Cryopreservation Network
Seeds are stored at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (-196 °C)
A project to create a network in Europe of scientists, involved in cryopreservation research started on 12 Dec 2006 and will run until 11 Dec 2010.
The goal is to create a network that brings together European scientists with an expertise and / or interest in plant cryopreservation with the main aim of developing efficient cryopreservation procedures.
Emphasis will be placed on using this approach for the preservation of crops that are vegetatively propagated and / or produce non-orthodox seeds with a focus on under-utilised crop species grown and / or conserved in Europe and their wild relatives.
Programmable freezer used to cool down the seeds to a selected temperature at a selected rate before storing them in liquid nitrogen temperature
There are two workgroups dealing respectively with:
1) Fundamental aspects of cryopreservation, cryoprotection and genetic stability; and
2) Technology, application and validation of plant cryopreservation.
Prof Hugh W. Pritchard shares the responsility for the management of the project in the UK. Other staff involved from the Seed Conservation Department include Dr Jayanthi Nadarajan.
Contact: Dr Jayanthi Nadarajan