New ‘Noah’s Ark’ Germplasm Bank Debuts in China’s Sichuan Province

In a significant stride towards biodiversity conservation and agricultural innovation, China’s first provincial germplasm resource bank has become fully operational in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province. This state-of-the-art facility is set to play a pivotal role in preserving the genetic wealth of the region’s diverse flora and fauna.

Sichuan Province, often hailed for its rich biodiversity, boasts a unique topography that creates a multitude of climates and habitats. This diversity has nurtured a vast array of plant and animal species, making the province an ideal location for such a comprehensive germplasm bank.

The germplasm resource bank serves as a modern-day “Noah’s Ark” for China’s seed industry. It comprises three main areas: a plant germplasm resource area, a livestock and aquatic resources area, and a science popularization exhibition area. Together, they fulfill three primary functions: resource collection and preservation, research utilization, and public education through exhibitions.

With a staggering capacity to store approximately 1.89 million germplasm accessions, the bank currently houses 524,000 plant germplasm accessions, 50,000 edible fungi germplasm accessions, and 1.31 million livestock and aquatic germplasm accessions. These resources are critical carriers of genetic information, as the genes of most species are contained within their seeds.

The facility ensures that germplasm resources can be preserved for up to 50 years, meeting the standardized preservation needs for animal and plant germplasm in Sichuan for the next three to five decades. This long-term preservation is crucial for fostering innovation in modern breeding techniques, ensuring food security, and maintaining a steady supply of major agricultural products.

By acting as a guardian of genetic diversity, the germplasm bank not only supports Sichuan Province but also contributes to the southwestern region’s agricultural resilience. It’s a beacon of scientific advancement and a testament to China’s commitment to sustainable development and conservation.

The establishment of this germplasm resource bank is a significant milestone that underscores the importance of safeguarding biodiversity. As challenges such as climate change and population growth intensify, such initiatives are vital for securing the future of agriculture and the well-being of ecosystems.