The National Genebank of Pakistan (NGP) has assembled an impressive and diverse collection of plant genetic resources from different ecological regions of Pakistan. This collection has been acquired through 150 missions specifically dedicated to germplasm collection. The genebank currently conserves over 43,040 accessions representing more than 400 plant species. Each year, the genebank provides approximately 8000–10,000 accessions for agricultural research purposes. Since its establishment, the genebank has distributed over 241,589 germplasm accession samples for research and development (R&D). The genebank utilizes two types of conservation facilities for seed storage of orthodox crop species at specific temperature and humidity levels. These facilities include active collection and base collection, which work in tandem to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity. Seeds are stored at 10 °C and 30% relative humidity in the active collection and 5 °C and 30% relative humidity in the base collection. Additionally, there are limited facilities for long-term conservation at −20 °C. The National Genebank of Pakistan has played a crucial role in supporting agriculture in disaster-affected areas by providing seeds of lost crop varieties that were previously conserved in the genebank. The NGP also maintains safety duplicates of its plant genetic resources (PGR) for added security. Despite limited resources, the genebank team is continuously engaged in human resource development (HRD), training, and improving the genebank management system. It has established national and international partnerships and carried out various projects to enhance genebank activities. The genebank is compliant with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA, FAO) and conducts exchanges of PGR with a Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA). To facilitate the management and sharing of information related to plant genetic resources, the NGP utilizes GRIN-Global, an online web-based database system. Researchers can access germplasm through the system free of charge, by creating user accounts, exploring available germplasm, and placing orders with comprehensive shipping information. This chapter provides a thorough analysis of the National Genebank of Pakistan, charting its development from its inception to its present state. It emphasizes the journey from a project-based endeavor to an esteemed genebank recognized on a national scale, demonstrating the concrete results of international cooperation and assistance.

National Gene Bank of Pakistan

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发表日期：

2025年

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Shakeel Ahmad Jatoi,
Sadar Uddin Siddiqui

摘要

The National Genebank of Pakistan (NGP) has assembled an impressive and diverse collection of plant genetic resources from different ecological regions of Pakistan. This collection has been acquired through 150 missions specifically dedicated to germplasm collection. The genebank currently conserves over 43,040 accessions representing more than 400 plant species. Each year, the genebank provides approximately 8000–10,000 accessions for agricultural research purposes. Since its establishment, the genebank has distributed over 241,589 germplasm accession samples for research and development (R&D). The genebank utilizes two types of conservation facilities for seed storage of orthodox crop species at specific temperature and humidity levels. These facilities include active collection and base collection, which work in tandem to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity. Seeds are stored at 10 °C and 30% relative humidity in the active collection and 5 °C and 30% relative humidity in the base collection. Additionally, there are limited facilities for long-term conservation at −20 °C. The National Genebank of Pakistan has played a crucial role in supporting agriculture in disaster-affected areas by providing seeds of lost crop varieties that were previously conserved in the genebank. The NGP also maintains safety duplicates of its plant genetic resources (PGR) for added security. Despite limited resources, the genebank team is continuously engaged in human resource development (HRD), training, and improving the genebank management system. It has established national and international partnerships and carried out various projects to enhance genebank activities. The genebank is compliant with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA, FAO) and conducts exchanges of PGR with a Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA). To facilitate the management and sharing of information related to plant genetic resources, the NGP utilizes GRIN-Global, an online web-based database system. Researchers can access germplasm through the system free of charge, by creating user accounts, exploring available germplasm, and placing orders with comprehensive shipping information. This chapter provides a thorough analysis of the National Genebank of Pakistan, charting its development from its inception to its present state. It emphasizes the journey from a project-based endeavor to an esteemed genebank recognized on a national scale, demonstrating the concrete results of international cooperation and assistance.