Data recorded when the seeds were collected

MSBP teams record important data during seed collecting missions. Find out more about the data we collect.

Recording details at the time of collection

The system caters for a wide range of data recorded at the time of seed collection. This ranges from the essential fields of, for example, date collected, name of collector and geographical location, to habitat and plant descriptors, sampling data and site details.

All plant names are checked against a live version of the APG III system (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group III system) of flowering plant classification and, as an added precaution, against lists of species scheduled as having UK quarantine status or protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Accuracy of data entry is important at this point and particularly with respect to collectors' names, the plant names assigned in the field and field collection numbers. Subsequent identification of a specific seed collection amongst the MSBP partners relies on this information. A six digit serial number (plus check digit) will be given for the identification of every seed-lot arriving for storage at the MSB.

The following data is recorded

Material Agreements Details the Access and Benefit Sharing Agreement (ABSA) or other legal agreement under which the collection/s have been made.
Donor and Collectors names
Distribution Policy Records what restrictions may apply to the distribution of the seeds from the MSB.
Geographical Data Includes country, province, specific location, latitude, longitude and altitude.
Environmental Data Includes habitat type and associated species.
Site Notes Notes on landform, aspect, geology and soil.
Plant Name Identification by the collector, followed by any further verification details and plant descriptions.
Sampling Data Number of plants sampled / found in the population and the approximate area sampled.