Seed Bank

A facility where seeds are stored under controlled conditions to preserve plant genetic diversity for future use is called a seed bank.

• Require comparatively little space compared to zoos or botanical gardens
• Labour-efficient and economically viable to maintain over long periods
• Capable of storing large numbers of seed samples at low per-unit cost
• Preserve genetic material without the need to maintain a living, growing plant
• Serve as a genetic "insurance policy" against crop failure, disease, and habitat destruction

Some botanic gardens go beyond standard seed storage and preserve genetic material using cryopreservation.

• Involves storing isolated embryos, tiny seeds, and plant tissues in liquid nitrogen
• Storage temperature: -196°C
• Especially useful for rare or recalcitrant species whose seeds cannot survive conventional drying and storage methods

• Seed bank = ex situ method storing seeds under controlled conditions
• Space-efficient, economical, supports large-scale storage
• ~1,400 seed banks and ~400 botanic gardens worldwide preserve seeds
• Cryopreservation (-196°C, liquid nitrogen) used for rare/recalcitrant species
• Distinct from botanical gardens (living plants) and gene banks (broader genetic material)