Genebank Academy

Conserving and Using Crop Diversity invites you to explore how the crops we eat are conserved, studied and used to build a more secure food future. This interactive online experience was launched with support by the Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development (BOLD) project funded by the Government of Norway. 

This course provides an overview of the legal and historical perspectives that led to the development of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing (Multilateral System). It emphasizes the importance of the exchange and transfer of plant genetic resources in order to feed a growing global population. It also outlines the principles required to effectively plan, implement and operate the Multilateral System within a national context.

This course offers certification.

This course gives an overview of what it takes to establish and manage a genebank, providing an outline of genebank operations with particular respect to pre-breeding. The need for linking genebank operations with pre-breeding is emphasized and problems are addressed. The module also explains the methods used to prepare and accomplish collecting missions and describes the main issues related to the proper organization of a genebank. An overview of the processes of day-to-day management is provided.

The LiveSeeding project offers a set of 5 training packages, organized in 25 Modules on organic breeding and organic seed production, including online and on-site sessions. These materials offer a comprehensive perspective on organic breeding knowledge, concepts, strategies, tools and opportunities, adapted to a diverse group of target trainees, from organic farmers to PhD students of different levels (high school, undergraduates and/or MSc students) and scientists, seed producers, organic breeders, and any others involved in the value chain of organic systems with interest in some (or all) of the main issues in organic breeding.

The seed development and metabolism course introduces students to the basic concepts of seed physiology. An understanding of the processes which occur during seed development, maturation, storage and germination is needed to clarify why certain procedures are used for seed germination, why some seeds do not respond to procedures used, and to help analysts explain to customers why their seed is of low quality. Seed composition is a critical factor in how well seed stores or germinates. Stage of seed development and maturity will also influence seed storability, germination and growth.

This course is beneficial for individuals interested in learning about seeds and for those who are studying to become registered seed technologists or certified seed analysts. Individuals registered or certified by the Society of Commercial Seed Technicians or by the Association of Official Seed Analysts are in demand by seed companies and by state and federal seed laboratories.

*This course has a fee of $490

Seed analysts must know the basic nature of seeds and the terminology associated with them before they can do analytical work effectively. It is the purpose of this course to give insights to the structures of seeds and the flowers from which they come. These structures will be used to identify seeds of the different species.

The Center for Plant Conservation’s Applied Plant Conservation Course is a free professional development resource that serves to train our current and future botanical workforce in the best practices of rare plant stewardship and conservation.