
%0 Journal Article
%A A. Offord, C. 
%A L. McKensy, M. 
%A V. Cuneo, P. 
%T Critical review of threatened species collections in the New South Wales Seedbank: implications for ex situ conservation of biodiversity
%J Pacific Conservation Biology
%D 2004/12/10
%V 10
%N 4
%P 221-236
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/PC040221
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/PC040221 
%X This article reviews the germinability and viability of seeds of threatened species collections in the New South Wales (NSW) Seedbank with the manifold aims of: ensuring that existing storage treatments and conditions provide effective ex situ storage of threatened species seed; providing baseline viability and seed storage life data on threatened species; and, identifying research gaps in seed germination and storage protocols for threatened species and communities. The germinability and viability of a range of seed accessions, of various ages and stored under different (although mainly identifiable) conditions in the NSW Seedbank, was determined through germination and cut-tests. The results indicated that many of the Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Proteaceae species tested are orthodox and can be stored at 5 to 10% moisture content at 5°C for up to ten years without significant loss of viability (short- to medium-term storage). The best results were obtained in the lower seed moisture content range (2 to 9%), which appeared to be especially critical for long-term storage of many Proteaceae accessions, reinforcing the need to attain the correct seed moisture content for long-term storage. Around 10% of accessions exhibited some degree of dormancy even after long storage periods. Storage of the widest range of species, for periods greater than ten years for long-term conservation purposes, is generally best conducted by storing at sub-zero temperatures. Freezing at -18°C had little effect on the germinability of a range of seeds tested and is recommended over storage at 5°C. Collection and seed banking procedures for the NSW Seedbank will be regularly reviewed and procedures modified in order to identify the best long-term storage conditions for species within this and other seedbanks. Seed collection strategies to maximize diversity and uses of seedbanks in conservation are discussed. 
