Genebank Academy

The Applied Plant Conservation Course is a free professional training designed for conservation professionals, land managers, and researchers working to safeguard rare and endangered plants. Developed by the Center for Plant Conservation and its network of experts, the course provides comprehensive training on the science and practice of plant conservation and stewardship, including seed banking, reintroductions, genetics, horticulture, and more. Through dynamic video lessons, practical tools, and real-world case studies, participants gain the skills needed to apply evidence-based approaches that ensure the survival of imperiled plant species.

A core part of CGIAR’s work is strengthening the global genebanks community so that more people can access the crop diversity they need. The following online courses are available:

• Genetic Resources Policies: This online course will help you to appreciate how daily operations of genebanks and breeding programmes are affected by national and international laws and organizational policies governing access to, and use of, plant genetic resources and related information.
• Seed Quality Management: This online course covers the underlying biology of seed development and germination, the latest scientific discoveries and practical steps to improve seed viability and longevity.

This module is the first in the BGCI Botanic Garden Basics series and looks at how to define a botanic garden. This course is aimed to participants who are interested in setting up or developing a botanic garden.

By the end of this module you will:

• Be able to define a botanic garden
• Understand the history of botanic gardens
• Understand why botanic gardens are important
• Recognise the different key roles that a botanic garden plays
• Understand what a vision and mission is and how to develop one for your organisation

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture addresses the issue of Farmers’ Rights in Article 9, and in its Preamble. The International Treaty advises Contracting Parties to protect and promote Farmers’ Rights in accordance with national laws.

This course examines its origins and treatment in the International Treaty and presents somepractical activities for the realization of Farmers’ Rights.

This course offers certificate

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.

You will learn about:

• The purpose of genebanks and thir role in strengthening food security and sustainable agricultural production
• The methods used to prepare and accomplish collecting missions
• Linkages between genebank operations with pre-breeding
• The main issues related to the proper organization of a genebank and the related process of day-to-day management

Seed germination and seedling establishment are the main factors for a successful start of a crop, determining crop health, weed suppression and overall crop performance. They are critical, but sensitive phases in crop production. Also, some plant pathogens can be transmitted by seeds to the next generation, affecting crop health. Therefore, providing organic seeds that are vigorous and healthy is an important contribution to organic cropping systems. This is ensured by adequate seed production practices, seed storage and testing.

After completing this module, you will be able to 

• describe the different aspects of seed quality
• list the main factors driving seed quality and health
• explain the scope and importance of managing seed quality and health throughout the plant breeding and seed propagation cycle.