Improving genebank management

Genetic diversity allows crops to evolve and adapt. It is a major resource for plant breeders to use and meet the challenges in maintaining food security and environmental stability.

The first genebanks were established over 50 years ago to conserve threatened landraces and wild species. Since those early days, research from genetics, plant and seed physiology, in vitro culture, cryopreservation and information technology have altered our understanding of how best to conserve and manage crop diversity.

Yet one thing remains as the basis for all our work – the need to constantly improve and use the best practices available to ensure the survival of the genetic diversity in the world’s crop genebanks, so that this essential resource remains available for use by current and future generations.

We invite you to discover and learn more about some of the ways to better manage crop genebanks and to share with us information on how you manage your genebank.
Click here to contribute your best practices for germplasm management.

Need help to explore this site's content? Click here to view a tutorial that guides you through the main sections of the Crop Genebank Knowledge Base.

Main sections of this site

• Crops
• Procedures
• Management strategies
• Learning resources

Crops

In this area you will find information on how to set up and manage a genebank for different crops.

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Procedures

In this area you will find information on the different genebank procedures.

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Management strategies

This section of the website covers important strategies and principles related to genebank decision-making, that are not necessarily crop specific.

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Learning resources

In this area of the Crop Genebank Knowledge Base you can find material which can be useful for genebank staff or trainers.

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International Agricultural Research Centres who worked together to make this site possible:
Africa Rice Center | Bioversity International | CIAT | CIMMYT | CIP | ICARDA | ICRISAT | IFPRI | IITA | ILRI | IRRI |