The National Seed Bank ‘Taking our science and practice to the global and regional stage’

This talk will cover some of the projects at the National Seed Bank, including testing the viability of seed in storage, the exchange of plant knowledge with the Mala women rangers at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and the germination of Leionema and Phebalium species.

Abstract
This talk will capture some of the exciting projects underway at the National Seed Bank that were presented at the International and Australasian Seed Science conferences held in Perth and Horsham in September last year. These include a progress report on the NSB’s six year long project to re-test collections to determine germination requirements and assess ‘real time’ seed longevity in storage and, about the NSB’s ongoing relationship with the Mala women rangers at Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to exchange plant knowledge, collect seeds and develop a seed bank that represents important plants to Aṉangu and the central desert. The NSB will also introduce an exciting new project to improve knowledge about the dormancy and germination of Leionema and Phebalium (Rutaceae) species. The project will explore what drives germination in situ and to achieve reliable germination ex situ, providing insights to enhance the conservation and management of these and other ‘difficult to germinate’ Rutaceae species in seed banks around Australia.

Biography
Speakers: National Seed Bank team members: Dr Pip Alvarez, Millie Stevens, James Perkins, ANBG

Dr Pip Alvaraez
Technical Officer
Pip has recently finished her PhD with the University of Technology Sydney and Australian Botanic Garden. Her work focussed on understanding how heat stress impacts different stages in a plant’s life cycle, from seeds up to adults. Pip is involved in conducting germination tests and assists in running the biology laboratory to support research students, scientists, data collection and analysis at the NSB.
Millie Stevens
Seed Testing Manager
Millie leads the testing and retesting programs, investigating the viability and germination requirements of the NSB’s seed collections. Millie’s work also involves managing the biology laboratory to support research students, scientists and volunteers, and data collection and management to inform the use and curation of our seed collections.
Dr James Perkins
Research Officer
James has recently finished his PhD at the Australian National University. His research explored the chemical ecology and pollination of orchids, particularly underground orchids (Rhizanthella spp.). focused on the volatile compounds that attract pollinators to these unique plants. James has recently joined the NSB to lead the new research to uncover germination strategies of Leionema and Phebalium (Rutaceae) species.

Booking Link – https://www.trybooking.com/DHLRC

Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.

Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.

It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly.  Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.

The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.