Procedures & Training

This flowchart summarises the content for each Step of the Standard Operating Procedures used by the North Coast Regional (NCR) Seed Bank Network based on the modules of the Florabank Guidelines.

Step 1

Preparation for Seed Collecting
(Florabank Modules 1, 2 and 3)

  • Planning Ahead: where and when to collect seed
  • Checking of permissions required to collect seed
  • Ethical and effective practice in seed collecting: the Code of Practice
  • Checklists for equipment needed and staying safe while collecting seed

Step 2

Record Keeping and Collecting Seed
(Florabank Modules 4 and 6)

  • Record Keeping: Complete a Field Data Sheet (FDS) for each seed lot collected and label the seed lots with the unique collection number, found at the top of each Field Data Sheet.
  • Plant identification/verification. Take photos of the plant if required, and tag photos with the seed
  • lot number to assist in later verifying a plant identification for the seed lot.
  • Collect seed – following the Code of Practice and health and safety procedures.
  • Assess potential seed viability while collecting – the cut test.

Step 3

Post-harvest Drying, Seed Extraction and Cleaning
(Florabank Modules 8 and 10)

  • Post-harvest drying of fruit and seed pods
  • Extracting and separating seed
  • Cleaning of seed
  • Air drying of seed ready for use or transport to the Seed Bank facility

Step 4

Seed Lot Dispatch to the Seed Bank Facility in Coffs Harbour

  • Seed lots in labelled paper bags, with the Field Data Sheets, are dispatched to the Seed Bank Facility in Coffs Harbour for further processing, testing and long-term storage. Seed Steps following.
  • Mail seed lots to: ‘Seed Bank Coordinator, North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, PO Box 648, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450. Seed lots can be delivered by hand to the Information Centre at the entrance to the Botanic Garden
  • Email the Seed Bank Coordinator to advise of a seed lot deposit. A reply email will be sent to acknowledge the receipt of the seed lots when received.

Step 5

Seed Lot Database and Stock Inventory Reports
(Florabank Module 4)

  • Information from the Field Data Sheet for each seed lot is entered into the database.
  • Seed lots are checked, weighed and processed further as appropriate for each species.
  • Where needed, the species identification is verified using supplied photos or voucher specimens.
  • Seed Bank inventory stock levels and collection hub credits are reported to the Seed Bank Program members regularly. Seed availability can be checked anytime by emailing the Seed Bank Coordinator.
  • An annual report of Seed Bank stock levels is prepared against seasonal collection targets.
  • The supply of Field Data Sheets books is monitored with Landcare for reprinting as required.

Step 6

Seed Drying and Packing for Storage
(Florabank Module 9)

  • Seed lots are further dried using a desiccant appropriate to the requirements of the species.
  • Seed lots are then transferred to sealed foil packets to maintain very low moisture content and are kept in cool and dry conditions or cold storage, depending on the storage need of each species.
  • Seed lots can generally be stored for at least 5 years, depending on the species.

Step 7

Seed Lot Testing including Germination Testing
(Florabank Modules 10 and 11)

  • Seed lots are tested for germination rates on a regular basis or as requested.
  • Germination results are entered into the database and are provided with dispatched seed lots.
  • Seed purity tests are conducted as required and are provided with dispatched seed lots.

Step 8

Withdrawing Seed

  • Requests for Seed withdrawals are emailed after checking the seed stock availability and hub credits on the Seed Bank database.
  • Blending of seed lots of the same species may be undertaken to increase genetic diversity per agreed policy guidelines of the NCR Seed Bank Program if requested for a seed lot withdrawal.
  • Seed lots are packaged, labelled and dispatched.
  • The Seed Bank database is updated with details of the seed withdrawn.