GeneBank – Genetic Resources Bank of Plants

GeneBank – Genetic Resources Bank of Plants

Within the framework of the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Agricultural University of Georgia, the GeneBank – Genetic Resources Bank of Plants operates.

The GeneBank includes more than 2,000 unique samples of traditional and local selective varieties, endemic and wild species, as well as field and vegetable crops. It serves to conserve, regenerate, and characterize agricultural biodiversity in Georgia. The bank focuses on enriching its collection, monitoring seed viability, studying crop resistance to insects and diseases, and developing new breeding varieties.

The Genetic Resources Bank of Plants has extensive experience in cooperation with foreign genebanks and research centers, including the Institute for Research on Plant Genetic Resources in Gatersleben (IPK-Gatersleben, Germany), the Agricultural Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA ARS) and the International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT).

The GeneBank is well-equipped with the essential technical and field facilities necessary for the storage, study, and regeneration of plant genetic resources. These facilities include refrigeration spaces for seed preservation, seed characterization and visualization systems, molecular-genetic identification tools and Mukhrani Test Base for field experiments and studies.