Seed bank - Write short notes on given term.
Answers
A seed bank is a gene bank where seeds are collected and stored in their dormant form with an intention to preserve the genetic diversity of various seeds. This concept was initiated as a collection of seeds from environments or regions vulnerable to climate changes.
The main reasons for preserving seeds are:
- Climate changes may cause certain species of plants to go extinct.
- Natural disasters can alter a region's ecosystem and in turn the plant survival.
- Diseases can quickly and easily destroy plants and crops.
- Man-made disasters like war, pollution, etc. can make changes in the natural environment.
- Research can be done to study the economic importance or medicinal values of many rare and indigenous plants.
Preservation steps.
- For each seed sample collected, data including its name, location, plant description, habitat, soil type and other related information are recorded. Such data ensure correct and favourable replanting conditions if and when required.
- The seeds are cleaned to ensure high quality by sieving or blowing air on them.
- They are dried to reduce moisture content in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room.
- Then, the seeds are stored in sealed, airtight containers.
- The seeds are frozen by storing the containers at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius).
- Most seeds can survive this condition in a dormant stage for decades or even longer. Susceptible ones are removed from storage, planted and then harvested again to re-bank fresh seeds.
The world today has thousands of seed banks. The Svalbard International Seed Vault (The Doomsday Vault), Norway is a global backup system for the world's plant resources.
You will find some interesting information in the following links.
Where is doomsday bank located in which city
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Mention one application of pollen bank. how are pollen stored in a bank?
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