Saatgutbanken

Saatgutbanken, also known as seed banks, are facilities established to preserve genetic diversity of plants through the collection, storage, and long-term maintenance of seeds. These institutions play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, supporting agricultural research, and ensuring food security for future generations. Seeds are collected from various sources, including wild relatives of crops, landraces, and modern varieties. The collected seeds are then typically dried to a low moisture content and stored at very low temperatures, often in freezers or in specially designed vaults. This meticulous process helps to maintain seed viability for extended periods, sometimes for decades or even centuries.

The primary objectives of seed banks are multifaceted. Firstly, they serve as an invaluable resource for plant breeders and researchers seeking to develop new crop varieties with improved traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, or higher yields. Secondly, they act as a crucial safety net against catastrophic events like natural disasters, climate change impacts, or widespread disease outbreaks that could threaten wild plant populations or agricultural production. By holding duplicate collections, many seed banks contribute to global conservation efforts, with some acting as international repositories for specific crops or regions. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway is a prominent example of a facility designed for ultimate security, holding backups of seeds from around the world. Access to these stored seeds is typically regulated, allowing authorized researchers and institutions to utilize them for legitimate scientific and agricultural purposes.