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

2. Most urgent training needs
Main training areas for genebank staff:
▪ Genebank management
▪ Seed conservation technology (seed physiology, in-vitro/cryopreservation etc)
▪ Characterization and Evaluation (Morphological & molecular)
▪ Documentation and Information
▪ Establishment and management of field genebanks.
Gaps partly addressed:
Upgrading of skills is a key component to sustainable management of PGR. In this regard, other
regions have on-going programs that are addressing human capacity building in different areas.
▪ SADC countries – ex-situ conservation, in-situ conservation, electronic documentation systems
▪ Seed physiology: Uganda (SIDA) planned for.
Concern:
Though training has been done in several areas in SADC, there still remains a need to train people
further due to
▪ Exodus of trained personnel to look for greener pastures and retiring
▪ Technological advancement
Training gaps - main priority topics for training:
▪ Characterization (morphologic and molecular)
▪ Genebank management (seed physiology, processing, germination etc)
▪ Participatory approaches in management of pgr particularly on-farm (Participatory variety
selection, community seedbanks etc)
▪ In-vitro and cryopreservation
▪ Establishment and management of field genebanks
▪ Documentation and information (database management, data processing, analysis, packaging
and dissemination, GIS)
▪ Collection procedures and techniques
Methods/modes of filling gaps:
▪ Group training courses (national, regional and continental level for not less than two weeks)
▪ Individual training courses (topic, crop)
▪ Degree training (BSc. MSc. PhD)
▪ Provision of well developed training materials like: manuals, guidelines and procedures,
literature etc.
Information needs:
▪ Guidelines, standards, protocols, descriptors, relevant literature (ISTA, IPGRI)
▪ Manuals
▪ Flow of information within and between regions
▪ Translate important instruments into local languages to cater for local communities’ needs.
▪ Standardize genebank documetation systems in other regions to take after SADC.
3. Role seed technologist/scientists in supporting on-farm conservation
▪ Transfer of basic technology (including training) to key farmers in processes that contribute to
loss of viability/bodiversity
- Storage
- Drying
- Processing
- Breaking dormancy