Seed Conservation Unit/ Seed GeneBank

Seed conservation unit (Gene bank) is a vital unit of the PGRC. It provides ideal storage conditions and the seed viability is maintained for a long period by reducing seed moisture content and storage temperature. Seed gene bank contains several activities such as processing seed materials, maintaining and monitoring the seed viability, conservation and distribution of conserved gremplasm.

Two main categories of collections are conserved in the gene bank

1. Active Collection: – Seeds are stored for short to medium time period at 5 Cº and 25% -30% Relative humidity. This is a working collection and is used for regeneration, evaluation, research and distribution purposes.
2. Base Collection: – Seeds are stored under conditions which retain viability for long periods of time. The seeds are hermetically sealed in airtight containers and kept at 1 Cº. Base collection is not used for distribution but as a security collection against loss.

The number of registered items in gene bank is about 17,000 as at 2023 and it covered following crop groups

Rice, Other cereals, Grain Legumes, Vegetable Legumes, Solanaceous vegetables & condiments, Cucurbits, Brassicaceae vegetables, Alliums, Leafy vegetables, Other vegetables, Root and tubers, Mustard, Oil crops, Fiber crops, medicinal plants and fruits.