Integration of Conservation Strategies of Plant Genetic ... - Genres

L. Dotlacil; Z. Stehno; M. Resatko
amount is gathered in the database as well. In long-term storage documentation 11 000 accessions stored
in 14 500 covers have been gathered. Seed sample collection of introduction (new seed samples not
having ECN yet) is documented separately.
The EVIGEZ documentation system is continually upgraded.Presently it works in FoxPro environment.
Seed storage in the Gene Bank
The Czech Gene Bank in the Research Institute of Crop Production Praha-Ruzyne is in charge of
long-term storage of all seed-propagated plant genetic resources in the Czech Republic and until Slovak
Gene Bank operates in the Slovak Republic as well. The Gene bank building was completed in 1988 and
its operation started in 1989. Total storing capacity of the long-term store is 100 000 seed samples. It
consists of 5 cooled chambers, two of them (with capacity of 55 thousand of samples) are cooled to
+2 o C, three others operating at -15 o C to -20 o C have capacity of 45 thousand accessions. They can be
used for storage of the base collection. This capacity is fully sufficient for the needs of Czech Republic
in the next few decades. Presently, part of the capacity is used commercially.
Seed samples entering the gene bank are controlled for their purity, germination and health. If the seeds
conform to the requested parameters, they are dried to 4% - 8% of moisture content (according to the
species) and placed into sealed glass jars (370 ml or 210 ml respectively, according to the seed size). The
jars are stored in moving shelves in cooled chambers.
The active collections of most species are stored at +2 o C. All base collections and the active collections
of species with rapid loss of viability (some vegetables, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants) are
stored at -15 o C. The storing technology allows the great majority of species to maintain the viability of
seeds for 15 - 20 years without regeneration.
The seed viability as well as the seeds stocks are monitored cyclically ( in 5-years period). All data have
been included in the EVIGEZ information system.
When the seed viability and/or seed stock decrease under acceptable limit, the gene bank organizes
regeneration of such samples in cooperation with the institute responsible for the corresponding
collection.
Seed samples from active collection are distributed free of charge to users. Only utilization for breeding
and research purposes is allowed, not for commercial use. Access to some samples in the active
collection can be limited and conditioned by the approval of the collection curator or by the owner of
the sample.
All plant genetic resources of local origin and some other valuable materials are maintained in duplication
in base collection as well. At present, the collections of seed propagated species in the Czech Republic
contain 32,8 thousand items. The active collection of the gene bank now contains 12 thousand samples,
that is about 37 %. Most accessions of wheat, winter barley, maize and grasses have been transferred
into gene bank. Further fast increase of gene bank collections is the priority of the National Programme
of Plant Genetic Resources. Progress will depend on the mutual effective collaboration of institutes and
gene bank as well as on the financial means available.