Plant Genetic Resource CentreThe UAE Plant Genetic Resource Centre is dedicated to documenting the genetic resources of our local plant species for research and preservation purposes. We are not just safeguarding biodiversity; we are cultivating a hub of innovation and commitment.

The centre stands as a testament to the nation's dedication to international conventions and protocols. We play a pivotal role in capacity building, nurturing local talent with specialized expertise in the technical, scientific, and administrative aspects of the Plant Genetic Resources bank. This extends beyond mere conservation – it is about fostering innovation and commitment and providing the opportunity to conduct research or obtain university degrees in various plant genetic resources studies.

The Centre includes:

  • - Library
  • - Seminar room
  • - Laboratories
  • - Exhibition area
  • - Open Sky Garden
  • - Offices

Laboratories:

Seed Cleaning, Sorting, and Testing Lab

Seeds undergo thorough cleaning processes to remove debris and ensure purity. They are then sorted by size and weight, with moisture content measured. Various tests are conducted before sending the seeds to the next lab, including:

  • Viability Testing: To determine the vitality of individual seeds within a sample
  • Seed Weight: To sort them by size and weight
  • Purity Test: To analyse the ratio of pure seeds to other materials by weight in the sample
  • Moisture Test: To identify the level of moisture in seeds, which is crucial for assessing their viability and determining optimal storage conditions

 

Germination and Drying Lab: Seed samples undergo testing to ensure integrity, vigor, and germination of each sample and to ensure proper drying before storage.

  • - Germination Test: Evaluates the seed's ability to produce a mature plant under favorable conditions
  • - Vigor Test: Evaluates the seed's capability to germinate and thrive across a range of environmental conditions

- Drying Room: Seeds are dried in a controlled environment with specific temperature and humidity conditions before being air-sealed for long-term storage

- Cold Room: Samples are stored long-term (base collections) at a temperature of –20 °C and a relative humidity of 15 ± 3%. Meeting these parameters allows for extended storage duration, potentially up to 100 years

 

Herbarium and Imaging Lab

The herbarium stores preserved plant specimens catalogued by family, genus, and species for easy access by students, researchers, and the public for scientific research and education. The lab's function involves classifying, recording, and preparing herbarium sheets. In the imaging lab, various systems capture reference images of native plants at different life stages for classification, recording, research, monitoring, and publication purposes. Systems include high-resolution scans and 2D/3D imaging

Genomic Lab

The lab prepares comprehensive digital reads of DNA and RNA to support plant biobanking and conduct genetic studies, including genetic adaptations and population genetics. These studies help in identifying plants with unique and strong genetic traits, which will be selected for propagation and rehabilitation projects

Tissue culture lab

The lab generates multiple plant tissue culture for plants that fail to produce viable seeds under sterile conditions. It offers alternative storage methods for species that produce few seeds or seed that are intolerant to drying or freezing.

Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation serves as a long-term storage method for genetic material, in which biological samples are stored at an extremely low temperature of around -196°C. This process effectively suspends metabolic activity and cell division, thereby preventing genetic alterations during storage. Store DNA samples: Germplasm; vegetal structure as plant cells, tissues, and organs

Glasshouse

Our glasshouse preserves genetic diversity by maintaining living plant specimens, crucial for species with difficult or impossible seed conservation. This includes species lacking seeds, slow seed production, or short-lived seeds like grasses, and vegetatively propagated crops like succulents

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