Maintenance of plant genetic resources. Towards an understanding of seed deterioration

More about the book

The preservation of biodiversity, particularly plant genetic resources, is crucial for future life on Earth. Ex-situ gene banks were established to protect related wild species and local landraces by storing seeds. This book explores the aging of seeds, focusing on wheat, barley, and rapeseed, examining how factors like genotype, environmental conditions, and storage affect seed viability. It discusses biochemical changes during seed aging and emphasizes the need for optimized storage conditions to prevent genetic drift and extend seed lifespan in gene banks.