Genbestand

Genbestand is a term used in German-speaking contexts to describe a collection of genetic material of organisms that is preserved for breeding, research, conservation, and restoration initiatives. It encompasses seeds, plant tissues, DNA samples, living individuals, and other genetic resources, stored under controlled conditions to maintain viability and genetic integrity.

The primary purpose of a genbestand is to safeguard genetic diversity that may be needed for future crop improvement, livestock breeding, ecological restoration, or basic science. It enables researchers to study traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, or nutritional quality and to reintroduce or combine alleles in breeding programs.

Genbestände are organized into networks of repositories, including seed banks, germplasm collections, gene banks, and cryopreserved banks. Management involves collecting material with appropriate permits, characterizing and documenting genetic and phenotypic data (passport data, evaluation records), evaluating material for traits of interest, and periodically regenerating and renewing stocks to maintain viability. Proper storage technologies range from conventional seed banking to cryopreservation and in vitro culture.

Legal and ethical considerations include access and benefit-sharing under national laws and international frameworks such as the Nagoya Protocol, as well as commitments to maintain farmer and indigenous communities' rights when germplasm originates from traditional agriculture.

Examples of major genbestände include national and international gene banks and initiatives like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and CGIAR germplasm collections.