History and current status of plant genetic resources conserved and maintained by the Hungarian central genebank

Zoltan Ay — 2025-01-08

The predecessor of the National Centre for Biodiversity and Gene Conservation (NBGK) was established in Hungary in 1959. The 1950s were hectic times for Hungarian plant breeders, and many new genetic materials were registered in the National List of Varieties. In order to save obsolete genetic resources, in 1959 the government founded the Agrobotanical Institute at Tápiószele to prevent plant genetic erosion in the Pannonian region. The centre started its operation with 16,596 accessions. Their quantity continuously increased thanks to collecting missions and international connections. The NBGK collection is composed of cereals (37.3%), vegetables (18.7%), legumes (17.4%), industrial crops (5.29%), fruits and grapes (3.85%) and others. NBGK has operated under its current name since 2019 with the same mission as when it was first established. Today, it is the seventh largest genebank in Europe with 57,381 accessions of 1,745 plant species across 605 genera. Almost 95% of samples are maintained in the form of seeds in 15 cooled storage rooms (at temperatures of 5–8°C or -18°C), while the others are conserved in vitro, in the form of tubers or field collections. Sharing genetic materials has been a crucial part of the institute’s activities since the beginning. Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 92,100 samples were distributed to a variety of partners, mainly gardeners and farmers (83.85%) and NGOs (14.63%). Researchers, breeders and universities account for only 1.52% of seed requests, which is the opposite of what is observed in other genebanks.

Quality management in a genebank environment: Principles and experiences at the Centre for Genetic Resources, The Netherlands (CGN)

Theo van Hintum — 2024-11-28

To enhance the management of plant genetic resources by genebanks, implementing a quality management system is essential. Such a system ensures the consistent quality of genebank operations through the establishment of a quality policy, the integration of quality planning and assurance, and the execution of continuous quality control and improvement measures. This structured approach also supports alignment with globally recognized standards, such as those established by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The Centre for Genetic Resources, The Netherlands (CGN), with its significant experience in quality management, is presented as a case study to illustrate the methodology and its impact on genebank operations. By detailing operating procedures, a quality management system provides transparency, fostering trust and facilitating collaboration between genebanks. Additionally, the potential for developing a certification system for genebanks – wherein an authorized body formally certifies that a genebank adheres to specific standards – is examined.