Field Gene Banks

Field gene bank is one of the techniques in the strategy for plant genetic conservation. It is an ex situ method where genetic variation is maintained away from its original location and samples of a species, subspecies or variety are transferred and conserved as living collections. Field gene bank is the most common method of conserving genetic resources with recalcitrant seeds and vegetatively propagated plants.

As part of the ex situ conservation program the institute has established field genebanks in different agroecological zones of the country. The field genebanks mainly consist of crops, forage and pasture, medicinal plants, horticultural plants and forestry.