Standards and Best Practices
Standards, Guides and Reference Tools for Genebank Management
The acquisition, conservation, and distribution of plant genetic resources are guided by internationally recognized standards and best practices that ensure their long-term security, viability and availability. These frameworks provide technical, legal and operational guidance to ensure transparent, scientifically robust genebank management. By harmonizing procedures across institutions, they promote compliance with international agreements and strengthen trust among providers and germplasm users.
This section highlights the principal standards and best practices that underpin effective plant genetic resource management.
Practical Guides for Genebank Operations
FAO Practical Guides for the Application of the Genebank Standards for PGRFA, 2022, 2025
The guides set international standards for the ex situ conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) across seed genebanks, field genebanks, in vitro cultures, non-orthodox seeds and cryopreservation. They provide step-by-step guidance for managing seed genebanks and serve as a practical manual for daily orthodox seed conservation, supporting technicians while informing standard operating procedures, quality management systems and staff training.
Genebank Standards and Foundational References
FAO Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, 2014
International standards that guide users in adopting the best technologies and procedures for collecting, conserving and documenting crop diversity. It sets the benchmark for scientific and technical best practices and reflects the primary international policy tools for conserving and utilizing plant genetic resources within the Multilateral System.
The global reference for genebanks within the CGIAR, as well as for national, regional and international genebanks. The standards focus exclusively on the storage of seeds of orthodox species.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The GRIN Taxonomy, maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), is an authoritative and continuously updated database of standardized botanical names and taxonomic information for plants of agricultural and economic importance. It ensures consistent scientific naming across plant genetic resource collections and supports the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS).
ISTA List of Stabilized Plant Names
A standardized reference for scientific and common plant names used to support consistent identification across laboratories and trading partners. It helps ensure accuracy in seed testing, trade and regulatory compliance.
International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants, 2016
The global standard for naming cultivated plants, including cultivars, groups and grexes. It promotes clarity, stability and consistency in the naming of plants selected or bred by humans.
International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants, 2018
The official code governing the scientific naming of algae, fungi and plants, including living and fossil taxa traditionally classified within these groups. Before 2011, it was known as the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.
Seed Testing and Phytosanitary Standards
International Rules for Seed Testing
Published by ISTA, these rules set internationally agreed methods for seed sampling and testing. Revised annually, they support uniform, precise and reliable seed testing worldwide.
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, 2025
Globally accepted standards developed under the International Plant Protection Convention to help prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases. They provide guidance on pest risk analysis, surveillance, import requirements and quarantine procedures.
Standards of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization, 2025
EPPO standards support countries in harmonizing phytosanitary measures, trade regulations and diagnostic practices across Europe and the Mediterranean. They align with the International Plant Protection Convention and promote plant health protection and safe trade.
Quality Management and Laboratory Standards
ISO 20387:2018 Biotechnology — Biobanking — General Requirements for Biobanking, 2018
A standard setting general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of biobanks. It covers quality management and control measures for the collection, processing and maintenance of biological materials and related data.
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems — Requirements, 2015
An international standard for quality management systems that helps organizations improve performance, meet regulatory and customer requirements, and maintain a culture of continual improvement.
A benchmark standard for laboratory competence, covering both quality management and technical operations. It helps ensure that laboratories produce valid, reliable and traceable results.
ISBER Best Practices: Recommendations for Repositories, 2023, 5th Edition
Guidance published by ISBER on the ethical, legal, operational and quality requirements for repositories. It covers governance, facility design, specimen handling, biosafety, information management and staff competency.
Data and Documentation Standards
Multi-Crop Passport Descriptors, 2015, version 2.1
An internationally recognized standard for exchanging germplasm passport data, jointly developed by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in collaboration with FAO. It aligns with major plant genetic resources information systems, including WIEWS and Genesys.