The FAO’s Genebank Standards

In modules 3 and 4, you discovered evidence in favor of initially drying rice at high temperatures, such as 30°C. You learned how this is the result of the science of seed development and the science of water activity. You also learned that there could be potential improvements for other crops. However, this evidence is so recent that it is not currently included in the FAO’s Genebank Standards [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] . Here’s a reminder of what they currently say about how seeds should be dried, and how they should be stored after drying.

• 4.2.1  All seed samples should be dried to equilibrium in a controlled environment of 5–20°C and 10-25 percent relative humidity, depending on 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 relative humidity of 15 ± 3 percent.