Module 3: Harvesting and processing
Introduction
Welcome to the third module of this online course. In module 2, you learned about some key factors influencing longevity and viability of seeds while in genebank storage. However, the influences on a seed’s ability to germinate do not start at the moment it goes into storage.
In this module, we will take you on a journey through the early stages of a seed’s life. You will discover natural processes, such as seed development, climate, irrigation, and the plant’s own seed dispersal mechanisms. All of these can affect the longevity of seeds in your care, and you can exploit or mitigate some of these natural processes. By knowing how much to irrigate, when to harvest, and how to manage the processing that goes on in the lab between harvesting and storage, you can make a difference to your genebank’s success in conserving biodiversity.
By the end of this module, you will be in a good position to apply what you have learned to your own work. We will give you the opportunity to read about the science of this in more depth in our ‘Useful publications’ section.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Describe the main stages of maturation in seeds prior to harvesting.
- Give examples of the effect of different harvesting strategies on seed longevity.
- List processes in a genebank that happen after harvesting, which can have an impact on seed longevity and viability.
- Discuss what can be done by genebanks after harvesting, and to what extent this can compensate for what has happened to the seeds before harvesting.
- Explain how genebanks can improve their practice based on research evidence.
- Evaluate the procedures in your own workflow.