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Improving the Identification, Handling and Storage of ‘Difficult’ Seeds

Staff at the Gene Bank of Kenya (GBK) examine container options for bulk seed storage

Up to 35% of a combined list of Appendix 1 (International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA)) and a comprehensive list of under utilised crop species may present difficulties for gene bank managers, community-based seed initiatives and other stakeholders. These difficulties may be related to recalcitrant storage behaviour, inappropriate handling of orthodox species or germination problems. Defra has funded a 3-year capacity building programme by RBG Kew, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, to address this problem. The purpose of the project, which commenced in Oct 2005, is to improve the identification, handling and storage of ‘difficult’ and recalcitrant seeds by seed banks, community level NGOs and other stakeholders. Expected outputs: Improved understanding and awareness of the problems of difficult and recalcitrant seeds and increased uptake of improved seed conservation technologies. Principal activities include: desk study/literature review, stakeholder workshops, development and translation of training and dissemination materials, training workshops and follow-up.

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