Seed Conservation Continues Despite The Pandemic

The global pandemic has not halted efforts to secure agrobiodiversity. Genebanks around the world continue to strive to conserve seeds and germplasm that will form the foundation of the world’s future food supply, under often challenging conditions. Towards this goal, in October 2020, hundreds of seed samples from around the world will be deposited in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. The Rice Biodiversity Center for Africa (part of AfricaRice) has deposited a range of rice germplasm, of both landraces and traditional varieties, as well as several improved varieties. Thailand’s National Rice Seed Storage Laboratory for Genetic Resources (NRSSL) deposited 264 rice varieties, all of which are local varieties. Similarly, Poland’s National Center for Plant Genetic Resources (IHAR) deposited more than 1200 seed samples from over 30 species, most of which are Polish varieties of cultivated plants, including vegetables, collected during field expeditions in Poland. Lastly, SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC) deposited seeds for three cereals, three pulses and calabash.