fræbank

A fræbank, or seed bank, is a facility that stores seeds of plants. These seeds are collected from a variety of plant species, often those that are endangered or have important agricultural or ecological value. The primary purpose of a fræbank is to conserve plant genetic diversity. This is crucial for several reasons, including safeguarding against species extinction, maintaining options for future agricultural development, and supporting research into plant biology and evolution.

Fræbanks operate by collecting seeds from wild populations or agricultural varieties. These seeds are then dried, often to very low moisture content, and stored at sub-zero temperatures, typically in refrigerators or freezers. This low temperature and low humidity environment significantly slows down the metabolic processes of the seeds, extending their viability for many years, sometimes decades or even centuries. Each seed sample is carefully documented, including its species, origin, collection date, and any relevant ecological or genetic data.

The stored seeds can be accessed for various purposes. Researchers may request seeds for studies on genetics, evolution, or plant adaptation. Agricultural institutions might use them to reintroduce lost crop varieties or to breed new ones with desirable traits like disease resistance or drought tolerance. In the event of natural disasters or widespread crop failure, fræbanks can serve as a vital resource for restoring plant populations and food security. Prominent examples include the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which acts as a backup for other seed banks worldwide, and gene banks maintained by national agricultural research systems.