genebanken

Genebanken, or gene banks, are institutions dedicated to the collection, maintenance, and distribution of genetic resources for breeding, research, and conservation. They safeguard biodiversity by preserving germplasm such as seeds, tissues, and DNA from plants, animals, or microorganisms. Most operate ex situ, storing material in controlled facilities, often with long-term seed banks and cryopreservation for certain material. Some gene banks also maintain in vitro collections or DNA repositories. The core goal is to ensure a reservoir of genetic variation that can be used to improve crops and support scientific study.

Stored materials are catalogued as accessions and accompanied by passport data, characterization, evaluation, and sometimes geographic origin. Routine work includes accessioning, viability testing, regeneration to maintain vigor, pest and disease management, quarantine, and data management. Databases link physical samples to metadata and facilitate search and request processes.

Gene banks are typically national or regional institutions, but they participate in international networks and exchanges. Access to material is governed by licenses and material transfer agreements, with adherence to legal frameworks for access and benefit-sharing, including the Nagoya Protocol and related instruments. Global and regional programs coordinate collection and sharing efforts and maintain reference catalogs.

The importance of genebanken lies in preserving crop wild relatives, landraces, and other genetic resources that underpin breeding for yield, nutrition, disease resistance, and climate resilience. Challenges include funding, technical maintenance, conserving diversity, and navigating regulatory landscapes.