Seed bank and it’s important

Seed bank is a type of gene bank established to preserve genetic diversity. It is like a money saving bank. Just like we save money so that we can use during emergency, seed bank is also a seed saving bank where certain seed can be used in case certain crop disappears. There are many purposes of seed banking such as to conserve biodiversity , to increase disease resistance , to increase draught tolerance of crops and it’s nutritional value etc .

Seed banks existed from a very long time. They were established in past mainly to increase access to quality seed , to overcome the loss of seeds caused due to natural disaster such as hurricanes and flood and to overcome the impact of climate change.They are known by different names in different countries but their main objective is to preserve genetic diversity. In Nepal the establishment of seed banks are encouraged by a number of NGOs and by many governmental agencies but there is no clear understanding among members of seed banks.

Preservation methods

As seed mature to the mother plants they acquire the ability to survive death as innate ability. But with time they go on degrading and therefore seed bank provide necessary condition for longevity of seeds. the survival of these seeds can be extended by low temperature and moisture storage.However, the level of dryness and moisture is variable and depends upon the longevity required and investment that is affordable in the infrastructure. It is difficult to predict how long a seed will remain viable, so germination potential is monitored in seed banks during storage.When seed germination percentage decreases below a threshold limit, the seeds need to be replanted, and a fresh round of seeds harvested and again stored for another round of year.

The biggest challenge in seed banking is storing seed for 100 of years which is a very difficult task. Another major challenge is the seed selection i.e. which seed to bank for future. Seed duplication is also another problem. Lack of relevancy i.e. providing useful genetic diversity that is accessible to the public is also a problem while banking seed.

Importance of seed banks

1) Preservation of biodiversity
The major motto of seed bank is to preserve biodiversity. Since different types of the same species exist due to adaptive nature, it is essential to preserve biodiversity.

2) Disease resistance
A serious breakdown of contagious disease can end all the crops and in such condition where there is no availability of any seed then seed bank can provide sufficient seed for a new start.

3) Research material
The seeds available in seed bank can be used as a research by scientists and researchers which helps in the improvement of crops and may helps to prevent against many crop disease.

4) Preservation from Man-made Disasters
Man-made disasters such as war and other activities could lead to complete destruction of crops. In such case there is a chance that crops may disappear. Therefore when such activities gets ends seeds can be used from seed bank for replantation.

5) Protection from climate change
Due to industrialization and urbanisation the environment pollution has increased so much and it has affected crop very much. In this environment the crops are in verge of extinction . In such case with the help of seed bank such crops can be preserved.

6) Protection from natural disaster
A natural disaster is a sudden event that causes widespread destruction, major collateral damage or loss of life, brought about by forces other than the acts of human . It can cause complete destruction of crop leading to its extinction. In such case, Seed bank can save from such kind of situations.

Conclusion
Today we have thousands of seed banks all around the world and they are very crucial for preservation of biodiversity and overcoming effect of climate change. In today’s world where there is only case of destruction and disaster only seed bank can save our planet life and biodiversity.

Writer: Sudarshan Pant ( Student, Bsc Ag 4th Sem, Paklihawa Campus )