Overview
The Margot Forde Genebank (MFG) is New Zealand’s national genebank for the conservation of plant genetic resources for forage and pasture species. The Genebank safeguards the genetic diversity of plant species that underpin New Zealand’s agricultural productivity and resilience.
Plant germplasm held at the Genebank consists primarily of seeds from genetically diverse plant populations. These materials are conserved to support plant breeding, scientific research, and the long-term survival of valuable and/or endangered plant groups.
Roles and Functions
The Genebank’s core roles are to:
- Acquire, conserve, and regenerate germplasm of plant species important to New Zealand agriculture.
- Characterise and distribute germplasm to researchers, plant breeders, and conservation programmes.
- Provide a genetic safety net for the future by maintaining living seed collections that protect against threats such as climate change, emerging pests, and habitat loss.
Collections
The Genebank’s collections form the foundation for pasture and forage breeding and research in New Zealand. They also contribute to international efforts in plant genetic conservation.
Grassland species are of particular significance because New Zealand’s export economy relies heavily on pastures—most of which are composed of plant species originally introduced from overseas. As new challenges emerge—such as evolving pests, diseases, or changing climates—these collections provide the biological diversity required to breed and adapt improved varieties. In this way, the Genebank acts as a form of biological insurance for New Zealand’s primary industries.
Plant introduction and exploration are integral parts of MFG’s work. Collecting expeditions have been conducted in regions of strategic importance to New Zealand’s agriculture, expanding the diversity of the national and international genetic resources.
Collection Scope and Storage
The Genebank currently holds seeds from approximately 2,600 species, representing 590 genera, 100 plant families, and sourced from more than 120 countries. These include:
- Extensive wild collections of useful pasture species
- Domestic and international cultivars
- Breeder’s lines and heirloom genotypes
Over 175,000 seed accessions are maintained under controlled conditions at either 0 °C and 30 % relative humidity to maximise longevity or at –20 °C for longer term conservation. Under these conditions, grass seeds typically remain viable for at least 20 – 30 years, and legume seeds for 40 –50 years.
Specialised regeneration facilities are used to replenish seed stocks when viability declines. Storage at–20 °C follows drying to very low moisture levels in MFG’s climate-controlled drying room.
Data and Access
All seed holdings and distributions are managed through a comprehensive genebank database , part of which is accessible online. Researchers worldwide can request accessions for bona fide scientific purposes through the public interface.
Associated research includes:
- DNA-based characterisation to ensure maximum conservation of genetic diversity
- Identification of wild relatives and novel traits that can be incorporated into breeding programmes
Instructions and application forms for requesting or adding accessions are available through the Genebank’s
online portal.
Endangered Species Seedbank
The Margot Forde Genebank also hosts the New Zealand Endangered Species Seedbank, managed on behalf of the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network led by Massey University. This collection preserves seeds from endangered native plant populations, providing a long-term safeguard against extinction in the wild and enabling future restoration efforts.
By storing seeds from these threatened species under optimal conditions, the Genebank ensures that New Zealand’s native flora remains available for conservation, research, and reintroduction.
Contact
Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar
Margot Forde Genebank
AgResearch Group
New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute
Tennent Drive, Private Bag 11008
Palmerston North 4442
New Zealand
+64 6 3518182
Kioumars.Ghamkhar@agresearch.co.nz