seedbanks
Seedbanks are facilities that preserve seeds to safeguard the genetic diversity of crops, vegetables, and wild relatives. They serve long-term conservation, support plant breeding, protect food security, and enable scientific research. Seedbanks operate as ex situ collections, complementing in situ preservation in habitats and on farms. They range from national programs and university collections to NGO initiatives and international networks, with thousands to millions of accessions representing major crops, their landraces, and wild relatives.
Most seedbanks store orthodox seeds, which can be dried and frozen, enabling long-term viability. Recalcitrant seeds,
Cataloging is essential. Accession records include passport data, characterization, and evaluation notes, and online databases such
Notable examples include the Svalbard Seed Vault, national genebanks, and repositories managed by international organizations such