Seed Bank Research Articles

Responses of germination strategy of Agriophyllum squarrosum to rainfall pattern in the Tengger desert.

Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq. (Chenopodiaceae) is an annual pioneer psammophyte that is strictly distributed along desert margins. However, little is known about how this species adapts to shifting dunes. In this study, seeds bank was selected and germination behaviors of A. squarrosum were tested in laboratory. In addition, the effects of rainfall patterns on population dynamics were observed in field at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert. Soil seed bank density was significantly different in different depth of sand dunes. Under adequate water in Petri dishes, seeds began to germinate in less than 3 h and the germination peak was reached in seven days after watering. It showed that there is no innate dormancy of A. squarrosum. The buried experiments showed that the germination percentage decreased with increasing buried depth, and deeply buried seeds (10 cm) remained ungerminated. Population dynamics in different rainfall pattern of three years in field showed that germination, survival and deaths of A. squarrosum were extremely sensitive to rainfall variation. Our results suggest that precipitation is the key factor in determining population of A. squarrosum. The germination strategy of A. squarrosum ensures the efficiency use of unpredicted and scarce precipitation. The high disturbance of moving sand endowed persistence seed bank of A. squarrosum, which is essential for population continuation, avoiding population extinction under unpredicted precipitation.

Composition and Spatial Variation of Germinable Seed Bank in Burned Nothofagus pumilio Forests in Patagonia Argentina

The availability of soil-stored seed determines initial plant functional types in post-fire landscapes. We evaluated the post-fire regeneration of Nothofagus pumilio forests, in Patagonia, Argentina, analyzing the soil seed bank (SSB) and the above-ground vegetation (AV). At three sites: La Colisión, Río Turbio and Monte Zeballos, burned in 2008, 1980 and 1941, respectively, we sampled the SSB and AV in two transects from the edge of the remaining forest, up to 90 m within the burned area, and recorded the emergence (198 soil samples) and presence of vascular species. To determine the effect of the distance to the remnant forest on the germinable seed bank, we performed simple linear regression analysis through the use of linear mixed-effect models, and we analyzed the similarity between the composition of SSB and AV with PERMANOVA. The emergence of plant growth forms had different patterns in relation to the distance from the forest in the three sites, which might be associated with the time of fire occurrence, and specific characteristics of each site. The emergence of N. pumilio was registered at more than one distance at the recent burning site. Herbs constituted the main source of cover with 69% of the composition, and native/endemic species represented 71%. This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between the seed bank and standing vegetation and a better understanding of the resilience of post-fire N. pumilio forests. Our findings suggest that from 15–20 m from the edge, the SSB would be insufficient to ensure the spontaneous recovery of the forest, making active restoration necessary in order to tend to a recovery of the structure and functionality of the original community.

MODEL PEMBERDAYAAN PETANI BAWANG MERAH MELALUI SISTEM BANK BENIH UNTUK PENINGKATAN KAPASITAS PETANI (Suatu Kasus Pada Kelompok Tani Mekar Jaya Desa Tonjong)

Farmers in shallots in central locations in Serang Regency are faced with seed problems. The problem of the availability of shallot seeds hampers the planting schedule so that shallot production decreases. One of the solutions offered in this activity is to provide independent seeds provided directly by farmers through seed banks. This activity aims to create a model for the empowerment of shallot farmers with a seed bank system. The methods used in this activity are descriptive and observational methods. The method of observation was carried out directly on farmer groups using a census sampling technique of 65 members of farmer groups. The criteria used in the sampling technique with the limitation that the farmers who will be sampled are farmers who grow shallots for seed purposes. The results of the activity show that the appropriate model for empowering farmers with the shallot seed bank system is the Natura Revolving Seed Bank Model. The in-kind rolling seed model is considered to be in accordance with the considerations because this model has the resilience to roll and its sustainability is guaranteed.

Changes in the Vegetation, Soil Seed Bank and Soil Properties at Bait Sites in a Protected Area of the Central European Lower Montane Zone

Feeding places for shooting wild boar (so-called bait sites) are spreading in some regions and they have a growing impact on natural ecosystems. Bait sites were investigated to detect the changes in vegetation, the soil seed bank and soil nutrients. The study area is situated in the Mátra Landscape Protection Area, representing a typical oak forest in the Central European lower montane zone (in Hungary). Two types of bait sites were selected: forests and clearings. A vegetation survey, a soil seed bank experiment and a soil analysis were conducted. The degree of degradation of vegetation was similar at the various bait sites, but only the abundance of weeds was higher in the clearings. The density of weed seeds in the soil varied regardless of type, clearly showing the effects of artificial seed sources. The number of weed species was, however, significantly higher in the clearings. The degree of Jaccard-similarity between the vegetation and the seed bank was the highest in the clearings. The dominance of long-term persistent seeds did not differ among bait sites, indicating frequent disturbances at these sites. The amount of soil nutrients was significantly (more than 10 times) higher in the clearings and this, along with their greater openness, may be responsible for the higher number of weed species in their seed banks. The vegetation and the soil of the clearings proved to be more degraded, mainly due to their habitat characteristics, but the seed bank was similarly infected in the less weedy forests; thus, all bait sites may equally be the focal points of a possible invasion. It means new challenges for the management, considering that climate change and the intensive logging and hunting activities can strengthen the effects of bait sites.

Exchange and experimentation: community seed banks strengthen farmers’ seed systems in Northern Malawi

ABSTRACT In Sub-Saharan Africa, the cultivation of local crop varieties persists despite a political environment that favours commercial seed system development to address seed and food insecurity. Community seed banks (CSBs) are emergent alternative/complementary development initiatives, yet there remains limited empirical research on their role in farmers’ seed systems. In Malawi, where maize is a sociopolitical currency, we use maize seeds as a means to examine how CSBs may support farmers’ seed systems. Through 60 semi-structured interviews with both CSB members and non-members, we collected quantitative and qualitative data on maize seed access opportunities, farmer preferences, and patterns of seed adoption/discontinuation. Interviews show that while CSBs play a negligible role in farmers’ maize seed supply, they can strengthen seed sharing networks through auxiliary social and economic services. CSB members report higher levels of satisfaction with local maize over commercial maize, suggesting CSBs can expand farmers’ frame of reference through events that encourage exchange and experimentation. Local power dynamics can affect CSB accessibility; initiatives to expand CSB operations must therefore address the inherent exclusivity of CSBs as membership-based institutions. These findings invite future research on CSB viability and the potential of decentralized development interventions to improve farmers’ seed security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Screening of Finger Millet (<em>Eleusine coracana</em>) Germplasm for the Blast Disease-Resistance in Sri Lanka

Finger millet is the third important cereal crop in Sri Lanka, mostly cultivated in rainfed uplands in dry and intermediate zones. Blast disease (leaf, finger, and neck blast) caused by Magnaporthe grisea is economically devastating to rice and finger millet worldwide. Host resistance is the most viable option for managing the disease as it is mainly grown in low-input systems. One hundred thirty-nine finger millet accessions collected from the Plant Genetic Resources Center in Sri Lanka were field screened for leaf blast disease in three seasons under artificial inoculation at the Field Crops Research and Development Institute at Mahailluppallama, Sri Lanka. The results revealed that almost all the tested accessions were susceptible to leaf blast at the early seedling stage. However, 5–6 weeks after sowing, the severity of leaf blast disease decreased drastically, and all the germplasm were resistant or moderately resistant. The finger blast and neck blast severity, scored under natural infection, was low under both high and low-density planting. Seven and 87 finger millet accessions consistently showed immune reactions for finger blast and neck blast, respectively. A negative correlation was observed between the days to flowering and blast disease. The early flowering accessions, namely, Ac12968 and Ac2384 from Jaffna, TVFM, 13-1, TVFM-04, and TVFM-02 from Killinochchi, showed a higher severity score for leaf, finger, and neck blast compared to other accessions. A significant positive correlation (P<0.05) was found between finger blast and neck blast, however, these two diseases did not show a significant correlation (P>0.05) with leaf blast.

Колекція жита озимого Національного центру генетичних ресурсів рослин України як основа для створення селекційно-цінних і стабільних генотипі

Goal. To form a collection of winter rye as a basis for the creation of selection valuable and stable genotypes, to identify sources of group resistance to diseases, against lodging, and to determine the selection value and stability of the best samples in terms of productivity in the conditions of the Eastern part of the Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. General scientific (analysis and synthesis) — for differentiation and generalization of the obtained results, field — for determining the resistance of samples to diseases and against lodging, and dispersive — for determining the manifestation of valuable economic traits, and their variations and assessing the reliability of experimental data. Results. 12 sources with high levels of manifestation (7–9 points) of group resistance to diseases were identified, of which 3 combine resistance to snow mold, powdery mildew, scolecotrichosis, and brown leaf rust — Kompozytne, Intensyvne 4 (UKR); Sybyr (RUS) and 8 — with resistance to lodging, in particular: Lira (UKR); Rifle (CAN) and others. Among the best samples in terms of productivity, the variability of its manifestation was determined, which according to the coefficient of variation (CV, %) was 9.1–31.9%, the selection value (Sc) — 313.3–568.4, respectively. It was established that the share of samples with the genotypic ability to form high yield stability was 21.4%, the average was 50.0%, and the low was 28.6%. Conclusions. The collection of winter rye of the National Center of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine was formed, which was the basis for the creation of breeding valuable and stable genotypes. The most significant genotypes, which combine high breeding value and yield stability, include varieties of domestic selection — Kompozytne (CB = 9.1%; Sc = 541.4) and Stoir (CB = 9.7%; Sc = 527.6) — at a level of more than 20% to the standard.

Immunological characteristics of tobacco samples of competition and breeding variety testing in the conditions of Prydnistrovia of Ukraine

Aim. Investigate competition and selection material of tobacco for resistance to major diseases for immunological characterization of samples and use of results in practical selection.General scientific and special work methods: field, laboratory, selection that use induction apomixis, calculation, mathematical and statistical. The use of apomixis in tobacco breeding helps shorten the selection process by 4–6 years. During the assessment of the selection material for the resistance of tobacco to harmful organisms, we have used the results substantiated by us during 2011−2015 scales for assessing the intensity of damage by the most common and harmful diseases and the settlement and damage by pests. Results. Tobacco varieties and hybrids with individual and complex resistance to diseases, that are common in the Transnistria region of Ukraine, were selected for the purpose of using them in selection work. On the basis of these samples, a characteristic collection of tobacco was created and registered on resistance to biotic and abiotic factors.Conclusions. During the years of research (2016−2020), varieties and hybrids of tobacco were selected in competitive and selective variety tests (Ternopilsky 7, Berley 38, Berley 46, Ukrainsky Novy, Fn Banat × Ukrainian new, An Berlei 46 × Ternopil 7, Zhovtolisty 36, Ukrainian sharp-leaved, Fn [(Banat × Ukrainian new) × Polish burley)] × Yellow-leaved 36, Fn Temp 321 × Sharp-leaved 451, Fn Virginia 23 × Virginia 401) with complex and individual resistance to the main diseases common in Transnistria of Ukraine. On the basis of these samples, a characteristic collection of tobacco was created and registered on resistance to biotic and abiotic factors in the National Center of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine.

Significance of Soil Seed Bank in Forest Vegetation—A Review

Seed banks present in soils provide information on past/existing standing vegetation and the probable future vegetation of the area. We reviewed 187 articles related to seed banks that were published worldwide from 1859 to 2022 to understand the dynamics of soil seed banks. The heterogeneity and biodiversity of most ecosystems appear vulnerable due to the over-exploitation of soil over the years. The studies on seeds present in soil provide knowledge on species cover, which supports the restoration of degraded areas. An interesting feature observed in most references was that species identified in seed banks do not necessarily represent or reflect the standing vegetation—this is attributed to the varied dispersal mechanisms of different species. The most significant contributions of a seed bank are conservation and the provision of propagules to the ecosystem. These banks are critical for identifying the composition and spatial organisation of understorey plant communities in degraded forests following soil disturbances, such as wildfire, harvesting, and/or logging. Regeneration from soil seed banks enables biodiversity recovery in tropical forests. There has been little understanding of the function soil seed banks play in forest restoration, which is critical to the natural regeneration of forest reserves. The impact of invasive alien species and the associated soil seed banks on vegetation dynamics is poorly researched. With landscape restoration gaining significance in the present decade, it becomes exceedingly important to maintain existing vegetation. It is relevant to India, which has international commitments to restore 26 mha of degraded and deforested land by 2030. This review reveals the importance of soil seed banks and their role in the future maintenance of forest cover.

Wild plant conservation in Mexico in the 21st century

Twenty-one years have elapsed of the 21st Century and within the framework of the celebration of the 100th volume of Botanical Sciences , it is relevant to assess the progress of the research on conservation and on the activities undertaken for protecting the plants of Mexico, including the complementary in situ and ex situ approaches. By means of a systematic search of scientific articles related to the conservation of the Mexican flora on the Web of Science database, for the 2000–2021 period, we identified different scientific inputs, all showing specific objectives for undertaking conservation activities. The publications that resulted from this search were classified into six categories: (a) Regions and Ecoregions; (b) Communities or Ecosystems; (c) Taxonomic Groups; (d) Species and Populations; (e) Botanical Gardens; and (f) Seed Banks. For these categories, the results are presented under the headings “ in situ conservation” and “ ex situ conservation.” Additionally, we assessed by a random examination, the bibliography used to support touristic development projects. The results show that, despite the wide temporal range considered in this review, and even though there is a vast number of publications related to the characterization of the Mexican biodiversity, the production of scientific work oriented to the development of plant conservation strategies and activities is still scarce. Also evident is the lack of connection and communication among researchers of different disciplines, highlighting the disciplinary or multidisciplinary activities that they undertake. Finally, ten conclusions are presented, and some future research activities are suggested for conserving the Mexican flora.

Creation of the initial breeding material of soft winter wheat with a complex of economically valuable traits

Purpose. Creation of new breeding material of soft winter wheat, highly resistant to diseases of the ear and pest colonization for use in the breeding process. Methods. The studies were carried out in 2017–2020 under conditions of artificial inoculation of wheat plants with pathogens of common bunt and fusariosis of the ear in field infectious nurseries of the Department of Plant Protection of the V. M. Remeslo Institute of Wheat of NAAS. An artificial infectious background of common bunt was created according to the method of A. I. Borggard-Anpilogov, which consists in contamination of seed material with spores several days before sowing. An artificial infectious background of fusarium ear blight was created by spraying soft winter wheat plants in the flowering phase with a suspension of spores isolated from the local pathogen population. Results. According to the results of the conducted research, highly resistant (up to 5% ear dama­ge) combinations of hybrids of the fourth generation of soft wheat were selected against the causative agent of fusarium: ‘Berehynia Myronivska’ / ‘Nobeoka bozu’ had a thrips population of 5.2 ind./ear, and cereal leaf beetle – 35,0 ind./m2 and ‘Horly­tsia myronivska’ / ‘C-Lokia’, the thrips population of which was 5.0 ind./ear, cereal leaf beetle – 2.0 ind./m2. On an artificial infectious background of fourth-generation hybrids, in terms of resistance to common bunt, the crossing combinations ‘Berehynia Myronivska’ / ‘Horianka’, ‘Lehenda Myronivska’ / ‘Nana’ were selected, which were affected by common bunt from 15 to 20%, and thrips population was 2.8–8.6 ind./ear, cereal leaf beetle – 5.0–6.0 ind./m2. The highest indicators of the length of the ear, the number of grains in the ear and the mass of grain from the ear were obtained in the combinations of ‘Oberih Myronivskyi’ / ‘Maris Templer’ and ‘Berehynia Myronivska’ / ‘Horianka’, which were created in accordance with the breeding programs of soft winter wheat for resistance against fusarium head blight and common bunt. Conclusions. The constant lines of soft winter wheat, isolated by complex resistance against diseases and pests, are used in the breeding process of the V. M. Remeslo Institute of Wheat of NAAS and the National Center of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine (The Plant Production Institute named after V. Ya. Yuriev, Kharkiv).

Genetic and genomic diversity in the sorghum gene bank collection of Uganda

BackgroundThe Plant Genetic Resources Centre at the Uganda National Gene Bank houses has over 3000 genetically diverse landraces and wild relatives of Sorghum bicolor accessions. This genetic diversity resource is untapped, under-utilized, and has not been systematically incorporated into sorghum breeding programs. In this study, we characterized the germplasm collection using whole-genome SNP markers (DArTseq). Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) was implemented to study the racial ancestry of the accessions in comparison to a global sorghum diversity set and characterize the sub-groups present in the Ugandan (UG) germplasm.ResultsPopulation structure and phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of five subgroups among the Ugandan accessions. The samples from the highlands of the southwestern region were genetically distinct as compared to the rest of the population. This subset was predominated by the caudatum race and unique in comparison to the other sub-populations. In this study, we detected QTL for juvenile cold tolerance by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) resulting in the identification of 4 markers associated (−log10p > 3) to survival under cold stress under both field and climate chamber conditions, located on 3 chromosomes (02, 06, 09). To our best knowledge, the QTL on Sb09 with the strongest association was discovered for the first time.ConclusionThis study demonstrates how genebank genomics can potentially facilitate effective and efficient usage of valuable, untapped germplasm collections for agronomic trait evaluation and subsequent allele mining. In face of adverse climate change, identification of genomic regions potentially involved in the adaptation of Ugandan sorghum accessions to cooler climatic conditions would be of interest for the expansion of sorghum production into temperate latitudes.

Short communication: Germination monitoring of selected Annonaceae seeds: Seed bank collections of Purwodadi Botanic Garden, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Pratiwi A, Lestari DA, Romdhonah Y. 2022. Short communication: Germination monitoring of selected Annonaceae seeds: Seed bank collections of Purwodadi Botanic Garden, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3567-3572. Monitoring activities are an essential aspect to determine the viability and germination of seeds after storage for a certain period. The seed bank of Purwodadi Botanic Garden collected 20 seeds of 11 different species of Annonaceae. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the seed viability of 11 selected species of Annonaceae after being stored for a certain time. Twenty seeds with three replications, i.e., 60 seeds in total were sown. Meanwhile, for genera of Uvaria consisted of U. purpurea, U. rufa, and Uvaria sp. were sown at 30 seeds in total, which means 10 seeds with three replications. The observed parameters were percentage of germination, seed viability, initial germination, and germination type. The results showed only 4 out of 11 selected species of Annonaceae were germinated, namely A. montana, F. latifolium, U. micranthum, and U. purpurea. These four species have epigeal germination types, and monitoring activities included stock rejuvenation, and evaluation of storage procedures for Alphonsea javanica, Annona glabra, Orophea enneandra, Polyalthia littoralis, U. rufa, and Uvaria sp. Furthermore, P. longifolia requires collection regeneration due to its recalcitrant character, and the number of empty seeds from the cut test was >75%. We suggested that P. longifolia seeds might be better to be stored in the refrigerator.

Development of smut resistance genetic resources in millet with other economically valuable features

Aim. Creation and transfer to the National Center of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine genetic sources of millet with race-specific resistance against smut in combination with other economically valuable traits. Methods. In 2019 was laid a breeding nursery of raw material with signs of improved technological qualities of grain (high mass of 1000 grains, optimum film density, high grain alignment and spherical grain shape). In order to isolate forms of millet that are immune to different races of smut and to create sources of simultaneous resistance against damage to the most aggressive races of smut an analysis of the virulence of races was carried out and the most virulent of them were selected, which can characterize resistance against all 13 pathotypes in total. Results. A reconsideration for the resistance of millet against smut was carried out on a p infectious background of the most effective races of the pathogen for a well-established method of assessing the race-specific resistance of millet to smut, developed in the National Research Center of Institute of agriculture. Conclusion. In 2020 5 lines – sources of group resistance against smut – were selected in the nurseries of trials of breeding material of millet ( (l. 1110-05, l. 1727-14, l. 2142-14, l. 3199-16, l. 3267-16), which combined resistance in different ratios against the most virulent and aggressive pathotypes of smut – Rs2, Rs3 and Rs12 with economically valuable traits. 3 samples are also selected (l. 1427-08, l. 2098-14, l. 2155-14), which overwhelm the standards for a complex of economic and valuable signs: resistance to lodging (8.5 points), resistance to melanosis damage (lesion – 0%), high weight of 1000 grains > 9g, low film density (13.5–15.0%), spherical grain shape, race-specific resistance to the soot race group with the most virulent and aggressive races of the pathogen – Rs2 and Rs12. These lines of own breeding were transferred to the National Center of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine under catalog numbers IUDS019538, IUDS019539, IUDS019540, IUDS019541, IUDS019542, IUDS019543, IUDS019544, IUDS019545) as genetic sources of resistance of millet to the most common race of smut in combination with other economically valuable traits for use in breeding and scientific programs of scientific-research institutions of Ukraine.

Farmer-Led Seed Production: Community Seed Banks Enter the National Seed Market

Smallholder farmers around the world obtain their seed from various sources, which can vary over time. In some countries, smallholder farmers are gaining ground as local seed producers and sellers. This study focuses on the seed production and marketing operations, achievements, and challenges of a particular type of such producers—community seed banks—which are new players in the seed market. Pioneer case studies are presented from countries where grain legumes and dryland cereals are important crops: India, Nepal, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. A mixed methodology was used to collect data, including a literature review, focus group discussion, key informant interview, and participatory observation. The case studies demonstrate the viability of community seed banks as seed businesses but becoming successful is not easy and depends on managerial, technical, financial, social, and policy factors. The cases benefitted from strong initial support provided by a committed and experienced organization, as part of a trajectory of nurtured seed development and empowerment. Embedding local seed enterprises in seed sector networks is crucial to creating demand and gaining recognition and support. Government and development organizations could learn from the case study experiences and support programs to foster local seed businesses as key actors in integrated seed sector development.

Plant life span and persistence of soil seedbanks predict the emergence of herbicide resistance in noxious weeds

AbstractPlant control methods have been developed to reduce weed species that are often problematic in agricultural systems. However, these methods can create new challenges, such as herbicide resistance. Determining which plant traits are associated with herbicide resistance can assist managers in identifying species with the potential to develop herbicide resistance and to better understand factors contributing to the evolution of herbicide resistance. We used random forest models to model herbicide resistance of noxious weeds as a function of 10 biological and ecological plant characteristics. Three noxious weed characteristics—plant life span, seedbank persistence, and occurrence in riparian or wetland microsites—predicted herbicide resistance with 87% accuracy. Species with persistent seedbanks and with short life spans (i.e., annuals) that occurred outside riparian or wetland areas were most likely to develop herbicide resistance. Short life spans indicate short generation times enabling faster evolution for herbicide resistance. Persistent seedbanks may increase the survival of resistant genotypes within a population or may be co-selected as an alternate form of escape from control methods. Species occurring in riparian or wetland microsites may be a case of “avoidance” rather than resistance, as managers typically avoid applying herbicide in these areas. Currently, 47 of the noxious weed species analyzed in this study are herbicide resistant, and our models identified an additional 63 species with traits that are highly associated with herbicide resistance, potentially indicating species that are at risk of developing resistance under conducive conditions. Further data-driven analyses with more plant traits and species from around the world could help refine current risk assessment of herbicide-resistance development.

Vegetation Composition, Forage Biomass and Soil Seed Bank of a Continuously Grazed Rangeland Site in Tropical Sub-Humid Environment, Tanzania

Most rangelands along the agro-pastoral villages of Tanzania are yearlong grazed and at various states of degradation. These rangelands contribute to over 60% of the meat and milk production in the country. An inventory was conducted to assess the status of grazing resources in a typical agro-pastoral village of Tanzania having communal rangelands. Systematic random sampling techniques were employed whereby line transects and quadrat frame were used following standard procedures to collect samples and undertake field measurements for both vegetation and soil parameters. The vegetation cover for desirable pasture species, undesirable pasture species and litter were 67.7%, 10.5% and 9.4%, respectively. The soil bare patches covered 12.3 % of the surveyed rangeland site. The most dominant grass species were Enteropogon macrostachyus, Bothriochloa insculpta and Heteropogon contortus. Forage dry matter (DM) yield was 806.8 kg DM/ha. Tree density was 1500 trees/ha and the total canopy cover was 63.49%. Combretum collinum was the most dominant tree species. Soil bulk density, pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 1.4 g/cm3, 6.3%, 1.14%, 0.09%, 0.89 mg/kg and 0.33 g/kg, respectively. A total of 11 dicotyledonous species mainly forbs and 9 monocotyledonous species including two perennial grasses were revealed from the incubated soil samples. The findings of this study demonstrate that the communal grazing areas have low pasture productivity, poor soil seed-bank and high cover of woody plants mainly bushes. In order, to improve forage biomass at the study site and elsewhere with similar environments selective bush clearing and re-seeding should be considered.

Community Seedbanks in Uganda: Fostering Access to Genetic Diversity and Its Conservation

Community seedbanks promote conservation and the use of crop genetic diversity, as well as supporting farmer seed systems. This study analyses seed flow and access to crop genetic diversity over time in the Nakaseke, Rubaya, and Kibuga seedbanks of Uganda. The modes of operation of the banks were compared through scrutinizing records of crops and varieties being conserved, quantities of seed distributed, to whom, and quantities returned. The Nakaseke seed bank distributed the highest varietal diversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), whereas the Rubaya seedbank distributed the highest quantity of common bean seed, followed by the Kibuga seedbank. There were no significant differences between the type of variety of seed, quantities of seed accessed, and seed returned to the seedbanks by women and men—except for the Nakaseke seedbank, where women returned significantly higher quantities of common bean seed. The Kibuga and Rubaya seedbanks dealt with individual farmers, whereas the Nakaseke seedbank dealt with individual farmers and groups. The extent to which core functions were achieved by a particular seedbank depended on the mode of operation, including actors, management, degree of development, socio-economic setting, among others. Further research is recommended to unpack these factors and come up with the most appropriate combinations for greater seedbank effectiveness.

Establishing the National Seed Bank of Wales: Collecting, Conserving and Restoring the Welsh Flora

Seed banks are an efficient method of ex situ plant conservation, capable of conserving vast genetic diversity within a small space. In 2018, the National Botanic Garden of Wales (NBGW) started on a journey to establish a new seed bank focused on conserving the Welsh flora to expand its native plant conservation activities. Now equipped with facilities allowing professional long-term seed conservation within two lab spaces in NBGW’s Science Centre, the National Seed Bank of Wales has become a valuable resource for plant conservation and research in Wales. This article describes how the new seed bank has evolved and how it operates, which may inform other small-to-medium size botanic gardens looking to develop seed collecting and banking activities. When based at a botanic garden, seed banks are an excellent resource uniting the horticultural, scientific and educational expertise of staff. Wider benefits beyond long-term seed conservation include improving short-term storage methods of seed grown by the horticulture department for conservation and display; and training horticulture and science students. An associated trial of harvesting and marketing seed from NBGW’s wildflower-rich hay meadows for restoration purposes has also proved successful and commercially viable, helping to fund our conservation activities.

Effects of natural long storage duration on seeds germinative response of Argyrolobium uniflorum (Decne.) Jaub. & Spach

Little is known about the effect of seed natural long storage on the germination capacity of vascular plant species particularly those used in restoration programs. In the current paper, we aimed to study the effect of different seed storage durations (from 3 months to 22 years) on the germination of Argyrolobium uniflorum (Decne.) Jaub. & Spach, herbaceous legume of high pastoral value indigenous to the Mediterranean Basin. In this paper, we found that the seeds scarification, hasten germination capacity of scarified seeds (SS) to almost 80%. The seed germination is maintained for 14 years at the level of 78 to 60% and then decreases.
 Also, other measured parameters of water content, electric conductivity, seedling lengths and MGT were also modified along seeds age. The duration of storage affects the germination performance of Argyrolobium uniflorum seeds which decreases after approximately one decade and half which give us an idea about the longevity of soil seeds bank of this species.