The article discusses the longevity of seeds stored in “doomsday” seed banks, focusing particularly on the viability of various tropical crops. Mung beans and common beans have been identified as having high germination rates even after decades in storage. Notably, mung beans maintained a 90% germination rate after 45 years, making them a vital candidate for replanting in the aftermath of a disaster.
Researchers conducted germination tests on 3,861 batches of seeds stored at the Australian Grains Genebank (AGG), which, while less famous than Norway’s Doomsday Vault, holds one of the world’s most diverse collections. The tests covered crops like mung beans, common beans, sorghum, soybeans, pigeon peas, and adzuki beans, revealing that older seeds, particularly pigeon peas, showed lower viability.
The study indicated that seed longevity is much shorter than previously thought, with adzuki beans estimated to last only 17.4 years. This challenges earlier models that suggested frozen seeds could remain viable for thousands of years without checks. Important findings call for ongoing monitoring and sharing of seed viability data to improve conservation efforts.
Overall, the article emphasizes the necessity of maintaining seed banks and regularly assessing seed viability to ensure the future of global food security. The study’s findings are crucial for refining predictions regarding seed longevity, thereby aiding in the conservation of plant genetic resources.
