Processing Data
The processing stages that yield key processing data are as follows:
At each of these stages of processing of the seed collection, data is recorded on the system. These include: the conditions used and results of the X-ray analysis; the sample seed weights used in quantity determination; the bank location and type and number of containers; and all of the germination conditions used in the viability tests and the results obtained. In addition, the confirmation of identification of the collection is recorded, as are the results of moisture content and tetrazolium tests. There are also fields for noting the location and details of herbarium specimens and the purpose and outcomes of sending plants to be grown on.
The processing data can be used to evaluate the status of a collection or batch of collections through the various stages and the results employed to produce a quality assessment of the collections. The processing data field categories are:
| Categories | Notes |
|---|---|
| X-ray analysis data | Conditions used and number of seeds full / empty / infested. |
| Seed weight | Number of seeds per sample weight and standard error. |
| Seed quantity | Original quantity (usually derived from seed weight data) and current quantity. |
| Germination test data | Date tested, conditions used and result. |
| Moisture content test data | Date tested, conditions used and result. |
| Tetrazolium test data | Date tested, conditions used and result. |
| Duplicate locations | Location (where collection split). |
| Banking data | Date banked, container type and number and location in bank1. |
| Voucher data | Wild or cultivated pressed specimen, herbarium notes and location of specimen(s). |
| Glasshouse data | Number of seedlings and date sent to glasshouse, reason for growing, seed harvesting details and stock check. |
1A stylised representation of the MSB cold-rooms allows individual drawers within each room to be allocated to certain types of container depending upon current need. The system then assigns locations to the collections awaiting banking. It is possible, therefore, to see how much space is left in any given drawer, stack or room and plan further commissioning of rooms and stock purchase.
