Status of ICT structure, infrastructure and applications existed to manage and disseminate information and knowledge of Plant Genetic Resources Innovations Information in the Region:

NCARE Genebank & Herbarium Database

Ziad TahabsomGene bank documentation supervisorGenetic Resources UnitBiodiversity DirectorateNational Center for Agricultural

Research and Extension (NCARE)Amman - Jordan NCARE – November,2013

• The Genebank at NCARE was established in 1993.

NCARE Genebank

• During 1996 the Genebank was fully equipped and started conservation activities

NCARE – November,2013

Methodology

There are three main themes

of the seed banking procedure:

• Planning and collecting.

• Processing and testing.

• storage and utilization.


Planning and collecting • Planning and permission seeking.

• Field collection of labeled seeds and voucher (pressed) specimens plus field data.

• Rapid shipment of the seeds & herbarium samples to the Genebank


processing and testing

• Unpacking of consignments, check for problems, drying / mounting of vouchers

• Data record creation about each accession• Seed cleaning• Seed quantity determination• Drying• Determination of seed moisture status


storage and utilization

• Packaging• Storage under cold conditions• Distribution to users (through time) • Characterization and evaluation• Germination test (through time)• Regeneration / Multiplication of collections (when required)


The Genebank conserves 3993 seed accessions representing:

• 89 Families

• 435 Genus

• 661 species

Mediterranean

Saharo-ArabianSudanian

Irano-turranien



Distribution of seeds from the Genebank since 1999

• 1725 different accessions• 76670 seeds

These seeds were used for:• M.Sc. Researches• Ph.D. Researches • Evaluation & characterization• Basic science researches in Universities and

different research institutions.


Genebank & Herbarium Database (interpretation)

• Information system to help running and sustaining genetic resources conservation and utilization

Collection field Guide


Genebank databaseMain features

• Focus on data documenting accessions (seeds, Herbaria) conserved in long- and short-terms



• Focus on “operational” data – supports management of collections

– supports planning of future work



• Multi-user – all staff has daily access

– on network


Genebank database:Main features (cont.)

• Flexibility in querying – by pre-defined or built by users– recurrent querying

NCARE – April,2011NCARE – November,2013


• Flexibility to “export” data and/or to link to other data analysis packages, e.g. GIS



• Flexibility in “importing” data from different sources



• Open-ended system easy to accommodate new data.

• Adherence to international data standards (descriptors)


Genebank database:considerations

• Backbone: commercial Data Base Management System (FoxPro).


Genebank database:considerations

• Database design

defined by all staff.

• One comprehensive

database is better

than many

scattered ones.


Examples of more than two databases

• Database supporting ex-situ conservation of genetic resources at GRU of NCARE.

• Database of botanical surveys for Medicinal Plants Project.

• Database supporting Herbarium samples conserved at the Herbarium at GRU of NCARE


Genebank databaseAvailable data

• Passport - the most important category.

• Characterization and preliminary evaluation - routine for major crops.

• Stock - quality and quantity of seeds.

• Distribution.

• Other: taxonomy, collaborators, etc.


Genebank database layers

Common data

Barley

Vicia sp.


Genebank database design


Working Tools


Data Sheet for collection of

various information


Herbarium specimens are consulted sometimes


Well prepared pressers are a must


Possible Target plant (collectable???)


•Identification in the field •Special notes•Colorful simple booklets


Sometimes easily reached


But not always easy


Mission Impossible!!

But we are goingto try.…


Places and Habitats visited


Major threats of Jordan natural eco-systems

urbanizationOver grazing

Deforestation Depletion of major water resources

agricultural development

Illegal collection


Seed Collection


Whole plant should be pulled out for a representative herbarium specimen


Identification of Herbarium Specimens


Seeds are let to equilibrate with dry air to lose moisture


Labeled seed bags containing collected seeds ready for shipment or banking


Seed Banking


Herbarium specimenMounted And labeled

Jordan National Center HerbariumJNCH

Family: Resedaceae

Scientific name: Reseda sp

Vernacular name :

Locality: Dead Sea area, Wadi for rain water, Just after Amman municipality tourism sites

Habitat: open road side area, Sodanoturanian

Date: 29/ 3/ 2005 Altitude: -400 m

Identified by: Khaled Abulaila

Collector(s):KA&ZT No :NCARE – November,2013

Herbarium specimens preserved in cabinet according to family, Genera and species


Databasing information


Source: Jordan country study on biological diversity 1998.

Some selected endemic, rare, endangered and extinct flora of Jordan


Hyphaene thebaica

Sternbergia clusiana

Iris nigricans

Ophrys umbilicata

Astragalus adpressiusculus

Maerua crassifolia

Salvia horminum

Himantoglossum affine

Moringa perigrina

A Selection of Flora preserved as Herbarium and Seeds at NCARE genebank and herbarium


Cyclamen palastinus


Thank you


Status of ICT structure, infrastructure and applications existed to manage and disseminate information and knowledge of Plant Genetic Resources Innovations Information in the Region:

Education

genebank database designncare

genebank conserves

genebank databasemain

considerations database

twodatabases database

data andor

operational data

seed accessions