Millenium Seed Banks

• What is the Millenium Seed Bank (MBS)?

  An international conservation project that stores seeds from threatened plant species and over 34,000 plant species are banked
• What do seed banks do with the seeds that they collect?

  1. Assess seed viability by using an x-ray to see if an embryo is present.
  2. Clean the seeds/ sterilise surfaces.
  3. Dry the seed.
  4. Store it at low temperatures.
  5. Regularly test seed viability during storage.
  6. Fresh seeds are collected if viability decreases ie low germination rate
• Why are seeds dried and cooled in a seed bank?

  To prevent germination

  • by slowing down enzyme reactions
  • this slows down the rate of decay which prolongs seed survival
  • drying reduces the freezing effect
• What does the MBS aim to do with endangered plant species?

  Reintroduce them into the wild