China's inaugural provincial germplasm resource bank is now fully functional
China's inaugural provincial germplasm resource bank is now fully operational. This facility is dedicated to the preservation and research of genetic material, playing a crucial role in advancing agricultural biotechnology and enhancing crop diversity in the region. The resource bank aims to support various initiatives related to plant breeding, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
TroibNews 
According to the Science and Technology Daily on Monday, China's first provincial germplasm resource bank has officially begun operations in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Germplasm resources, which primarily consist of seeds that contain the genes of most species, are vital carriers of genetic information for plants.
Sichuan Province is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and extensive germplasm resources. The region’s varied topography contributes to a wide range of climates and habitats, supporting numerous plant and animal species.
The resource bank features distinct areas dedicated to plant germplasm, livestock and aquatic resources, and a science popularization exhibition. It is designed to fulfill three essential roles: resource collection and preservation, research application, and science popularization and exhibition.
Often described as the "Noah's Ark" for the seed industry, the bank is instrumental in advancing the conservation and utilization of germplasm resources across Sichuan and the southwest, facilitating innovations in modern breeding practices, and supporting food security and the supply of key agricultural products.
With the capacity to store approximately 1.89 million germplasm accessions, the resource bank includes 524,000 plant germplasm accessions, 50,000 edible fungi germplasm accessions, and 1.31 million livestock and aquatic germplasm accessions.
The bank is equipped to preserve these germplasm resources for up to 50 years, thereby addressing the standardized preservation requirements for both animal and plant germplasm resources in Sichuan over the next 30 to 50 years.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
Germplasm resources, which primarily consist of seeds that contain the genes of most species, are vital carriers of genetic information for plants.
Sichuan Province is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and extensive germplasm resources. The region’s varied topography contributes to a wide range of climates and habitats, supporting numerous plant and animal species.
The resource bank features distinct areas dedicated to plant germplasm, livestock and aquatic resources, and a science popularization exhibition. It is designed to fulfill three essential roles: resource collection and preservation, research application, and science popularization and exhibition.
Often described as the "Noah's Ark" for the seed industry, the bank is instrumental in advancing the conservation and utilization of germplasm resources across Sichuan and the southwest, facilitating innovations in modern breeding practices, and supporting food security and the supply of key agricultural products.
With the capacity to store approximately 1.89 million germplasm accessions, the resource bank includes 524,000 plant germplasm accessions, 50,000 edible fungi germplasm accessions, and 1.31 million livestock and aquatic germplasm accessions.
The bank is equipped to preserve these germplasm resources for up to 50 years, thereby addressing the standardized preservation requirements for both animal and plant germplasm resources in Sichuan over the next 30 to 50 years.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
