Ex-situ Genebanks—Seed Treasure Chambers for the Future

The paper gives an overview about the past and present situation of the maintenance of plant genetic resources in ex-situ genebanks where seed storage is the prevailing way of conservation. Therefore, seed storability/longevity is of exceptional importance for germplasm conservation. Beside environmental influence on the trait a strong genetic component was proven. Genetic analyses performed at IPK Gatersleben on barley, wheat, oilseed rape and tobacco are summarized. It was demonstrated that seed response to ageing treatment appears to be significantly influenced by both genetic background and maternal environment. It was also shown that processes involved in the experimental ageing protocols (high temperature and humidity) only partly mirror those operating during long term genebank storage.