The significance of ex situ seed conservation to reintroduction of threatened plants

Abstract

Ex situ seed conservation aims to support species survival in the wild. This can be achieved by contributing genetic material for reintroduction. The goals of reintroduction are to increase both plant and population numbers, create self-sustaining populations and ultimately remove a species from its threatened listing. Quality seed collections with a broad genetic base are required to achieve this goal. Storage conditions that minimise deterioration of seeds will maximise the quality of seeds available for future use. Additionally, ex situ seed conservation provides long-term insurance against species or genotype loss until actual or potential threats can be removed. As threats to biodiversity escalate the most judicious conservation strategies will be ones that combine available resources to provide the highest possible degree of protection. Banked seeds are available irrespective of season and periods of low fecundity. Forward planning of reintroduction projects can be achieved with knowledge of the quantity and quality of banked seed. This paper discusses the challenges facing ex situ seed conservation while highlighting the benefits of integrating ex situ seed storage and plant reintroduction to help provide for better conservation outcomes.