Seed collection is a key task requiring careful planning.
A correct planning should arise from the previously gathered
information regarding the species and its distribution.
Collection areas are thus selected in such a way that
the highest genetic variability is ensured.
Collectors should verify in the field the identity of
the taxa and the estimated collection date prior to scheduling
the collecting.
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| Field
studies (to the left) and plant material collections
constitute essential procedures that have to be accomplished
by specialized people (© 2005 L. Podda - CCB; Núria
Membrives - IJBB; IRA) |
If plants are to be used in reforestation or reintroduced
in their original habitat it is essential for seed sampling
to faithfully represent the genetic variability originally
present in the habitat. Seed collectors should observe that
sampling must be carried out covering more than 50% of individuals
present but never taking more than 20% of available seeds.
In the case of small populations, and mainly with rare or
endangered species, collectors must avoid sampling a high
number of individuals. In this case it is desirable to collect
a smaller number of seeds and repeat the collecting.
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| Hypericum
kelleri : plant, fruits and seeds. Threatened Cretian
endenmic, whose germoplasma is conserved in the Seed
Bank of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania
(Crete), partner in the GENMEDOC project . (© 2005
C.Fournaraki - MAICh). |
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In order to determine the proper time of
harvest it is possible to use the “cut test”,
which involves the opening of the seed along its main axes
to observe the inside. The presence of turgid tissues with
the coloration characteristic of the species indicates the
optimal stage of maturity of the seed and the appropriateness
of collection. In general seeds for collection must be non-damaged,
viable and having reached maturity, just when they are ready
for natural dispersion.
The collected genetic material, and the corresponding in-situ
filled out collecting record, are taken to the bank where
seeds are cleaned and treated before being included in the
collection.
All these operations need much attention and care taken
to maintain a high level of quality and viability in the
seed bank.
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| The
operations for the evaluation of material that enters
the bank require patience and precision; seedlots with
dead or infected seeds have to be avoided in order to
obtain a satisfactory level of quality and viability
in the collection (© 2005 Pietro Pavone - DBUC
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Reserved
area
