration at 5–10°C and 15 ± 3% RH.
POLL: you decide
On the basis of what you have learned so far, do you think the Genebank Standards need to change?
Let’s see what you and your course colleagues think. Please express your opinion about the Genebank Standards by following this link to the poll.
The results of this poll may be discussed at the next live event.
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