Improving the identification, handling and storage of “difficult” seeds ...

2.7. LESOTHO presentation
Lesotho National Plant Genetic Resources Centre
Mr Sebili Naha
Supporting On-Farm management & improvement of PGRFA (question 2.1)
The Lesotho National Plant Genetic Resources Centre (LesNPGRC) works in collaboration with a
local NGO, World Vision Lesotho, to conserve plant genetic resources on-farm. LesNPGRC
distributes germplasm to farmer associations who are affiliated with World Vision Lesotho.
Participating farmers are in the lowlands and the foothills, mainly in the northern (Butha-Buthe) and
central (Nazareth) areas. Germplasm distributed includes both Zea mays and Phaseolus sp.
Individual farmers coming to request seeds are also informed about on-farm conservation and
eventually asked to participate in the activities.
Germplasm storage facilities (question 5.3)
Germplasm is stored as active collections in cold storage at LesNPGRC, and duplicate base
collections at SADC Plant Genetic Resources Center (SPGRC). The general objective of these
activities is to ensure medium- to long-term conservation of both indigenous and exotic genetic
material of socio-economic importance and to promote their utilization for crop improvement and
development of sustainable agriculture. In terms of facilities, LesNPGRC has a small storage room
with only six freezers. We are currently faced with a serious problem of limited space to
accommodate additional freezers, coupled with frequent power failure.
Drying facilities/methods
LesNPGRC has one dryer used for drying seed. This is not currently functioning, so there is a lot of
material waiting to be dried. Sun drying is used only to lower the moisture content if collected or
harvested material shows high moisture.
Measuring seed moisture status
Seed moisture status is measured after reception of germplasm and during drying. When germplasm
has reached 5% moisture content, it is then packaged for storage. A few seeds are ground using a
seed grinder and placed in a moisture analyzer from which a moisture content reading is taken. This
method however wastes many seeds.
Storage containers
LesNPGRC uses aluminum foil bags, which are put in cartons and placed in freezers.
Viability monitoring (question 5.5)
The seed genebank consists of living materials which must be monitored frequently for viability.
We are compelled because of frequent power cuts to regularly test our material for viability. This is
carried out by the Seed Testing Section in the Agronomy Division. Regeneration of the material is
conducted if viability is below 85%.
Constraints (question 5.10)
▪ LesNPGRC is faced with staff shortages. Current staff are also expected to do other duties of
the department. The staff at the center therefore do not work full-time.
▪ LesNPGRC faces a problem of regular power cuts, which may affect the material in storage.
Sometimes this happens during weekends, meaning that even if power returns, freezers will be
off for a number of days.
▪ The small storage room needs expansion to safely store the material.