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
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Methodology
There are three main themes
of the seed banking procedure:
• Planning and collecting.
• Processing and testing.
• storage and utilization.
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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
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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
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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)
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The Genebank conserves 3993 seed accessions representing:
• 89 Families
• 435 Genus
• 661 species
Mediterranean
Saharo-ArabianSudanian
Irano-turranien
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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.
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Genebank & Herbarium Database (interpretation)
• Information system to help running and sustaining genetic resources conservation and utilization
Collection field Guide
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Genebank databaseMain features
• Focus on data documenting accessions (seeds, Herbaria) conserved in long- and short-terms
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Genebank databaseMain features
• Focus on “operational” data – supports management of collections
– supports planning of future work
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Genebank databaseMain features
• Multi-user – all staff has daily access
– on network
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Genebank database:Main features (cont.)
• Flexibility in querying – by pre-defined or built by users– recurrent querying
NCARE – April,2011NCARE – November,2013
Genebank database:Main features (cont.)
• Flexibility to “export” data and/or to link to other data analysis packages, e.g. GIS
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Genebank database:Main features (cont.)
• Flexibility in “importing” data from different sources
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Genebank database:Main features (cont.)
• Open-ended system easy to accommodate new data.
• Adherence to international data standards (descriptors)
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Genebank database:considerations
• Backbone: commercial Data Base Management System (FoxPro).
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Genebank database:considerations
• Database design
defined by all staff.
• One comprehensive
database is better
than many
scattered ones.
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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
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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.
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Genebank database layers
Common data
Barley
Vicia sp.
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Genebank database design
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Working Tools
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Data Sheet for collection of
various information
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Herbarium specimens are consulted sometimes
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Well prepared pressers are a must
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Possible Target plant (collectable???)
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•Identification in the field •Special notes•Colorful simple booklets
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Sometimes easily reached
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But not always easy
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Mission Impossible!!
But we are goingto try.…
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Places and Habitats visited
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Major threats of Jordan natural eco-systems
urbanizationOver grazing
Deforestation Depletion of major water resources
agricultural development
Illegal collection
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Seed Collection
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Whole plant should be pulled out for a representative herbarium specimen
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Identification of Herbarium Specimens
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Seeds are let to equilibrate with dry air to lose moisture
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Labeled seed bags containing collected seeds ready for shipment or banking
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Seed Banking
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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
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Databasing information
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Source: Jordan country study on biological diversity 1998.
Some selected endemic, rare, endangered and extinct flora of Jordan
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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
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Cyclamen palastinus
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Thank you
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