Seed Bank : Role and Importance

 Seed Bank : Role and Importance

What is Seed Bank :

A seed bank, also known as a gene bank or seed vault, is a facility that stores and preserves seeds from various plant species. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the genetic diversity of plants for future generations, ensuring the availability of diverse and adaptable plant material for research, conservation, and agriculture.

Seed banks are established to address concerns about the loss of plant genetic resources due to factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities. By collecting and storing seeds, seed banks aim to preserve the genetic information contained within the seeds, as well as the potential for future crop improvement, adaptation, and ecosystem restoration.

The seeds stored in a seed bank are typically kept under controlled conditions to maintain their viability and longevity. These conditions often include low temperatures, low humidity, and sometimes even cryopreservation (freezing at extremely low temperatures). By storing seeds in these controlled environments, seed banks can extend the lifespan of seeds and prevent them from losing their viability over time.

Seed banks can be operated by various organizations, including national and international institutions, research centers, botanical gardens, and agricultural organizations. The most famous seed bank is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. It serves as a backup storage facility for seeds from seed banks worldwide and is designed to withstand natural and human-made disasters.

Role of Seed Bank :

The role of a seed bank is multifaceted and encompasses several important functions. Here are some key roles and contributions of seed banks:

Conservation of Genetic Diversity: Seed banks serve as repositories for preserving the genetic diversity of plants. They collect, store, and maintain a wide range of seeds from different plant species, including both cultivated crops and wild relatives. By conserving diverse seed collections, seed banks help prevent the loss of genetic resources that could be valuable for future agricultural, medicinal, or ecological purposes.

Preservation of Rare and Endangered Species: Seed banks play a crucial role in conserving rare and endangered plant species. These species may face threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, or overexploitation. By storing their seeds, seed banks provide a safety net for these species, ensuring their survival even if their natural habitats are lost.

Research and Plant Breeding: Seed banks serve as valuable resources for scientific research, plant breeding, and crop improvement. They make their seed collections available to researchers, breeders, and farmers for studying plant genetics, developing new varieties, and enhancing agricultural productivity. Seed banks provide access to a diverse range of genetic material, allowing scientists to explore and exploit the potential of different plant traits.

Disaster Recovery and Restoration: Seed banks act as a form of insurance against natural or human-made disasters that can devastate agricultural systems. In the event of a crop failure, disease outbreak, or environmental catastrophe, seed banks can provide farmers with new seed varieties and resilient plant materials to rebuild their farms and restore agricultural productivity.

Climate Change Adaptation: As climate change poses challenges to agricultural systems, seed banks play a crucial role in helping crops adapt to changing conditions. By conserving a diverse range of plant genetic resources, seed banks provide a source of genetic material that can be used to develop climate-resilient crop varieties, capable of withstanding new challenges such as drought, heat, or pests.

Education and Awareness: Seed banks often engage in educational programs and public outreach to raise awareness about the importance of plant conservation and genetic diversity. They contribute to educating the public, farmers, and policymakers about the benefits of preserving seeds and the sustainable use of plant genetic resources.

Types of Seed Bank

Seed banks can be classified based on various criteria. Here are some common classifications of seed banks:

Ownership/Management:

a. National Seed Banks: These seed banks are established and managed by national governments. They focus on preserving the plant genetic resources of the country and often have a mandate to support national agricultural development and conservation efforts.

b. International Seed Banks: These seed banks are operated by international organizations, such as the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) or the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). They aim to conserve plant genetic resources on a global scale and support international research and conservation initiatives.

c. Private Seed Banks: Some seed banks are owned and managed by private organizations or companies. These may focus on specific crops or plant species and often prioritize commercial interests, such as plant breeding and seed production.

Scope and Focus:

a. Generalist Seed Banks: These seed banks aim to preserve a broad range of plant species and genetic diversity. They may store seeds from both wild and cultivated plants, covering various ecosystems and geographic regions.

b. Crop-Specific Seed Banks: These seed banks specialize in conserving and promoting the genetic diversity of specific crop species. They prioritize storing seeds of economically important crops, heritage varieties, or those with unique traits.

c. Wild Plant Seed Banks: Some seed banks focus on collecting and preserving seeds from wild plant species, including endangered or rare plants. They contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and may have a particular emphasis on protecting native or endemic species.

Storage Capacity and Approach:

a. Long-Term Seed Banks: These seed banks prioritize the long-term preservation of seeds and aim to maintain seed viability for extended periods, often through cryopreservation or other specialized storage techniques.

b. Medium-Term Seed Banks: These seed banks store seeds under conditions that allow medium-term preservation (usually several decades) without cryopreservation. They may periodically regenerate seed stocks to maintain viability.

c. Active Seed Banks: Active seed banks focus not only on seed storage but also on continuous regeneration, multiplication, and distribution of seeds. They maintain seed collections as a living resource and actively distribute seeds to users, such as researchers, farmers, and breeders.

Regional or Local Seed Banks: Some seed banks are established at regional or local levels, specifically targeting the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources within a particular geographic area. These seed banks often collaborate with local communities, indigenous groups, and farmers to preserve and utilize regionally adapted plant varieties.

These classifications are not mutually exclusive, and many seed banks may fall into multiple categories based on their characteristics and objectives.

Working of Seed Bank :

The working of a seed bank involves several key steps and processes. While specific procedures may vary depending on the seed bank's goals, resources, and capacity, here is a general overview of how a seed bank typically operates:

Collection: Seed banks collect seeds from a wide range of plant species, including both cultivated crops and wild plants. The collection process involves identifying target species, locating and accessing seed sources, and obtaining permission or permits as required. Seeds may be collected from natural habitats, agricultural fields, botanical gardens, or other sources.

Documentation and Inventory: Each seed sample collected is carefully documented, including information about the species, location, collection date, and any relevant ecological or cultural details. This documentation ensures traceability and enables the maintenance of accurate inventories.

Cleaning and Processing: Collected seeds undergo cleaning and processing to remove debris, plant materials, and potential contaminants. This process typically involves sieving, winnowing, and sometimes using mechanical or manual methods to separate the seeds from non-seed materials.

Testing and Quality Control: Seed banks often conduct quality control tests to assess seed viability, germination rates, and seed health. This step helps determine the quality and viability of the seeds before storage. Seeds that do not meet the desired standards may be discarded or subjected to further treatments or tests.

Storage: The seeds deemed viable and of good quality are stored under controlled conditions to maintain their viability and longevity. Seed banks employ various storage techniques, such as low-temperature storage (refrigeration or freezing), low humidity, and the use of airtight containers or moisture-resistant packaging. Some seed banks may also use cryopreservation, which involves freezing seeds at ultra-low temperatures to preserve them for an extended period.

Monitoring and Maintenance: Seed banks regularly monitor and evaluate the stored seeds to assess their viability and ensure proper storage conditions. This may involve periodic viability testing or germination trials. If seeds start to lose viability, they may be regenerated or replaced with fresh samples.

Regeneration and Multiplication: To maintain the seed bank's seed stocks and prevent genetic drift, some seed banks engage in regeneration and multiplication activities. This process involves growing plants from stored seeds, harvesting new seeds, and replenishing the seed bank's stock with fresh seeds. Regeneration may occur in field plots, greenhouses, or controlled environments, depending on the species and requirements.

Documentation and Access: Seed banks maintain comprehensive records of their seed collections, including detailed information on each accession. This documentation serves as a vital reference for researchers, breeders, and other users who may request access to specific seeds for research, breeding, or conservation purposes.

Seed Distribution and Utilization: Seed banks may distribute seeds to users such as researchers, breeders, farmers, or restoration projects. Requests for seeds are evaluated based on their compliance with the seed bank's policies, conservation priorities, and availability of the requested seeds. Seed banks often collaborate with national and international networks to facilitate seed exchange and promote the utilization of plant genetic resources.

Education and Outreach: Many seed banks engage in educational programs, public outreach, and awareness campaigns to promote the importance of plant conservation, genetic diversity, and sustainable use of seeds. They may organize workshops, training sessions, or public events to raise awareness among communities, farmers, students, and policymakers.

By following these processes, seed banks fulfill their mandate of conserving and preserving plant genetic resources, supporting research and breeding efforts, and ensuring the availability of diverse seeds for future generations.

How old seeds are stored in Seed Bank:

In seed banks, the storage of old seeds is typically done using specialized techniques to maximize their longevity and viability. Here are some common methods used for storing old seeds:

Low-Temperature Storage: One of the primary methods for preserving seeds is storing them at low temperatures. Most seed banks use refrigeration or freezer facilities to maintain temperatures between -18°C to -20°C (-0.4°F to -4°F) or even lower. Cold temperatures slow down the aging processes of seeds, helping to preserve their viability for extended periods.

Moisture Control: Moisture content is a critical factor in seed storage. High moisture levels can lead to seed deterioration and loss of viability. Seed banks carefully control the moisture content of stored seeds by drying them to specific moisture levels before storage. Desiccants or moisture-absorbing materials may also be used to maintain low humidity levels within the storage containers.

Airtight Containers: Seeds are typically stored in airtight containers to protect them from moisture, air exchange, and potential contamination. The containers used can vary depending on the seed bank, but common options include glass jars, metal cans, or sealed plastic bags. The choice of container often depends on factors such as the seed type, size, and required storage conditions.

Desiccants and Oxygen Absorbers: Desiccants, such as silica gel packets, are commonly used in seed storage containers to help control moisture levels. They absorb excess moisture and help maintain the desired low humidity. Oxygen absorbers, which remove oxygen from the container, are also sometimes used to further slow down seed aging processes.

Seed Cleaning and Treatment: Before storage, seeds may undergo cleaning and treatment processes to remove debris, pathogens, or pests that could potentially affect their viability or quality. This can involve techniques such as seed sieving, winnowing, or seed coat scarification.

Regeneration and Regular Testing: To ensure the long-term viability of stored seeds, seed banks periodically regenerate or multiply seed stocks. This involves growing plants from stored seeds, harvesting new seeds, and replenishing the seed bank's stocks with fresh seeds. Regular viability testing is also conducted to monitor the germination capacity of stored seeds and identify any potential decline in viability.

Cryopreservation: For certain seeds, especially those that are sensitive to conventional storage methods, cryopreservation may be employed. Cryopreservation involves freezing seeds at ultra-low temperatures, often using liquid nitrogen, to essentially halt all biological activity. This method can extend the longevity of seeds for decades or even centuries.

It's important to note that the optimal storage conditions and techniques for different seed types may vary. Seed banks carefully assess and tailor their storage methods based on the specific characteristics and requirements of each seed species to maximize their longevity and viability.

Seed Banks in India:

In India, there are several cities where seed banks are present. Here is a list of cities known for housing seed banks or seed preservation facilities:

New Delhi: The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), located in New Delhi, serves as the premier national gene bank for conserving and preserving plant genetic resources in India.

Hyderabad: The National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) in Hyderabad is responsible for the conservation and utilization of crop genetic resources in the country.

Bengaluru: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and its regional station in Bengaluru house seed banks and gene banks for various crops. Additionally, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), located near Hyderabad but operating across multiple locations, maintains seed banks and conducts research on crop improvement.

Coimbatore: The National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR) in Coimbatore houses a seed bank dedicated to conserving and studying insect-pests and their host plant interactions.

Pune: The National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) in Pune operates a seed bank for preserving genetic resources of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Shimla: The Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) in Shimla maintains a seed bank for preserving fish genetic resources.

Jodhpur: The Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI) in Jodhpur houses a seed bank focusing on arid and semi-arid zone tree species.

Bhubaneswar: The National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) in Bhubaneswar operates a seed bank specializing in rice germplasm.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Seed Bank

Advantages of Seed Banks:

Conservation of Genetic Diversity: Seed banks play a crucial role in conserving and preserving the genetic diversity of plants. By storing seeds from a wide range of plant species, including both cultivated crops and wild relatives, seed banks ensure that genetic resources are protected for future generations.

Food Security and Agricultural Resilience: Seed banks provide a valuable resource for maintaining and improving agricultural productivity. They store diverse seed collections that can be used for crop improvement, developing new varieties, and addressing challenges such as pests, diseases, and climate change. This contributes to food security and helps farmers adapt to changing conditions.

Ecosystem Restoration: Seed banks preserve seeds from wild plants, including endangered or rare species. This allows for the potential restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems, including degraded habitats and landscapes. The stored seeds can be used in reforestation efforts, ecological restoration projects, and the conservation of native plant species.

Research and Plant Breeding: Seed banks serve as valuable repositories for scientific research, plant breeding, and genetic studies. They provide researchers, breeders, and scientists with access to a wide range of genetic material, enabling them to explore and exploit plant traits, study genetic diversity, and develop improved varieties.

Disaster Recovery: Seed banks act as a form of insurance against crop failures, natural disasters, or disease outbreaks. In the event of a disaster or crop loss, seeds can be retrieved from the seed bank to restore agricultural production and support farmers in rebuilding their livelihoods.

Disadvantages of Seed Banks:

Cost and Maintenance: Establishing and maintaining a seed bank can be costly and require ongoing funding and resources. Seed banks need facilities with proper storage conditions, regular monitoring, and skilled staff to manage the collections effectively.

Seed Viability and Genetic Drift: Even with proper storage, seed viability can decrease over time. Seeds may lose their ability to germinate or maintain optimal genetic characteristics. Seed banks need to regularly monitor seed viability, regenerate stocks, and replace seeds to maintain the genetic integrity of stored collections.

Limited Capacity and Resources: Seed banks may face limitations in terms of storage capacity, available resources, and staff expertise. This can lead to constraints on the number and diversity of seed collections that can be effectively managed and maintained.

Ethical and Legal Concerns: Seed collection from specific regions or communities may raise ethical and legal considerations. Obtaining appropriate permissions, respecting the rights of indigenous communities, and ensuring equitable access and benefit-sharing can be challenging but important aspects of seed banking.

Incomplete Representation: Seed banks cannot preserve the entirety of plant genetic diversity present in nature. Despite efforts to collect and store seeds, there may be gaps in the representation of certain species or populations. It is crucial to continually expand seed collections to include underrepresented or threatened species.

Future Planning :

The future planning of seed banks focuses on addressing emerging challenges and expanding their role in safeguarding plant genetic resources. Here are some key aspects of future planning for seed banks:

Enhancing Genetic Diversity: Seed banks aim to further expand their collections to include a broader range of plant species, particularly those that are underrepresented or threatened. Efforts are made to collect and conserve wild relatives of crops, traditional varieties, and rare or endangered species to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity.

Climate Change Resilience: Seed banks are actively working to address the challenges posed by climate change. This includes collecting and preserving seeds of climate-resilient crop varieties, identifying and conserving wild plant species with traits suited to changing environmental conditions, and facilitating research on adaptation strategies.

Technological Advancements: Seed banks are embracing technological advancements to improve seed storage and management. This includes the development of improved seed drying and storage techniques, adoption of cryopreservation methods for long-term storage of recalcitrant seeds, and utilizing molecular techniques for efficient seed identification, characterization, and monitoring.

Collaborative Networks: Seed banks are increasingly collaborating with national and international partners to enhance cooperation, information sharing, and seed exchange. This includes establishing networks and partnerships among seed banks, research institutions, agricultural organizations, and local communities to maximize the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources.

Education and Outreach: Seed banks recognize the importance of raising awareness and educating the public about the significance of plant genetic resources conservation. Future planning includes expanding educational programs, training initiatives, and public outreach activities to engage communities, farmers, policymakers, and students in the conservation and sustainable use of seeds.

Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Farming: Seed banks are promoting conservation agriculture practices that focus on sustainable farming methods, agroecology, and the utilization of diverse seed resources. They are supporting farmers in accessing and utilizing appropriate seed varieties, promoting traditional and indigenous knowledge, and encouraging the adoption of sustainable farming practices.

Policy Advocacy: Seed banks are actively involved in policy advocacy at national and international levels to influence policies related to plant genetic resources conservation, access, and benefit-sharing. They work to ensure equitable and fair access to genetic resources, promote conservation-friendly regulations, and support the implementation of international agreements like the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.