Dead or Alive: Simple, Nondestructive, and Predictive Monitoring of Seedbanks

Mohammed, Said; Bhattacharya, Samik; Mummenhoff, Klaus

doi:10.1016/j.tplants.2019.05.014

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…comm., November 2019). The resazurin reagent test has shown its use for species from different families and has not yet been tested in a Scrophulariaceae species (Mohammed et al, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High seed viability recorded in an endangered endemic species, 'Isoplexis isabelliana' (Scrophulariaceae), after more than 30 years of storage in a conservation seed bank

2021

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Conservation seed banks are essential for ex-situ conservation of genetic biodiversity. These institutions are especially relevant for threatened species and play a vital role in their conservation by preserving genetic material. However, samples deposited in the seed banks must germinate when necessary to use them (i.e., recovery plans, etc.). This study uses four accessions of the endemic endangered species from Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands), Isoplexis isabelliana (Webb & Berthel.) Masf. (Scrophulariaceae). Germination tests were carried out to measure seed viability through time and the possible impact of seed storage on their viability. These accessions have been kept in the seed bank for four months to thirty years under different storage conditions. Germination results differed for seeds after 45 days of exposition using 16 hours light and 8 hours darkness at 17 °C. Accessions kept in the seed bank, independently of storage, showed a high germination percentage (89%). Whereas the accessions with rough storage conditions showed a 0% germination rate. The results highlighted the good state of conservation of the material deposited in the Seed Bank of the Botanical Garden "Viera y Clavijo" and the reliability of the temperature and humidity conditions in which the seeds of I. isabelliana have been stored. We consider these results as momentous since several natural populations of I. isabelliana has been affected by the last forest fire on the island.

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“…comm., November 2019). The resazurin reagent test has shown its use for species from different families and has not yet been tested in a Scrophulariaceae species (Mohammed et al, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High seed viability recorded in an endangered endemic species, 'Isoplexis isabelliana' (Scrophulariaceae), after more than 30 years of storage in a conservation seed bank

2021

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Effective seedbank management to ensure food security and preserve biodiversity

Bhattacharya,

Mummenhoff

2024

Plant Syst Evol

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The future of biodiversity maintenance and crop security faces significant threats due to climate instability. Ex situ seed banks can serve as refuges for major crop varieties and their wild relatives in catastrophic situations. However, managing these repositories requires regular quality control to ensure the viability of preserved samples for future regeneration. In this opinion, we have identified significant challenges in traditional seed bank management, including difficulties in scheduling seed viability tests for a diverse collection and the burden of replenishing depleted stored samples. We have also examined the advantages and disadvantages of different seed viability tests used in long-term seed repositories for ex situ biodiversity conservation. While the ultimate goal of seed conservation is to achieve non-destructive methods of viability estimation, the additional predictive potential of such tests can revolutionize traditional management practices. Timely replenishment of decaying seeds can ensure sustainable genomic storage and positively impact agricultural legacy and genetic diversity preservation. This opinion provides an open platform to review current management practices and explore alternative and efficient ways to secure the ‘ultimate repository’ of agricultural legacy and genetic diversity.

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