Invasive weed threatens Southern California’s deserts
Saharan mustard is overwhelming native plants' seed bank, reducing biodiversity and weakening ecosystems. The invasive species can crowd out native species, altering ecosystem function.
Seed Banks
Articles tagged with Seed Banks
NTU Singapore receives S$110 million gift from UOB and Wee Foundation which will support new educational initiatives
NTU Singapore will launch three educational initiatives supported by an endowment of up to S$275 million, benefiting 1,200 students annually. The initiatives include the NTU Opportunity Grant to support undergraduates with financial need.
Study shows seed impact mills clobber waterhemp seed viability
A recent study published in Weed Science shows that seed impact mills can reduce the number of germinable seeds by 87% compared to no-impact mill treatment. The technology damages weed seeds, making them non-viable and reducing seedbank density, which is critical for future herbicide-resistance management.
From eyebrow beans to 'lost' rice: community seedbanks are protecting China's crops
China's community seedbanks are conserving agricultural biodiversity by protecting crop varieties, improving farmer livelihoods, and increasing food security. These seedbanks also promote climate resilience through their focus on local environmental conditions.
Making sense of a universe of corn genetics
Researchers have developed a predictive model to guide plant breeders in selecting suitable corn varieties based on genomic analysis. The study focused on predicting eight corn traits using shoot apical meristem (SAM) analysis, achieving accuracy ranging from 37% to 57% across the eight traits studied.
Seed banking not an option for over a third of threatened species
A recent study published by Kew scientists reveals that 36% of 'critically endangered' plant species produce recalcitrant seeds, making seed banking an ineffective conservation method. This means alternative techniques like cryopreservation are necessary to safeguard the world's most threatened species and iconic tree species.
Native wildflowers bank on seeds underground to endure drought
A University of California study found native wildflowers stored up to 201% more seeds underground during a drought, compared to exotic grasses which decreased by 52%. This adaptive strategy helps them survive in variable climates.
New England Wild Flower Society honors leader of global seed banking program
The New England Wild Flower Society honors Dr. Paul P. Smith, former head of the Millennium Seed Bank, for his leadership in conserving seeds from over 25,000 plant species. The organization recognizes his efforts to preserve biological diversity and raise awareness about native plants and conservation.
Deer proliferation disrupts a forest's natural growth
A burgeoning deer population alters forest progression by creating environmental havoc in the soil and disrupting seed banks. The study found that deer grazing stunts forest development, promoting invasive species like buckthorn and viburnum, which stall natural growth and reduce native plant diversity.
Major global analysis offers hope for saving the wild side of staple food crops
A new research assesses conservation gaps of crop wild relatives, finding that 54% are high-priority for collection to improve yields and resilience. The study highlights the importance of collecting wild plants in countries like Australia, Bolivia, China, and Italy.
To feed the future, we must mine the wealth of the world's seed banks today
The world's seed banks hold a vast wealth of genetic material that could help feed the future. A massive genetic sequencing effort and broad phenotyping initiative are proposed to characterize the resources needed to meet growing food demands. The estimated cost is about $200 million annually.
Big sagebrush may need to count on its soil seed bank for survival
New research reveals Artemisia tridentata seeds can form a persistent seed bank, enabling the species to regenerate post-fire. The study found that burying sagebrush seeds 3 cm below the soil surface increased their viability for up to 24 months.
The undead may influence biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions
A study published in Nature Reviews: Microbiology examines the cellular mechanisms of microbial dormancy and its implications for ecosystems. Dormant microbes can have a significant impact on biodiversity, carbon emissions, and nutrient cycling, making them a key component of ecosystem resilience.
Humble garden pea helps Kew scientists develop 'cool,' noninvasive diagnostic test of seed quality
Scientists have developed a rapid, non-invasive method to diagnose seed quality in real time using infrared temperature measurement. This breakthrough method can distinguish between viable and dead seeds in under two hours, reducing the need for destructive germination tests.
Global seed banking milestone celebrated by wildflower center, 122 other organizations
A decade-long effort by international partners has resulted in the collection and freezing of thousands of seeds from nearly 25,000 native plant species. The Millennium Seed Bank project aims to conserve an additional 15% of world's plant species by 2020.
Scientists propose the creation of a new type of seed bank
A new type of seed bank is proposed to gather wild species, capturing evolutionary responses to future changes in climate. This approach will allow detection of the results of calamitous changes and testing of evolutionary predictions.