Adams, John

Job Title

Deputy Lab. Manager / Technology Specialist

Department

Seed Conservation

Section

Management Support and Curation & Technology

Science Teams:

Joined Kew: 2001

Qualifications & Appointments

.

Role

 

Maintain high standards of laboratory operating procedures through technical support within the Millennium Seed Bank, and design and execute experiments aimed at improving seed conservation techniques with a particular emphasis on UK-based studies that enhance the quality of collections entering the MSB


Acting as deputy to the Laboratory Manager, maintain an effective, safe and sustainable laboratory environment for the Seed Conservation Department by overseeing operational procedures, maintenance and calibration WTMB control systems (inc, Fire & Security). Provision of advice and training to Seed Conservation Dept staff and international visitors on aspects of seed technology, especially moisture measurement and drying. Assist in the delivery of formal training courses. Conduct applied research to improve seed conservation techniques including the development of post-harvest handling techniques that maximise the value of seed conservation collections. Research and development of cost-effective, low-technology solutions for seed-processing, drying and storage for the MSBP’s developing-country partners.

Selected Recent Publications

  • Hay, F., Adams, J., Manger, K. and Probert, R. (2008) The use of non-saturated lithium chloride solutions for experimental control of seed water content
    Seed Sci. & Technol., 36, 737-745

  • Manger, K.R., Adams, J. & Probert, R.J. (2003). Selecting seed containers for the Millennium Seed Bank Project: a technical review and survey. In Smith, R.D., Dickie, J.D., Linington, S.H., Pritchard, H.W. & Probert, R.J. (eds) Seed Conservation: turning science into practice. Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 637-652.
  • Probert, R.J., Manger, K.R. & Adams, J. (2003). Non-destructive measurement of seed moisture. In Smith, R.D., Dickie, J.D., Linington, S.H., Pritchard, H.W. & Probert, R.J. (eds) Seed Conservation: turning science into practice. Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 367-387.
  • Adams, J. & Newton, C. (2003). Kew's Millennium Seed Bank Project: an education opportunity for schools and visitors. Osmosis No. 24, April 2003: Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS).