ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 2577
Poster No. = 1306


CONSERVATION OF WILD PLANT SPECIES FROM THE DRY TROPICS


M. J. Way (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst Place, RH17 6TN, United Kingdom)


Since 1974, the Seed Conservation Section of RBG Kew has been working with local counterparts to collect, conserve and study seeds of wild plant species. Using internationally recommended protocols, including careful drying and then freezing at -20ºC, it is thought that the vast majority of desiccation-tolerant seeds will remain viable for decades and probably centuries. The activities are complemented by an active research and training programme which aims to further improve the collecting, storage and germination of seed samples. Organisations active in seed conservation of wild species are sought for collecting and research partnerships within the framework of the Millennium Seed Bank Project. This major international conservation initiative will facilitate the conservation by seed of 10% of the world's flora, principally from the drylands, by 2010.


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